As most schools are closing their doors for the summer, children are getting ready to fill their time with something else. Whether the time is filled with summer camps, recreational programs, tutoring programs, video game tournaments or basketball on the street, one thing is for sure-the children will be filling their time. Since this current school year is done, let's get prepared for the next year as educators. If it wasn't done this year, how can we prepare our students to fulfill some tangible goals for next school year? How can we influence them to be more productive with their summers, even if their parents are not trying to? Summers USED to be the time for children to help out on the farm for Americans. Since agriculture is the LAST thing on most of our minds (besides food prices skyrocketing due to rising gas prices), let's spend this summer planning on how to help students prepare for whatever happens next school year, whether it's higher gas prices, another war or the most historic US presidential campaign to date. Let's prepare. Yes, let's take a break, kick back and relax, but also keep an eye out for teachable moments that can linger into next school year. Taking too long of a break can lead to broken spirits and broken children. Think about it. Then act on it. Act with TOTAL POSITIVE ENERGY! Let's teach AMERICA!! Peace
