Explore Counselor Must-Haves
Counselors have so many questions when they are first starting out.
Below are a few Counselor Must-haves for different areas of need or inspiration.
Some links are affiliated with Amazon.
Recommended Program Reading and Reference
ASCA National Model TM Books
+ The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs. 4th Edition: https://amzn.to/3VxE5Do
+ ASCA National Model Implementation Guide: https://amzn.to/4edQ9kt
+ ASCA National Model Implementation Guide: Student Standards: https://amzn.to/3yWBkCR
+ Data in School Counseling: https://amzn.to/3L0MDg1
Manage the Time and Conversation
Sometimes it’s hard to get students to open up. Especially, if you’re brand new to them. Other times, it’s hard getting them to stop yelling at each other long enough to really here and understand one another. Try these items to help:
+Let’s Talk Cubes TM: https://amzn.to/4c9omja
+ Conversation Cubes TM: https://amzn.to/4eiPJZY
+ Be Kind Cubes TM: https://amzn.to/4cdKk4N
+ Kids Table Topics TM: https://amzn.to/3xlXT3b
+ Teens Table Topics TM: https://amzn.to/3KDYUqu
+ Sand Timers: https://amzn.to/4bVkOBq or simple sand timers: https://amzn.to/3xmKCay
Sensory and Fidget Toys Students Love
+ Kinetic Sand TM: Students of all ages love to play with Kinetic Sand. https://amzn.to/45hGPba
+ Zen Garden Kit TM: Students and Adults will love these sensory and relaxing therapy tools: https://amzn.to/3Xi623l or a simple one with balls: https://amzn.to/3VfFUmZ
+ Buddha Board TM: My students love using the Buddha Board to make water art. It dries and disappears leaving the canvas ready for new creations! https://amzn.to/3RmMOpw
+ Stacking Stones TM: Try these wooden stacking stones to help with fine motor skills and teach perseverance: https://amzn.to/3Va6OwE
+ 3D Maze Cube TM: I purchased two of these to let my kids race against one another. It aides with problem solving and teaching patience: https://amzn.to/3VpMisa
Games Students Will Ask to Play
+ Connect Four TM: I’ve never met a student who didn’t like Connect Four: https://amzn.to/3Vl4p26
+ Uno TM: My student’s ask to play this during lunch all the time. Here’s a two pack: https://amzn.to/3KzGpn0 You might also try Emoji Uno TM: https://amzn.to/3yV3Pkh
+ What do you Meme TM: You may have to check through the cards but my middle school students love this one: https://amzn.to/3KDSA26
+ Jenga TM: Try this type of Jenga that includes Social-Emotional Learning Cards: https://amzn.to/3KCm40w
Other Office Items
Though your district should provide you with the basics like a phone, desk, and hopefully a table and chairs. You can make your office more inviting with these items:
+ Artificial Succulent Plants: Sometimes you need a pop greenery: https://amzn.to/45hkeM2
+ Fairy Lights: For a little sparkle: https://amzn.to/4chdd03
