50 School Counseling Resources I Can’t Live Without

School Counseling resources I can’t live without! There are so many good resources out there and this is a few of mine… Check them out here.

1. Planner

   This is hands-down, one of the most important things I have! It helps me keep on track throughout the day and I can record all my data right there on my calendar. I really don’t like when I have to repeat three or four steps just to get something documented. I wanted an easy way to plan out my calendar, lessons and record my Time Task Analysis all in one place. Read more on this #1 amazing resource… Here’s The Perfect Planner for any School Counselor.

2. Plastic Sleeves

   I know… I’m a nerd at heart and this is one item that saves my sanity! I use these all the time for things like, separating important papers in my counseling binder or using it as a dry erase paper with students. I even like to buy business card ones for organizing brag tags and reward systems. This year, I plan on using those for organizing my “I Got Caught Using the 7 Habits” cards.

   Regular Plastic Page Protectors & Business Card Sheets

3. Tri-Fold

   These are extremely useful when you have a parent night or open house and you want to show off your program. I also use these when we are playing games in my school counseling lessons. Another fantastic way to use these would be to host a Career Fair and have your upper elementary research careers and do a presentation on them.

4. Play Dough

   This simple “toy” is a staple in my room because all my students love it! This is a quick and easy medium to get kids to calm down, express their feelings, and transition back to class. I find it the most beneficial to use the big tubs of playdough and divide it up into smaller portions. One, it’s cheaper and two, I know I have enough for the year! These are the Tubs of Playdough I use.

5. Bean Bags

   I got these cute bean bags from Wayfair that I put in my counseling office and I love them so much! They are navy and white striped and actually meant to be used by the pool… you know, they have the linen-type fabric. Anyway, I liked that because I can unzip the cover and take it home to wash it. They are also huge so kids are excited to come and sit on them.

   

6. Books

   I use bibliotherapy all the time! There are counseling books to go with every feeling or situation. I separate my books into tubs according to specific situations. That way, when a student comes in and they want to read a book, I don’t have to spend time looking. I also try to incorporate a book into every classroom lesson. I feel, this is very effective for large groups because I  have kids come to me a year later and say “remember that book you read to us…” and tell me ALL about it! So, my suggestion here is if you have a small library of resources, try to grow it by expanding your books based on the situation. Check out my post on my classroom lessons… there are TONS of book ideas here! Not to mention, I can’t live without this book, Anti-Bullying Book for Girls in my counseling library! I wrote this book to help young girls navigate friendships and feel empowered to handle conflicts. This one is a MUST HAVE!

   

7. Leggings

   Yes, I’m going there! I need leggings in my counseling program to help me succeed! LOL! I am usually running to and from classroom lessons, getting kids rounded up for small-group, and in between all that, trying to simmer emergencies. So, yes my friends, leggings are a lifesaver!

8. Flats

   This is another go-to from my closet when I get ready for work. Sure, there are days when I love to wear my wedges… but I’m telling you, I only do that on odd days, that I know I won’t be running down the hall! Overall, on most days, I wear my flats! You can buy a wide variety of colors and dress up your outfit.

9. Rewards for Testing

   I love to reward students for perfect attendance during testing. This is a stressful time for everyone, however, it makes it ten times easier when kids are present at school to take their tests. So, I try to drive attendance rates with good rewards. We did Popsicles for a long time but last year, I decided to try something different… I went to Amazon.com and bought name-brand chips, cookies, etc. You might be thinking why did you go with a name brand? Well… you know how kids learn environmental print at a very young age and they want what is often advertised… I went with that theory so they might be excited to get their treats! I think it worked because in our entire 3rd & 4th grades about 200 kids) there were only a couple gone! So… Amazon made this super easy! I had a PO approved with my school, shopped on Amazon.com, picked out these items (chips, cookies, crispy treats), made my purchase…  and it was quickly delivered to the school!

