tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15205458585922187352024-03-05T02:01:25.618-08:00Classroom to Counseling and everything in betweenclassroomtocounselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17471774391088626396noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520545858592218735.post-26957597817447683762018-07-07T10:35:00.004-07:002018-07-07T10:50:39.236-07:00Quick Office Tour 2018<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Office Tour Update<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-AG_lBLoyKJK6AoIlZAkeU87Ja3yZhIIkYO4FOJRON69ieFZK69vOL7s2aqeFyD4hdDAkP2e3QuiLnMpvADdxvjLhsNXvd49qDV1KEmAEfNnGraWN_KFm1yf3oFGoQnv_XLA60aSD80/s1600/office+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-AG_lBLoyKJK6AoIlZAkeU87Ja3yZhIIkYO4FOJRON69ieFZK69vOL7s2aqeFyD4hdDAkP2e3QuiLnMpvADdxvjLhsNXvd49qDV1KEmAEfNnGraWN_KFm1yf3oFGoQnv_XLA60aSD80/s320/office+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know if any of you are like me, but I constantly get
antsy to change things up in my work environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when our one of our Speech Therapist was
cleaning out her office space and giving away some of her things, I took that
as a sign that it was time for a change and I LOVE IT!!! The best pick up was
the <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10407136/">EGG CHAIR from Ike</a>a!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been
eyeing them for years and I am SO HAPPY to have one! The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Canopy-OUTAD-Corner-Teepee-Reading/dp/B073Z6DM7H/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530984773&sr=8-1&keywords=wall+canopy+kids">WALL CANOPY</a>, I inherited from a person in my building. it is also from IKEA, it is AMAZING!!! It completely changed the space. It is super light weight and easy to put up! It is hanging by a push pin!!! You can find it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Canopy-OUTAD-Corner-Teepee-Reading/dp/B073Z6DM7H/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530984773&sr=8-1&keywords=wall+canopy+kids">AMAZON</a> 😊<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwywFqV25I1aqA4lS3oJQJkLHO10b-up30evaoaiuRdYtqXdHOoUcAjlmwjCfgrTT1lXmz5ytMO7RcADcoyVR7oi6Ld9kBQRHjRitS0CzIwCbse1s-og7iW7SVw-OStvjIaXQNgmRNJ8/s1600/office+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwywFqV25I1aqA4lS3oJQJkLHO10b-up30evaoaiuRdYtqXdHOoUcAjlmwjCfgrTT1lXmz5ytMO7RcADcoyVR7oi6Ld9kBQRHjRitS0CzIwCbse1s-og7iW7SVw-OStvjIaXQNgmRNJ8/s320/office+6.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm8jkhBJ729CFzMp4inu04whLZdSLQRYjagmSHGsP-m_GzUJTRukYEcx1GNt7hH8ANiaqiVn6MNcZd_fUVVznyfugAiuWCaFfvz4XYqBEReEALKBqsUCkZF2wc2QXjolg-PCeDAXV2_g/s1600/office+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm8jkhBJ729CFzMp4inu04whLZdSLQRYjagmSHGsP-m_GzUJTRukYEcx1GNt7hH8ANiaqiVn6MNcZd_fUVVznyfugAiuWCaFfvz4XYqBEReEALKBqsUCkZF2wc2QXjolg-PCeDAXV2_g/s320/office+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a few simple changes, I opened up the space and now can comfortable sit eight kiddos! I can't wait for small groups!!!<br />
<br />
Once my building is finished getting cleaned, I'll post a video of all my work spaces, including my 504 room and Testing Closet :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span id="goog_951831797"></span><span id="goog_951831798"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so content in this space!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you like it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />classroomtocounselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17471774391088626396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520545858592218735.post-33098416781595648922017-11-20T13:43:00.000-08:002017-11-20T15:11:12.146-08:00Office Tour...Better Late Than Never!<div class="MsoNormal">
Office Tour 2017-2018</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past summer I thought a lot about what I wanted my office
to convey to not only students but staff and parents as well. I wanted a space that was warm and inviting
for adults, while still be fun and comfortable for students. I am so thankful
that I have an administrative team that was supportive of my vision. I have two different entrances to my office
and I wanted people to feel comfortable as soon as the see the door<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>. This is the entrance
to my office from the office hallway. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu5wXpgZwCTtBLEk-LP-hIuLQYrPXaU9vRYmqeO7SqAsPjBhr3oMGtoYdbWOa_mn3-dowMPgE2UNb5JO4VWd1iMqaH-KIxWkovNT_mtYGguGW_i_wVGRz-fVJ_nK0Ecez2WtjBLn08pc/s1600/IMG_1096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu5wXpgZwCTtBLEk-LP-hIuLQYrPXaU9vRYmqeO7SqAsPjBhr3oMGtoYdbWOa_mn3-dowMPgE2UNb5JO4VWd1iMqaH-KIxWkovNT_mtYGguGW_i_wVGRz-fVJ_nK0Ecez2WtjBLn08pc/s320/IMG_1096.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
I have my weekly
schedule posted on the door along with a dry erase board for notes, my mission,
vision and belief statements and my Where is Mrs. Ferguson? (From <a href="http://stylishschoolcounselor.blogspot.com/">The StylishSchool Counselor</a>) on the wall. My favorite addition this year is my door cling.
