Course Plan: English as a Second Language - Summer Camp Theme
Course Introduction
Welcome to the English as a Second Language course designed specifically for seventh graders! This course revolves around the exciting theme of "Summer Camp," providing a fun and engaging environment to improve your English skills. Over the span of 50 lessons, students will enhance their vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities through relatable and interactive summer camp activities.
The course is structured into modules that gradually build upon each other and are aimed at students with beginning to intermediate levels of English proficiency. By the end of the course, students will feel more confident in using English in both casual conversations and specific summer camp contexts.
Course Goals and Aims
- Goal: To improve English language proficiency through thematic content focused on summer camp activities.
Aims:
- Enhance vocabulary related to camping, nature, and outdoor activities.
- Develop listening and speaking skills through interactive games and discussions.
- Foster reading comprehension through short stories and informational texts.
- Improve writing skills by constructing dialogues, postcards, and personal narratives.
- Create a supportive and engaging environment that encourages students to practice English.
Course Structure
Module 1: Introduction to Summer Camp (Lessons 1-10)
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Summer Camps — Vocabulary and Discussion
- Lesson 2: Types of Summer Camps — Group Projects
- Lesson 3: Camp Safety Rules — Listening Activity
- Lesson 4: Camp Gear and Packing Lists — Writing a List
- Lesson 5: Setting Up Camp — Vocabulary and Phrases
- Lesson 6: Introducing Yourself at Camp — Role Play
- Lesson 7: Daily Camp Schedule — Reading Comprehension
- Lesson 8: Songs and Campfire Stories — Listening to Camp Songs
- Lesson 9: Preparing for Camp — Personal Narrative Writing
- Lesson 10: Review of Module 1 – Fun Quiz/Game
Module 2: Nature and Wildlife (Lessons 11-20)
- Lesson 11: Exploring Nature — Vocabulary Building
- Lesson 12: Common Plants and Animals — Research Activity
- Lesson 13: Campfire Cooking — Recipe Vocabulary
- Lesson 14: Understanding Nature — Short Reading & Discussion
- Lesson 15: Animal Habitats — Group Research Projects
- Lesson 16: The Sounds of Nature — Listening Exercise
- Lesson 17: Art & Crafts from Nature — Creative Project
- Lesson 18: Writing about Nature — Practice Narrative Writing
- Lesson 19: Campfire Etiquette — Role Play Scenarios
- Lesson 20: Review of Module 2 – Nature Quiz/Game
Module 3: Activities and Games (Lessons 21-30)
- Lesson 21: Popular Camp Games — Vocabulary Introduction
- Lesson 22: Team-Building Games — Group Activities
- Lesson 23: Sports at Camp — Vocabulary and Brainstorming
- Lesson 24: Skill Workshops — Designing a Workshop
- Lesson 25: Nature Scavenger Hunts — Planning!
- Lesson 26: Campfire Stories — Writing Your Own Story
- Lesson 27: Karaoke Night — Singing Camp Songs
- Lesson 28: Talent Show Preparation — Present dialogue
- Lesson 29: Reflection & Sharing experiences — Oral Presentation Preparation
- Lesson 30: Review of Module 3 – Game Night!
Module 4: Camp Traditions and Cultural Exchange (Lessons 31-40)
- Lesson 31: Camp Traditions Worldwide — Discussion
- Lesson 32: Folktales and Legends — Reading & Sharing Stories
- Lesson 33: Foods from Different Cultures — Cooking Demos
- Lesson 34: Celebrating Diversity — Group Discussions
- Lesson 35: Planning an International Camp Night — Writing Plan
- Lesson 36: Guest Speakers — Listening and Discussion
- Lesson 37: Traditions at Your Local Camp — Research & Reporting
- Lesson 38: Sharing Cultural Items — Show and Tell
- Lesson 39: Writing about Your Culture — Personal Essay
- Lesson 40: Review of Module 4 – Cultural Fair
Module 5: Reflecting on Camp Experiences (Lessons 41-50)
- Lesson 41: Camp Reflection — Discussing Favorite Memories
- Lesson 42: Writing Camp Postcards — Creative Writing
- Lesson 43: Designing Your Dream Camp — Drawing and Writing
- Lesson 44: Creating a Camp Yearbook — Collaborative Project
- Lesson 45: Final Skits/Performances — Presentation Prep
- Lesson 46: Engage in Camp Debates — Speaking and Listening
- Lesson 47: Vocabulary Review Game — Fun Interactive Review
- Lesson 48: Course Reflection — Group Discussion
- Lesson 49: Farewell Campfire — Celebratory Gathering
- Lesson 50: Final Assessments — Evaluating Progress
References
Recommended Literature and Sources
- English as a Second Language: Teaching, Learning, and Literature by Mary Jane McClure
- The Camp Book: A Collection of Summer Camp Activities by Barbara Johnson
- Learning English Through Drama by David Farmer
- Websites:
- Selected Children’s Literature about camps:
- Just Add Magic by Cindy Callaghan
- Camp Creepy by Kris Hirschmann
- The Worst Summer Ever by Joy Wright
This course plan is designed to be flexible and adaptable depending on the needs of the students. Through various activities, students will enjoy learning English while immersing themselves in the spirit of summer camp. Let the fun begin!