Learning English takes regular practise – but that practise doesn’t have to be boring. Far from it!

Young students learn best when they feel engaged and are having fun. At Destination Canada, for example, teens practise their English through group sports, creative activities, and trips to historic sites. Classroom learning is hands-on and participatory at every stage – because that’s the fastest route to developing fluency.

But what if you want to encourage your child to get a head start on learning English, before they come to ESL summer camp?

Here are a few fun activities your child can do at home, both before and after camp, to build their English language skills.

1. ESL Apps Help Prepare Kids for English Language Summer Camp

It’s common knowledge that teens love their smartphones, and are using mobile devices for everything from school research to gaming to everyday communication.

Tap into your child’s natural interest in technology by introducing them to language-learning apps like Duolingo that help build English vocabulary, and SpeakingPal, which focuses on conversation skills.

ESL apps are a fun way to combine technology with language learning

Even apps not specifically designed for language learning can help your child build skills in English. With Storehouse, for example, teens can combine the pictures they take with simple text to create a story.

They can use this storytelling app to practise their English writing skills at home – or to creatively record and share their summer in Canada!

2. Simple Stories & Graphic Novels Help Build Comprehension Skills

Reading skills are an important part of language acquisition. Spark your child’s interest in the English language by borrowing a few books in English from your local library – or downloading simple English e-books.

There are plenty of options for every reading level. English language comics and graphic novels, for example, provide images in addition to text – making it easier for beginners to comprehend new vocabulary and follow a story.

Getting your child interested in reading in English is an excellent way to prepare them for success at English language summer camp.

3. Youtube Videos Teach Canadian History & New English Vocabulary

Another handy way of combining visual learning with English comprehension is through YouTube videos. Educational series, such as the “Canadian Heritage Minutes” are ideal for helping kids learn about Canada’s culture and history, practise comprehension, and learn new vocabulary – laying the groundwork for the concepts and skills they will explore at ESL summer school.

Here’s an example of a Heritage video about famous Canadian, Terry Fox you could share with your child:

4. English Recipes: A Tasty Way to Prepare for ESL Summer School

If you’d like to help your child get a small taste of Canadian culture – and practise English at the same time – try cooking a few recipes together using English instructions (easy to find online). Most recipes use simple language, and a tool like Google Translate will help with any tricky vocabulary that comes up along the way.

Following recipes in English is a practical and delicious way to practise English at home

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a few Canadian recipes like poutine, tourtiere, or pancakes with maple syrup?

When English practise is fun, your child will feel naturally drawn to the learning activities – and excited to immerse themselves fully in the ESL summer camp experience.

Are you looking for ESL summer programs for your child?

Visit Destination Canada to discover how we combine fun activities and English language learning for an unforgettable experience abroad!