A wonderful teacher at school, has a daughter that made them and put them on,
if you are interested in one, leave a comment and I will put you in contact
with her!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p><br /> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7PI0zDStNqop-OV6QN-n5TuiI_ufpcIKm1leCyKKJxUywvL2G8awW1cz9AXR9GxU0hg8RqZlmUCDSrnKPGJolMgNnXNV79jmtIjr4YwcAixjz4m2MRB0bcE_-0-QABBH6cZ8QKxFFgA/s1600/IMG_1093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7PI0zDStNqop-OV6QN-n5TuiI_ufpcIKm1leCyKKJxUywvL2G8awW1cz9AXR9GxU0hg8RqZlmUCDSrnKPGJolMgNnXNV79jmtIjr4YwcAixjz4m2MRB0bcE_-0-QABBH6cZ8QKxFFgA/s400/IMG_1093.jpg" width="300" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This door to my office from the main hallway. Again, </div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
the fabulous door cling! The sign above my door is from <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
my beginning of year, Meet the School Counselor lesson<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for 1<sup>st</sup> grade, we read <a href="http://www.counselingwithheart.com/mrs-joyce-gives-the-best-high-fives-introducing-the-school-counselor.html">Miss Joyce Gives the Best
High <o:p></o:p></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.counselingwithheart.com/mrs-joyce-gives-the-best-high-fives-introducing-the-school-counselor.html">High Fives by Erianna Winnett</a>, after reading the story<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
we traced hands and cut them out, I told them that I <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
put all their hands in a sign so that they would always <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
know where to find me <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-EoqwXVhqElHa1DGOxZ9cYCfHzFOLjSLBo1DWMS_CwIvKhh-j7kHGM339gr2o90GAX2X7Ki0ZYsq6yKIZKElid-HkG7qJGhz3FZRDCMmZR5QShSfOS3UrG0BUr92UhunP9owD-vt6qU/s1600/IMG_1094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-EoqwXVhqElHa1DGOxZ9cYCfHzFOLjSLBo1DWMS_CwIvKhh-j7kHGM339gr2o90GAX2X7Ki0ZYsq6yKIZKElid-HkG7qJGhz3FZRDCMmZR5QShSfOS3UrG0BUr92UhunP9owD-vt6qU/s400/IMG_1094.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have this
fun Scrabble sign is on the wall outside my office. This was included in the 2017-2018 Office Pack from <a href="http://stylishschoolcounselor.blogspot.com/">The Stylish SchoolCounsleor</a>. I LOVE how bright and colorful it
is!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now to my favorite space! This is where I meet with kids. This is also where, when the need arises I meet with parents or staff that just need a moment to relax <span style="font-family: "wingdings";">J</span>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDVdsMumNUtRxMxJNNkTcLjMOf5e224-6ZIpIlzfobFuhBXFAXAjgc2jfy5yWoE_Pl2JBfFJyDwoUN0E2rJu0T8Ebg7y0vQGfhB5XEs9dFfH6jpIE3fOfMRLl02XkZcA-ZKfbkkcpJ7w/s1600/IMG_1081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDVdsMumNUtRxMxJNNkTcLjMOf5e224-6ZIpIlzfobFuhBXFAXAjgc2jfy5yWoE_Pl2JBfFJyDwoUN0E2rJu0T8Ebg7y0vQGfhB5XEs9dFfH6jpIE3fOfMRLl02XkZcA-ZKfbkkcpJ7w/s400/IMG_1081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I I usually have a tray with kinetic sand on one of the tables. The mermaid pillows are perfect for students to hold and play with if they are struggling to communicate what is going on or how they are feeling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNj3FhrEXaLM0kxud_Ut8FqXjpJ71mJdyfHDarclpdPoysurGYNmyxeRUL6LZUMW5enbFpAxsJZU57h37bV0pPar1IAqcuGFCxzhvAW4KnOm_RNOLv7gOgJZ9piLYQsre9J47Tc5x-o8/s1600/IMG_1082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNj3FhrEXaLM0kxud_Ut8FqXjpJ71mJdyfHDarclpdPoysurGYNmyxeRUL6LZUMW5enbFpAxsJZU57h37bV0pPar1IAqcuGFCxzhvAW4KnOm_RNOLv7gOgJZ9piLYQsre9J47Tc5x-o8/s400/IMG_1082.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love the placement of these two bean bags! I usually sit in the bean bag by the orange wall. I chose that spot because there is a door on the other side that has a window in it. This allows me to be seen from the window, while providing privacy to the student that is sitting in the bean bag closest to the book shelf or even if they are sitting on the couch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxpF6vNjtCF3wUN3CExllcvTLSswGNX640TGNqTdWFyO9-RpGhvrICAhiCG5DyTfbykmlVstQdrZPKeVr22HrSmrSmIk5Ac36TxQZM8NQuvNF7ADG_0TYtI71AvLuBlDZRt-U0MGqu6I/s1600/IMG_1085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxpF6vNjtCF3wUN3CExllcvTLSswGNX640TGNqTdWFyO9-RpGhvrICAhiCG5DyTfbykmlVstQdrZPKeVr22HrSmrSmIk5Ac36TxQZM8NQuvNF7ADG_0TYtI71AvLuBlDZRt-U0MGqu6I/s400/IMG_1085.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is some of my storage that I use to house different toys, games, and resources that I use. I have posted some of my favorite sensory items under the For Counselors tab. The door to the right is additional storage space that I use for resoure materials and also doubles as the testing closet (more on testing next month!).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I always joke with
students that they get to go to the fun office and I do my “work” in the boring
office. Here are a couple of views of the “boring” office. My favorite piece in this part of my office is the
blue picture frame! I found it on an online Exchange webiste for $10, added
some chicken wire and wala! A fun piece to hang pictures and notes!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJQmNJ8ZiixyX8VH7y_WHEVXe26sFh2Zkopx3VOOr0icV-nzcrtN5UAfzuGyYE42RjsgYNrN05URP0jFKWH61mqA6KYFoxWvP2zBeMpGo8XSYSp7ZvgPgBbR8Gb2pu3rDU7L-2vKj85w/s1600/IMG_1098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJQmNJ8ZiixyX8VH7y_WHEVXe26sFh2Zkopx3VOOr0icV-nzcrtN5UAfzuGyYE42RjsgYNrN05URP0jFKWH61mqA6KYFoxWvP2zBeMpGo8XSYSp7ZvgPgBbR8Gb2pu3rDU7L-2vKj85w/s400/IMG_1098.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkQAIeJlniqehAtV4FJNmmsnuuS8YyVxNxAHDHKnKiYiVLw3XxHs7n6RIhQFOZf3ht-WeBzFNx9jqAh4r6sLwmmgyB71PO4RajRZv43590VbwKMjUR2OIBIJBZj3yfkKvmwqiIRGBi2Q/s1600/IMG_1091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkQAIeJlniqehAtV4FJNmmsnuuS8YyVxNxAHDHKnKiYiVLw3XxHs7n6RIhQFOZf3ht-WeBzFNx9jqAh4r6sLwmmgyB71PO4RajRZv43590VbwKMjUR2OIBIJBZj3yfkKvmwqiIRGBi2Q/s320/IMG_1091.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you can tell from this picture, my bookshelf is a work in progress! Maybe my
next post will be about book organization!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed my office tour! It is
a work in progress, but I am so happy with how it is coming along! Even when I feel like this… I know it is my home away from home! 😊</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZyYhEvhNURckYO74xupVoOgRwYL_tXmnokg9LMePyH4yr9EfypM-wYE2_ixfqbcZqHSSMC45Ce4_Yg9QWXitoRUf7hUWzieLw7H8ei6AYHm-yxh2rwTrwahdzGjkhM-iqSQyZ7sxVRE/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZyYhEvhNURckYO74xupVoOgRwYL_tXmnokg9LMePyH4yr9EfypM-wYE2_ixfqbcZqHSSMC45Ce4_Yg9QWXitoRUf7hUWzieLw7H8ei6AYHm-yxh2rwTrwahdzGjkhM-iqSQyZ7sxVRE/s320/me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
classroomtocounselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17471774391088626396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520545858592218735.post-43646273970010231232017-03-16T20:44:00.000-07:002017-03-16T20:44:33.537-07:00Surviving STAAR<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now that testing season is upon us,
I am struck by the nervous chatter that I hear in the hallways. One student in particular really gave me
pause. I was in the office one morning
and saw one of our amazing 6<sup>th</sup> grade leaders. I said good morning and told him to have a
great day! His response surprised me. I didn’t
get the usual, “You too, Mrs. Ferguson!”
