How Goal-Setting Activities Help Teens Stay on Track
Staying focused can be tough for teenagers. With school, social pressures, home responsibilities, and thoughts about the future all competing for attention, it’s easy for young people to feel overwhelmed or uncertain. That’s where goal-setting activities come in. At CIS Jax, we’ve seen firsthand how helping students set clear, realistic goals can give them direction…
How Leadership Development Activities Benefit Teens?
Teens face more challenges than ever before. They’re expected to balance academics, extracurricular activities, social relationships, and personal growth. Amidst this complex web of responsibilities, leadership development activities play a crucial role in preparing them for the future. These activities help teens develop essential life skills, foster self-confidence, and provide them with the tools needed…
Creative Activities That Build Critical Thinking Skills
Critical thinking is an essential skill for success. Whether you are a student navigating through school challenges or an adult solving problems at work, the ability to think critically can set you apart. Critical thinking involves analyzing facts, thinking logically, and making decisions based on well-structured reasoning. But how do you develop these skills in…
Project-Based Learning: How Hands-On Activities Improve Academic Performance
When students are actively involved in their own learning, they retain more information and feel more motivated to succeed. This is the core idea behind project-based learning (PBL), an educational approach where students engage in real-world projects that require them to apply skills, think critically, and work collaboratively. In contrast to traditional teaching methods, PBL…
Innovative Teaching Methods That Keep High School Students Engaged
In today’s classroom, keeping high school students engaged is more challenging than ever. With distractions like smartphones, social media, and an overload of information, traditional teaching methods no longer hold the attention of modern learners. To tackle this issue, educators must explore fresh approaches that not only capture students’ attention but also encourage active learning,…
Books and Beyond: Celebrating National Reading Month with CIS Jax
March is National Reading Month— the perfect opportunity to inspire a love of reading and strengthen community connections. By fostering a shared passion for books, we can ignite a desire for learning and create a lasting impact that excites the next generation of readers. At Communities In Schools of Jacksonville (CIS Jax), we’re thrilled to…
Essential Soft Skills Every Elementary Student Should Develop
Elementary school is a crucial time for children to build a foundation of both academic and personal skills. While academic success often focuses on subjects like reading, math, and science, developing soft skills is just as important. Soft skills—such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability—help children navigate relationships, handle challenges, and succeed in school and life.…
Why Schools Should Invest More in Creative Writing
In an age dominated by technology and standardized testing, the importance of fostering creativity in students has never been clearer. With so many students focusing on math, science, and other technical subjects, it’s easy for creative fields like writing to be pushed to the side. However, creative writing has immense value that goes beyond just…
Teaching Kids Conflict Resolution Skills Through Interactive Role-Playing
Conflict is a part of life. Whether at home, school or with friends, kids will inevitably encounter situations where they disagree with others. Learning how to handle situations in a healthy, constructive way is vital. The best way to teach kids conflict resolution skills is via interactive role-playing. This technique not only makes learning fun…
The Science of Study Breaks: Maximizing Learning Efficiency for Teens
Studying can sometimes feel like a never-ending task, especially for teens balancing school, extracurriculars, and social life. But what if the key to becoming a better student wasn’t just about studying harder, but about studying smarter? Study breaks are an essential part of this smarter approach, and understanding the science behind them can make a…