Working in multiple communities across the country, we can tell you that for some kids the thought of summer break brings to mind spending their day in spaces that are not as structured or safe as their school environment creates anxiety. Even some teachers struggle with going on summer break because the change in routine does impact their nervous systems. There are environmental issues students face in their homes over the summer that they don’t face in school, and change is hard for everyone. What can schools do to equip students with self-regulation skills that they can use at home as they leave for summer break?

Do you want students to feel a deeper and lasting connection with their work and develop transferable skills? If so, participation in a project-based learning (PBL) experience is the solution. Providing students with an opportunity to share their capstone projects is an engaging way to motivate students through the process, but also allow them to feel that they can create purposeful, real-world products and outcomes.