Instead, my greeting was met with, “I don’t know, its benchmark day.” (Now
for those of you that don’t teach in Texas, benchmark day, is our practice state
testing day – Yes, we practice, and take the data on the practice). I wish you could have heard him and seen him.
The defeat and fear was in his body language and tone of voice. This wasn’t normal kid angst! This particular student is normally so upbeat
and positive! But he WAS NOT feeling this test!
In that moment, I was reminded that he is so much more than a test and
he needed to know that! We had a real
brief conversation where I shared what I believe everyone needs to hear during
testing time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXFxXuCVh0feuuvx0e7e-4SNxJbeg5kRMa8By-W_2o4KCMZtwfxz69Z9_ItXwDvU2bG37lt8XezgmsSBlT5Z7tfxCYvVGu8iLkwIia9dqFIuMRqjENfH0T2ndR3bTxXzH5VgT96GxH1c/s1600/What+we+need.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXFxXuCVh0feuuvx0e7e-4SNxJbeg5kRMa8By-W_2o4KCMZtwfxz69Z9_ItXwDvU2bG37lt8XezgmsSBlT5Z7tfxCYvVGu8iLkwIia9dqFIuMRqjENfH0T2ndR3bTxXzH5VgT96GxH1c/s320/What+we+need.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ol>
<li> <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">LOVE IT!!!</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It’s your time to show off.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Your
teachers are AWESOME! Trust that they
have given you all the tools you need be the VERY best that you can be!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">No matter
what score ends up being, I love you and NOTHING can change that!</span></li>
<li> <span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">There is
nothing that can happen during the test that will change how much I like and
believe in you.</span></li>
<li>Doing your best and working hard is about character, not performance, and I care about your character.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I was done talking, he held
his head a little higher, stood a little taller and said, “Thank you, Mrs.
Ferguson.” I know this seems simplistic,
but sometimes when we are stuck in the mire that standardized testing can be. We
forget basic human needs – To <b>BE SEEN</b>, To <b>BE HEARD</b>, To <b>BE MADE TO FEEL
IMPORTANT</b>. Sometimes, as we get nearer
and nearer to testing, the test is all we see and hear and make important. We
are all guilty of it. Being the testing coordinator on my campus, I know that I
certainly am. I have spent/need to spend
an inordinate amount of time preparing and as I sit here typing this I am
saddened because my focus has been on the test, not on the people taking,
giving or getting ready for the test.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I once had an amazing principal that said to
us, “I love you more than electricity!” Out of context that might seem
weird. But there was a time when our
district was trying to save money by being more energy conscience, we had a guy
come in and give us a huge list of rules that we had to follow, no lamps, no
fridges, no room scent plugins, basically you could plug in a pencil sharpener
and that was it (I might be exaggerating…) We, as classroom teachers were not
super thrilled. It wasn’t that we didn’t
want to help conserve energy, but the approach was all wrong. It was like they weren’t seeing us, but my
principal and her, “I love you more than electricity!” Communicated to us that we were valued! She heard us, saw and thought we were
important. That made it way easier to unplug</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.
I still think about that when I turn off my lights before I leave at the
end of the day. IT IS THE SAME WITH
TESTING!!!! Everyone needs to hear, <b>I
LOVE YOU MORE THAN THE TEST!!!</b> Nothing that happens will change your worth in
my eyes.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So, as we move forward, my goal is
to communicate that message of worth and value to the students and staff on my
campus. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">There
are so many ways to do this. All you
need to do is search “STAAR motivation” or “testing motivation” on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?rs=ac&len=2&q=staar%20test%20motivation&eq=staar&etslf=4458&term_meta[]=staar%7Cautocomplete%7C0&term_meta[]=test%7Cautocomplete%7C0&term_meta[]=motivation%7Cautocomplete%7C0">pinterest</a> and hundreds of different ideas will pop up. There really are some cool things out there! This is one of my favorites, </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUw7DgVBBn_BQwK0qWsYs7hyphenhyphenielpOCJ4ekhz52JiPudT1zPr68wsQNnLpw625TRR1LsLSIbeyi9poaaceaiEMHsbShRXRzEUZA3VbDk-__61VqqqupkZOIvpXM_CUUzwkyzHNgJ0JUJw/s1600/writing+on+desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUw7DgVBBn_BQwK0qWsYs7hyphenhyphenielpOCJ4ekhz52JiPudT1zPr68wsQNnLpw625TRR1LsLSIbeyi9poaaceaiEMHsbShRXRzEUZA3VbDk-__61VqqqupkZOIvpXM_CUUzwkyzHNgJ0JUJw/s320/writing+on+desk.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/810085051693588959/">Pinterest</a> link send you to this <a href="http://www.betterparenting.net/parenting-tips/7-back-to-school-organization-tips-for-parents.html">link</a>. But I couldn't find the originall post. If someone knows it, please let me know! I just LOVE this! And it's free!!! Can you imagine if your students walked in to this this on testing day?!?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really believe that the simplier the better! It's the personal contact that makes all the difference.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There is great power unleashed when people feel like they are SEEN,
HEARD and IMPORTANT! I know this is simplistic, but sometimes we need a reminder, I know I did!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
classroomtocounselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17471774391088626396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520545858592218735.post-9219651297240047812017-02-12T18:25:00.000-08:002017-02-12T18:36:16.683-08:00Data, Data on the Wall? YES!<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUQIdg8AlPeGF4FxwMGjHiwmBasaUuUskg6MRn7Gi8ZpaIqftdjr_iCOGiEiL2XZQepoLgQzCYA2ZxBjtZRNCPCHEvDeSkYyV66zec83zFbGzgJM34YauoWeiwjSF2qpqnMzcpTbzr_E/s1600/Data-+can+it+be+fun-.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUQIdg8AlPeGF4FxwMGjHiwmBasaUuUskg6MRn7Gi8ZpaIqftdjr_iCOGiEiL2XZQepoLgQzCYA2ZxBjtZRNCPCHEvDeSkYyV66zec83zFbGzgJM34YauoWeiwjSF2qpqnMzcpTbzr_E/s200/Data-+can+it+be+fun-.png" width="200" /></a></div>
DATA – sometimes thrilling, sometimes scary, ALWAYS
necessary. I know that as educators, we
continually hear about the importance of analyzing the data to drive
instruction. We utilize research based
curriculum that is supported by data, we sit through many a professional
development that talks to us about the importance of said data. Data is a key component in education and has
been for a while. It should be something
that motivates us to do better, to celebrate those things that are working and
adjust those things that are not.
