Connections
Let’s get connected!
Calling all counsellors from across the province! We want to know what what resources you are using that really work for you!
Please e-mail our webmaster directly and use MSCA Connections in your subject line. Be sure to include a brief bio to let us know who you are, and a resource list of your most-valued books, periodicals and other resources. We will keep submissions posted for a season to allow counsellors a chance to access the information.
It will be wonderful to hear a diverse range of Manitoba voices: from Emerson to Churchill, and from Island Lake to Flin Flon. We are stronger when we are connected!
My name is Darci Adam. I am an elementary school counsellor at Ralph Maybank School and Bonnycastle School in Winnipeg. I am also a certified art therapist with a background in drama. I am most excited about the use of the creative arts in my work with children. I highly recommend additional training in play and creative arts modalities for counsellors working with children and youth. An experiential focus during a counselling session frees the mind to voice what is really going on. Here are some resources I use on a daily basis:
- Creative Interventions for Children and Youth, by Liana Lowenstein Some of my students’ favorite counselling activities come from this wonderful resource.
- Feeling Great: Teaching Children to Excel at Living, by Terry Orlick An essential resource for teaching children relaxation skills.
- A Volcano in my Tummy by Eilane Whitehouse and Warwick Pudney An excellent resource for teaching children to notice and manage angry feelings.
- Friends for Life Workbook by Dr. Paula Barrett A must have for teaching children to manage their own feelings and use positive self-talk for building confidence. Program includes instruction around feelings, relaxation, and confidence building through self-talk, creating problem solving plans, and rewarding oneself to reinforce positive change. Grade 4-6 approx. Teacher’s guide available. Appropriate for in-class or small group instruction.
- Kelso’s Choices by Barbara O’neill: Uses a frog puppet from “Willow Pond” to teach 9 problem solving strategies for small problems I have developed a larger cast of pond friends which accompany Kelso to classes to teach problem solving. Children love the puppets, each of whom has a specific personality. They always gravitate to the puppets when they come for individual counseling sessions or recess groups.
- Teaching Friendship Skills: Affective Social Skills Instructional Techniques and Strategies Primary and Intermediate versions These are great resources for classroom teachers and counsellors conducting sessions on friendship. They are part of a series which includes books on anger and self-esteem. All are excellent and user-friendly with activities and black line masters to go along.
- Helping Children with Feelings a series by Margot Sunderland Available through Source Resource. This series includes clever children’s stories which address various problems children may experience including anger, anxiety, and feeling shut down emotionally. A guide specific to each title can be purchased separately. I have used them with children grades 1-5.
