Summer language camps to be unique educational experience

As a teacher I am particularly interested in working with school children aged nine to twelve. Students of this age are usually eager to learn new information and are very well motivated. They appreciate their parent’s support and enjoy the challenge of gaining new skills. However, I believe that classroom activities cannot discover their full potential as these activities limit students’ crave for experimenting with the language. Guided and controlled practice doesn’t let them express their individuality, they focus on target grammar and vocabulary, reading, writing, speaking on a particular topic and listening skills and have no opportunity to say what they want to say, but not what is expected by the teacher. Students want the teacher to be interested not in how the student is speaking, but on what the student is saying.  In other words, they would like the teacher to be interested not in the language, but in their opinion.

For this reason I consider summer language camps to be unique educational experience. It combines learning the language itself in a natural, unconscious way. Holidays are the time which students really look forward to, summer camp is not just a trip, it is an exciting adventure, including language practice, active rest, amazing events and communication with peers.

By organizing Art classes where learners are asked to use only English, they may express their inner world through painting. The teacher uses simple instructions for describing actions and naming objects. Students may deduce their meaning from the context. It is also possible to organize a discussion while a process of creating a picture and after it. Students have no fear of making language mistakes, which may occur, but these errors should not be corrected as it might influence students’ fluency. The aim of the teacher is to build up students’ confidence and provide favourable psychological conditions.

Learning through drama is another type of activities at the language camp. Students find them particularly enjoyable because it is possible to arrange a range of activities appealing to their natural talents like singing, dancing, acting, poem reciting. Learning the script and practicing the sketch is a great chance to extend active vocabulary.

Sport competitions are indispensible part of the summer language camp. Discussing various kinds of sport lets students activate the consolidated vocabulary on the topic. Explaining the rules of the game, discussing the results of the games, sharing emotions provide a proper basis for developing speaking skills.

Meeting new faces and making friends make their experience in the summer camp unforgettable.

The peculiarity of English language methodic approach is natural environment, friendly atmosphere motivating activities, which make students produce better results than they sometimes produce in the classroom.

Preparation may take quite a lot of time. It is necessary to think about the programme thoroughly, include different types of activities, taking into account different weather conditions. It is reasonable to supply the camp with all the necessary things beforehand. Thus, if Art classes are included in the programme, things which student will need for this class should be provided in advance.

Undoubtedly working in the summer camp requires a lot of energy and enthusiasm. The teacher should be flexible and ready to change the plan quickly depending on the circumstances. The teacher shouls also be able to react quickly and make a decision fast. For example,if children do not understand the rules of the game, the teacher should find the other way of explaining the rules avoiding using their native language. Working at the summer language camp is quite responsible because the teacher has to provide students positive experience, organize discipline and use individual approach.

Anyway, despite all the difficulties which the teacher may face, arranging a summer camp is worthy. This is apruductive way of learning the language as well as great memories both for students and the teacher