Unfortunately, for some of us (I am including myself in this) data or
even the mere mention of data, can cause our eyes to glaze over. So here is my question, is there a way to
make it fun for the masses?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8pFVaBrsNs8tzrV_d-KkG0Qhp8E6taJhN3kzDJjZ0Pk_KckxIF24SbGdprYnycoqTzKhMkdMl3Ph8h7hbA9syCVzHA-F6rJj4FiDX0UaadYM3NDNixk0A8PSotwX1yTwFHpqnHYsesA/s1600/me+and+julie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8pFVaBrsNs8tzrV_d-KkG0Qhp8E6taJhN3kzDJjZ0Pk_KckxIF24SbGdprYnycoqTzKhMkdMl3Ph8h7hbA9syCVzHA-F6rJj4FiDX0UaadYM3NDNixk0A8PSotwX1yTwFHpqnHYsesA/s320/me+and+julie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">This is my AMAZING friend Julie Swann! Super excellent Kinder Teacher, who graciously let me take pictures of the data walls in her room! The way she is tracking data in her room is truly motivating!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being at a Leader in Me School, we often talk about goals,
personal goals, school wide goals, academic goals, professional goals. WIGS
(Wildly Important Goals) are established and the data tracked for students and
staff to see. Getting the students to setting goals,
track progress, celebrate victories and make plans to meet those goals, is a key component to LiM. The first step was setting classroom goals and
it was important to post them for everyone to see. The first goal chart I made was for word wall
words. It was a big pyramid that was divided in to four sections. Each section represented a different term (our
expectation was 10 words per term) Every time a student showed mastery of words
they were able to move up the pyramid. I
remember talking to a mom that was VERY concerned that the children that maybe
moved at a slower pace would feel bad about themselves. While I understood her concern, what I found
was the exact opposite. The students
were highly motivated to move up the pyramid!
AND they weren’t sad when their friends were successful, they were happy
for them! It also ended up creating an environment
where students were helping each other to practice! It was AMAZING! That first data wall morphed to include
knowing number patterns, mastering writing goals, describing shapes, pretty much
all of our standards could be tracked on data walls or in their leadership/goal
notebooks! As you know, I moved to a new
school this last year and I recently went and visited my old campus (I was
missing my friends<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>)
and I was AMAZED at how they continued to transform the use of data in their
classrooms!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjnZLrsL6-fNIoy6Owrm5ki__mEhvS7AwRCae0E5IYlz6MhuLsDAL4RsnO__zmPA3RW0PRL7X6ca4aNP_SZ88ksoQT2sYxe1oHi_2h2RTvA1J5msTrh-F41Y8OtcQZX7WzW0KoLU3KqU/s1600/data+wall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjnZLrsL6-fNIoy6Owrm5ki__mEhvS7AwRCae0E5IYlz6MhuLsDAL4RsnO__zmPA3RW0PRL7X6ca4aNP_SZ88ksoQT2sYxe1oHi_2h2RTvA1J5msTrh-F41Y8OtcQZX7WzW0KoLU3KqU/s400/data+wall2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is where it starts. The area on the white board is for tracking
their progress towards a class goal. The goal this week, was "I know
my shapes!" The goal is 3 - "I can do it." To the left of
the numbers are magnets with the kid’s numbers. I love that she includes
extension in her data tracking!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eRHuTN58DoxM23fS0Dxp6-ZYLHz4KqNHJMW777a3G25h9WSeOyXnLiRsI5aK2zHhvgZGekxu_VzsBaI2y4t6wQIOameY3CuZTsW8_BYxufuGRM0jw_DS5PAotvTKOyPtlHcLOxOG3_A/s1600/bell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eRHuTN58DoxM23fS0Dxp6-ZYLHz4KqNHJMW777a3G25h9WSeOyXnLiRsI5aK2zHhvgZGekxu_VzsBaI2y4t6wQIOameY3CuZTsW8_BYxufuGRM0jw_DS5PAotvTKOyPtlHcLOxOG3_A/s200/bell.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Once a student meets his or her goal, they get to ring the bell! Seriously, how fun is that?!?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfdEMDOmmwjQ2bctxUbcMD7wqDNTxgbzPaCFttu6kD8CXqQUwboBpVaJie_6uagakx4PD8A1rZdBLxHD_OaKJhPP0q3__gj0UwQRBjYPYPsBYVGw7I8dNqBpzFfIqRhaNvIleORXWja0/s1600/locker+gumball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfdEMDOmmwjQ2bctxUbcMD7wqDNTxgbzPaCFttu6kD8CXqQUwboBpVaJie_6uagakx4PD8A1rZdBLxHD_OaKJhPP0q3__gj0UwQRBjYPYPsBYVGw7I8dNqBpzFfIqRhaNvIleORXWja0/s320/locker+gumball.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When a student meets their personal goal, they get to add a gumball to their personal Gumball Goals machine in their locker. Five gumballs earns the student a piece of gum! That is a fun reward😊<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSuVSp6bWwbbZEDnPDVZ5B100y2LqNq9gl9VLXSQJGHoPcGpikCnD6hZBFi1kxhGfzaiGdNSKTMhPHlMg5Dn_naxTtPGkOrLcC4lRKepaqs0gNJUf88HiJO85wsaUzoB3iSJ37G7xDUY/s1600/data+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSuVSp6bWwbbZEDnPDVZ5B100y2LqNq9gl9VLXSQJGHoPcGpikCnD6hZBFi1kxhGfzaiGdNSKTMhPHlMg5Dn_naxTtPGkOrLcC4lRKepaqs0gNJUf88HiJO85wsaUzoB3iSJ37G7xDUY/s320/data+wall.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They put is all together here! This is their classroom data wall or "Gumball Goals" tracking system. Everytime 90% of the class meets a particular goal, they add a gumball to their class jar! Each gumball is labeled with the goal - Term 1 Word Wall Words, Writes Name the Kindergarten Way, Letter Sounds, # 1-20, etc,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When I looked around her room it was so easy to see what students were working on and what the end goal was! Julie kept telling me how motivating it was for students, it totally supported everything that I had experienced when I was in the classroom. The practice of tracking data for all to see, does not make students feel bad, but it encourages and celebrates growth! It got me thinking, “This
is so much fun for the students! Why can’t
we make our professional data tracking and goal setting more fun?” Why is it just my students that have goal
notebooks? I really should create my
own. Then it hit me, I do have one, a
fancy planner that I probably spent WAAAAY to much money on, that I decorate
and record information in. I make plans,
write down goals, check off some, forget about others…that is when I realized,
I was missing an important piece, THE ACCOUNTABILITY! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that is the key value of the DATA Wall-
ACCOUNTABILTY. I know, I know, some of
you are going, REALLY?!?! You want me to
just put it out there? YES! Choose a goal, make a plan and track your
progress in the open. Let others,
celebrate victories with you, encourage you to keep going when you are of so
close, and most importantly, readjust your plan when you aren’t seeing the progress
you want! Don’t let the pressure to
appear perfect, rob you of the JOY of growth and collaboration! So, pick a goal, make a plan, track your
data, in the open and MAKE IT FUN!!!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Here's an example<br />
<br />
I set a goal in January to post twice a week. Well here I am in January and it has yet to happen. So, I am going to adjust my personal goal to - I am going to post once a week. And the fun part? When I have posted four weeks in a row, I will buy myself a treat (something small, I am in Education after all 😊). Do you think that we could do this with our professional goals in our buildings? I sure would like to try! <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
classroomtocounselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17471774391088626396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520545858592218735.post-84613694219679500872017-02-05T16:16:00.000-08:002017-02-05T16:16:51.531-08:00Movement in the Classroom Part 2 <div class="MsoNormal">
Many people have asked about the items that I started with
when I began incorporating movement in my classroom. Now that I am a <span style="font-size: large;">counselor</span>, I would love to begin stockpiling some of these things so that I had them available for teachers that were wanting to try something different! These items can make such a difference in regards to behavior and academics! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following are the items that I started
with-</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Image result for gaiam balance ball chair" style='width:110.25pt;
height:110.25pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\MFERGU~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Image result for gaiam balance ball chair"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ball Chair with legs, affectionately called "cow chairs", by my kinder kiddos! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEHg8qGH6rqRPeJRkmJ829M3b-n_i0O6puRRw3TTyXY2CkwptPTpRUoEFjHqV2DYp124ZWobWlGw4Pc8WvvaRU20ChySxqg_FQi7dPC9fGbruaxiSVf78aiHIiGOmxntHRGYsJVwiBmg/s1600/ball+with+legs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEHg8qGH6rqRPeJRkmJ829M3b-n_i0O6puRRw3TTyXY2CkwptPTpRUoEFjHqV2DYp124ZWobWlGw4Pc8WvvaRU20ChySxqg_FQi7dPC9fGbruaxiSVf78aiHIiGOmxntHRGYsJVwiBmg/s1600/ball+with+legs.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will say that these did not last very long
like this! Even with them only at my
teacher table, the kids had a hard time managing them, so we let out a lot of
air and put them in milk crates. This
allowed the students to bounce, but kept the balls from rolling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcflbvy61gKnW1PpUAbF0sevgTHDME8F5p8rba4LdENpeRj2Tof2znAig50hGy9GLmYS34Lzx9cazYGhwynG2n-J8GqNxrCRc5MWk0TqZTr3ttmwLKmOXbi8i45hovEYlTVicT-aVyocE/s1600/ball+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcflbvy61gKnW1PpUAbF0sevgTHDME8F5p8rba4LdENpeRj2Tof2znAig50hGy9GLmYS34Lzx9cazYGhwynG2n-J8GqNxrCRc5MWk0TqZTr3ttmwLKmOXbi8i45hovEYlTVicT-aVyocE/s200/ball+chair.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is also a WAY cheaper option! I know many upper grades use these with great
success, but for the younger kiddos, I would go with cheap balls in the
crates! These are always easy to find
and CHEAP at Walmart and you can get the balls there too! I googled milk crate chairs and this amazing
blog post came up from <a href="http://www.missvskinderkraziness.com/2016/04/flexible-seating-hack-diy-stability.html">Miss V’s Kinder Kraziness</a>! Super cool and you should definately check it out! And btw, the saving grace for ball chairs in kinder…ALWAYS KEEP BOTH
FEET ON THE FLOOR <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1026"
type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Image result for milk crate ball chair" style='position:absolute;
margin-left:0;margin-top:1.1pt;width:146.25pt;height:146.25pt;z-index:-251658240;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\MFERGU~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"
o:title="Image result for milk crate ball chair"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="height: 195px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 195px; z-index: -1895825408;"><img alt="Image result for milk crate ball chair" height="195" src="file:///C:/Users/MFERGU~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image004.jpg" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_7" width="195" /></span><span style="height: 195px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 195px; z-index: -1895825408;"><br /></span><span style="height: 195px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 195px; z-index: -1895825408;"><br /></span><span style="height: 195px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 195px; z-index: -1895825408;"><br /></span><span style="height: 195px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 1px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 195px; z-index: -1895825408;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pure Fun Kid’s mini trampoline – to be utilized prior to
beginning assignments, as well as, upon completion, to expel excess energy and
to increase focus.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcTxZjWOreiakP9Co6iRF4H_6TNBL4oap3_zCDEq_K5B5D0Y7z9gARI8Ge5XEFSCIKH0CQ_suJ4ukcJ79GWObL_zfZfJbaFoxsgLq0TFXrE9Uv6-qYGuTOyLwrjzti2Yi3g8GvaUcoY0/s1600/trampoline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcTxZjWOreiakP9Co6iRF4H_6TNBL4oap3_zCDEq_K5B5D0Y7z9gARI8Ge5XEFSCIKH0CQ_suJ4ukcJ79GWObL_zfZfJbaFoxsgLq0TFXrE9Uv6-qYGuTOyLwrjzti2Yi3g8GvaUcoY0/s200/trampoline.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this trampoline (you can buy it <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Fun-Trampoline-Handrail-Youth/dp/B004JQSX00/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1486338506&sr=8-9&keywords=kids+mini+trampoline">here</a>!!! It is the PURE FUN Kid's mini trampoline with handrail. Now, I am not gonna lie,
it was a bear to put together! (Thank
the Lord for a my strong hubby<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I put this with the handle facing in a corner. The rules were… 1) both hands on the bar,
2) only one person touching on the mat a
time (more on the mat below) & 3)
Chose one patterns in numbers to read out loud, then let someone else have
a turn (on the wall in the corner I had number pattern anchor charts)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fiLTxH-8eR_pQeeAO9Bf3nb0wiqw3kHsUA59cSeRxSEzIWzbjsm_Xar_gHAhACH1Q6nkmPO1OjvcPOPGcb13sCwTLVgs_H0si6PFEmZqsHjjWsezkp06TiHfR29UHMrRv1HI3Q7olTY/s1600/balance+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fiLTxH-8eR_pQeeAO9Bf3nb0wiqw3kHsUA59cSeRxSEzIWzbjsm_Xar_gHAhACH1Q6nkmPO1OjvcPOPGcb13sCwTLVgs_H0si6PFEmZqsHjjWsezkp06TiHfR29UHMrRv1HI3Q7olTY/s200/balance+board.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3"
o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81i3xp0xQVL._SL1500_.jpg"
style='width:222.75pt;height:142.5pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\MFERGU~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image007.jpg"
o:title="81i3xp0xQVL._SL1500_"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span>Balance
Boards were utilized by anchor charts with high frequency words and/or
phrases. In order to make it easier for
the kinder kiddos, one of my teammates had the brilliant idea to put a die-cut
had on the counter and we taught them to place one hand on the counter for
support, until they could balance! This is the one that we used and it was perfect. The picture makes it looks like it is for really young kiddos, but it was perfect, I might have even used it once or twice 😊. This was another <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ALEX-Toys-Active-Monkey-Balance/dp/B000N40SDC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486338789&sr=8-1&keywords=kids+balance+board">Amazon</a> purchase (again, THANK YOU Toyota of Rockwall!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Students read and balance, fun, coordination, strength and
