Showing posts with label superpower. Show all posts
Thursday, October 20, 2016
The Map
This morning as we were sitting on the window sill before school, one of my new students surprises me with this affirmation:
Mrs. Gruener, you're like my map.
I'd never really thought about being a map before,
so I asked him what he meant.
He said he'd follow me anywhere.
He said that I can help him get where he's going.
He said he doesn't feel so lost when he's with me.
And I almost started crying.
October is kind of crazy for a counselor and this week has been really challenging. I've been assigned a few new jobs and I've been learning some new things, many out of my comfort zone, and all way outside of my skill set. And I'm trying to do some extra stuff, like write a grant for a new program that we want to try. So I've been seriously considering retirement, thinking someone younger could do a better job than I feel like I'm doing. Even my principal has noticed that I've been a little stressed.
And then this Bucket Filler reminds me why I love doing what I do.
I get to be his map even though I'm sometimes as lost as he is.
Maybe more lost.
But blessed beyond measure.
Our high school PALs also serve as a map; check out these new capes
on our super PALs Wall of Fame.
Their superpowers include
empathy,
compassion,
and kindness.
Isn't their artwork strikingly engaging?
They took their tour of our campus this week and they start their visits with their PALees on Monday. We can't wait.
Grandparents can serve as a map, too.
As can mentors.
And teachers.
Coaches.
Parents.
And friends.
Who's your map?
Monday, February 22, 2016
The Kindness Crusader
From time to time, a counseling colleague will reach out in collaboration, sometimes with an inquiry or a request for help, other times with a "Hey, I adapted your idea and this is what happened." Today's post is the result of a combination of the two. After I spoke at TCA in Dallas, Kelly Locke from Wilkinson Elementary in Conroe sent this note:
I didn't have exactly what she was looking for, but we tossed ideas back and forth; once her script was complete, she kindly agreed to share what she wrote.
 |
| Aren't these two AdOrAbLe? |
The Kindness Crusader by Kelly Locke
Good morning! Today is the last day of National Random Acts of Kindness week, and the day that you will finally find out why I needed so many toilet paper rolls! Today�s theme is �Let Kindness Be Your Super Power� so in class you will be making kindness superhero cuffs. Create your own kindness superhero design. Plus, as a treat I have asked the Kindness Crusader (a local superhero) to answer some important questions for us.
Kelly � Kindness Crusader, thank you so much for being here today. Our students would really like to know what super powers you have and why they are so special.
K.C. � I have magnetic powers. When I want something, it is automatically drawn to me.
Kelly � Wow; that is awesome. So, that power is sort of like kindness, right?
K.C. � I�m not following you.
Kelly � Well, when you are kind to others, more people want to be around you. It is as if they are drawn to you.
K.C. � I�ve never thought of it that way, but yeah I guess it is.
Kelly � What is another super power you have?
K.C. � I have the courage to stand up for others when someone is being unkind to them, but I�m not sure that is a super power because anyone can do that.
Kelly � Really? It is that easy? How could our students stand up for others and help them when they are in trouble?
K.C. � Oh yeah, it is super easy. All your students have to do is stand up for what is right. If you see someone being rude to another student you can say �At Wilkinson we are always nice to each other.� Or �Wilkinson Lions care about each other and don�t say mean things to one another." Then offer to walk with the student who had the mean things said about them.
Kelly � I noticed that you didn�t say anything mean back to the person who was rude first. Don�t you want to get them back for what they said?
K.C. � Getting someone back can be tempting at times, but that is spreading unkind words, not being a kindness superhero.
Kelly � Oh ok. Kindness superheroes do the right thing even when it is tough. Ok, so I think we have time for one more super power.
K.C. � I have special vision that helps me see people from a really far distance that might need my help. I�m always on the lookout for the opportunity to swoop in and help others.
Kelly � I don�t know if any of our students have special vision, but are there ways they can look for others to help?
K.C. � Oh sure!! It is really very easy. All your students have to do is open their eyes to the world around them and see how they can help. For example � if someone is walking down the hall with a huge load of books they can hold a door for them or help them carry them. If they notice someone sitting alone or not having a friend to play with at recess they can go over and be their friend. There are lots of ways to be kind to others. You just have to open your eyes and see what is happening around you.
Kelly � Kindness Crusader, thank you so much for joining us today. I know that we have a lot of great students who could be kindness superheroes just like you.
K.C. � It was my pleasure to be here. And remember students � being kind sometimes takes courage, but the more you practice it the easier it becomes. Sometimes you just have to wake up, look in the mirror, and say��I�m going to be a kindness superhero today!� Have a great day!
I'll bet those kindness cuffs turned out cute. Thank you, Kelly, for sharing your engaging work with us. Your students are undoubtedly blessed by your creativity, passion, enthusiasm and love. Cape up and crusade on!
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Caped In Kindness
Today I'm excited because of the kindness of a stranger. A stranger, as in someone I've never met in real life. But the beauty of the Internet, with all of its cautions and concerns, is the global connections we're able to make in cyberspace.
