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School Counseling Must Haves (12 years in) 2025
25
items I have been working as a school counselor now in my elementary school for 12 years. Here are some new items that my students have absolutely loved and that are tried and true. I'll list books for individual, groups, and classroom lessons, popular fidgets, prize box items, etc. I hope this list can be helpful for my fellow counselors, it's a tough world out there, but our job is ESSENTIAL. You got this, friends!
Sections
5
Books
Fidgets
Office Vibes
Prize Box
Calm
Books
Books are the best way to explain a tough subject or hard to approach topic to kids in my opinion. It is one of the first thing I recommend to grown-ups that reach out to me asking how to talk to their kids about something. The library is your friend...
A great book to use with your little worry warriors!
The Whatifs
I love this book for one of my first classroom lessons where I introduce myself, explain my role, and remind my students that they ALL matter and that we are a school family.
You Matter
Always a crowd pleaser and an important lesson that no one is perfect!
Even Superheroes Make Mistakes
A perfect reminder for littles on personal space and why it is important!
Harrison P. Spader, Personal Space Invader
These workbooks have great little one page reviews of so many topics I already touch on and teach with my classroom lessons and small groups. I like when kids are able to take home a paper so that their grown-ups know what we worked on.
Evan-Moor Social & Emotional Learning PreK-K
Here is the 1st-2nd grade version.
Evan-Moor SEL Activities, Grades 1-2
And the 3rd-4th version.
Evan-Moor SEL Activities Grades 3-4 Worksheets
Fidgets
Literally trust me. I tell the kids that the goal is to get all the noodles onto the maze without hanging off the edge. Works like a charm for any upset kid who needs a break.
Sensory Fidget Toys for Kids & Teens 3+
These are great for the little friends who tend to pick their skin or bite their nails! It gives pressure and a spiky sensation when moving it up and down their finger! I like these for myself too!
Mr. Pen Spiky Sensory Rings, 10 Pack
Hands down the most touched item in my office. Fantastic way for a kid to take a quick break. Refocuses their brain like magic on something else if they are upset!
Romper Room Waterfuls Classic Handheld Game
Office Vibes
This cart went viral last summer. It isn't made for rolling but it is a great little storage cart for behind a desk or to roll into a small space with all of your go to books and lessons!
YEMUNY 5 Tier Rolling Utility Cart with Lockable Casters
My office vibes are a mixture of calm and happy colors, but my students ALWAYS make comments on how they love the way my office looks, so I think the vibes are working!
Blue Boho Calming Corner Classroom Bulletin Board Set
Most of these I use for my hallway, but sticking with the vibes. I try to have strategies anywhere kids might be walking or waiting.
9 Mental Health Posters for Classroom 11x14
These aren't the exact ones I have framed in my office but my students LOVE Inside Out… and so do I! It is literally the best tool and reference point to talk about big feelings!
BigWig Prints Inside Out 2 Poster Set - 9
Prize Box
I love having these in my prize box because they are a nice quiet fidget that students can wear!
UpBrands 48 Fidget Zipper Bracelets 7.5"
A prize box favorite! Plus they double as a small quiet fidget. My students love to collect these.
80pcs Mini Kawaii Mochi Squishy Toys Set
My students are literally obsessed with these stickers! Great for testing days when they’re feeling a little more anxious than usual.
100PCS Emotional Support Animal Stickers - Affirmation Pack
Calm
When students are taking a calm down break with me, we set this visual timer that beeps when their time is up which really helps with their transition back to their classroom.
Secura 60-Min Visual Timer, Classroom, Blue
Sometimes kids just need to hug something. Bonus that this is from Inside Out and weighted! He is also super soft! No brainer!
Inside Out 2 Weighted Plush Embarrassment Toy
My students love these for their chromebooks especially during state testing!
48pcs Sensory Stickers for Anxiety Relief - 2 Textured Fidget Strips with Storage Box
My students love this little guy! He has different settings to guide breathing by his color getting brighter and softer. Plus, he’s squishy!
Breathing Pal 'Kyle' Mindfulness Breathing Light
Instead of the floor, we put these on the walls for a sensory break. Kids can push instead of step and they love how the colors swirl!
Sensory Floor Tiles 6 Pack 12x12 Kids
Another very popular item in my office. I tell the kids it’s my breathing ball. It serves as a great visual for taking big deep breaths!
4E's Novelty Expandable Breathing Ball Sphere
We already have a “mermaid wall” on a bulletin board and have for many years but this is another great option to have a similar sensory spot. I just bought these and plan to mix these in with the liquid tiles for two different options on our walls fo...
BALAPET 6-Pack Reversible Sequin Wall Panels
This Lego tape can adhere on a surface to make a fun and interactive space to build. We have it on the wall in our small group space for a kid that may need a Lego break!
Build Bonanza Self Adhesive Block Tape