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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.

An organized classroom desk with a planner and colorful pens, set against a chalkboard displaying motivational phrases like 'New Beginnings' and 'Miracle Week.' The scene is warmly lit with natural light, evoking a sense of positivity and inspiration for the start of the school year.

Welcome Back to Monday Ideas for the 24-25 School Year!

September 09, 20241 min read

As we kick off another school year, I’m thrilled to reconnect and share our first "Monday Ideas." These notes are designed to offer you a moment of reflection and focus amid the hustle of the week, reminding you that the solution-focused approach can make a difference in every aspect of your day.

Let’s start this week with The Miracle Question, a powerful tool to set your preferred future for this week. Take a moment to imagine the end of this week—Friday afternoon—when you’re leaving school feeling pleased with how things went.

  • How might you describe what you did this week that led you to be at your very, very best?

  • What else did you do? (repeat 5 times)

  • What would your students say you did that impacted them well?

  • What would your colleagues or teachers say about your contributions?

  • What might parents who reached out say you did to help them?

  • And, how would this success impact your weekend, and others around you?

Now that you've imagined this "miracle week," use it as a blueprint for staying grounded and purposeful in everything you do. These reflections can guide your actions, helping you bring your best to every interaction, every day.

But this isn’t just about your work at school. The solution-focused approach is for every aspect of your life—whether you’re at home, setting personal goals, or navigating relationships. The secret is to consistently focus on operating at your best.

This year, I’ll be sharing more about how to bring your values to life—in the classroom, with colleagues, and at home. When we honor our values and focus on our strengths, we begin to unlock our full potential.

Here's to a fantastic school year!

May the solution force be with you.

blog author image

Dr Linda Metcalf

Linda Metcalf is the best-selling author of Counseling Toward Solutions and 10 other books. Linda is a former middle school teacher, all-level certified school counselor, licensed professional counselor supervisor, and licensed marriage and family therapist in the State of Texas. She is a Professor at Texas Wesleyan University.

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