What did you and your kids learn this year? How are you noting and recording the major accomplishments of this (school) year? These are questions I'd strongly encourage families to consider before getting too far into the rapidly approaching summer vacation. Whether it's pictures and a page or two on a computer, a few pages in a photo album, or a box with report cards and reflections, a brief annual report for youngsters and families makes great sense.

Corporations and non-profits are expected to produce annual reports. So are many individuals. Why do organizations do this, and why are individuals often asked to produce an annual report? Seems to me there are several reasons.

• It's easy to forget important lessons. A brief annual review helps remind and confirm what has been accomplished.

• In some organizations, the annual review is used to help decide compensation for the coming year. This probably does not apply directly to youngsters, but an annual review can help them develop the habit of thinking about what has been accomplished, a valuable skill.

• Thinking back may help you set priorities for the coming year. It may help you conclude that you want to continue something that went well. For a youngster, this may have been a positive experience in a particular extra curricular activity, like a sport or a club.

• Reflecting back may help you conclude you want to do something differently. For example, a youngster might recall a lot of anxiety because she/he waited until the very end to do a major project. Recalling that, the student may decide to get a better start in the coming year.

• Sometimes people don't give themselves credit for real accomplishments. Taking a few minutes to note something can be a very valuable way of reminding the youngster that hard work often does produce results...whether it's improving grades in a particular class, or mastering reading, or figuring out algebra.

The Humphrey Institute expects me to compile a 3 - 4 page report about my work. What were my major responsibilities and key accomplishments? What evidence is there of progress? The overall packet I submit includes some things I've written, and items others have written. (Yes, letters from readers often are included. I welcome your thoughts, whether compliments or criticisms. Please send to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .)

Youngsters model what they see adults do. If they see you reading, they're more inclined to do it. If they see you checking prices among several products before buying, they're more likely to do that, too. Same thing with a brief annual report. If you do this, it's more likely your youngsters will do it. Looking back, and looking ahead. It makes sense for organizations. I think it makes sense for youngsters and families too.