Combine a history lesson of the Olympic torch with the social skill of "rewarding yourself" for students in grades 5 through 10. The purpose of this activity is that students will learn to adopt and practice a new good habit that displays grit,...

One way to avoid Zest Zappers is to be proactive instead of reactive. Being proactive leads to positive emotions while being reactive can generate negative emotions. In this activity, students will recognize the moods of others and use self-monitoring...

Secondary students have one thing in common... DRAMA is part of their everyday lives! Taken from the book Take Two: Skill-Building Skits You Have Time to Do!, written by educator Cindi Dodd, this short and straightforward skit will keep your...

Winner of the Counselor's Choice Award! I Lost My BFF is the third title in Jennifer Licate's Navigating Friendships book series - a quick read chapter book for students in grades 4 through 7 that focuses on the evolution of friendships that happen over...

Winner of the Counselor's Choice Award! Am I Weird? is the second title in Jennifer Licate's Navigating Friendships book series - a quick read chapter book for students in grades 4 through 7 which focuses on helping students learn and accept that not...

Winner of the Counselor's Choice Award! He's Not Just Teasing! is the first title in Jennifer Licate's Navigating Friendships book series – a quick read chapter book for students in grades 4 through 7 that examines the differences...

Winner of the Counselor's Choice Award! The students at Chicorée Elementary are back and this time Emelia is feeling stressed. She has some big tests and is nervous about having time to finish. So imagine her reaction when Sammy gets an extra few...

It has the silliest name ever - Unicorn YAK! This super-sweet slushy is made with cotton candy, topped with sprinkles, and is the most awesome treat Cora June has ever tasted! She can't wait to have another one... and that's the problem. When Mom...

It's natural for young children to get excited and then behave in ways that might seem rude. Teaching children how to look at situations from the point of view of others, or to have empathy, is one way to help kids better understand how their behaviors...

2021 IndieReader Book Cover Contest Winner!!  Mr. Smith is the green thumb of the neighborhood, and his colorful garden and perfectly manicured lawn are his pride and joy. So, when he eyes the neighborhood kids traipsing through his yard and...

Rhymes, lyrics, mnemonic devices and graphic illustrations made this series a Mom’s Choice Awards Gold winner! Each story is written in an attention-grabbing, comic-book style that tackles an issue that touches every child—bullying, negative...

From standing up to a bully to speaking up when you're struggling in school to sharing concerns with a partner when you're an adult to advocating for what you need or want in a job, self-advocacy has many benefits. But it takes practice! Award-winning...

Being able to speak up for yourself is a life skill. Teaching children the value of self-advocacy can help in many ways. Remind students of the steps to controlling their impulses from Bryan Smith's Speak Up For Yourself storybook, by displaying this...

It seems every day we face more and more responsibilities. Some people are naturally resilient and able to manage the resulting stress easily, while others are not. For most, stress-management is something that needs to be taught. Reinforce the message...

Meet five-year-old Maureen, the youngest of three girls. Life at home is always very noisy and busy, leading Maureen to think that no one listens to her! The TV is on, the phone is ringing, the dog is barking and everyone is talking all at the same time!...

Amelia has never been one to be timid. She's confident enough to stand up for others and let people know what she thinks. So why is she having a hard time advocating for herself? When a new seating arrangement lands Amelia next to Billy, who spends all...