And this happened, because of one of those connections.
If you follow my book's Facebook page, you may remember that Steph Kozuch, a school counselor in Indiana, sent me a picture of the little superhero silhouette on the right, back in June. I posted it because I stood in awe of its adorableness {and the fact that she was preparing in June for the upcoming school year}. We reconnected on Twitter in early October when I complimented her on a picture I'd seen of her classroom decor, which now included the super sweet little girl on the left. I told her I'd asked a volunteer to make these for me but that I was still waiting ...
and then this:
#share ~ don't you love that?
It seriously never crossed my mind that she would make them for me.
And when I sent her my address, this:
Then, when they arrived, in a poster mailing tube, all rolled up so that they wouldn't crease, I felt the warmth of a stranger friend cloaked in kindness. A stranger friend with a big, beautiful smile on her tiny Twitter avatar, and an even bigger heart of gold.
Before I put them up, I traced them and sent a pair to PA. And then another pair to OK. So Steph, your super gesture is rippling out. Thank you for being a superhero of the character kind!
Finding a home for these little cherubs was a wonderful way to kick off Character Counts! Week 2015. Then our celebration continued when I met with this year's Peer Assistance and Leadership students (PALs) from Friendswood High School and collected their cape masterpieces for our
SUPERHEROES-in-training Wall of Fame.
Teenagers and their colorful character capes.
Each one more eye-catchingly brilliant than the next.
Each one bearing their heartbeat, happiness and hope.
Each one a caped in kindness.
Each one the story of a mentor eager to positively influence our future.
I wish you could see them all in person.
The capes. {And the mentors!}
If you're ever in the area, come on by for a gallery walk.
These are hanging just outside of Leadership Central.
The PALs visited our campus today, for their tour, and their enthusiasm was palpable. They'll start next week in our character building and I can't wait to
watch them soar.
The future looks bright with these superheroes leading the way.
Cape up and crusade on!
Friday, September 25, 2015
Daring To Be Brave
Hello dear reader, and happy Friday.
Today I'm excited to introduce you to a fun new book
that just might help your child understand and conquer a fear or two,
but not before I tell you about my trip to NASA yesterday.
John's supervisor invited me to talk with a few leadership giants
about Fixed and Growth Mindset, so I went to share Carol Dweck's work with a Star Wars spin that I adapted from {here}.
I have it on good authority that they really connected with the Mindset song
I wrote for them and played on the Ukulele.
You are my Padawans, my Mindset Padawans ...
Anyway, so many fun presenting opportunities presenting themselves.
And now, today's book review:
Title: Daredevil Duck
Author & Illustrator: Charlie Alder
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Date: May 12, 2105
Suitable for ages: 3 and up
Fiction
Theme: courage, friendship, fear
Brief synopsis: Daredevil Duck only dreams of being brave. Will he be able to muster up some courage when mole's yellow balloon gets stuck in a tree and he needs Duck's help?
Opening page:
Compare and contrast this Duck tale with another book
Why I like this book: If you've already watched the little clip, you've seen the flip-flap feature that instantly endeared me to this treasure. I love lift-the-flap books, but it's rare to find them beyond the Board Book stage.
Daredevil Duck totally wants courage to be his superpower. He wants do brave stuff, to be a superhero, but time and time again, his fear gets in the way, and he's scared silly. This is super common in younger children, so I predict they'll connect with this beautifully-illustrated Duck tale that has sent my heart soaring.
As an enrichment idea, encourage students to create their own Fear-This Flip-Flap book listing or drawing out things that scare them. Under the flap, they can show ways in which they imagine processing through to conquer that fear. Give them a yellow balloon as a tangible reminder about Duck and his adventure.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Because Kids Deserve It
I've never been a huge fan of the word deserve and the entitlement that it can easily conjure up in my mind, but when I see it as #kidsdeserveit,
my thinking totally starts to change.
Kids deserve creativity, so yesterday I wrote this song on my morning walk
and then I learned to play it on my ukulele ...
and then I learned to play it on my ukulele ...
all of that before stumbling on this post about creativity that asks
Coincidental? I think not.
It got me to thinking about what exactly my students deserve from me.
So I made a list.
So I made a list.
They deserve someone who thrives on connecting.
And giving them a safe place to learn and grow.
And helping them make strong character choices.
And showing empathy, compassion and kindness.
And coaching them to be a trustworthy friend.
And sparking their passion and energy.
And cultivating a growth mindset together.
And taking chances.
And messing up. And being okay with it.
And apologizing. And breathing in grace.
And forgiving. Over and over again.
And affirming one another, so that they know they matter.
And expressing gratitude.
And modeling how to be a servant leader,
who makes the world better.
Because kids deserve all of that ... and more.
They deserve my best.
Every. Day.
Every. Day.
When I met with them today, we played a little game.
Because kids love games.
I covered up the skills that as a counselor I can help with ...
and the students predicted what each icon represented.
