Banner for Dr Linda Metcalf's Monday Ideas

Monday Ideas for School Counselors

Weekly articles for school counselors with ideas on how to resolve typical school situations with students, teachers and parents using the solution focused approach.

Ending School Violence Without Barbed Wire

Ending School Violence Without Barbed Wire

Imagine a school where respect - not barbed wire - keeps students safe. This week's article explores how solution-focused connection prevents violence. ...more

School Safety

March 24, 20254 min read

Final Stretch Fuel

Final Stretch Fuel

As the school year winds down, focus on what’s already working. A solution-focused mindset can fuel you through the final stretch with confidence and impact. ...more

Mental Health

March 03, 20253 min read

Who’s in Your Circle of Support?

Who’s in Your Circle of Support?

Discover how identifying your inner and outer circles of support can boost your effectiveness and well-being this week. Try this simple exercise for an awesome week! ...more

Mental Health

February 24, 20252 min read

Don’t Throw Me Out - Recycle!

Don’t Throw Me Out - Recycle!

Before removing a student from school, consider this: what if we recycled the relationship instead? A solution-focused approach can turn things around. ...more

Respect

February 17, 20253 min read

Itchy Times: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Itchy Times: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Stuck in the same cycles with students, parents, and conflicts? Learn how a solution-focused mindset can transform frustrating interactions into opportunities for growth. ...more

Exception Seeking

February 10, 20252 min read

A Reflection on Loss and Hope

A Reflection on Loss and Hope

In times of tragedy, listening and honoring those lost can guide healing. A simple activity helps students reflect, express gratitude, and find hope. ...more

Mental Health

February 03, 20252 min read

Greeting Resistance Differently

Greeting Resistance Differently

Discover how to turn resistance into collaboration using a simple shift in perspective, helping students, teachers, and parents thrive. ...more

Respect

January 27, 20253 min read

When Tragedy Strikes, Ask About Hopes Not Problems

When Tragedy Strikes, Ask About Hopes Not Problems

Learn how to help students move forward after trauma using solution-focused techniques that nurture hope and illuminate new possibilities for healing and resilience. ...more

Mental Health

January 20, 20254 min read

Tiny Shifts, Big Changes and the Butterfly Effect

Tiny Shifts, Big Changes and the Butterfly Effect

Discover how small, solution-focused changes can create a butterfly effect in your school community, sparking transformation among students, teachers, parents, and administrators. ...more

Motivating Students

January 13, 20252 min read

Rethinking How to Manage Students and Prevent School Violence

Rethinking How to Manage Students and Prevent School Violence

Discover a solution-focused approach to managing student behavior and preventing school violence by fostering trust, connection, and engagement. A radical shift from consequences to relational engagem... ...more

School Safety

December 17, 202425 min read

A Solution Focused Wish

A Solution Focused Wish

Celebrate the end of the semester with a poem of hope and inspiration for solution-focused educators. May your days be filled with kindness, success, and moments of joy! ...more

School Climate

December 09, 20241 min read

Let’s Sleigh This Final Stretch! 🎄🎅

Let’s Sleigh This Final Stretch! 🎄🎅

Need a festive boost to tackle the pre-holiday sprint? This week’s Monday Ideas explores solution-focused tips for motivating students, easing teacher stress, and helping parents see their child’s pot... ...more

School Climate

December 02, 20244 min read

Thanks

Thanks

A heartfelt note of gratitude to school counselors and educators for their tireless work and dedication, celebrating the impact of solution-focused practices. ...more

Respect

November 25, 20242 min read

Pushing Past the Struggle

Pushing Past the Struggle

Help students rise above challenges by externalizing problems. Discover how this technique can transform struggles into growth opportunities for resilience and joy in school. ...more

Mental Health

November 18, 20243 min read

What Heroes Do Best

What Heroes Do Best

Inspire students by exploring heroism and resilience. Encourage them to find strength through examples of personal heroes, fostering hope and connection. ...more

Motivating Students

November 11, 20242 min read