As the school year draws to a close, students across Burnaby are eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer. This transition period offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the progress made throughout the year and to plan engaging activities that can help students continue developing their communication skills during the summer break.
Reflecting on Achievements
The end of the school year is a time to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students. Whether it’s mastering new speech sounds, improving social communication, or enhancing language skills, each milestone is a testament to our student’s dedication and hard work at school. Take a moment to acknowledge these accomplishments, this positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivate them to keep practicing over the summer.
Summer Activities to Support Communication Skills
Summer in BC is filled with opportunities for fun and learning. Here are some activities that can help students maintain and develop their communication skills:
Ideas for daily language fun!
SLP Activities Calendar – July 2025
SLP Activities Calendar – August 2025
- Burnaby Community Summer Activities: The City of Burnaby Recreation and Arts have a wide range of exciting summer activities. You’re sure to find something unique for you and your student!
- Outdoor Adventures: Families are encouraged to explore local parks, beaches, and hiking trails. These outings provide a natural setting for practicing descriptive language, storytelling, and social interactions.
- Community Events: Many communities host summer festivals, fairs, and markets. Participating in these events can help students practice conversational skills, learn new vocabulary, and engage in social exchanges.
- Reading Programs: Local libraries often offer summer reading programs for children. Joining these programs can enhance literacy skills, expand vocabulary, and foster a love for reading.
- Creative Arts: Activities like drawing, painting, and crafting can be great for developing fine motor skills and encouraging expressive language. Students can describe their creations, tell stories about them, or even create a summer scrapbook.
- Sports and Games: Team sports and group games are excellent for practicing turn-taking, following instructions, and using social language. Whether it’s soccer, baseball, or a simple game of tag, these activities promote physical and communicative development.
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting their children’s communication skills. Here are some tips to make the most of summer activities:
- Model Good Communication: Demonstrate clear and effective communication in everyday interactions. Use descriptive language, ask open-ended questions, and encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings.
- Create a Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes time for reading, storytelling, and conversation. Consistency helps reinforce learning and provides a sense of stability.
- Be Patient and Positive: Celebrate small successes and be patient with challenges. Positive reinforcement and encouragement can make a big difference in a child’s progress.
As we bid farewell to the school year and welcome the joys of summer, let’s continue to support our students in their journey of communication development. With a mix of fun activities and thoughtful engagement, summer can be a season of growth and discovery for everyone.
Happy summer, and here’s to a fantastic end of the school year!