Summer ESL Camp
Summer camp can be
the highlight of a child’s summer vacation. Making new friends, having fun in
the sun, singing songs, and playing games are experiences that become fond
summer memories. But summer camp can also be a great place for learning. If
your child is just beginning to speak English, or if he or she needs to
practice speaking or writing it, an ESL summer camp can boost language skills
in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Sometimes children
who are in the process of learning English find school situations stressful.
They’re anxious that they might make a mistake, and that other children might
laugh at their grammar or diction. At a good ESL camp, these worries are erased.
Every child in the English class is there because he/she needs practice, and
the instructors provide entertaining ways for them to do this. Students support
one another’s efforts and help each other to do their best. Because there is
little pressure, children learn to speak more confidently.
What Happens at ESL Camp?
Better ESL camps
bring together groups of children from countries around the world who want to
improve the way they speak and write. There are a number of different
activities that instructors can use to help children practice their language
skills, such as playing games and engaging in focused conversations, but some
camps go above and beyond, creating group activities that take learning to the
next level. For example, one Toronto ESL camp gets students to work together to
write and rehearse a drama. Their performance at the end of the week is sure to
be a hit with parents! Another program involves having children create and
perform their own songs or cheers. One popular ESL camp involves children
brainstorming, learning to organize ideas, and writing stories. Look for a
program that encourages fun, laughter, and friendship.
Perhaps the most
important factor in the success of an ESL camp program is the instructor. If an
instructor is kind, caring, and patient, children are encouraged to
participate. Before booking a camp for your child, ask some questions about the
instructors. Are they TESL certified? Are they Ontario
Certified Teachers? Do they use the TOEFL?
Another important
element is the participation of children from various countries and cultures.
When English is the only language that they all have in common, kids try harder
to communicate with one another. By using it in at lunch or during recreational
activities, children learn to communicate in English both formally and
informally.
Choosing an ESL Camp
When you’re looking
for an ESL day camp, there are several factors to consider. Location will be
specific to your situation, as will aspects such as whether or not you’ll need
to access extended care in the mornings or evenings. Price is a major
consideration for most parents; many camps offer special discounts for families
who register more than one child.
Other aspects to
consider include the student-teacher ratio, the cleanliness and safety of the
facility, whether or not the program includes outdoor activities, and whether
or not instructors are well-versed in first aid and CPR.
English is a
difficult language. Why not let your child learn to speak and write it in a fun
and lively summer ESL camp?