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In My School Counseling Era- Everything You Need to Calm Down
95
items A curated mix of books, games, sensory tools, and calming activities to help students (and grown-ups) shake off stress and find their calm. Perfect for counselors, teachers, and anyone in their calm down era. 💫
Sections
3
Books
Games
Sensory Items and Calming Tools
Books
A fun story about the power to choose kindness!From saying please to sharing toys, your child will learn how to spread kindness in everyday situations at school and at home!
Join a little SPOT on a journey as he SPOTS kindness and shows children a fu...
A Little Spot of Kindness|Paperback
A fun story about how to be happy and spread happiness!
Join a little SPOT on another journey as he teaches the ways to be HAPPIER and spread HAPPINESS through kindness and gratitude. If you loved "A little SPOT of Kindness!" this is the sequel to co...
A Little SPOT of Happiness|Paperback
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Everyone NEEDS to be loved! But sometimes its hard to figure out how to LOVE someone the way they want to be LOVED. This fun story visualizes LOVE as a fun PINK spot and it guides you through the ways you can express love, from listening to being kin...
A Little SPOT of Love|Paperback
It can be really hard to handle BIG Emotions, especially ANGER!Kids experience frustrating situations everyday, whether it's someone taking their toy or they feel like they can't do something. This story shows them that instead of yelling or stomping...
A Little SPOT of Anger: A Story About Managing BIG Emotions|Paperback
Anxiety comes from feelings of being worried, scared, or anxious. When these feelings are in small amounts that’s okay because they are there to help protect us, but when they get TOO BIG, they become overwhelming and need to be managed. When a child...
A Little SPOT of Anxiety: A Story About Calming Your Worries|Paperback
Confidence plays an important role in a child’s future happiness, health, and success. Confident children are better equipped to deal with peer pressure, challenges and negative emotions. A little SPOT of Confidence is a story that uses an orange spo...
A Little SPOT of Confidence: A Story About Believing In Yourself|Paperback
Sadness happens for many reasons. It can happen when a child misses a loved one, loses a favorite toy or gets hurt. This story shows a child how to visual their sadness as a SADNESS SPOT so that they can control it better. It walks them through sever...
A Little SPOT of Sadness: A Story About Empathy And Compassion|Paperback
When the world feels overwhelming, find your PEACEFUL SPOT with this mindful story! Learn how to identify your emotions and bring them to your CALM, PEACEFUL SPOT. This book is perfect for the classroom or at home too!
A Little Peaceful SPOT: A Story About Mindfulness|Paperback
Joanna Gaines knows a thing or two about creativity and turning a challenge into beautiful art. In her second picture book, an inspirational message of acceptance and celebrating uniqueness is paired with and elevated by Julianna Swaney's harmonious ...
The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be|Hardcover
Celebrate liking yourself! Through alternating points of view, a girl's and a boy's, Jamie Lee Curtis's triumphant text and Laura Cornell's lively artwork show kids that the key to feeling good is liking yourself because you are you.
I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem|Hardcover
Silly, cranky, excited, or sad—everyone has moods that can change each day. And that’s okay! Follow the boisterous, bouncing protagonist as she explores her moods and how they change from day to day.
Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day|Hardcover
Learning not to hit? Having to wait your turn? Sitting still? It's hard to be five!
But Jamie Lee Curtis's encouraging text and Laura Cornell's playful illustrations make the struggles of self-control a little bit easier and a lot more fun. Kids wil...
It's Hard to Be Five: Learning How to Work My Control Panel|Hardcover
Written with Jamie Lee Curtis's humor and heart and illustrated with Laura Cornell's worldly wit, Is There Really a Human Race? Is all about relishing the journey and making good choices along the way—because how we live and how we love is how we lea...
Is There Really a Human Race?|Hardcover
I can’t even begin to explain how beautiful the illustrations in this book are. Dreamers is a celebration of making your home with the things you always carry: your resilience, your dreams, your hopes and history. It's the story of finding your way i...