balance all rolled into one! This is
Win-Win!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMcV3-9WQjnVe5dxjGXq69zZkYwc9XuuhAysZ9yaH2vBRtKxBw05CTmyFgMMRIHoAbVK5yU15X65GmBWQhARYFswadZVAlQrG74_zrYBRKu44w3X5Ax2r8gIDRNoSAMWMXFgy5Yyj_MU/s1600/slant+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMcV3-9WQjnVe5dxjGXq69zZkYwc9XuuhAysZ9yaH2vBRtKxBw05CTmyFgMMRIHoAbVK5yU15X65GmBWQhARYFswadZVAlQrG74_zrYBRKu44w3X5Ax2r8gIDRNoSAMWMXFgy5Yyj_MU/s1600/slant+board.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Better-Board-Slant-Black/dp/B007L76TK0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486339101&sr=8-2&keywords=slant+boards+for+writing">Slant boards</a> – were utilized on the floor as
alternate seating. Students would on
their stomachs, developing core strength, and eye coordination as their eyes move
up and down tracking print. I had these
available as a choice during word work The Occupational Therapist on my campus said this was a MUST HAVE and I always listen to those that know more than me!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ73LlyQk0BHote_ieDgFouAT1KKYOzIKOZys-XQvI79F27cGMk46jKJs8zQlJAke4HCib79kbpL4PfzFHkHY_ybizXXqOQQ9BTLRoOJ6h1CWYsA7o5CKuGmJY62BrHtEM34G0zN_nJTw/s1600/floor+mat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ73LlyQk0BHote_ieDgFouAT1KKYOzIKOZys-XQvI79F27cGMk46jKJs8zQlJAke4HCib79kbpL4PfzFHkHY_ybizXXqOQQ9BTLRoOJ6h1CWYsA7o5CKuGmJY62BrHtEM34G0zN_nJTw/s320/floor+mat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/ProSource-Kids-Puzzle-Solid-Play/dp/B00HS5BYVO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1486339481&sr=8-5&keywords=puzzle+play+mat"> Puzzle Play Mat</a> was used underneath standing tables to provide support for feet and legs while
standing on tile. Being able to utilize
another type of alternate work spaces in the classroom, allows for greater
growth academically for students.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was one of my favorite purchases because of its versatility. I used some of it under the trampoline, some
under the balance board, some under tables as stated above It provided designated areas for our flex
seating and added some fun colors in the process<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is just the starting point! It is so exciting for me to walk around my current building and see so many teachers embracing flexible seating! I used to not be a beleiver, but after seeing it in action and the the academic and behavioral successess that it produced, I have had my mind forever changed inregards to the power of movement in the classroom! Small changes can produce results, but those small changes have to begin with us 😊. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would love to hear some of the things that you have tried!</div>
classroomtocounselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17471774391088626396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520545858592218735.post-89979954525114477162017-01-21T14:06:00.000-08:002017-01-21T14:06:59.130-08:00Movement in the Classroom – Necessary and FUN<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me start off by saying that
my belief in nontraditional approaches in education did not come over
night. It was a slow process, but an
amazing one. A couple of years ago, I
had a group of student that needed extra support. In order to explore some different options, I
reached out to the occupational therapist on our campus for ideas. She had been talking to me about something
called primitive reflexes and she wanted to do some exercises with my
class. She began to explain to me that releasing
of primitive reflexes was foundational to student success. I was skeptical, to say the least, never mind
the fact that she kept saying things like, “supine” “symmetrical tonic reflex”,
“asymmetrical tonic reflex” and I had no idea what any of that meant!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Anyway, fast forward a couple of
days later and our fabulous OT shows up in my classroom and does four simple
exercises with my class. As she was
walking around and talking me through the exercises, wouldn’t you know it…she
pointed out all of my students that were at-risk! I AM NOT EVEN JOKING!!! Every single one! You better believe, that I began researching
and studying right away!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
The first thing I learned was
that primitive reflexes are things that everyone is born with. The different developmental milestones that
infants go through allow our bodies to let go of those reflexes. Now, given that I am NOT an expert on these
things, I will try to explain them any further, but I highly recommend you do
your own research. Ready Bodies, Learning Minds, is a great resource.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
What I can tell you, is that integrating
exercises and movement in my classroom made a HUGE difference, not only in
behavior, but in academic performance. This
is how I first implemented movement in my classroom…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:-.75pt;margin-top:112.95pt;width:157.6pt;
height:214.5pt;z-index:-251658240;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\MFERGU~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title=""/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="height: 286px; margin-left: -1px; margin-top: 151px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; width: 210px; z-index: -1895825408;"><img height="286" src="file:///C:/Users/MFERGU~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1" width="210" /></span><!--[endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
It
begins with A LOT of training. I used this during my Guided Reading
Block. Before moving to a new task,
students were trained to check our schedule and do the exercise on the
chart. It took awhile, but it was
sooooooo worth it and it was a beautiful thing to see! Students moving independently around the room
exercising and as a bonus, the chatter decreased, as they were busy during
transitions. (Bonus – I was able to have a quiet classroom for Guided Reading) This
is the chart I created. Most of the exercises
are the warm-up exercises from <a href="http://www.readybodies.com/">Ready Bodies, Learning Minds</a>. Please know, everything is borrowed from
people way smarter than me!<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 3.0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 3.0in;">
Exercise 1 – Super Squats – Cross arms across body,
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1A1PMyKg6n_-F0dgNzvzhjbyW5jN0RFxHPyVbvdxzttx2DU0fHCsb-8lSaHcDKMcY8t2F4F4RZMJ9kZvbvN79ZExKPg-ojCG6VD-dGckbrKsk1uoVl3Q45piL0Woi8QvfBpBsBrnKxY/s1600/movement+pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1A1PMyKg6n_-F0dgNzvzhjbyW5jN0RFxHPyVbvdxzttx2DU0fHCsb-8lSaHcDKMcY8t2F4F4RZMJ9kZvbvN79ZExKPg-ojCG6VD-dGckbrKsk1uoVl3Q45piL0Woi8QvfBpBsBrnKxY/s320/movement+pics.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
squeeze earlobes. Count to 7<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 3.0in;">
Exercise 2 – Rocking Horse – Crawl position, turn head
to one side and rock, 10 times each side.
