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.

Be Someone's Treat This Week

Be Someone's Treat This Week

As anti-bullying month ends, try a Halloween challenge: invite students to be someone's treat and share their own ideas for making school feel safer and friendlier. ...more

School Safety

October 26, 2026•2 min read

Your To-Do List Would Like a Word With You

Your To-Do List Would Like a Word With You

Your to-do list never records the crying child you helped back to class. Try this five-minute exercise to find evidence of what's working in your school counseling. ...more

Exception Seeking

October 19, 2026•2 min read

Drama Without Trauma

Drama Without Trauma

Friendship drama doesn't have to turn hurtful. Try these solution-focused questions that help students notice what already works and create a calmer week together. ...more

Exception Seeking

October 12, 2026•2 min read

A Little Kindness, Please. Extra Ice.

A Little Kindness, Please. Extra Ice.

When a student struggles or disrupts class, pause before the referral. One caring sentence can show students what strong, safe and kind looks like in your school. ...more

Mental Health

October 05, 2026

Bullying Prevention Starts With What's Already Working

Bullying Prevention Starts With What's Already Working

This October, try a solution-focused spin on bullying prevention: ask students what they're already doing to help classmates feel safe, respected, and included. ...more

School Safety

September 28, 2026

Grouping Together

Grouping Together

Not every counseling group has to start with a problem. Discover how forming groups around shared interests can help students find belonging and connection this year. ...more

School Climate

September 21, 2026•2 min read

The Student Who Doesn't Want to Be There

The Student Who Doesn't Want to Be There

A simple, curious question can help teachers reach the student who seems to not want to be there, revealing that underneath the attitude is often a quiet need to belong. ...more

Motivating Students

September 14, 2026•2 min read

Run Into the Fun

Run Into the Fun

A grandson's birthday party sparks a simple solution focused reminder: a small greeting can help every student feel noticed, welcomed, and like they truly belong. ...more

School Climate

September 07, 2026•2 min read

Want Students to Engage? Start With Their Future

Want Students to Engage? Start With Their Future

A simple solution-focused question can turn back-to-school routines into a student-led vision for the year ahead, sparking real engagement from day one. ...more

Miracle Question

August 28, 2026•2 min read

Finish Strong: What Will They Notice?

Finish Strong: What Will They Notice?

Help students finish the school year strong with one powerful question. ...more

Motivating Students

May 04, 2026•2 min read

3x5 to Thrive: Making the Countdown Count

3x5 to Thrive: Making the Countdown Count

As the school year winds down, give teachers a 3x5 card and two powerful questions. A simple solution-focused pause that helps everyone finish the year with intention. ...more

Teacher Relief

April 27, 2026•2 min read

Finish Strong: Look at What's Working Right Now

Finish Strong: Look at What's Working Right Now

As the school year winds down, look at what's working. A simple 3x5 card activity helps students commit to finishing strong and reminds you of the difference you've made. ...more

Motivating Students

April 20, 2026•1 min read

The Noticing Project: Week 4 - Noticing Successes

The Noticing Project: Week 4 - Noticing Successes

Week 4 of The Noticing Project: seek out students who no longer need you and ask what helped. They didn't just stop coming—they started becoming. ...more

Exception Seeking

April 13, 2026•3 min read

The Noticing Project: Week 3 - Watch What Happens

The Noticing Project: Week 3 - Watch What Happens

Week 3 of The Noticing Project: repeat what you notice, watch identity form, and send it home. Small messages build powerful bridges between school and family. ...more

Exception Seeking

April 06, 2026•1 min read

The Noticing Project: Week 2 - Just Say It

The Noticing Project: Week 2 - Just Say It

Week 2 of The Noticing Project: saying out loud what you see in students builds identity and changes how they see themselves. One moment, one student at a time. ...more

Exception Seeking

March 30, 2026•2 min read