Children learning a second language need regular practise to help retain new vocabulary, grammar, and reading skills. In the past, parents and educators believed that rote-learning and memorization alone were the best ways for kids to build their language skills. Now, though, new research shows that children learn best when they apply new knowledge by engaging in activities that capture their interest.
During after-school English classes at Little Mountain, kids can practise their English language skills through challenging projects that explore fascinating new topics. But what about at home? Parents play an important role in their child’s language acquisition, and even if you’re a beginner yourself, there are plenty of fun ways to practise English with your child outside of school – especially here in Vancouver.
Here are five Vancouver-based activities that can help kids (and their parents!) practise English together.
Science World: Get Inspired & Study English at the Same Time!
At Little Mountain language school in Vancouver, students often practise their English writing and reading skills by exploring the arts and sciences. But these activities are by no means limited to the classroom!
At Vancouver’s Science World, the whole family can enjoy exhibits like Body World’s Animal Inside Out and learn all about the anatomy of different animals – while picking up new English vocabulary along the way. Or, for a family night in, Science World also offers fun activities you can do right at home, such as their rocket science night. This project combines baking with arts-and-crafts. It’s a fun and delicious way to test an intermediate English learner’s reading and comprehension skills.
Practise Animal Names at the Vancouver Zoo and Vancouver Aquarium
Young learners can practise their English by discovering the names of different animals and learning about their habitats at the Vancouver Zoo or Aquarium. You could even encourage your child to take pictures of their favourite creatures and write captions to go with them.
Students could bring their pictures to ESL class to share with other students – or use them as part of a class project.
Explore the Outer Limits at the H. R. MacMillan Space Centre
Help your child practise their English and learn about space by visiting Vancouver’s Space Centre. Presentations on black holes, the science of light, and planet Earth help kids and teens build their vocabulary and English comprehension skills.
And, every third Saturday of the month, the Space Centre offers “Saturn-5 Saturday” activities where kids can build their own jet pack or paint a black hole. This is a perfect activity to help ESL students strengthen their ability to follow instructions and complete tasks in English.
Listen up! Get to Know Vancouver with a Guided Bus or Trolley Tour
If you’ve recently moved to Vancouver, taking a bus or trolley tour can be a great way to practise your English while getting to know your new city.
Trolley tours like the “Hop-on Hop-Off City Attractions Tour” guide you through Vancouver’s biggest attractions and explain their history in English. With this fun weekend activity, kids can improve their English listening skills and begin to feel more at home in Vancouver – all at the same time.
Study English in Vancouver at Your Local Library
Kids taking intensive English classes in Vancouver through schools like Little Mountain can often borrow books and practise their reading skills at home. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take the time to visit your local library!
Many public libraries in Vancouver offer story-time in English for younger kids, or creative writing workshops and author readings for older teens. Not only is this a great way to find new books and practise reading skills, but it’s also a great way for kids (and parents!) to make new friends in their neighbourhood.
What other activities does your family do to study English in Vancouver?
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