SMART Goal Setting

I try to meet with each of my students within the first month of school to discuss their goals for the year and how I can help them to achieve those goals. In the past, I have simply talked with students about setting goals for themselves and made notes of the goals they selected. This year, I decided to take a more structured approach and created a worksheet based on the SMART goal setting principle.

When meeting with students, I begin the session by reviewing the five components of a SMART goal.

I then ask the student to think of one personal and one academic goal they would like to work toward. Once the student identifies their desired goal, we talk about the steps necessary to reach that goal. Finally, after both goals have been clearly identified, I ask them to consider potential barriers {things that would prevent them from reaching their goal} and discuss possible solutions {ways to get around the barrier and back on track}.

All of this information is recorded on the student's goal setting worksheet. At the end of the session, I give each student a copy of their worksheet and and place a copy in my counseling file. My hope is that throughout the year I can reference the worksheet and help students keep track of the progress they are making toward reaching their goal.

Download your own copy of the SMART goal setting worksheet HERE

Cool Down Cubes

 

I have several students on my caseload who struggle with anger management and emotional regulation. I loved this idea for Cool Down Cubes from Entirely Elementary and decided to make a set of my own.

Supplies:
Plastic ice cubes - I purchased a bag of 30 from Bed Bath & Beyond for less than $4
Container - The one pictured came from the Dollar Store
Permanent maker

Using a permanent marker write a safe "cool down" strategy on each ice cube. For example: count to ten, walk away, talk to a friend, take three deep breaths, etc. I also left a few of the cubes blank so that the students could come up with their own strategies. The original post suggested placing the ice cubes in the freezer for an additional "cool" effect. That's it! Easy right?

 

I have used the Cool Down Cubes in both individual and group settings to discuss ways to "cool-off" when angry and have gotten a great response from students. 

Baked S'mores

 

S'mores have always been my favorite summertime treat. When I found this recipe from The Apron Gal I knew I had to try it. The verdict = delicious!

Baked S'mores
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/3 cup flour
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 6 graham crackers)
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 king size Hersheys milk chocolate bars
1 1/2 cups marshmallow crème

Cream together butter and sugar, beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt and mix until combined. Grease bottom of 8x8 pan. Press half of dough into bottom of pan. Place chocolate bars over dough. Spread marshmallow crème over chocolate. Flatten other half of dough by placing in gallon-size Ziploc bag and using rolling pin to flatten. Cut away one side of the Ziploc bag. Place dough on marshmallow layer and peel away other side of the Ziploc. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and cut into bars.

See the full step-by-step tutorial here

Happy baking!

Inspirational Posters {free printable}

Want to add some color and inspiratation to your school counseling office? Check out these FREE printable posters from Technology Rocks Seriously

 

 

Just print and laminate for instant art!

 

 

 

Office Makeover

I started a new job this year, which also meant I got a new office space. I spent a week this summer transforming this...

 

Into this

 

I used a bright and cheerful color scheme to create a comfortable and inviting space for both students and staff.  

 

I love these built in bookshelves 

 

Hooray for windows! For those of you who may not work in a school, windows are  a coveted item.

 

 

This office is also a great example of how you can transform a space {in your home or at school} without breaking the bank.

 

Supply List

Couches: Left by previous counselor - Free

Slip covers: Set of two purchased from Ebay -$30

Pillows: Target - $10 each

Rug: Found on clearance at Wal-Mart - $18

Chair: Also from Wal-Mart - $13

Coffee Table: Ikea - $19

Posters - Printed and laminated myself - Free

Plastic Bins - Dollar Tree - $1 each

Everything else I had on hand or brought from my last school

 

Total spent: $125 {Big impact, small cost}

Welcome

After searching for a way to combine my love of school counseling, crafting, and baking I've decide to start a blog. I hope that you will tag along with me on this journey.

Love,
Crafty Counselor Chick