Dreamers|Hardcover
This is a great book to teach children to accept themselves and others. It serves as a reminder that differences are what make us unique and wonderful!
Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger: Kids Book
We all Belong' is a beautifully written and illustrated children's picture book that recognizes and celebrates the diversity in a caring group of children. A wonderfully flowing, rhyming poem about respect... whatever our culture, whatever the color ...
We All Belong: Children's Book on Diversity
There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow...
The Day You Begin
This is a great book for kids who are working on communication skills! It promotes the important of kindness and change.
Cindayella and the Fairy Wordmother
I love the way this book shares the message that there is always room for everyone. It encourages inclusion and teaches children to be compassionate towards others.
The Big Umbrella
The Name Jar is an excellent book for a school counseling office because it explores themes of identity, respect, and cultural acceptance. It tells the story of a young girl who feels unsure about sharing her Korean name in a new school, highlighting...
The Name Jar
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story is a powerful book for a school counseling office because it celebrates culture, family, and identity while also addressing complex history in an age-appropriate way. Through the lens of food, it connects emo...
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
In My Family / En mi familia (Family Pictures) by Carmen Lomas Garza is a wonderful book for a school counseling office because it celebrates family, cultural traditions, and everyday life through rich, personal stories and vibrant illustrations—all ...
In My Family/En mi familia (Family Pictures)
Alma and How She Got Her Name is a beautiful and meaningful book for a school counseling office because it explores identity, family heritage, and self-discovery through the story of a young girl learning the significance behind her long name.
Alma and How She Got Her Name - Kids 3-8
Where Are You From? is a powerful and thoughtful book for a school counseling office because it addresses themes of identity, belonging, and cultural pride through the eyes of a young girl navigating questions about her background.
Where Are You From?
What Makes a Family? is a wonderful book that celebrates the diversity and love found in all kinds of families, helping children understand that family is defined by care and connection rather than just biology.
What Makes A Family?
The Invisible String is a comforting and powerful book for a school counseling office because it helps children understand and cope with feelings of separation, loss, and connection through the metaphor of an invisible string that ties people togethe...
The Invisible String
The book showcases many different types of families, including single parents, blended families, same-sex parents, and extended families, helping children see that all families are valid. It highlights that families are built on love, care, and conne...
All Kinds of Families
Bully Beans is a great book for a school counseling office because it addresses bullying in a straightforward yet approachable way, helping children understand how to recognize, cope with, and respond to bullying behavior.
Bully B.E.A.N.S.: Picture Book to Stop Bullying
The Juice Box Bully is an excellent book for a school counseling office because it teaches important lessons about kindness, respect, and standing up against bullying in a way that’s easy for children to understand.
The Juice Box Bully: Empower Kids to Stand Up
I Have Ants in My Pants is a fun and relatable book for a school counseling office because it addresses the challenge of managing restless energy and staying focused—something many kids experience. It tells kids it's ok to have lots of energy while e...
I Have Ants in My Pants: Picture Book on Self-Control
All My Stripes is a powerful and uplifting book for a school counseling office because it celebrates individuality and helps children—especially those with challenges like learning differences or ADHD—see their strengths alongside their struggles. It...
All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism
Decibella and Her 6-Inch Voice is a fantastic book for a school counseling office because it empowers children to find their voice, speak up for themselves, and embrace their individuality, especially when faced with challenges or criticism.
Decibella and Her 6-Inch Voice, 2nd Ed
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine helps children understand and manage anxiety and worry in a relatable, gentle way.
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine: Managing Anxiety
I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No is a helpful book for a school counseling office because it gently explores children’s feelings about hearing “no” and teaches healthy ways to handle disappointment and frustration.
I Just Don't Like the Sound of NO: Kids 5-8
My Mouth Is a Volcano is a fantastic book for a school counseling office because it helps children understand the importance of managing their impulses, especially when it comes to interrupting or speaking out of turn.
