Language On the Go
Language is everywhere! And our children learn language best when they get a variety of experiences – different communication partners in different environments.
For many families, summer is a time where we move away from our day-to-day routines and look for something new or exciting to do. That can be vacations, day trips, summer camps, or just more time outside.
Summer is a great time to shake things up a bit and get talking somewhere new.
So take a look at some of our favorite locations in the Greater Boston area to take your kids this summer. And, as an added bonus, I've included tips for supporting language during these activities!
Splash Parks
What is more fun than cooling off in the water after being out on a summer day?
Splash parks are FREE and open to the public during the summer. And they are also great opportunities to use language in a new environment.
Words to emphasize --
water
on / off
ready, set, go
run, touch, splash, slip, fall
push (button)
Concepts to talk about --
opposites like wet/dry, on/off, big/small
cause and effect when you push the button and water turns on
CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE SPLASH PARKS!
North Union Spray Park (Arlington, MA)
Located next to Thompson School within walking distance to Arlington Center and East Arlington, this splash park is fun and directly next to the brand new Lussiano playground. The splash park is an open unfenced-in area with benches along one side for parents to sit. While it is probably best for children who can walk independently, there are puddles and smaller fountains where babies and toddlers can play. Water is controlled by towers around the splash park area.
This large fenced-in water park is one of my favorites because of, well, the fence. It is so nice to have a safe area for our very active and adventurous kids. The splash area is next to two playground areas -- also fenced in! - and a track-and-field area.
Danehy Splash Park (Cambridge, MA)
Located within walking distance from the Red Line's Alewife Station, Danehy Park has it all: wide-open spaces, bike paths, sports fields, playgrounds, picnic tables, and a spray park. Toddlers and older children alike will love to run around and splash on the spray deck.
Beaver Brook Spray Deck (Belmont, MA)
A large circular spray deck with fun water features and boulders to climb, this park is fun for kids of all ages. There is also a nearby playground and lots of green space to explore. The rocks can get slippery when wet so bring water shoes! Parents will also enjoy the shaded picnic benches along the outside of the park.
Outdoor Zoos and Museums
There is so much to explore in the Greater Boston area while the weather is nice.
Words to emphasize --
animal sounds (roar, tweet, hiss)
descriptive words (color, size, feelings)
action words (running, jumping, swinging, swimming)
Things to talk about --
how do the animals feel? "tired", "happy", "hungry"
what do the statues look like? "big", "round", "tall"