Celebrate, enjoy and stay motivated

Academic success is traditionally measured by the much-anticipated June report card, but this is also a time to recognize growth and achievements outside the classroom. Take time to celebrate milestones, discuss ways to maintain momentum during the summer months and reflect on goals for next year.

Here are a few ideas:

Stay connected
Technology like mobile phones, text messages and Internet Facebook accounts keep students connected 24/7. Beyond their regular social scene, challenge students to look for local community-based events in which to share information. Local events can stimulate ideas that can be taken back to the classroom in the fall and allow students to see themselves as part of a bigger movement towards positive change outside of school.

Explore new volunteer opportunities
For many students, finding full-time work during the summer may be a challenge, but many organizations look for extra volunteers. Encourage students to creatively explore opportunities in their local community. Volunteering can reinforce what students already know about awareness and fundraising, and inspire some new ideas for their own school-based campaigns.

Write and reflect
Summer is a time for reflection on the experiences from the past year. Suggest a dialogue platform (like e-mail) where students can exchange thoughts, feelings and opinions about the social issues they’ve studied in the past year. For students, this could be a chance to set personal goals for next year. For you, this is a great way to consider your timetable and additional responsibilities so you can all hit the ground running in September. Or consider facilitating a discussion where students consider what they’ve gained from activities this year and how their efforts have changed the lives of children overseas.

Have a safe and peaceful summer holiday.

Catherine McCauley, M.Ed.
Director of Teacher Development

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.