By Anne Landers | Junior Achievement of Arizona
Keeping kids engaged in summer learning can be both fun and educational when using the Junior Achievement model, which emphasizes experiential learning, real-world relevance and active participation. The nonprofit empowers the next generation to succeed by teaching kids how to manage their money, think innovatively and get ready to enter the workforce.
Here are some strategies to achieve summer learning:
• Incorporate hands-on activities: A great way to learn about exchanging money, budgeting and saving is by offering to do small jobs for neighbors. Maybe it’s dog walking, watering plants while a neighbor is on vacation, babysitting or cleaning up debris after a monsoon. This teaches your child to work hard, market their business, achieve a goal, earn some money and learn basic financial literacy skills.
• Use gamification: Turn lessons into games or competitions with rewards, badges or certificates. Use quizzes, puzzles or team challenges to reinforce concepts in a fun way. Robo Seller is one of Junior Achievement’s favorites!
• Integrate technology: Leverage educational apps, online simulations, or virtual business challenges. Encourage digital storytelling or blog writing about their summer endeavors or business opportunities.
• Encourage entrepreneurship and creativity: Organize a summer “market day” where kids sell handmade crafts, baked goods or even a lemonade stand. Support them in developing their own small projects or ideas, fostering innovation.
• Make learning social and interactive: Organize field trips to local businesses, banks or companies to engage your child in opening a checking or savings account, early career exploration about different types of businesses and industries.
• Embed financial literacy: Teach budgeting, saving, and investing through real-life scenarios. This could include budgeting for a family vacation, saving up to buy a new baseball bat or soccer cleats. You can use play money and simulations to make financial concepts tangible. Or if they are older enough to earn money, you can discuss how to save money they are making from babysitting or odd jobs.
The JA model thrives on engaging, experiential learning that emphasizes real-world skills. By making activities interactive, relevant and fun, you can keep kids motivated and excited about summer learning.
Junior Achievement of Arizona offers many different resources for K-12 students online, with age-appropriate activities that provide critical skills related to career readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. JA Inspire, a virtual career exploration program for middle and high school students, lets them explore career options, network with local Arizona employers, participate in a virtual scavenger hunt and more.
Let’s all encourage the students in our lives to stay engaged and keep learning this summer!
Editor’s note: Anne Landers is chief operating officer of Junior Achievement of Arizona, a Tempe-based nonprofit that empowers K-12 students. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
