It’s important to disclose that this blog post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. When Winter Quiet Feels a Little Too Quiet Last January, our counseling wing felt unusually still. The hallways were calm but heavy […]
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When the Hallway Becomes a Hug One cold December morning, I was walking past our school counselor hallway when I saw something that stopped me in my tracks: a door wrapped in soft blue paper, decorated with paper snowflakes and the words “You’re Worth Melting For.” It wasn’t flashy or perfect — but it felt
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I believe are helpful, relevant, and a good fit When a Snowflake Sparks Calm Last January, after a week of gray skies and restless
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The holidays bring sparkle and excitement, but for many kids, they also bring overstimulation, comparison, and big feelings.Between gift swaps, noisy events, and schedule changes, emotions run high — and that’s exactly why December is the perfect time to pause and teach what matters most: gratitude, empathy, and kindness. These Holiday SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) activities
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Some children arrive at counseling carrying invisible armor — anxiety, fear, or silence that keeps their emotions locked away.But then, a therapy dog pads softly into the room, tail wagging, eyes kind — and something magical happens. Walls begin to lower. Words start to find their way out.That’s the quiet power of therapy dogs in
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Valentine’s Day isn’t just about cards and candy — it’s a wonderful opportunity to help children practice kindness, empathy, and emotional expression. By combining hands-on crafts with SEL (social-emotional learning), you can turn the season of hearts into a celebration of compassion and connection. Here are Valentine’s Day SEL activities for kids that promote friendship,
Valentine’s Day SEL Activities for Kids: Teaching Kindness & Empathy Read More »
The New Year isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and begin again.For children, it’s a beautiful opportunity to explore feelings, practice gratitude, and imagine new beginnings through creativity. In counseling sessions and classrooms, I’ve seen how hands-on activities can transform reflection from something abstract into something
New Year Reflection Crafts for Kids: Gratitude, Goals & Growth Read More »
The weeks before Christmas always feel like glitter and noise — carols spilling from hallways, paper snowflakes taped to windows, and children vibrating with excitement. In the middle of all that sparkle, I’ve learned that the most magical lessons we can teach aren’t about Santa or songs — they’re about calm. In my counseling room,
Christmas SEL Crafts for Kids: Creative Ways to Teach Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness Read More »
The week before Thanksgiving, the classroom always feels different—a mix of cinnamon air freshener, rustling paper leaves, and children buzzing about favorite pies. They talk over each other about cousins visiting, grandma’s rolls, who gets to mash the potatoes. Underneath the chatter, there’s a softer invitation: to slow down and notice what matters. Over the
Gratitude & Values Activities for Thanksgiving: Meaningful SEL Ideas for Kids Read More »
Empathy — the ability to understand and care about how others feel — is one of the most important social-emotional skills kids can learn. But teaching empathy doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right worksheets and creative activities, children can explore feelings, practice perspective-taking, and strengthen their ability to connect with others. Here are
Empathy Worksheets for Kids: Fun & Creative Ways to Build Compassion Read More »
