primary counseling, primary colors, Delhi- 2016-2017
new adventures in offices, Doha- 2014-2016
I'm at a new school this year, and it also happens to be overseas. Being an international school counselor is a new and exciting role for me, combining many years of a myriad different experiences into one fantastic job! I haven't had a way to transfer photos from my iPad mini, so photos of the gorgeous campus will have to wait (or you can see videos on the school's website)! I did, however, manage to get a few shots of my office using PhotoBooth. The app took mirror images of the room, so it will be disconcerting to anyone who has seen the actual space! Anyway, I am thrilled to have another spacious office that will allows me to fulfill many of the hats I am asked to wear.
The room is a long rectangle, with the door at one end. There are no windows- for privacy, I assume- but the previous counselor had the foresight to paint the walls a soft yellow. I am thrilled with the two couches and the shelves filled with excellent reference books, curriculum, art supplies, and games. Since these photos were taken, a third grade teacher risked life and limb (okay really, she just scratched her foot) to help me rearrange the furniture in order to develop specific spaces for small groups, staff meetings, parent and individual conferences, admin duties, lesson planning, and calm down spots (for both students and staff? ;-). This wonderfully skilled educator also taught me how to request items like an end table and bulletin boards. I made a huge "WELCOME" sign for my door, and will need to make a new "Where is Ms G?" sign using my new color schemes. Next up, a trip to several stores to comparison shop. I want items like a colorful rug, a few floor lamps (to offset the fluorescent-ness), a few possibly-fake plants ...and a couple pillows for the couch would be fun! I also need to organize all the games, toys, books, and other supplies for practical use. Really, though, my office may have to wait for more pressing events… such as students arriving in a couple days!
UPDATE: Here are the "after" results:
UPDATE: Here are the "after" results:
a joyful space, 2013-2014
After quite a bit of rearranging and redoing, I am feeling quite satisfied with my office! Of course, there are more little things to add and tweak. But I am certain that the room is ready to accommodate students' needs. I also wanted it to reflect my personal mantra for the year,"Choose Joy!" It's important to me that the space is not only functional but inspirational, hopeful, joyful… especially as we approach the rainy season in Oregon!
My desk area incorporates the "BE" bulletin board that I'm finding all over the school counseling blog world (whomever came up with the original idea is a GENIUS! I believe it was Susan with Entirely Elementary blog). I acquired an ancient bookshelf that may need to be returned to its owner (thus, I can't paint it…yet!); it holds all of my reference books and binders, several "in progress" work trays, and some personal touches from home. Sitting to the left of my desk under a pretty plastic plant, I flipped an old box with removable watercolor trays on its side. It now holds my five organizational binders (individual, group. classroom, events, SWIS). Once I have my schedule confirmed, I will post a laminated weekly calendar (so I can write and erase with dry erase) next to the black poster on the wall.
By the windows, I have fantastic double sided bookshelves that split the room into two distinct sections. On the right, I have created a play space. I placed the old school wooden dollhouse on a well-loved, paint-covered IKEA coffee table that I inherited from neighbors with kids. We covered the table in green butcher paper and drew little toys and flowers! I threw down the nature themed IKEA rug I mentioned in a previous post, and created a bulletin board featuring cute animals frolicking on green with white polka dotted mountains and silver star stickers on a navy blue sky. All of my stuffed animals, puppets, play stations (cooking, travel, dress up, etc) and games are in the colorful green and blue baskets or stacked on the bookshelves (out of sight of the photo). I am hoping this area is inviting to students.
The section with the teal adirondack chairs is for students needing a quiet space. I brought these from home after my co-workers convinced me that a couch is not as hygienic! I added a rag rug and an old crocheted blanket which incorporate the color scheme. There is a little shelf with wicker baskets to hold sensory items such as squishy balls and tangles. To the right, out of the picture frame, is a bookshelf full of counseling books for students and a small CD/ radio. The calm down bulletin board is a modified version from a previous blog post; this time I added fun blue circles in different sizes.