Working hard to keep both elbows straight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 3.0in;">
Exercise 3 – Giraffee – Crawl position, chin up,
pretend you are giraffee trying to reach eat the leaves off the high
trees. Make sure kness and hands stay
stationary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 3.0in;">
Exercise 4 – Popcorn – lay on back, curl up in a ball,
count to 20 and then POP out. Make sure that head is off the ground<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 3.0in;">
Exercise 5 – Superman – lay on stomach, arms and legs
stretched out, lift both off ground and count to 20.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 3.0in;">
Exercise 6 – Dot to Dot – Stand away from wall, hands
out and side, follow fingers to touch dots on either side of wall, while
keeping back straight. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
You
can see most of these exercises here. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUy5Y1UiymY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUy5Y1UiymY</a>. There are so many other youtube videos out
there. Well worth some research!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
The
impact these had on my students was so amazing! I began looking for more ways
to intergrate movement. Thanks to a
grant from Toyota of Rockwall, I was able to add a mini trampoline, balance
board and ball chairs to my classroom. I
know, I know, some of you might me shaking your head right now and saying, “NO
WAY!”. But I promise you, it was
GREAT!!! The trampoline and balance board did double duty, as I placed a
hundreds chart by the trampoline and they had to count and jump and Word Wall
Words by the balance board, where they had to read and balance at the same time
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Now some of you may be asking, <span style="font-size: large;">“How do you use this in
counseling?</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">” </span>And the answer is
simple. I can share my experience, when
looking at academic concerns and I utilize the exercises during individual
sessions, for stress/anxiety release. I
am looking forward to the day that I am called upon to help a teacher to set up
exercise stations in his/her classroom!
And I will continue to be an advocate for a dedicated station motor lab
for ALL students! It certainly served my
students well and I am certain that it can benefit yours!<o:p></o:p></div>
classroomtocounselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17471774391088626396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520545858592218735.post-70583730336823317062017-01-09T17:17:00.002-08:002017-01-09T17:17:54.749-08:00My First Semster as a School Counselor in the Books!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">On December 21, 2016 at 12:05pm, the clouds parted and the angels
sang…I had officially survived my first semester as an elementary school
counselor!!! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>It was
everything I thought it would be and nothing I was prepared for, all rolled
into one. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>My biggest
blessing in my new career, has to be the school in which I am getting to
serve. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Moving to a new
building, after seven amazing years at my previous campus was SCARY, but I
truly have won the School Counseling lottery!!! My new campus has be so warm,
welcoming and forgiving😊. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>It
has truly been an unexpected blessing!<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Melanie over at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://stylishschoolcounselor.blogspot.com/">Stylish School Counselor</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and my fabulous AP, interviewed my
last week about my first semester and how I felt about it. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>One of the things that she asked me
was what advice I would give to new counselors. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>This questions gave me pause, because
truly, who I am to give advice to anyone?!?!? <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>But here is what I came up with…these
are the things that helped my to stay focused and positive (most of time anyway
</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol", sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">😊</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">)<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Find your
person, both on campus and off.</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Someone to
talk to, cry with, laugh with and keep you accountable. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>They should also be a person to tell
you when you are being unreasonable and need to get over it<span class="apple-converted-space"> 😊</span>.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Don’t be afraid
to say that you don’t know</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">.
– I PROMISE – you will say it A LOT! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I
know I have (am). <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>My sweet
office staff always tells me that I have a year to say, “I’m new, “so I should
take advantage.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Try out as many
documentation/organization systems as you need to, to come up with what works
for you</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">– I have spent money on TPT, I have scoured blogs, pinterest,
talked to other counselors, visited other counselors and talked to the SPED
department on my campus (NEVER underestimate the value of your Special
Education Department! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>They
are a WEALTH of information!)<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">FOLLOW THROUGH
– no matter what</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">– You are building your reputation with
staff, students and parents, they are counting on you.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">SAY SORRY –
when something comes up and you can’t follow through until later😊</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>-
this is the only guarantee in school counseling – nothing is guaranteed! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I create a schedule every week,
really, it is more of a guideline for my week. Creating a schedule helps
me to refocus when things go off book. <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Don’t be afraid
to ask questions – LOTS OF QUESTIONS</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">! – everyone was new once! Take advatage of what I like to call, "The year of grace." Write down every question, and ask away!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Schedule time
during your day for programming</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">– YOU have to do this for yourself, no one will do it for you. On the contrary, if you do not schedule time in your day for programming, your schedule will be filled for you. Scheduling program management time will force you to stop and
plan, document, and/or collaborate, as needed, to ulitmately better serve your building.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Laugh A LOT</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">! – In our profession, some days do not
seem like there is anything to laugh about. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>The stories that we hear and the lives
that support can make our heart’s heavy. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>It is those days especially, that we
have to look for those things that make us laugh and smile. <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">If you are not
humble already, you will be…and that is ok</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">– Nothing is more humbling then entering
into a job where every day you leave with more questions than when you started.