10. Amazon Echo Dot

    This works with the Alexa app… so anyone that has an Amazon Echo or even a Firestick for their TV, knows how to use Alexa. She can quickly find quiet music or upbeat kids’ music to listen to for small groups or even in classrooms. The great thing about this Echo Dot is that you can throw it in your counseling bag and take it from room to room. It is very lightweight and small. I don’t like to waste time pulling up YouTube or another internet resource and searching for songs. I can just ask Alexa and she gets it right away!

11. Wire Bins

    During the back-to-school rush, I found some cute metal wire bins at Target that were pastel color. I knew they would go great in my office space, so I bought two of them. I love wire bins for sorting lessons. I have a system that I use in my office for organizing my lessons and once I get them finished and the copies made, the file folders go in these bins. I have a file folder for K-4th (so 5 different files) to house their different lessons. These bins are cute and make it easy to grab the file I need before I go teach.

12. File Folders

    As I said, I use the file folders in the bins… out on my counter. So, I like it to be cute and organized. I get file folders with designs on them to match my theme for the year.

13. School Counseling: Ethics and Law by Caroline Stone

    I use this book as a resource to look up ethical questions. You probably know in school counseling, nothing is black and white! All situations are different. This is a really big help if you need a quick resource. You can see the ethics book here!

14. Mindfulness Matters Game

    This is a great game to play with upper elementary or middle school kids. It can be used in a small group or with individual kids. The game is for 2-4 players. Teaches kids coping skills for dealing with stress and worries. I also use this in my anger small groups. However, I like to tell other counselors… just go through the deck of cards first. I do this with every game because, as with every other game, there may be some that are above or below the age range you are trying to target. You want the game to be beneficial for the students you are working with. Check out Mindfulness Matters Game!

15. Mad Dragon Game

    My kids love this game to work through their angries! They ask to play it all the time! Works well one on one or in a small group. This game allows several opportunities to talk about triggers and how to overcome them. Check out Mad Dragon!

16. Sandtray

    Sandtray can be very eye-opening for a child… or even an adult! One rule of thumb is to not do any sandtray unless you have been trained to do so. Of course, we would not want to do more harm than good! So, check out your local universities or professional development in your area to get more training on this. I love to use sandtray from a play therapy standpoint. Students can get a lot out of it when they construct their problem in the sand with miniatures. I also like to do genograms in the sand with kids… especially, if we are still in the introductory stage. This will show different aspects of relationships and how the students see themselves in relation to their families. There are all different kinds of sandtrays… big and small… even just made in shallow totes!

17. Sand

    There is a lot of sand in the world to choose from! I like the sand that’s not going to make a HUGE mess! Yes, sand can be messy, but it’s all in the limit setting! Personally, I like the Kinetic Sand… just because it’s not super fine, and it somewhat stays in the tray!

18. Collection of Miniatures

    Of course with trays and sand, you need miniatures! I like to keep collecting miniatures because kids see things in so many different ways. To start out you can try to stock up on themed miniatures that are sold in sets. Then, just start buying random ones. Some random things to get are a big dragon, trees, a fence, and people of all kinds! Side Note: Amazon is great for a quick fix… but Yard Sales are amazing too!

19. Julia Cook Books

    She is amazing and gets the point across so effortlessly. I am pretty sure there is a book for every situation! Check out Julia Cook’s collection and collect the ones you’re missing!

20. Stop the Drama Thumball

    The best activity for a girl’s group! For some reason, kids love tossing around a ball, even if it’s just in my office. Stop the Drama Thumball can be used in a classroom for a bullying lesson, conflict resolution, small-group, or even one-on-one!

21. Jenga Game

    Jenga can be transformed into a fun game with various topics. There is one from EduKate & Inspire on TpT called Build Your Own Counseling Game with Jenga. I like this one because you don’t have to tape or glue questions to your Jenga blocks… it’s all color coated!

22. Small-Group Curriculum Kits

    It is very helpful to have other amazing counselors make COMPLETE small-group lessons for others to use! This is so helpful and way more fun for my kiddos! You can find some awesome resources on TpT… I have a couple in my store you can check out called Just us Girls and Beating Test Stress.

