Creative Counseling Lesson Plans for January

GOAL SETTING

This is the perfect time to introduce goal setting to students. It's never too early to introduce students to goal setting. I like to use books to help students understand goal setting at the elementary school level.

growth mindset

Students must develop the right mindset year on for a successful, happy life. They will learn that putting forth effort and using the right strategies can help them get better at all things, feel empowered, and try harder. When they know their brains are capable of growing, they are more confident, resilient, and not afraid to fail. A growth mindset occurs when we believe our intelligence and abilities can be improved with effort and the right strategies.

A willingness to confront challenges, a passion for learning, and viewing failure as a springboard for growth are all characteristics associated with a growth mindset. Not surprisingly, this type of mindset is strongly linked to greater happiness and achievement in life. People with a growth mindset believe that their intelligence and abilities can be improved through hard work and learning. In contrast, individuals with a fixed mindset believe that their intelligence and abilities cannot be changed significantly. This can lead to a fear of trying new things, a reluctance to take risks, and a constant need to prove oneself. I'm currently using The Magical Yet to teach K-2nd grade students about growth mindsets.

Positive Behaviors

Positive behavior strategies are an effective way of understanding and addressing the needs of students. These strategies recognize that behavior is a form of communication, and every behavior sends a message that needs to be decoded. Some messages may be easy to understand, while others may require more interpretation. By using positive behavior strategies, educators can gain insight into the underlying causes of student behavior, identify potential triggers, and provide appropriate support and interventions. These strategies help create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment, where students can thrive and achieve their full potential. I always use books to help students at the lower level grasps concepts. Take a look at few books below.

Anger Management

Anger is an empowering emotion, although it has a bad reputation for being expressed inappropriately so often. Anger can give us the energy and courage to speak up, stand up for ourselves, or take some type of positive action. It can create clear, safe boundaries between people. When we do not address anger, it can affect us unconsciously. We may express anger passively by showing up late for meetings, gossiping, or avoiding interaction. Modeling how to express anger in a contained and grounded fashion can be a valuable lesson for students. Always remember, however, to aim anger at behavior, never at another person’s personality, character, or intelligence. The emotions of anger hurt, and fear are the catalyst for violence in our society. Underneath anger is hurt and fear. Teaching your students how to identify and feel their emotions and how to express them constructively instead of destructively is so important.  Learning to feel and tolerate the energy of big emotions is not easy. Helping students discover healthy ways to channel their anger is essential to avoid violence.