Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. This is a fun but busy time of year as the semester wraps up and the holidays approach. Even if you are not teaching full lessons or running small groups this month, you will likely still have drop-in students who need support. December is a great time to add a seasonal twist to your counseling activities, and today I am sharing my favorite ideas to help you stay engaged, organized, and prepared.

Countdown to Winter Break

One of my favorite activities this month is a Countdown to Winter Break inspired by a childhood Advent calendar. This activity includes 20 different SEL tasks your students can complete as they count down to the holiday break. It works well for individual counseling sessions and for students who stop by unexpectedly. The variety of activities keeps students engaged and gives you structured tools to support them during an otherwise unpredictable month.

Host a Counseling Holiday Party

A Counseling Holiday Party is a fun and meaningful way to wrap up your small groups. Think of it like a celebration or graduation with a seasonal theme. You can schedule an all-day event where students who have participated in counseling throughout the semester come in for games, crafts, and connection. This creates a positive and memorable experience while highlighting the progress they have made.

Data Check-Up

December is also a helpful time to complete a mid-year data check-up. This allows you to review the students you have served, the lessons you have taught, and the progress that has been made so far. A mid-year check-up helps you advocate for your position, strengthens your end-of-year reporting, and gives you valuable insight as you plan for next semester. You can also display some of this information on a data wall so stakeholders can easily see the impact of your program.

Self-Care Tips for the New Year

As the semester winds down, it is important to reflect on your well-being. Here are a few simple strategies to help you feel more grounded and supported heading into January:

• Conduct a time audit to see how you are spending the minutes of your workday. This helps you identify where to add buffers so you feel less rushed and overwhelmed.

• Outsource tasks when possible. If you have an intern or student ambassadors, allow them to help with responsibilities and lighten your load.

• Join IMPACT, my school counseling membership program, to access resources, professional development, and ongoing support that help reduce stress and streamline your program.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• Countdown to Winter Break

• Elf-Control

• Dress an Elf

• Snowman Goals

• Blog - How to Plan a Fun Counseling Christmas Party

• Needs Assessment

• End of Year Report

• Data Wall

• Blog - Favorite December School Counseling Activities

Connect with Rachel:

• 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!