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Getting back in my school counseling office and into the swing of things during COVID-19 can be extra challenging and present obstacles we may have never thought about. I know for me… that’s the case! Things I’m very used to doing and actually have on autopilot, simply can’t be the same and has to be reworked and rethought out. Here are some things I am doing differently to prepare for re-opening this year.
1: Organizing My Counseling Office
I’ve decided to take a look at what’s not needed and what’s unsanitary within my office space and take those things out (just for this year, I hope). Then, I’ve decided to focus my energy on creating that warm and inviting space with the things I do have and can use. For example, sequin pillows and play dough are out. While, dim lamps and plastic calm bottles are in!
I’m struggling with the idea of letting go of my sandtray. It’s such a huge piece of my counseling room and the students will expect to work in there. So, I have decided to build a routine of sanitizing our hands when we walk into my office and disinfect the sand thoroughly, with our qualified kid-friendly sanitizing spray when we’re finished.
Here are some pictures of my new space! I actually really like the way it turned out. It seems more spacious to me and user friendly. I will be able to monitor and disinfect the students counseling area more efficiently than before.
Credits for Wall Decor (School Counseling Office Decor Bundle – The Responsive Counselor and Feelings Activities & Feelings Posters in Digital and Print – Social Emotional Workshop)
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2: Refreshing My Counseling Bookshelf
This year, while I am going through things, I am doing a book refresh! I need to get some books that I’ve had on my wish list for years! There are so many older books flooding my shelves that it creates clutter and honestly makes me not even want to use some of them. Organizing them and grouping them by specific topic will help a ton!
Also, some of the books I use in specific lessons, I have started stashing away in the lesson file folder. This helps me know exactly where it’s at and I never have to search for them before visiting a classroom.
Here’s a sneak peek at my book bins and my lesson files (color coded per grade level)!
My color coded lessons help me quickly identify each grade level.
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3: Preparing Disposable Fidgets
Since I can’t have my basket of fidgets sitting on the table and my sand tray out, I’m going to have to look for other options. I am starting to collect disposable fidget toys and crafts that could be used to help process feelings and/or events. This is a few things I plan on having ready for students…
- Individual Student Think Sheets
- Calming Lanyards
- Pool Noodle Fidgets (cut into small circles)
- Pipe Cleaner and Beads (to make trackers or behavior slides)
- Paper Bracelets (self-regulation reminders)
- Coloring Sheets
#4: Creating a Calm School Counseling Office
I always pictured my counseling office a calm space that kids could come and relax or talk about what’s bothering them. However, after returning from our 5 month hiatus, I realized it was a disaster! So much has happened since March and students will be returning with new found problems. I want to make… for certain… my room is “their” space!ย
I decided to tear down my blue paper light filters and go with something more eye catching! I have six bright florescent lights in my office that can make anyone get a headache. Not to mention, it has ZERO windows to the outside world. I found these amazing light filters called Octo Lights!
These lights are so fun! They dim my room just enough that soft light comes through and creates a really calming environment. Also, these are made of super thick plastic. I did trim mine just a little to fit inside my fixture box… but they will last forever! Definitely a game changer for my office!
Octo Lights from Amazon!
Octo Lights installed in my office. They create such a calming environment.
4: Stocking Up on Cleaning Supplies
This is a no-brainer to you, I’m sure! But, stocking up on Sanitizing Wipes & Spray, Hand Sanitizer and Masks are a must. This is something I have NEVER had to think about before! My district is so awesome and the custodian staff is excellent. However, with the chance that I might not be able to get my hands on any… I’m just going to start off with some myself! ๐
Finished School Counseling Office for 2020
I would love to hear what your doing in your offices!ย
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I love to see what your calming lanyards look like. Also, are you making the self regulation bracelets?
Hello! Thanks for reaching out! Below is a picture of my calming lanyards. They can help in several different ways and students can have easy access to their choices when they leave their classroom. Yes, I have done the self-regulation bracelets. ๐ They were really fun! We just took a black pipe cleaner for the band and blue, yellow, red and green beads for each of the zones. The kids loved it!
Hi there, were did you get your bean bag chairs?
Hey Bri! I actually got them off of Wayfair several years ago. They are outdoor/poolside bean bags. I liked this because they are a little more durable and I can remove the cover and wash them. ๐ Thanks for asking!
Hi Jessica! I recently accepted a curriculum writer position for a high school in TX. Do you have any recommendations on how to adapt these wonderful resources to 14-20 yo?
Hey Kellie!
Thanks for asking! If you’re talking about counseling curriculum… Yes, I would start by printing out your state counseling standards, if you have them, and printing out the ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors. That way you know what content you should be covering. Next, I would survey your students, staff, and parents with a Needs Assessment. This way they can tell you what is most needed… your priority standards. Collect the results, start filling out a schedule from the most needed lesson topics and go from there! Congrats on your new position!
Hello!
Where did you get your feelings posters from? Iโve been looking for ones just like these! Thanks!
My counselor friend Laura has them! Her shop is Social Emotional Workshop! Here’s the link… https://store.socialemotionalworkshop.com/collections/feelings-emotions/products/18-feelings-and-emotions-posters-with-body-language-and-facial-expressions
I love the lettering on your door and desk. Where did you get the decal from? Thank you so much.
Hey, Jasmine! I actually got it a while back from https://www.reallygoodstuff.com/! ๐ They usually have some cute decor. I’ve also bought a lot on Amazon!