The Art of Listening: Teaching Kids to Communicate with Care
Communication is more than just exchanging words; it’s about understanding and connecting with one another. For children, effective communication goes beyond speaking—it includes the critical skill of listening. In a world filled with distractions, teaching kids the art of listening is a gift that will benefit them throughout their lives. From the classroom to the…
Reframing Failure as Feedback in Project-Based Activities
Project-based activities can be a challenge, but they also hold the key to growth, learning, and the development of crucial skills. Whether in a classroom, corporate setting, or afterschool programs, the approach we take toward failure can significantly shape the outcome of any project. Failure isn’t always a setback—it can serve as a feedback mechanism…
The Role of Personal Goal Trackers in Student Growth
The path to academic success is filled with challenges, obstacles, and moments of self-doubt. Yet, one of the most powerful tools students can use to stay on course and ensure continued growth is the use of personal goal trackers. These trackers help students take ownership of their educational journeys, allowing them to monitor their progress,…
The Coach Foundation Awards Full Scholarships to Two Raines High School Seniors in the CIS Jacksonville Program
The Coach Foundation is awarding their Dream It Real college scholarship to two seniors from William Raines High School who are part of the Communities In Schools of Jacksonville program, helping them turn their dreams of higher education into reality. On April 15, 2025, the Coach Foundation proudly announced the recipients of the scholarship: siblings…
Using Group Games to Strengthen Social Skills in Elementary Kids
Elementary school is more than just learning to read and solve math problems. It’s also a time when children learn how to work with others, communicate clearly, and understand how to express themselves in healthy ways. One of the best ways to support that growth? Group games. Whether it’s a game of tag, a classroom…
Top Soft Skills Employers Want—and How Kids Can Build Them Now?
It’s not just about having the right technical skills. Employers are increasingly looking for young professionals who can work well with others, communicate effectively, and think critically. These “soft skills” are essential in any career, whether it’s in an office, on a construction site, or in a remote working environment. But here’s the catch: soft…
Robotics Programs and Peer Collaboration: STEM Learning with a Social Twist
A group of high schoolers huddles around a table, wiring sensors to a small robot. They’re not just building a machine—they’re learning to work as a team, share ideas, and cheer each other on through trial and error. This is what happens in a robotics programs. It’s not just about science and technology. It’s about…
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…
