Academically, students during the second year gain a full month of learning. Rules and procedures do not need explanation and constant reinforcement. Therefore, teacher and students jump right into school from where they left off. For example, a teacher could introduce a new book or author, and books and authors from the previous year could be compared and contrasted, making a connection to understanding. The largest benefit socially is the relationship that is built between the students and the teacher.
Teachers also benefit from looping.
Because of the time spent with the children, teachers also find out what students learn outside of the classroom, enabling them to use that prior knowledge inside the classroom. When teachers know this information, learning can be customized through activities and they can make sure each child has the assistance he or she needs. Summer vacation is a big issue for teachers. Children seem to lose those skills that were learned over the three month period, so much of the next grade is spent on reteaching, wasting precious time. For teachers who loop, summer months can be utilized with fun projects for the students, with those projects being the basis for future units the following year.