Counseling Corner: Celebrating Growth & Preparing for a Safe, Successful Summer

It has been an exciting and meaningful school year, and we are so proud of the growth we have seen in our Bobcat students! Throughout the year, students participated in counseling lessons designed to support emotional wellness, positive relationships, responsible decision-making, and academic success. These lessons help students build lifelong skills both inside and outside of school.

Below are some of the important concepts we explored this year, along with simple ways families can continue practicing these skills at home over the summer.

Zones of Regulation & Coping Skills

Students learned to recognize and manage emotions using the Zones of Regulation framework (Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red Zones). Lessons focused on identifying feelings, understanding how emotions affect behavior, and practicing coping skills to regain focus and calm.

Students also practiced calming strategies such as:

• Box Breathing
• Grounding Techniques
• Positive self-talk
• Taking a mindful break

Try this at home:
Ask your child, “What zone are you in right now?” Encourage them to use calming strategies when frustrated, worried, or upset. Practicing coping skills together can help children feel supported and confident.

Bucket Filling, Kindness & Respect

Using the “Bucket Filling” concept, students learned that kind words and actions help fill others’ buckets while hurtful behaviors can “dip” into them. Lessons emphasized kindness, empathy, respect, and using positive language with peers and adults.

Try this at home:
Create a daily “bucket filling” challenge by encouraging family members to give compliments, help others, or show appreciation. At dinner or bedtime, ask: “How did you fill someone’s bucket today?”

Kelso’s Choices & Everyday Decision-Making

Students practiced problem-solving skills through Kelso’s Choices, learning ways to solve “small problems” independently while recognizing when to seek adult help for “big problems” involving safety.

Lessons also encouraged students to think about possible outcomes before making choices.

Try this at home:
When conflicts arise, guide children by asking:

• “Is this a small problem or a big problem?”
• “What are some choices you could make?”
• “What might happen next?”

Helping children think through situations builds independence and responsibility.

Friendship Skills & Social Connections

Students explored what makes a healthy friendship, including kindness, communication, listening, and cooperation. They also practiced:

• Staying calm during disagreements
• Using “I Statements”
• Finding respectful solutions together

Try this at home:
Model and practice “I Statements,” such as:

• “I feel frustrated when…”
• “I would like…”

Role-playing common friendship situations can help children build confidence in handling social challenges.

Gratitude Attitude & Looking for the Good

Students learned how gratitude can improve mood, relationships, and overall mindset. We encouraged students to notice the positive people and experiences around them and focus on the good in everyday life.

Try this at home:
Start a simple gratitude routine by asking:

• “What is one good thing that happened today?”
• “What are you thankful for?”

Even small moments of gratitude can help children develop a positive outlook.

Future Thinking & Goal Setting

Students explored future careers, personal interests, and the importance of goal setting. Lessons focused on building confidence, responsibility, and readiness for future success.

Try this at home:
Encourage your child to set a small summer goal, such as:

• Reading regularly
• Learning a new skill
• Helping with chores
• Staying active

Celebrate effort, progress, and persistence along the way.

Safety at School, Home & Online

Students reviewed important safety skills for school, home, and online environments. Lessons included:

• Following safety rules
• Recognizing trusted adults
• Practicing safe online behavior
• Making safe and respectful choices

Summer Safety Reminders:

• Know where trusted adults are
• Use kind and responsible online behavior
• Wear helmets and safety gear
• Stay aware in public places
• Take breaks from screens and enjoy active play

Anti-Bullying Awareness

Integrated throughout our counseling lessons, students learned the difference between conflict and bullying, the importance of using kind words, and when to report unsafe or ongoing hurtful behavior to an adult.

Try this at home:
Continue conversations about kindness, inclusion, and speaking up when someone needs help. Encourage children to be respectful, supportive, and brave when making safe choices.

Looking Ahead

As summer begins, we encourage students to continue practicing kindness, responsibility, emotional regulation, and safe decision-making. These skills help children feel confident, connected, and prepared for the next school year.

Thank you for your partnership and support throughout the year. We wish all of our Bobcat families a safe, fun, and relaxing summer!

Your GFE School Counselors,
Becky Biggard & Paula Evans