23. Ungame for Kids

    Kids just love games! Ungame for Kids is a non-competitive game that students, as well as yourself, can share thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. I like to use this game as an introductory game. I also recommend the family version to parents!

24. Art Supplies

    I use all kinds of art supplies in my creative corner. I use markers, crayons, construction paper, scissors, play dough, stamps, colored pencils, stickers, and magazines. When I’m feeling like loosening the limits… I get out the paints and easel.

25. Play Therapy Theme Toys

    This is where garage sales come in handy! Between garage sales and my own kid’s closets, I find lots of things to use for play therapy. I like to keep the toys within the play therapy themes (nurturing, aggressive, etc.). Therefore, I recommend baby dolls, dollhouse, bop bag, creative supplies, blocks… and so much more (Hmmm… I should write another post about this)!

26. Mrs. Joyce Gives the Best High Fives by Erainna Winnett

    Doing Counseling introductory lessons at the beginning of the school year can sometimes seem bland. I use this book because my younger elementary kids get very engaged. Mostly because I use my name in place of Mrs. Joyce… but the kiddos that read, always try to correct me! Check out… Mrs. Joyce Gives the Best High Fives!

27. GoNoodle.com

    This is a major need in my counseling program! I teach kids how to be mindful of their own bodies and to listen to their surroundings. This website has everything to teach that in a fun way. There are also dance videos my students like to do after completing a lesson.

28. Self-Control Thumball

    Thumballs are so fun for kids… so I feel like they are a win-win. I am teaching the information and they are having fun at the same time. The self-control thumball can be used in a classroom lesson, small-group, or with an individual student.

29. Mindful Chime

    I use the curriculum MindUp with my students to teach them about how their brain works (I don’t do the whole curriculum… who has time?) But, I am able to complete several lessons… anywhoo… this chime is fun for the kids. They like to sit as still as they can until they don’t hear it anymore. Also, as a first-grade teacher, I used this chime as my transition starter. It was a much calmer way to get the kids from one subject to another!

30. Bingo Classroom Games

    Who doesn’t love bingo games? I can tell you, during my first year doing school counseling lessons, I hated passing out and collecting all those little game pieces. However, I got smart… cut out small paper rectangles and let students be in charge of passing out and picking up. That way, if they get lost, it’s no biggie! I use bingo games for drug awareness, friendship, test-taking, and so much more!

31. SCOOT Classroom Games

    SCOOT is such a fun game to play! It’s like organized mass chaos… but it really is fun! I have the students do one-step directions while I am teaching them how to play… for example, I tell them what we are doing, then I have them stand in a quiet line. Once they are quiet, I give another direction. I do this because it takes a minute to get the game going and there are too many directions to follow at once. But after all the instructions it’s a quiet and engaging game.

32. Puppets

    Kindergarten students love it when I bring in puppets. We can use puppets for role-playing or for telling a story. I use them in classroom lessons and sometimes with younger individual kids while we learn conflict resolution skills.

33. Leader in Me Game for Kids

    In my elementary building, we are incorporating the Leader in Me. So, students who are struggling with behavior, academics, or social aspects can benefit from this game. I like the Leader in Me Game because it reinforces what we are teaching as a whole school and lets me individually teach habits to kids who need the extra support.

34. The Leader in Me Books

    I have so many of these books and they are all wonderful! I have a parent library with books for them to check out on each habit. Then I also have the books I use with my students. Check out… 7 Habit for Highly Effective Families, 7 Habits of Happy Kids, 7 Habits of Happy Kids Collection, and The Leader in Me.

35.  Clipboards

    Need I say more? If you have ever been in a classroom with 30 kids on the carpet… clipboards become a must! I can use them in so many ways, but one of my favorites is when students give tours of our building to adults. They carry their clipboard with their schedule and script. It makes them look and feel so responsible and excited to be a part of our school.

