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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  Technology can be a great tool to keep students writing during the summer months.  Sandy, a 3rd –5th Grade Teacher in Bolivia, North Carolina, encourages students to write and edit through email all summer long.  Find out how!    

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 Sara, a 3rd Grade Teacher, from Raytown, MO. Our school will be in session during the Olympics so I’ll be incorporating a unit on the games into our curriculum. My school features students from at least 16 different countries, so those countries will serve as the basis for our study. Here are some
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Idea by Tam Curry, Kindergarten Teacher, Clovis, NM To help my students maintain their skills over summer when school is not in session, I present each one with a fun summer activity pack. The pack includes games, a journal for daily journal writing and a writing folder that includes a topic list as well as
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You know your students will be online this summer, so why not help parents by giving them a list of websites that are “Teacher-Approved” for summer fun.  The 10 sites below are kid-friendly and geared toward learning.  Do you have a favorite site that you send your students to?  Share it in the comments below!

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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Guest post by Charity L. Preston Summertime is traditionally thought of in terms of vacation, sun, and sand for most.  Kids love to play at the beach by splashing in the water and creating sand castles.  While the beach is a great place to just be carefree, parents can also use this time to do
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