My Mouth Is A Volcano: Picture Book
This book it uses a fun and relatable metaphor to help kids understand and manage feelings of frustration and anger. It encourages kids to find healthy ways to cope without bursting!
Soda Pop Head: Taming Tempers Picture Book
This is a book helps children understand the challenges of flexibility and following rules while honoring their need for independence. It teaches why rules and routines are important for safety and fairness, and teaches ways to cope when they don't g...
I Just Want to Do It My Way! (Best Me)
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes is a wonderful book because it gently explores perfectionism, fear of failure, and the importance of embracing mistakes as part of learning and growth.
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes: Growth Mindset Book
Bad Case of Tattle Tongue is a helpful book that addresses the common challenge of tattling and teaches children the difference between helpful communication and unnecessary reporting.
A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue: Picture Book
This book explores the importance of fairness, rules, and understanding consequences in a relatable way for kids. It helps children understand why rules exist and encourages kids to take responsibility for their actions.
That Rule Doesn't Apply to Me
Bubble Gum Brain is a fun and inspiring book that introduces the concept of growth mindset in a way that’s easy for kids to understand and embrace. It encourages kids to believe that their abilities can grow and change while highlighting that mistake...
Bubble Gum Brain: Picture Book on Growth Mindset
This book helps children understand the importance of making thoughtful choices and taking responsibility for their actions. It encourages kids to pause and think before acting, especially in challenging situations.
What Were You Thinking: Kids 6-9 Impulse Control
This is a helpful and engaging book for a school counseling office because it teaches children how to manage negative attitudes and shift their mindset toward optimism and resilience. It teaches kids how to recognize when they are stuck in a negative...
Baditude: What to Do When Life Stinks
This is a fantastic book that supports children who struggle with organization, focus, and executive functioning skills. It helps them understand why it's important to keep their space organized, and shows how even just small changes can make a big d...
I Can't Find My Whatchamacallit: Picture Book
This book addresses the topic of stealing in a child-friendly, relatable way, while promoting honesty, accountability, and making better choices. It emphasizes telling the truth, and helps children see how actions like stealing hurt others.
Ricky Sticky Fingers: Picture Book on Stealing
I absolutely love to use this book when introducing myself as the school counselor to younger students! It does a wonderful job of displaying various emotions and the importance of having someone to listen.
The Rabbit Listened
This book is a fun and engaging way to teach empathy, responsibility, and positive behavior. It's a must have for an elemtnary counseling office!
The Trouble with Children (According to Dog)
This is a kid-friendly resource that helps children understand anxiety and learn simple coping strategies—perfect for an elementary school counseling office
A Feel Better Book for Little Worriers
This book uses a fun rhyming pattern to help children overcome the fear of storms, but can also be used to discuss fear of other loud noises.
When The Sky Roars
Think Big inspires kids to build confidence, set goals, and believe in themselves—an encouraging addition to an elementary school counseling office
Think Big (The Live Big Series)
Dozer Day Paves the Way teaches kids about teamwork, perseverance, and problem-solving. What I love even more is that it is written by a teacher herself! This book a must have for the school counseling office.
Dozer Day Paves the Way
Roaring Mad Riley helps children recognize, express, and manage strong emotions like anger and frustration, making it a fun and playful tool.
Roaring Mad Riley: Anger Management Story
Find Your Calm guides children through strategies to manage stress and anxiety, teaching mindfulness and relaxation skills in a kid-friendly, engaging way—perfect for an elementary school counseling office
Find Your Calm: Mindful Anxiety Relief
This book is a valuable resource for school counselors to teach boundaries, friendship skills, and self-respect. It helps students recognize unhealthy behaviors, build confidence, and practice assertive communication, making it ideal for individual c...