36. Contact Paper

    Last year I used this cute turquoise chevron contact paper to redo my file cabinets (Pinterest find)! It makes my office look so bright and cheery! I am trying to decide what to use the leftover on!

37. Whiteboard

    I use the white board in my office for small groups and individuals. If students are coming in for play therapy, they like to use it too! I also have these magnetic words in a little tub. Kids like to use those on the whiteboard to express their feelings through play.

38. Bulletin Board Decorations

    Bulletin boards are one of my favorite things to do! For one, you can reach a wide audience by visually displaying your message. And for two, you can use it as a way to advocate for your program and what you are doing. I do boards such as college and career, kindness, drug-free, NSCW, attendance rates, etc. So… in order to make them visually appealing, I can’t live without my adorable borders and letters!

39. Easy-Peasy Needs Assessments

    Needs Assessments used to be a pain for me. Collecting all the paper and evaluating was a nightmare. Now, with the help of my Google Forms, I no longer have to worry. I can carry this task out with a simple click of a button… and you can too! Check out how I use my Google Forms in a Painless Way to Collect Needs Assessments.

40. Extra Shoes and School Supplies for Kids

    We have an amazing community that is so supportive of us and our kids. Throughout the year, I make sure we are well stocked with extra supplies and shoes for kids to have if they need them.

41. Fellow Counselors (aka…friends) for Consulting

    My counseling friends and former professors are a lifeline for me. There are times when a situation comes up and I need feedback and consultation on what to do next. It’s really nice to get another counselor’s perspective sometimes. Of course, with no names or identifying information! 🙂

42. Lenovo Thinkpad

    What would I do without my computer? Ahhh… just the thought is scary! We are a one-to-one technology school, so most lessons I teach have technology components. Of course, this is my school-issued computer… but I love it! It really does everything need without any trouble! Take a peek at my Lenovo Thinkpad!

43. Google Drive

    Google Drive is amazing and I can store lessons and documents in there and be able to retrieve what I need anywhere…even on my phone! I like to store my crisis plan, public TpT documents, and my MSIP 5 counseling director documents on there. For my counseling director paperwork, this makes it very simple because I put all my documents in there and share them will all stakeholders in one click!

44. OMG: I Can Meditate App

    I use the free version of this app with individual students. Specifically, students who have anxiety and are struggling with transitions or testing. We pull up the app, find the kid’s playlist and I let the students pick which one to do. We close our eyes and listen! After the first time doing this… I had a parent come to tell me how the student couldn’t stop talking about it and wanted to know if this student could come to see me more often! Secretly, I have to do it myself sometimes at lunch for a little self-care!

45. SmartBoard School Counseling Lessons

    TpT is a great resource for school counseling lessons. If you have not signed up (ha ha…who hasn’t) you can get your FREE account here with my TpT referral code!

46. Supportive Friends, Family, and Staff

    There is not a day that goes by where I am not 100% thankful for everyone in my life! I have the most supportive friends, co-workers, and family! This is definitely something I could not live without!

47. Youtube Videos

    When I need a little extra in my lesson, I can usually find a catchy video to use as an intro to my lessons. I also like to use short clips for conversation starters.

48. Lanyards for Career Cafe

    I am trying this new thing called Career Cafe and honestly, I don’t think I can live without these lanyards because the students are going to be grouped based on their interest survey and not on grades. So, these lanyards will help me keep track visually who needs to come with me in the lunch line! You can find my Career Interest Inventory and Career Cafe Packet on TpT.

49. Deck of Cards

    Running short on time or away from your office? No problem… all you need is a small deck of cards! You can make any normal card game into a counseling session in minutes! For example, in the game WAR with cards, when the winner takes the cards, they have to answer a question or make a statement, such as, “I feel angry when_____. “

50. Ohhh… and most of all MY AMAZING STUDENTS!

    Out of all the things listed above… I could not do my job without my amazing students! I genuinely want what is best for each and every one of them. Collaborating with their teacher, administration and parents is the best way to become a team and provide support.

What resources can you NOT live without? I would love for you to share!

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