Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today we are going behind the scenes to talk about how to create engaging class lessons that keep students interested and make your counseling program run smoothly all year long.

1. How to Map Out Lessons for the Year
Start by looking at your school calendar and noting upcoming dates, themes, and holidays. For example, October is Bullying Prevention Month, which is a great time to plan related lessons. Review your referral data and needs assessment responses to identify key areas of focus. Check what curriculum your school already uses, such as Second Step, and build from there. You can also base lessons around books to make topics more engaging.

Planning tip: Repurpose content across multiple grade levels to save time and stay consistent.

2. How to Create Lessons Using a Simple Framework
Use this five-step framework for 20–30 minute lessons:

• Icebreaker (5 minutes): Start with a fun, short activity to grab attention.
  
  

• Lesson (10 minutes): Teach the main concept or skill.
  
  

• Discussion (5 minutes): Have students talk in pairs, groups, or as a class.
  
  

• Reflect/Review: Leave time for students to write, draw, or journal about what they learned.
  
  

• Data Collection: Use quick self-assessments to measure understanding.
  
  

Planning tip: Repurpose small group or individual activities by slightly modifying them for classroom use.

3. How to Get Creative
Make lessons interactive by incorporating elements such as Scoot Games, Escape Rooms, Digital Game Shows, Breakout Groups, or PowerPoint and Google Slides presentations. These activities help reinforce learning and keep students engaged.

4. How to Engage Students with Movement
Movement keeps students focused and helps with participation. Add movement to your icebreakers, activities, and discussions with ideas like:

• Sides of the room
  
  

• Simon Says
  
  

• Stand up and sit down
  
  

• Role play
  
  

• Charades
  
  

• Beach ball toss or jumbo discussion die
  
  

By intentionally planning, getting creative, and incorporating movement, you can design classroom lessons that are fun, effective, and memorable.

Tune in to this episode to hear how I use these strategies step-by-step to make classroom lessons engaging and stress-free!

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• TpT Store
  
  

• Blog
  
  

• Instagram
  
  

• Facebook Page
  
  

• Facebook Group
  
  

• Pinterest
  
  

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout October, we have been exploring practical bullying prevention strategies, and today we are wrapping up the series with a focus on teaching self-advocacy. While this may seem like a more reactive approach, it is an essential skill that helps students navigate challenges with confidence.

In this episode, we explore three simple ways to help students learn to advocate for themselves and others:

1. Practice Scripts
   Provide students with sample scripts they can use in real-life situations. Watch short videos together, then practice through role play in small groups or class lessons. This gives students a chance to apply what they learn and build communication skills in a safe environment.
   
   

2. Self-Esteem Affirmations
   Encourage students to use positive self-talk that supports their confidence. Have them create affirmation cards or write encouraging messages on sticky notes to remind themselves of their strengths and worth.
   
   

3. Advocating for Others
   Teach students to be upstanders rather than bystanders. Traditional bullying prevention lessons can be adapted to show students how to recognize when someone needs help and how to take safe, supportive action.
   
   

Tune in to learn how you can incorporate self-advocacy into your counseling lessons and empower your students to stand up for themselves and others.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• TpT Store
  
  

• Blog
  
  

• Instagram
  
  

• Facebook Page
  
  

• Facebook Group
  
  

• Pinterest
  
  

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! October is Bullying Prevention Month, and throughout the month I'll be sharing some replays of our best episodes focused on strategies to prevent bullying in schools.

In today's episode, we're diving into friendship skills — an essential foundation for creating a kind, connected, and inclusive school culture. I'll be sharing ideas you can use at every level: schoolwide, classroom, small group, and individual.

Schoolwide Strategies

• Buddy Bench (Elementary Level): Transform an existing bench at recess into a "Buddy Bench." When a student feels lonely or doesn't have anyone to play with, they can sit there to signal they're looking for a friend. Other students are encouraged to approach, sit with them, or invite them to join in play.
  
  

• Mix It Up at Lunch Day (Middle School Level): Help reduce lunchroom anxiety by encouraging students to sit somewhere new for a day. This activity helps them meet new peers and break out of their usual social circles.
  
  

• Assigned Recess Groups: Rotate groups of students to play or interact together, fostering connections between kids who might not usually spend time with one another.
  
  

Classroom Strategies

• Friendship Lessons: Lead a class discussion or activity around the qualities of a good friend versus the qualities of a not-so-good friend. This sets the tone for healthy peer relationships and respectful communication.
  
  

Small Group Strategies

• Friendship Discussions: Talk about what makes a good friend and how good friends act.
  
  

• Friendship Dice Game: Use discussion prompts such as "What do you love about your friends?" or "What annoys you about your friends?" to spark meaningful conversations.
  
  

• Conflict Resolution Practice: Teach students to use "I" statements to express their feelings and resolve friendship conflicts.
  
  

• Scenario Cards: Role-play different social situations to help students problem-solve and practice empathy.
  
  

Individual Counseling Strategies

• Scripts and Role Plays: Work one-on-one with students to build their social confidence. The goal is to help them gain the skills they need to transition into small group or class activities successfully.
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• TpT Store
  
  

• Blog
  
  

• Instagram
  
  

• Facebook Page
  
  

• Facebook Group
  
  

• Pinterest
  
  

• Youtube

More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!