Friday Favorites: 7-27-18

I started a “Friday Favorites” series recently on Instagram stories. I use many materials and resources in my role as a school counselor, and I’m always on the hunt for new things. Each week I’ll be sharing a few counseling related items, or maybe some things that have just caught my eye. I’ll be posting the items, along with brief descriptions, here as well in case you miss it over on Instagram.

For my first Friday Favorites, I had to share one of my all time favorite games: Hasbro Guess Who? Classic Game. I purchased this recently for my preschool-aged son and I’ve been teaching him all my tricks. Someone on Instagram messaged me to ask what the takeaway would be using this in a counseling session. I use games often to build rapport with children, and for this particular game, there are some basic (although often lacking) social skills that can be developed while playing. Skills like taking turns, making eye contacting, asking appropriate questions, etc., are all things that can be taught and reinforced. For older students, playing a game provides an activity while therapeutic conversations take place.

My second Friday Favorites item were Notes to Self ®  socks. I purchased them as a gift, and I love the company’s belief in the power of positive thinking and their desire to lift others up. After purchasing, I learned that they donate frequently to non-profit organizations, including to homeless shelters and others in need. How great is that?

Lastly, Confident Counselors is on my Friday Favorites list. If you haven’t seen this collaborative counseling blog, then you need to type as quickly as humanly possible to go check the site out. If social media is more your speed, you’ll find Confident Counselors on Instagram and Facebook. School counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists are often alone in our roles in a school building. If you’re lucky, you have districtwide colleagues that you can rely on and bounce ideas off. What’s so fantastic about Confident Counselors is that a small group of school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists collaborated to share knowledge and resources, and to create greater connection within these disciplines. If you’re working in one of these roles in a school, be sure to go check out this site, and I guarantee you will walk away with great information.

And listen, I’m not just saying this because I’m a contributor for Confident Counselors. It’s seriously good. While you’re over there, check out my latest post with Counselor Keri on tips for new school counselors.

Give me the scoop: what are some of your favorite things this week? Shout it out below, or come find me on Instagram!