224. TBT: How to Use a Countdown Calendar to Build Rapport with Drop-in Students

Can you believe it is almost December? The countdown to winter break is on. I absolutely love this time of year. Everything is so fun and festive, especially at the elementary level. I’m always trying to think of ways that I can put a seasonal twist on counseling activities to keep your students (and you) engaged.

At the same time, I always had the problem of “frequent flyers” popping up. You know the ones. The kids who are always stopping by wanting to chat instead of going to their classroom. I used to think I just needed to rush them back to their classroom as quickly as possible. However, I realized over time they were stopping by to see me for a reason. They wanted to build a relationship with me and I didn’t want to dismiss that.

While I wanted them to feel welcome in my office and comfortable with me, I also wanted to make our time together purposeful...especially if they were missing class. Over time, I thought of some fun ways that I could accomplish this. Since it’s the winter season, I created my “Countdown to Winter Break Interactive Calendar”. 

In this episode, I’ll explain exactly how this calendar works and even how you can DIY one. If you create a countdown calendar of your own, snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @brightfuturescounseling so that I can see the final product!

Some topics covered in this episode are:

• Purposeful bonding activities leading up to the Winter season

• Interactive calendar activities to countdown to Winter break

• Winter themed counseling activities to do with drop-in students

• Supplemental activities leading up to Winter break

Resources mentioned:

• Join my school counselor membership IMPACT here!

• Grab the counselor curriculum map freebie here!

• If you are enjoying School Counseling Simplified please follow and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

• Check out this Winter Themed Counseling SEL Activity Pack

• Countdown to Winter Break Activities

Connect with Rachel:

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• Facebook Group

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• 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!