I have a list going of questions that I have or things I want to learn about
and every time I cross something off my list, I notice that I have added two
more things…that is humbling. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I
told my husband that I was looking forward to the day that I leave work and
feel like I was able to answer someone else’s questions for a change<span class="apple-converted-space"> 😊</span>.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Practice
empathy – EVERYDAY</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">– While I am always busy, always moving, I
have to remember that, SO IS EVERYONE ELSE! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I work in a school for goodness
sake! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Everyone is busy and
everyone is working on important things. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I might not understand the nuisances
of everyone’s particular job, but I understand that, to them, their job is
everything.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This list is not
only my advice to others but they are reminders for me. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I ended the original list by saying that I
could go on and on… so now I will😊.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Be visible</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">– I try and begin each day greeting
students in the back of our campus, then snake my way through the building,
checking on students and popping in classrooms. I try to not always see
kids in my office, I like to go to them as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b>Create
a Testing Team</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(thank you to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Marty Barbieri</b>, our district
counseling<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.75pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Director) – this is super important,
especially in Texas! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>With
elementary counselors also being the campus testing coordinator, it becomes
vital to have a team in place that works together to tackle the beast that is
testing! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Marty<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b>explains like this - there are too
many components with testing, for one person to be solely responsible, when
that is not their only responsibility. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>The
team needs to be cross trained in all areas, for not only accountability and
support, but to prevent a crisis if something were to happen to the testing
coordinator on testing days. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(Could
you EVEN imagine, being solely responsible for testing then having something
happen that prevents you from being there on a testing day ?!?!) <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.75pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Write your WHY –<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Putting to words, WHY you do what you do is such a powerful
focus point, when things get difficult. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>It
is your professional compass, so to speak.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: 0.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">NEVER forget
what it was like to be in the classroom –<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I cannot stress this enough! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>And I want someone to remind me of
this if I ever forget. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Teachers
are everything! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>We do not
get to be School Counselors, if not for teachers. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>We are there to support them and their
students, so that they can provide an unforgettable educational
experience. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Teachers are
the front line, every day and no matter how busy, stressed and overwhelmed I
am, it does not compare to the job that they do.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Well, this is my
advice and I can honestly say that all of these things have helped me to survive
this first semester and will continue to carry me long into the future! <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">What advice you would give to new counselors?</span></div>
classroomtocounselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17471774391088626396noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520545858592218735.post-34036149593860043282017-01-07T14:01:00.000-08:002017-01-07T14:01:00.327-08:00Mission Statement or Manifesto and WHY it is important<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Image result for mission statement free clip art" style='width:102pt;
height:102pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\MFERGU~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="Image result for mission statement free clip art"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Remembering my <span style="color: #e06666;">WHY</span>, took my
career in a whole new direction. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is what I wrote when I was forced to examine my thoughts on teaching and now, after
surviving my first semester as a school counselor, I can unequivocally say that
the same is true in my new role. I guess you could call this my professional
manifesto (I know, I know, it probably isn’t an actually “manifesto”, but I had
to call it something, right? and I personal, saying, "MANIFESTO", makes me feel like a superhero)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Joy is what I was told I would experience in education, and
joy is what I found. Joy is what I strive to bring to my classroom and to
others in education. Teaching is a profession of design, creativity, and
compassion. It is an act of love and
service that is never finished. It is a
series of highs, lows and in-betweens.
It is laughter and tears, heartache and indescribable joy. It cannot be
accomplished without understanding and empathy; it is not always easy,
but the rewards far exceed the difficulties, and that is why I teach. It is
this understanding of education that I hope will be my legacy with students,
staff, and the families that I serve. When this is accomplished, my greatest
contribution will have been fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Now writing a mission
statement/manifesto is not the end all to a successful career path, nor is a guarantee
of success. It is however; an act of self-discipline
that can be revisited and refined as you move throughout your career. It can refocus and re-energize you when
things get tough (as they ALWAYS do) and it holds you accountable to those
things that you have deemed important. When I
first began teaching in 1998, I was so full of excitement and vision. I was going to change the world, one student
at a time. I remember being full of
ideas and I was ready to try anything. I
was like a sponge, willing to hear everything, try anything at least once. Unfortunately, that excitement was quickly
squashed. I let myself be influenced by
others that weren’t filled with the excitement that I was. I let myself by influenced by people that had
let themselves become bitter. In short,
I let others rob me of the joy of teaching. I had lost sight of my <span style="color: #e06666;">WHY</span>. I actually said to my husband that I would never go back into education
because I didn’t want to end up like those women. I wish that I had my WHY defined at that point in my life. If I had, maybe I could have focused on it, instead of lunchroom negativity. But I digress...And now I have a tangible reminder of <span style="color: #e06666;">WHY</span> it
is that I do what do!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">People have been talking for
ages about either discovering or remembering your why. How did you feel, when it all began? What motivates you to get up in the
morning? Being able to answer these questions
have really helped me, but how do you do this? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> There are MANY resources out there, but here
are a few…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livingthe7habits.phone.android&hl=en">FranklinCovey Living the 7 Habits app</a>. This app has a Mission Statement Builder
included and it is super helpful, if you are stuck and its FREE, I love free!!! (The link is for google play, but your can also download at the itunes app store)</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> 2. <a href="http://liveboldandbloom.com/?s=personal+mission+statement">Live Bold and Bloom</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> has a GREAT article
called, How to Write a Personal Mission</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Statement in 8 Steps. It has fantastic, practical advice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 3. <a href="https://wearemotto.com/inspiration/how-to-write-an-awesome-manifesto/">Motto</a> has a simple, easy-to-use framework
that you can use to jumpstart writing your mission statement/ manifesto
writing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 4. <a href="https://www.startwithwhy.com/">Start with Why</a> - its mission is to encourage and inspire people to discover their <span style="color: #e06666;">WHY</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> (now, I have not paid for any of the services that they offer, but I really like the</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> motivational information that the website provides)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I am so thankful that </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> I have a tangible reminder of </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>WHY</b>! </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Do you?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here’s to figuring out your
</span><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;">WHY</span></b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> and </span><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">LIVING</span></b><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">it! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What’s your <b><span style="color: #e06666;">WHY</span></b>? I would love to know 😊<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
classroomtocounselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17471774391088626396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520545858592218735.post-70606843709832516662017-01-05T10:48:00.001-08:002017-01-05T10:59:06.001-08:00Welcome to Classroom to Counseling<div class="MsoNormal">
For the last two years, the goal in my beautiful Erin
Condren planner (more about planners later) has been, “START A BLOG”. Why was this a goal? Because I felt like I needed/wanted a
voice. I had things to say, darn it! I would scour Pinterest, I had a hidden
blogging board, where I would pin and plan my amazing blog. But as always, life happens, my beginning of
month goal sheet became smaller and smaller.
My grand visions of blogger heaven fading into the proverbial sunset. BUT THIS IS MY YEAR!!! (Thank you for the
push, Melanie Acker – <a href="http://stylishschoolcounselor.blogspot.com/">thestylisherschoolcounselor</a> and <a href="http://principalswithpurpose.blogsot.com/">principalswithpurpose</a>).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think I have read every single post out there about
starting a blog. Everyone says the same
thing- find your niche, fill a need, define your target audience, and create a memorable
name and so on and so on. This is where
I would get stuck! For two years, this was as far as I got. Absolutely no inspiration for any of the
things that I “had to have” to start a blog.
Then this morning, in the shower (if you stick around, you will find
that all great ideas happen in the shower or drying my hair), <b>Classroom to Counseling<i> and everything in between</i></b><i>,
</i>was born. That name summed up
everything that I had been struggling with.
Teacher Blog, Counseling Blog, Lifestyle Blog? I am all these things. You can’t put this Baby in a corner! I am the
complete sum of all my parts. Wife,
mother, teacher, school counselor, connoisseur of healthy living practices
(let’s keep it real, I like the idea of healthy living, but find the reality
entirely too difficult).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here I am, 2017, finally starting a blog, focusing on
<b>teaching</b> (my first career love), <b>counseling</b> (my new career love) and <b>everything
in between</b>, because in our profession, who we are on the inside and what we do
on the outside, directly impacts how we interact with those in our care. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so excited to share, learn and grow with you! <o:p></o:p>I hope you join me on the journey!</div>
classroomtocounselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17471774391088626396noreply@blogger.com0