A Learning Community

Each morning, we separate into groups.  Sometimes we put adults and children together; but more often we instruct these groups separately so we can offer the grownups advanced work on grammar and vocabulary.  Later, we have a snack and afterwards, singing, which Gary leads.

Lunch is included in the cost of the camp, and we prepare it together. Our students believe a bowl of soup is essential for an adequate lunch, so I start a broth each morning, and we throw in vegetables later on. This is particularly good for the less advanced students’ English development.  

English Conversation on subjects the students choose rounds out the day. We continually ask them what they need help with and develop lessons accordingly. Homework is voluntary, but if students complete it, we critique it.  Everyone in our program wants to be there.

 There is no school board, no hierarchy.  We negotiate how we’ll develop the program, and the students negotiate with us.  It’s idyllic.