Affordable Spanish summer camps for kids in boise, id
What is Summer Spanish?
Summer Spanish with Ms. Cindy is an affordable, small, intentional, outdoor language program designed for learners who thrive through movement, real-world experiences, and meaningful connection.
Summer Spanish blends Spanish language immersion, culture, history, and practical life skills through relevant and engaging weekly themes in a place-based learning environment.
How will my child actually learn Spanish?
Summer Spanish with Ms. Cindy uses a research-based, age-appropriate approach grounded in second language acquisition (SLA) research and Montessori principles.
Learners are surrounded by meaningful Spanish input that is made understandable through movement, visuals, routines, storytelling, real-life context, and authentic opportunities for output across a weekly theme. Learners acquire language best when it is comprehensible, contextual, and purposeful - this is deeply in alignment with Montessori education.
Modern research in second language acquisition shows that children acquire language most effectively when they:
- hear language used for real purposes
- feel emotionally safe and unpressured
- are allowed a “silent period” where listening and observing comes before speaking
- engage with language repeatedly in meaningful contexts
In Summer Spanish with Ms. Cindy, Ms. Cindy uses Spanish as the language of action rather than as an abstract subject. This aligns with research showing that comprehension and confidence develop before accuracy, and that forced output can actually slow and hinder acquisition.
Learners are never, ever required to speak before they are ready. Some children begin speaking quickly; others listen, observe, and absorb before joining in. Both paths are expected and respected.
Because instruction is multi-sensory, contextual, and responsive, beginners are fully included from day one. At the same time, children with prior Spanish experience continue to grow by using the language more deeply and authentically.
This approach reflects current research in SLA, including findings that:
- language is acquired through comprehensible input, not memorization
- repetition within meaningful routines builds fluency
- emotional safety and dignity are essential for learning
- language develops over time through use, not performance
- repetition within meaningful routines builds fluency
The goal of Summer Spanish is not immediate proficiency or perfection but confidence, comprehension, and connection. Learners leave with stronger interpersonal skills, growing expressive language, and - most importantly - a positive relationship with Spanish.