Marie W at Cranium Kids

Growing Friendships: An Innovative Social Skills Lesson

As the school year kicks off, it’s a season of new beginnings. Just like the changing leaves and the promise of fresh growth, this is the time when we all have the chance to sow the seeds of something truly beautiful—friendship. Whether you’re a student moving to he next grade, a teacher creating a nurturing […]

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Pick Up Sticks: An Essential Skill Builder!

As an elementary school counselor, I am always on the lookout for innovative and effective ways to teach social-emotional skills to the students I work with. Amidst the myriad of resources available, I have found that classic table and floor games offer a delightful and engaging approach to developing essential life skills.  One classic game

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How to Twist Your Approach to Social Emotional Learning

Are you an elementary school counselor searching for innovative methods to make social emotional learning (SEL) lessons more engaging and enjoyable for your students?  Do you often find it challenging to encourage active participation in SEL activities?  If you’re seeking a fun and interactive way to foster essential social emotional skills such as teamwork, communication,

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Chutes and Ladders: Learning About Life’s Ups & Downs

Chutes and Ladders is a classic board game that can serve as an excellent springboard for discussing the ups and downs of life with children. The game’s simple mechanics of climbing ladders and sliding down chutes symbolize the highs and lows we all experience in life. Here are some ways school counselors (or other adults) 

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Ned’s Head: An Engaging Game and Powerful Teaching Tool

As an elementary school counselor, I’m always on the lookout for engaging tools to teach social-emotional skills. Enter What’s in Ned’s Head, a whimsical game that has become a favorite game in my counseling sessions. This quirky and delightful game not only captivates young minds but also provides practical ways to illustrate inside-the-head and outside-the-head

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Help Kids See Into the Future: A Tool for ADHD

Does your child frequently show up unprepared for events or activities, resulting in negative consequences?  Do you find yourself feeling frustrated by their inability to plan ahead or make thoughtful decisions? Are your well-intentioned warnings ignored by your child, despite their feelings of regret later?  If these challenges resonate with you, you are not alone.

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Standing Out & Blending In – Lessons from a Sea Dragon

Have you ever seen a sea dragon? When encountering the awe-inspiring beauty and gracefulness of a sea dragon gliding through the water, it’s hard not to be captivated. These majestic creatures possess a remarkable ability to blend into their surroundings, ensuring their safety and survival in the vast ocean. As I stood in wonder, observing

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Exploring the Great Outdoors: 5 Benefits for Children

Recently, I took a leisurely walk with some friends. One friend brought along her preschool-aged children, and watching them explore and interact with nature was a joyous sight. It was a breath of fresh air, both literally and metaphorically. The experience made me reflect on the incredible importance of outdoor adventures for young children, particularly

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A Mental Dress Rehearsal: Planning in Your Mind

As the sun begins to set, you find yourself sitting behind the wheel of your car, ready to embark on a flurry of evening activities. As you navigate the familiar route home, your mind springs into action, engaging in a mental dress rehearsal of the tasks that lie ahead. You mentally choreograph the evening’s agenda—picking

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Structured Screen Time: Disconnecting from Screens & Connecting With Real Life

As the summer season approaches, parents face a familiar challenge: how to encourage their children to step away from screens and engage in meaningful activities. While it may seem that children can pay attention to screens for hours without any apparent issues, it is crucial to recognize the long-term consequences of excessive screen time on

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