After spending a lot of time planning our kids' vacation camp experiences, we parents are nervous about whether the kids will end up liking the camps. I hedged my bets and enrolled my twin boys (age 6) in a variety of different one week camps. The first one, beginning Tuesday July 5, was ABC Spanish in Motion, conveniently located in Newton Highlands walking distance from our house.
In the days prior:
Elias: I don't want go to Espanol school! I don't want to learn Spanish.
Me: But think of all your friends who speak two languages (rattled off the names of various friends).
Elias: But they speak English!
Me: But then you'll be able to speakin Spanish to Tania (favorite babysitter).
Elias: I do not want to go.
So, July 5 rolled around and there was plenty of complaining from my son.
Me: But why not check it out and decide?
So we piled in the car (easier than making them walk), along with twin brother Raymong who was *not* complaining.
Elias: You're going to stay right, Mom? We're just going to see if we like it.
Me: Okay.
We arrived at the school, with director Anya Laporta greeting us, showing us the jacket hooks and backpack cubbies, and how to sign in.
Elias took one look at the light filled, scrupulously clean playroom set up with enticing different play areas (see pictures) and his faced glowed with sudden anticipation and delight. He scampered in, I was forgotten, and he immediately wanted to start in on an arts and crafts project. As I talked to the director, I heard Elias exclaiming with excitement to the teacher, "I can count in Spanish, uno, dos, tres..."
Wow. Was I ever relieved and happy. And also pleased at how beautiful the classroom was. On pickup, I was still a bit nervous:
Me: So how was Escuela de Espanol?
Elias: Ay-may-zeen!
The next day he threw on his clothes with glee and when we arrived at school my son insisted on showing me his art objects (see photos).
I may sign up for an additional week later in the summer that I still have open.
Thank you Director Anya Laporta! read more