Friday Favorites: 8-3-18

Be prepared to see a lot of books appear in my Friday Favorites series. I was at the library yesterday with my son, and I was checking out picture books…for myself. Enter one of today’s Friday favorites: What Do You Do With a Chance? (Yamada, 2017). While I was reading it to my son, I admired the way the author effortlessly wove various emotions through the inspiring story about recognizing and taking chances. I’ve been thinking about the ways to incorporate the story into counseling lessons and interventions this year, and I believe my students will appreciate the empowering message to set fear aside and take a chance.

Although not a children’s book, Presence by Amy Cuddy, also made my Friday Favorites list this week. Have you ever heard someone say “fake it ‘til you make it?” Cuddy has a slight twist on this saying, and she has the science to back it up: Fake it ‘til you become it. As a social psychologist and professor, she studies nonverbal behavior and body language, and how these things influence decisions and judgments. As another school year approaches, it’s interesting to think about how body language and nonverbals shape us as individuals. If you think the book will just live on your nightstand, do yourself a favor and watch her twenty minute Ted Talk on the topic. It will change how you think about your own actions, and it could influence your work with students, too.

For my third Friday Favorites this week: my Camelbak water bottle. My friend, Jenn from Reading in Room 11, jazzed it up for me to read “Good vibes only” with time markers on the back. The time increments keep me strangely motivated (insert shrugging shoulders). Elementary school counselors don’t sit still, and this water bottle reminds me to stay positive and hydrated. If you need more than just my word for it, check out this article on how water helps keep you mentally sharp.

What made your favorites list this week? Share it with me below, or shoot me a message after finding me on instagram!