According to a recently published (April 2013) survey by James S. Kim and David M. Quinn of Harvard University, summer learning loss, specifically in reading, can be greatly reduced by teacher-directed and home-based summer reading interventions.  What was significant about their study was that children in low-income areas actually benefitted the most from this type
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by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist As summer approaches, I have been thinking about how to keep my students activity working on their math skills during the summer. We have worked so hard all year long to master all of our math skills, that I do not want the “summer slump” to kick in and chip
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by Lori Wolfe, Monthly Columnist Summer is almost here! Parents and students always look forward to summer. Many times parents ask us for ideas of things they can do at home with their children to keep them learning. I like to send home a list of things to do during the summer that will keep
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Warm wishes for a safe and happy 4th of July from all of us at Really Good Stuff!            

Idea by Sofia, a 3rd Grade Teacher, from Riverside, CA. To begin celebrating the Olympics, I secure five large hula hoops in colors that match those of the Olympic rings. I tie the hoops together to create an eye-catching display. I then have children brainstorm a list of game events they would like to compete
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Idea by Martina, a 3rd Grade Teacher, from Rio Rancho, NM. To celebrate the Olympics, we ask each of our students to represent a country that corresponds with his or her family’s country of origin. We then have students research the flags from their countries and have them render them on construction paper so they
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Idea by Ruth, a 2nd Grade Teacher, from Brandon, FL. To encourage summer reading, I purchase an inexpensive chapter book for each child to take home and keep. I purchase these books from the dollar store. You can also check out the discount bins at bookstores as well as summer yard sales. These purchases mean
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Tomorrow is the first day of June and before we know, summer is going to be in full swing.  If you are looking for ways to make learning fun over the summer months, why not focus on one of the holidays, celebrations, and anniversaries that June, July, and August offer.  Check out the list below
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With Independence Day less than a week away, it’s crunch time to find some quick activities to keep the kids busy.  Check out the crafts, freebies, and downloads below to get your started.  Before you know it, you’ll be ready for the Fourth of July!

Blueberries may not seem like a very teacher-oriented topic, but we know that you are more than just a teacher. Hopefully, you are also someone who loves blueberries! July is, in addition to being National Ice Cream Month, National Blueberry Month. Who knew?! So, with grocery stores having sales on blueberries and the end of
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