It was serious fun ... and they were rockin' it!
We walked around our new space and I told them a bit about
our Sensory Room.
Kids love stuff that taps into their senses.
We even used our stage to role-play introductions with our new friends. They were so engaged that their thirty-minute block of time just flew by.
Because kids love acting. Or watching.
Because kids love acting. Or watching.
One of my third graders asked if they could come back every day.
Best affirmation ever.
Best affirmation ever.
We wrapped up the visit with a snippet from Jon Gordon's
The Energy Bus for kids.
The Energy Bus for kids.
So this school year, I pledge to be joyfully in the moment,
to work on loving what is,
and to give my best effort in all I do.
Because kids deserve it.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Hero Headquarters
Today I'm excited because my new space is ready for the big reveal after
putting the finishing touches on Leadership Central this morning.
putting the finishing touches on Leadership Central this morning.
Welcome to our Hero Headquarters;
here's an updated shot of what the entrance to our room looks like.
here's an updated shot of what the entrance to our room looks like.
This poster hangs in the entrance to the left of this spot.
Immediately right, you'll find the Collaboration Center.
Can't you just see an eight-year-old with a dry-erase marker
in his or her hand, collaborating and creating with peers
as they gather together to brainstorm on the peace rug?
Here's how the Cabinet looks when closed,
along with a peek at the entrance from the other direction.
Notice the classroom mantra that my friend Lisa from Growing Firsties customized for us. Super sweet! Click {here} to download a copy of the original. My work station is immediately left of this.
I found this cool Mario Power-Up Cube that I'm going to have sitting on my desk with a set of my character cards.
To the right on the back wall, we've got two bulletin boards, one behind the Counselor Cafe table and the other behind the Make 'n Take Center.
In the corner, a Reflection Center with our basket of puppets atop the stool. I'll post questions on this mirror and provide Joy Journals for students' thoughts.
The staging area for the Role Play Center sits in front of my storage rooms and our Peace Room (door # 3), which is set up for de-escalating and calming down.
Our Be the kind of LEADER you would follow mural is to the left.
So that's it. Our Hero Headquarters, inside Leadership Central,
with decorating help from Lindsay Fuller's ideas {here}.
Can't wait to welcome my superheroes back.
Here's a song that I can totally hear us singing;
super job, Ms. Faven and East Fayette Elementary!
Can't wait to welcome my superheroes back.
Here's a song that I can totally hear us singing;
super job, Ms. Faven and East Fayette Elementary!
We'll keep the door opened and the music on,
so fly on in if you're ever in the Friendswood area.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Building Unity
Tonight I am at once energized and exhausted after my three-day Character Development Seminar as a Character Counts! National Trainer. Woot Woot! It was an intimate group of five school counselors and one Principal. Six superheroes strong, perfect for my first solo flight.
Together we danced and drew,
laughed and learned,
played and planned,
studied and strategized,
chatted and collaborated.
After three intense days of pillar infusion, it was really hard
to let my first group go,
to say so long to them,
to launch them into greatness,
but I did it with elevated enthusiasm and great confidence,
because they're ready to change the world,
one heartbeat at a time.
I am super proud of my little graduates.
I'm also excited because Curtis Elementary school counselor Lindsay Fuller wrote a guest post about how she used What's Under Your Cape? this last school year to help her fourth-grade leaders soar. Her post is filled with pictures of her Hero Headquarters and ideas for integrating a superhero theme.
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| Click the graphic to read all about it! |
Finally, I wrote a guest post about Westwood and Bales for character.org {here}. Earlier this week, it was announced that former Westwood teacher Kristin Moffitt will becoming back home, this time as the Principal at Westwood now that the two campuses are being restored as sister schools.
The Lorax Clip courtesy of Wing Clips
Time to get growing.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
For Good
I know, I know, I'm supposed to be on summer break,
but I couldn't get this empty bulletin board off my mind
so I went up to my new space and decorated.
And now that the grief of that hard good-bye has subsided,
I am so super excited about my new opportunity.
I'm planning a lot of really fun stations, in Leadership Central.
This bulletin board area will be one of them.
Here's the inquiry: How can we use our superpowers to change the world ... for good? I've listed a few things that we can do, with intention, to spark that change.
Listen.
Show empathy.
Lift each other up.
Apologize.
Forgive.
Be Kind.
Respect.
Volunteer.
Talk it over.
Tell the truth.
Show gratitude.
We're going to talk about what they would add.
And I'm going to have blank bubbles for them to do just that.
There'll also be a brainstorming center,
a make-and-take center,
a role-play center,
a reflection center.
I'm especially excited about the latter because I've got a three-sided dressing-room mirror that we'll have questions posted on and reflection journals to scribe their answers. I'm positively intrigued by the possibilities ...
So today I'm feeling grateful,
for the chance to nurture the skills of our middle-aged leaders as they soar to new heights and lead, on purpose, to change the world
... for good.
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