Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. Today we are doing a throwback to one of my favorite episodes, all about how to design a small group curriculum that actually works.

In this episode, we are getting into the meat and potatoes of small group curriculum. My goal is to make the process simple, realistic, and easy to implement so you can confidently design groups that support your students and meet your counseling goals.

When it comes to small group curriculum, you are likely doing one of two things. You may be using activities or curriculum that you have already purchased, such as hard copy books provided by your school or resources from Teachers Pay Teachers. Or you may be creating your own curriculum from scratch because one has not been provided for you.

No matter which route you choose, there are six steps you can follow to design a small group curriculum that works.

1. Identify your topic Start by identifying your small group topic using referral data or student needs. For example, you may notice a need for a self control group.

2. Outline your weeks with ASCA aligned objectives Determine the length of your group, typically six to eight weeks. Choose one clear objective for each week. Align each objective with an ASCA mindset and behavior that matches your goal. Once this is complete, type out your weekly outline so you have a clear plan to follow.

3. Select your icebreakers Icebreakers are especially important during the first session to help students feel comfortable and connected. Choose simple activities that build rapport and introduce the group structure.

4. Select your activities Activities are the core of each session. Look closely at your weekly objective and choose an activity that directly supports that skill or concept. This ensures your sessions stay focused and intentional.

5. Select a reflection piece Reflection is a powerful part of student learning. Journals work especially well for small groups. Even five minutes of reflection can help students process what they learned and apply it outside of the session.

6. Create your self assessment Data collection is essential for tailoring your sessions and tracking student progress. Create a self assessment that is based on your weekly objectives so you can measure growth throughout the group.

This framework helps you stay organized, intentional, and data driven while creating small groups that truly support your students.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• Group Bundle

• Group Cheat Sheet

• ASCA Mindset and behaviors

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!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. Today we are revisiting one of my favorite episodes as part of a best of School Counseling Simplified throwback series. This episode focuses on five things I wish I had known when I first started counseling.

In this episode, I get personal and share stories from my early days as a school counselor. As counselors, we are lifelong learners who are constantly refining our skills and practices. However, there were several pain points early in my career that I wish I had been prepared for. Knowing these lessons sooner would have saved me significant time, stress, and frustration.

Five Lessons I Wish I Knew as a New School Counselor

• You do not have to check your email after hours Evenings and weekends are meant for rest, family, and personal time. If you have work email on your phone, set clear boundaries by turning off notifications. Protecting your time helps prevent burnout.

• Stay organized with your caseload Strong organizational systems support professionalism and help prevent mistakes that are easily avoidable. An organized caseload allows you to show up more confidently for students.

• Data supports your professional judgment Tracking data helps validate your instincts and demonstrates the impact of your work. Measuring student progress allows you to make informed decisions and advocate for your role.

• You are not alone Connect with other school counselors through Facebook groups, district colleagues, and professional collaboration opportunities. Community and shared experiences are invaluable, especially early in your career.

• Being new does not limit your impact You do not need years of experience to create meaningful change. If you see a need, trust yourself enough to try new approaches and implement programs that support students.

Whether you are a brand new counselor or a seasoned professional, this episode serves as a reminder that growth comes from reflection, connection, and confidence in your role.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

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!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. This time of year is fast paced as the semester wraps up and the holidays approach. In the last episode I briefly mentioned data walls, and today I am taking a deeper look at how to conduct a mid-year check-in using a data wall.

While end-of-year reports are valuable, data tracking should not be reserved only for the end of the school year. Ongoing data review is essential because it helps ensure that the support you provide continues to meet the changing needs of your students.

A data wall is a bulletin board that visually highlights the impact of your counseling services. It allows you to quantify student progress through tools such as self assessments and behavior surveys. This data can illustrate growth from the start to the end of your small groups and other interventions.

Your data wall can also show the volume of services you have provided. This includes the number of students you have seen, the sessions you have held, and the lessons you have taught. You can gather these numbers from your logs, scheduler, or calendar.

Creating a data wall strengthens your advocacy efforts, informs curriculum adjustments, and communicates the value of your program to students, families, and staff. Once your data is organized, use charts and graphs to present your findings clearly.

Key reminders Keep all information anonymous to maintain confidentiality Use only the data that is most helpful Update your data wall quarterly, monthly, or by semester Place it in a high traffic area to maximize visibility

This simple mid-year check-in will help you celebrate progress, identify needs, and confidently communicate the work you are doing. If you create a data wall, share it with me on Instagram. I would love to see it.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• Data Wall

• Blog - How to Conduct a Mid-Year Check-in Using a Data Wall

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!

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!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today we are taking a behind-the-scenes look at effective data tracking and how it can help you better support students while advocating for the role of the school counselor.

Data can feel overwhelming, but when used intentionally, it becomes one of the most powerful tools in your counseling program. This episode breaks down simple, practical strategies to help you collect, interpret, and share data with confidence.

A Quick Win for Data Tracking

One of the easiest ways to begin building a data-driven counseling program is through a five-minute self-assessment. - Create a quick Google Form with a few skill-based or feelings-based questions. You can either interview students and record their responses or have them complete it independently. Make sure to capture their name, their responses, and the date for easy tracking.

The Big Takeaway

Every counseling session should be purposeful and aligned with a clear objective. Before each session, ask yourself what skill, strategy, or concept you are focusing on. Your data tracking should reflect this objective so that you are gathering meaningful and relevant information.

