Counselor Corner

Malynda Zuck

Building Better Brains: Encouraging Executive Functioning at Every Level
Social-Emotional Learning, Student Support, Brain-Based Learning, Whole Child Education Malynda Zuck Social-Emotional Learning, Student Support, Brain-Based Learning, Whole Child Education Malynda Zuck

Building Better Brains: Encouraging Executive Functioning at Every Level

Executive functioning skills are like the brain’s air traffic control system—managing time, focus, memory, and emotional regulation. In today’s classrooms, these skills are more essential than ever. This article explores how educators and school counselors can intentionally nurture executive functioning at every grade level with practical, brain-friendly strategies. From helping young students learn to plan ahead to guiding teens in goal-setting and self-monitoring, we’re not just teaching content—we’re building better brains.

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Empathy: Our Greatest Human Strength
Social-Emotional Learning, Empathy in Education, Student Wellness, Emotional Intelligence, School Counseling, 21st Century Learning, Mental Health in Schools Malynda Zuck Social-Emotional Learning, Empathy in Education, Student Wellness, Emotional Intelligence, School Counseling, 21st Century Learning, Mental Health in Schools Malynda Zuck

Empathy: Our Greatest Human Strength

Empathy is often misunderstood—and lately, even criticized. But far from being a weakness, empathy may be our greatest human strength. In this post, the first in a four-part series, we explore why teaching empathy through social-emotional learning (SEL) is essential in today’s classrooms. Backed by neuroscience, educational research, and real-world impact, this article makes the case for empathy as a life-saving, community-building, future-shaping skill every student needs.

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