The Not-So-Friendly Friend: Set Boundaries
This workbook is an excellent counseling tool to build resilience, confidence, and positive thinking. The activities help students develop problem-solving skills, perseverance, and self-motivation, making it perfect for individual sessions, small gro...
Growth Mindset Workbook for Kids
Games
These magnetic cubes are the number one requested item in my office! Even the adults can’t get enough of them! People really seem to enjoy building with these while they talk.
Annexfun 150PCS Magnetic Blocks - Magnetic Building Blocks, Magnet Cubes Toys Stacking, Build Forest World Set, STEM Montessori Sensory Toys for Kids Boys Girls Ages 3-5 6-8 Easter Birthday Gifts - Walmart.com
Everybody loves Uno, and there are so many ways to connect it to Zones of Regulation and other SEL topics. It’s a must have!
UNO Card Game
Mancala is a great game to play while children talk and encourages counting and hand-eye coordination.
Mancala
Not only do kids love Guess Who, but this new version has more diverse pictures that are great for conversations about differences.
Guess Who 2.0 Game
Sorry is a great game to play with kids who are working on emotional regulation. The rules of this game can cause even adults to get frustrated, which makes it perfect to practice those calming strategies!
Classic Sorry! Board Game
This game is a great, non-competitive activity that encourages conversation. Some of the levels are basic, and some are more personal. It can be played in a group, or the cards can just be used as ice breakers. I highly recommend this one!
The Ungame - Non-competitive Communication Game
This is an absolute MUST have in the counseling office. It’s similar to UNO while letting kids talk an into big feelings. Don’t skip this one!
Mad Dragon: An Anger Control Card Game
Standard Jenga is great, but I highly recommend getting a version with different colored blocks. There are so many ways to incorporate SEL activities by assigning each color a category. The possibilities are endless!
Wooden Blocks Stacking Game
Thumballs are so cool! They are available with questions on various topics, and are perfect for ice breakers and group activities.
Stop the Drama Thumball - 4 inch
This is another variation of the magnetic cubes! It doesn't matter if you already have a set, you definitely need more! These will be the most requested item in your office, I promise!
idoot 100PCS Magnetic Blocks Farm Animals
This is a fun spin on the classic Connect 4 game that helps children identify and name different emotions. It's a great way to encourage kids to talk about how they feel during play.
SEL Feelings Connect Game
Game Spot the Difference Dominoes – Feelings Edition is a fun and educational tool that helps children learn to recognize and interpret emotions through visual cues and interactive play. It gives children a safe opportunity to work on recognizing fac...
Game Spot The Difference Dominoes Feelings
Operation is a classic and engaging game that can be a surprisingly useful tool in a school counseling office, offering both fun and therapeutic benefits for children. It encourages kids to slow down and focus while supporting hand-eye coordination. ...
Operation Electronic Board Game
Ker Plunk is a fun and interactive game that can be a valuable addition to a school counseling office because it encourages social-emotional skill development through hands-on play. It helps kids practice problem solving skills, patience, and turn-ta...
KerPlunk
Pictionary is a great game to use with small groups! It promotes teamwork and collaboration, and helps kids build confidence in small, safe setting.
Pictionary Family Board
Twister is a great way to promote social interaction and teach about spatial awareness! It encourages kids to work together in a small, shared space while also forcing them to practice their listening skills!
Twister Party Classic Board
This kit teaches children teamwork, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and peer support through structured, age-appropriate activities. Organized by age group, each section provides clear instructions, engaging illustrations, and step-by-step gui...
Team Supercrew SOS Kit
These cards are an excellent tool for building social-emotional skills, encouraging self-awareness, and supporting student's mental health. Thesy spark meaningful discussions about feelings, empathy, coping skills, and conflict resolution, making the...
A Little SPOT Conversation Cards
The You Know Social Skills Game helps teach communication, friendship, empathy, and problem-solving in a fun and engaging way. Perfect for social-emotional learning, it encourages students to practice conversation skills, build confidence, and develo...
You Know Social Skills Games
This is a fun, interactive way for school counselors to teach emotional regulation, self-awareness, and coping skills. Students practice identifying feelings, improving impulse control, and building empathy through active play.
Swat Social Emotional Learning Game
This game helps teach emotional regulation, coping strategies, and self-control. Through playful competition, students practice managing frustration, identifying feelings, and building resilience.
Don't Go Bananas Social Skills Games for Kids
Sensory Items and Calming Tools
I can’t keep enough of these in my office! Kids absolutely love Rubik’s cubes and I’m always surprised at how great they are at figuring them out! They make great fidget tools and encourage persistence and problems solving skills.
Rubik's 3x3 Cube
Nutty Toys Pop Tubes are such a great sensory tool for children to use during conversation. They make a fun noise and are great for fine motor development!
Nutty Toys Pop Tubes
These visual timers are always a hit! I have to stock up on them at the beginning of each year because teachers love to use them too!
Liquid Motion Bubbler Fidget Toy
These boards are SO much fun! Kids love to use them and they can be a great tool to help refocus and regulate when they are upset. This is definitely a fun must have item for the office!
Sequin Sensory Wall Panel
I love to have these on hand for students who need a quiet sensory tool for class. They can provide comfort without creating any distractions.
30 Pack Kawaii Squishy Toys for Kids
These are one of the most used items in my office. Even the adults love to play with these cubes. The texture make them so satisfying to squeeze!
Stress Cube 4 Pack
These tiles promote creativity, hands-on engagement, and collaborative play. They help students express emotions and ideas through building and imaginative play, which can be especially helpful during therapeutic conversations. Magnet tiles also enco...
Magnetic Tiles STEM Blocks
This is such a great sand kit! The storage box keeps it contained and helps reduce the mess. Its a calming activity that encourages mindfulness and focus.
Sensory Bin with Glow Stones
This item is always a hit. It provides a calming, sensory experience that helps students relax and self-regulate. Raking patterns or shaping the sand can reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier for students to express thoughts and feelings. It al...
Mini Zen Garden
This weighted blanket is great for calming and sequin side adds another layer of sensory management. Children can create shapes and images in the sequins, encouraging focus and use of fine motor skills.
Weighted Sequin Lap Pad
These bands are great for kids who need to be able to move while sitting. They easily stretch around the legs of a char or desk, allowing for quiet movement in the classroom.
Chair Bands
These cushions can be used for so many things! They can be place on chairs and used as wiggle seats, or used for sensory games. The material is thick and durable, making them strong enough to withstand energetic kids!
Inflated Wobble Cushion
A lava lamp can be a great addition to a school counseling office! It's gentle, flowing motion and soft lighting create a calming visual focus. This can help students relax, reduce anxiety, and feel more comfortable during conversations.
The Original Lava® Lamp - 14.5" Aurora Borealis
I love these sensory strips! My students love to pick out their favorite design and they offer a quiet way to fidget in the classroom.
Anxiety Sensory Stickers
These sensory tiles are tough and can withstands the roughest of play! Kids love the fun designs and shapes the lava liquid makes, and they can be used for so many different games and activities.
Sensory Floor Tiles
These are another great fidget option for older students. They offer a quiet way to meet sensory needs and are helpful for students with anxiety.
Fidget Toys Sensory Rings for Kids
These kitties are a total hit in my office and great as a comforting tool to support student with emotional regulation. These soft plushies help reduce anxiety, and provide sensory support.
Emotional Support Kitties
These are a silly yet comforting tool for school counselors to support students’ emotional well-being. These soft plushies help reduce anxiety, teach emotional regulation, and provide a safe, soothing presence.
Emotional Support Chickies
This realistic, lifelike companion supports emotional well-being and social-emotional learning. School counselors can use this to help students reduce anxiety, and practice nurturing skills.
Golden Retriever Interactive Companion