130. Recognizing the Signs: Early Indicators of Student Struggle

The first few weeks of school aren’t just about bulletin boards and icebreakers. They’re the perfect time to notice the small shifts in our students that tell us something deeper might be going on.In this episode, I'm sharing practical ways to recognize red flags early, along with strategies to check in without making students feel called out.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to spot withdrawal in a student who used to be engagedWhy perfectionism may really be anxiety in disguiseWhen humor turns from fun to a red flagThe patterns behind frequent nurse visitsHow to check in with “everything’s fine” studentsThe top “early warning radar” signs to watch for weeks 1–4Encouragement for Counselors: Your instincts matter. Be curious, not judgmental. A small check-in today can redirect the entire course of a student’s year, and sometimes, their life.Links Mentioned:Forced Choice Behavioral SurveysGrab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcastJoin 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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Perks Membership