87. A Conversation with Julia Cook: The Heart of School Counseling, Books, and Teaching Great People Skills

Welcome back to another episode of Counselor Chat! Today, I’m thrilled to share a conversation with the one and only Julia Cook. Julia is a former counselor and celebrated author whose books like My Mouth Is a Volcano and Tattle Tongue are staples on school counseling shelves across the nation. In this episode, Julia shares her journey from writing her first book to creating a collection that’s been translated into nine languages and used in schools worldwide.

We explore:

• Julia’s creative process and her shift from SEL to teaching "Great People Skills (GPS)."
• How her books evolve with student needs, ensuring inclusivity and relevance.
• Practical, hands-on strategies for engaging students and teaching essential life skills.
• The launch of Julia’s new platform, Cookie Bites, offering videos, activities, and resources for counselors and educators.
• Julia’s new book, I Am Vape, addressing vaping prevention for younger students.

This episode is packed with actionable tips, inspiration, and a giveaway you won’t want to miss!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Evolution of Julia’s Books: How feedback from counselors helps her refine her stories to fit the needs of today’s students.
2. Concrete Teaching Strategies: Learn how visuals and metaphors, like root beer floats and racetracks, help kids grasp challenging concepts like test anxiety and self-regulation.
3. The Power of Adaptation: Why it’s essential for educators and resources to grow alongside the ever-changing needs of students.
4. Practical Tools with Cookie Bites: Discover a treasure trove of resources, from grab-and-go activities to videos, designed to make your counseling life easier.

Giveaway Details:

Want to win a signed copy of Julia’s new book I Am Vape? Here’s how:

1. Forward this episode to five colleagues and CC Carol ([email protected]).
2. The first five listeners to send their emails will win!

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Cookie Bites by Julia Cook: Cookie Bites Website
• Counseling Essentials Resources: Counseling Essentials
• Julia’s New Book, I Am Vape: Learn more about vaping prevention for young students.
• School Visits and Workshops with Julia Cook: Email Julia at [email protected].

Stay Connected:

• Follow Carol on Instagram and Facebook: @CounselingEssentials
• Visit the Counselor Chat podcast page: Counseling Essentials Podcast

Final Thoughts:

Julia reminds us of the importance of laughter, adaptability, and connection in school counseling. Whether it’s a poopy day or a cookie day, stay focused on the impact you make in students’ lives. You’re doing amazing work, counselor rock stars!

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Until next time, keep spreading joy and making a difference!

Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast

Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!

Connect with Carol:

• TpT Store
• Counseling Essentials Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group
• Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group
• High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership