Careers, Careers, Careers!

Our counselor activities have continued to focus on careers through the month of February. During my last lesson, I read How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky with first and second grade classes.

This book tells the story of how Santa (Yes, that's his real first name!) became the jolly man that we know today.  He had to try many different jobs before he found the one that was perfect for him.  He was a chimney sweep, mailman, waiter, zoo keeper, and circus worker before he was hired by the elves to deliver the toys that they make.  This wonderful story illustrates how, as adults, we often have to try many, many different jobs until we find the perfect fit (if we're lucky!).

Next, students were asked to identify what job they would like to have when they're adults.  I borrowed  an activity from a fellow counselor (Thank you, KR!) and asked the children to complete the statement and illustrate what they want to do when they're adults.

This student wants to be a truck driver.

This student wants to be a doctor.

I also encouraged the students to talk to their parents about the different jobs that they've had in their lives.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Muller

Careers

Identify one thing that you wonder (want to know) about the career path that you and your partner discussed today.  How can you find out more information?

Safe Touch

During our most recent Counselor lessons, we have been discussing 'Good Touch/Bad Touch.'  These lessons are brief, but they give kids a very important message:  They get one body; their bodies are very special; and they need to report touches that are hurtful, confusing, and uncomfortable.  

I taught them a simple way to remember what to do:

Say NO!

Then GO!

And Tell!

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  I'm always available.  Have a great week!

Wanted: A True Friend

While searching the internet for some new goodies to use with first and second grade, I discovered a counseling blog,  Music City School Counselor.  There are many lessons and activities that are very helpful.

Inspired by her idea, I had first and second grade students make "Wanted" signs for their true friends.  They were asked to write the traits that their friend should have.  They also illustrated them.  It was a great lesson and we had a great time!

"I want a friend who does not bully.  And I want a friend that treats me like a good friend.  I want a friend that I can trust."

"I want a friend that is nice, honest, helpful, caring, and loving."

I also shared mine with them as an example.  Too bad that my ideal 'friend' is taller than the tree.  The kids thought it was funny!

Happy Thanksgiving!

College Bulletin Board

This year our school district is focusing on college and career readiness.  Obviously careers is a large part of what we discuss through our guidance curriculum.  Borrowing the idea from one of my counselor friends, I made bulletin board that displays where Gracemor's faculty and staff attended college.  Both the students and staff members love it.  I think it's very important for students to see the wide variety of experiences that their teachers have.  In fact, last Friday, one of my students told me, "Mrs. Muller, you went to the same college in Memphis that my parents did."  Memphis is an eight hour drive from where we are in Kansas City. 

As you can see, Kansas City is our starting point.  We have staff members who studied on both coasts.

Here is a close up view.  I printed each college/university's mascot on card stock and included the staff members' name on each card. 

Have a great week!

The Sneetches!

The Sneetches is a simple story that has a very strong message about excluding others.  Breaking away from my usual practice, I am reading this book with all of my classes (even 5th grade) during this month's counselor rotation.  After reading, we discuss how unfair it would be if I only played with kids who look like me or only made friends with people who have the same hair or skin color.  We also discuss how they feel when they're left out of a group because their clothes are different or they wear glasses (Yes...These things unfortunately happen!). I have wonderful discussions with the classes, even the younger kids.   

After reading, I gave each student a large star on construction and asked them to identify ways that each of them is special.  Some of the first graders liked them so much that they've taped them to the backs of their chairs.  See pictures below!

Have a great week!

Books that Teach

I've been working very hard with all of the classes in helping them recognize bullying when they see it. One of the most important things to remember is that kids often bully others in an attempt to 'fit in' or appear 'cool' in front of their peers.  There are two GREAT books that illustrate this.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon written by Patty Lovell is a wonderful book that teaches children about embracing their unique qualities.  Molly Lou Melon is short, has 'buck teeth,' and a voice that sounds like a bull frog.  She learns, however, that these so-called 'flaws' are actually what makes her special.

Another wonderful book is  A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon.  This book focuses on students' desire to 'fit in' with her classmates.  She denies something that she loves so that she's not teased by her classmates.  This book is very popular with kids!  Rather than reading it aloud, I always access STORY ONLINE to show to the children.  They love the reading and the illustrations.

I highly recommend these books for the rich literature and wonderful message that they provide.