My desk area incorporates the "BE" bulletin board that I'm finding all over the school counseling blog world (whomever came up with the original idea is a GENIUS! I believe it was Susan with Entirely Elementary blog). I acquired an ancient bookshelf that may need to be returned to its owner (thus, I can't paint it…yet!); it holds all of my reference books and binders, several "in progress" work trays, and some personal touches from home. Sitting to the left of my desk under a pretty plastic plant, I flipped an old box with removable watercolor trays on its side. It now holds my five organizational binders (individual, group. classroom, events, SWIS). Once I have my schedule confirmed, I will post a laminated weekly calendar (so I can write and erase with dry erase) next to the black poster on the wall.
By the windows, I have fantastic double sided bookshelves that split the room into two distinct sections. On the right, I have created a play space. I placed the old school wooden dollhouse on a well-loved, paint-covered IKEA coffee table that I inherited from neighbors with kids. We covered the table in green butcher paper and drew little toys and flowers! I threw down the nature themed IKEA rug I mentioned in a previous post, and created a bulletin board featuring cute animals frolicking on green with white polka dotted mountains and silver star stickers on a navy blue sky. All of my stuffed animals, puppets, play stations (cooking, travel, dress up, etc) and games are in the colorful green and blue baskets or stacked on the bookshelves (out of sight of the photo). I am hoping this area is inviting to students.
The section with the teal adirondack chairs is for students needing a quiet space. I brought these from home after my co-workers convinced me that a couch is not as hygienic! I added a rag rug and an old crocheted blanket which incorporate the color scheme. There is a little shelf with wicker baskets to hold sensory items such as squishy balls and tangles. To the right, out of the picture frame, is a bookshelf full of counseling books for students and a small CD/ radio. The calm down bulletin board is a modified version from a previous blog post; this time I added fun blue circles in different sizes.
Last week, my mentoring Little Sister visited my office to help me organize. She did a ton of work helping me rearrange furniture, setting up a treasure box (for a lesson), and consulting with me about color and decor decisions. Her biggest contribution, though, was the maze idea! I told her I needed a bulletin board that showed parents and staff the counseling services available, but was also appealing to students. She suggested a maze where students could take different paths based on what services they chose (and also suggested that one be blocked for making bad choices!). I still need to write in the services on the pathways and add a few stick figures on the left, but I love how the board turned out! Thanks, Little Sis!
Not pictured is the round table and wooden chairs (perfect for groups), an old dining room table and filing cabinet that will serve as a makeshift desk for my interns, and a corner of the room that is rather empty. I have a Nerf basketball hoop and velcro dart set which require some movement, but I am open to other ideas, as well!
I don't know if you feel the same way, but just getting the room set up makes me feel more prepared for the year. I love that the overall effect is bright and inviting, too. I love to see the joyful expressions on students' faces when they discover the new and improved counseling office!
Not pictured is the round table and wooden chairs (perfect for groups), an old dining room table and filing cabinet that will serve as a makeshift desk for my interns, and a corner of the room that is rather empty. I have a Nerf basketball hoop and velcro dart set which require some movement, but I am open to other ideas, as well!
I don't know if you feel the same way, but just getting the room set up makes me feel more prepared for the year. I love that the overall effect is bright and inviting, too. I love to see the joyful expressions on students' faces when they discover the new and improved counseling office!
setting up for success, 2012-2013
my office "before"
For my first year, I was very fortunate to be assigned a medium-sized classroom for my office, to be shared with a behavior coach. It has been great to have such a large space! I took some time to consider the set up, thinking about all the ways the room could be used. I ended up deciding on the following sections:
Below are some pictures of the space before and after.
- desk space(s) with accessible shelves and file cabinets and a chair for private discussions
- a table for lesson planning and prep space
- a table and white board for small groups
- an art station
- a play area with bean bags and doll house
- storage for school and clothing supplies
- space for physical activities like team building, yoga and Nerf basketball
Below are some pictures of the space before and after.
