<p class="ql-block">Summer is here, and so is Little Dragon Summer Camp! We're all about fun, sun, and relaxation—but we also believe in keeping those little brains sharp. Expect a perfect mix of play, rest, and just enough learning to make every day count.</p> Basketball Lesson <p class="ql-block">This week, your child was introduced to the basics of basketball! We focused on five key areas that build a strong foundation for the game:</p><p class="ql-block">· Dribbling – Bouncing the ball while keeping it under control and looking up to see teammates, not down at their feet.</p><p class="ql-block">· Shooting – Practicing proper form: balanced stance, eyes on the target, and a smooth follow-through.</p><p class="ql-block">· Footwork – Learning how to stop, pivot, and stay balanced—essential for every move on the court.</p><p class="ql-block">· Layups – A simple two-step shot that uses the backboard to score up close.</p><p class="ql-block">· Teamwork – The most important skill of all! We emphasized passing, communication, and supporting one another as a team.</p> Chinese Drama Class <p class="ql-block">This week, we used the story Tadpoles Are Looking for Mom as a thematic unit to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Chinese. We began by watching the animated movie of the story to build comprehension, then analyzed each character the tadpoles met—the fish, the turtle, and the duck—focusing on what each one told the tadpoles about their mother's appearance (e.g., "She has big eyes," "She has four legs"). Students actively engaged in character creation, designing and crafting their own puppets or masks for the final performance. They practiced reading the story with their peers in small groups, building fluency and confidence. We also incorporated project-based learning, including life-cycle sequencing, sentence-building activities, and a "Find Mom" board game to reinforce reading comprehension. The culminating event was our final show, where students performed the story on stage using their handmade characters—and it was truly thrilling! Parents and classmates were delighted to see how much the children had grown in their Chinese language skills, teamwork, and storytelling abilities. This unit beautifully blended language acquisition with science and social-emotional learning, proving that stories can bridge cultures and deepen understanding.</p> English Language Art <p class="ql-block">This week's lessons are designed to build language, literacy, and communication skills through a balanced mix of structured activities and creative . Students engage in creative dramatics by acting out picture books, participate in phonics and reading games (like Bingo and "What Do You Meme?"), and practice storytelling, writing, and sequencing through both independent and group work. We also incorporate Readers Theatre to boost vocabulary and speaking confidence, along with singing games and drawing activities that encourage careful observation of nature and descriptive language. Across all activities, students have frequent opportunities to read—independently, with partners, or as a group—and to discuss characters, events, and predictions.</p><p class="ql-block">Beyond the academics, we prioritize real-world connection and conversation. Students take outdoor walks to collect and describe natural objects, using descriptive language for others to guess what they found. We also seize spontaneous teaching moments—like observing a rainstorm—to practice vocabulary, sentence building, and writing. Most importantly, we dedicate time to lots of conversations, giving students space to share opinions, ask questions, and express themselves freely. Whether discussing favorite foods, describing special places, or wondering about the world, every child is encouraged to participate, listen, and grow as a confident communicator.</p> Chinese Painting Class <p class="ql-block">This week, students learned basic Chinese painting (水墨画) techniques using bamboo brushes. After practicing brushstrokes, they applied their skills to illustrate the story Tadpole Looking for Mom, painting scenes from the tale with ink. The combination of art and storytelling brought the story to life in a beautiful and creative way! </p> Break Time <p class="ql-block">Week 1 of Little Dragon Summer Camp is officially in the books! 🎉 What a fantastic kickoff—full of laughter, new friends, and just the right amount of learning. Here's more weeks of learning, summer fun and growth ahead!</p>