My Favorite Data Tracking Tools Self-Assessments

Self-assessments allow students to report on their own experiences, skills, or emotions. Use these during the first and last sessions to monitor growth. Build your questions around the objectives of your session or group. These can be objective questions tied to specific skills or subjective questions tied to feelings. Google Forms is an excellent tool for organizing and reviewing this data quickly.

Behavior Surveys

Behavior surveys provide valuable insight from teachers and caregivers. Send these forms digitally for easy completion and record keeping. This data helps identify gaps between how students view themselves and how their behavior is observed by people in their daily environments.

End-of-Year Reports

This is one of the most powerful data tools for communication and advocacy. An end-of-year report summarizes how many students you served, the lessons you taught, and the time spent providing support. These reports help guide decision-making, highlight the effectiveness of your program, and advocate for your role within the school.

Data Walls

A data wall is a bulletin board that displays key information and outcomes. Place this in a location with high visibility such as the front office, hallway, or multipurpose room. Update it regularly, whether monthly or quarterly, and share only the most relevant results to keep the information clear and impactful.

How to Interpret Data to Improve Your Program

Data is only useful if it informs next steps. If data shows student improvement, celebrate the progress and consider transitioning students to a lower tier of support. If data indicates limited or no improvement, evaluate the situation. You may need to adjust interventions, refer students out, or move to a different tier of support. Use the information to determine short-term, solution-focused next steps.

How to Use Data to Advocate for Your Role

When presented clearly and consistently, data shows the impact of your work and communicates the value of your counseling program. Data helps stakeholders understand how many students you serve, what needs are emerging within the school, and how your services contribute to positive outcomes. It is one of your strongest advocacy tools.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

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!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on what really makes individual counseling sessions effective, engaging, and purposeful. If you've ever felt unsure about what to do in these sessions or overwhelmed by how to track student progress, this episode is packed with practical, ready-to-use strategies.

Individual counseling is an important Tier 3 support that allows you to provide targeted, personalized intervention. With the right tools and structure, these sessions can feel manageable and meaningful.

Why Individual Counseling Matters

Individual counseling is an essential component of a layered support system. These sessions provide space to work one-on-one with students who need more intensive intervention.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to identify students through referral systems

• How group counseling can help you determine which students may benefit from individual support

• Why individual sessions allow for deeper rapport and tailored intervention

Quick Wins for Tracking Data

Data collection does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. This episode highlights simple tools you can implement immediately, including:

• A 30-second student rating scale

• Thumbs-up or thumbs-down check-ins

• Quick data points that help you make informed decisions and track growth

These small, consistent data practices keep you from guessing what students need and allow you to confidently measure progress.

How to Engage Students in Individual Counseling

Engagement is key for successful sessions. This episode shares a variety of activities, strategies, and tools you can use to keep students motivated and open.

Feelings Check-ins

• Model emotional vocabulary

• Use the Zones of Regulation

• Incorporate visuals

Rapport-Building Activities

• Get-to-Know-You Jenga

• Peak and Pit

• Genograms

• Discussion or interview cards

Hands-On and Creative Activities

• Digging Deep activities

• Personalized social stories

• Crafts such as coping skills toolboxes

• Board games

• Task cards

• Art projects

Modifications for Younger Students

• Increased hands-on activities

• Use of play dough

• Dolls and characters for storytelling

• Verbal reflections instead of written prompts

These strategies help students express themselves, stay engaged, and build meaningful connections.

Reflection Tools for Closing Sessions

Reflection helps students internalize their learning and practice self-awareness. Inside the episode, we explore:

• Journaling

• Reflection sheets

• Interview-style verbal reflections

• Open-ended questions that support closure

Using Data to Track Student Progress

Meaningful data guides your decisions and supports your advocacy efforts. You will learn how to use:

1. Student rating scales

2. Self-assessments

3. Behavior surveys from teachers and caregivers

This data helps you determine next steps, identify patterns, strengthen communication with stakeholders, and build year-end reports or data walls that demonstrate the impact of your counseling program.

Additional Tips

• Provide clear examples for students

• Prepare materials in advance

• Maintain consistent session structure

• Balance conversation with activities

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

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!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I'm taking you behind the scenes of successful small groups and sharing how to set them up for success. We'll talk about how to engage your students, keep sessions organized, and measure their progress with ease.

Small groups are a key Tier 2 intervention and an important part of a layered approach to student support. In this episode, you'll learn everything you need to know to start and lead small groups with confidence.

How to Set Up Counseling Groups

• Identify students using referrals, previous counseling data, or needs assessments.

• Choose group size (4–6 students is ideal) and keep age and behavioral needs in mind.

• Plan for 6–8 sessions, around 30 minutes each, and consider holidays or school events when scheduling.

• Set up a welcoming group space with privacy for journaling and reflection.

• Send home permission slips and coordinate schedules with teachers.

• Organize your materials: individual folders, crafts, worksheets, sign-in sheets, and a group folder with rules and games.

• Keep a digital spreadsheet or counseling log to track attendance and progress.

How to Lead Engaging Small Groups

• Begin each session with group rules and a feelings check. Focus on what students should do rather than what they shouldn't.

• Incorporate icebreakers like bingo, Jenga, "sides of the room," or Simon Says to build connection and teamwork.

• Introduce your main concept with a mini-lesson, video, or poster.

• Use interactive activities like role play, crafts, flipbooks, sorting games, or discussion cards.

• End with a journal reflection or quick self-assessment to encourage personal growth and track student progress.

By creating structured yet flexible small groups, you can provide meaningful support and help students grow socially and emotionally.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

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!

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

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!

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

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!

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

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!