In language learning contexts a primary concern is how to maximise target language interaction both inside and outside of the classroom. With the development of digital technologies, the proliferation of language learning applications, and an increased awareness of how technology can assist in language education, educators are being presented with…

For a long time, the issue of summer learning has waited in the wings, like a fully prepared understudy, ready to jump in and take the stage should the star need a back-up. Recently, though, summer learning has moved into the spotlight--and at the same time, the script is changing. Instead of memorizing and mimicking the star's lines, summer…

This report notes that studies dating back to 1906 find that children score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do in the Spring when schools close. Summer programs that address the needs of the whole child seem to be most successful at boosting academic achievement, self-esteem, and confidence. They also motivate…

Summer is a time for teachers to recharge their pedagogical batteries. Here, three veteran English teachers write about professional development programs that energized them and their teaching.

Describes three public library summer reading programs for children in the 1890s: Hewins' Vacation Reading Club; the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Summer Playground Program; and the Library League of Cleveland. The growth of similar programs and related reports in the library literature of the early twentieth century are discussed, and summer…

"Family learning vacations" 5-10 day summer residential programs for families with deaf children, are described. Guidelines for establishing such a program are given concerning rationale, physical plant, eligibility, scheduling, parent activities, children's activities, and evaluation. (Author/DB)

This directory provides information on summer programs abroad from 1 week to several months in length and short courses of varying lengths in the fall, winter, or spring. Approximately 60 percent of the programs are sponsored by U.S. accredited colleges and universities; the others are offered by foreign universities, language schools, and other…

This biweekly newsletter contains news and information about school improvement in the United States. It is designed expressly for parents and families. This issue highlights a pilot reading program under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) launched at 11 sites nationwide in April. The NCLB Summer Reading Achievers Program encourages students in grades…

Describes a model for transmitting environmental understanding, ethic, and action into the community via tertiary institutions in summer programing for high school students. Beyond the educational value of the program, it is cited as good promotion of the tertiary institution. (Author/MCO)

Describes workshops in which French and German youth spend three weeks together during the summer vacation learning each other's language and becoming acquainted with the other culture. Questions concerning teaching materials, instructors, methods, group dynamics, and incentives to learn another language are discussed. (AMH)

To combat summer learning loss among remedial readers, teachers and consultants in the Omaha, Nebraska, Title I program designed a series of comic-book reading units and mailed them to students' homes. Parents were pleased with the project and it appeared that less reading skill had been lost by September. (SJL)

Describes a summer reading program that requires each high school student to read one carefully chosen background work, not a textbook, for each course to be taken in the fall. Sample titles in mathematics, science, and art are provided. (SJL)

Alumni colleges, sometimes called learning vacations or vacation colleges, offer a classroom experience built around an intellectual theme with trips, workshops, sightseeing, and cultural excursions, and are packaged to include room and board. Examples of programs offered at various colleges are described. (JMD)

This article presents a list of 26 adventures listed in alphabetical order that teachers can do during the summer. During the summer, teachers can trek through the Alps, build a class blog, or turn trash into cash. They can also read books or volunteer for a cause.

Describes a Title I summer program in which teachers and aides visited children's homes weekly with the objectives of (1) increasing the amount of reading done by the children during the summer and (2) involving parents in reading activities with their children. Evaluates the program, noting the benefits reported by children, parents, and…