Moving on with Your Language

This will be a short entry. I’ve had a busy week, but I want to get you started on actually studying the language you’ve chosen.

I really appreciate a recent comment on how I make language study simple. It really can be. Just don’t get hung up on how you think things should be done, which is probably based on how you were taught or taught to teach. Thanks again to tellmealgo.

Okay, by now you’ve probably found out what your preferred learning style is. How does this compare to the way you were taught – or have taught – a foreign language? What insights has this given you into your past successes or difficulties?

Now, here are some suggestions for study activities that will utilize different learning styles.

Visual: Use flashcards for vocabulary and some grammar points. Cut out, copy or create pictures that illustrate the word or sentence you want to practice.

Aural: Play a language-learning CD at home or in your car. Use a CD or tape while you exercise at the gym.

Kinesthetic: Write the words or sentences in your journal. Make movements that illustrate the word or sentence as you say it. (Be as creative here as you like. No one’s watching.) For example, act out verbs or demonstrate nouns. Just think what you can do with the word that means flower, or beautiful.

I’m sure you can think of more activities for each learning style. And, of course, you can combine them or try one that is not at the top of your list.

Get your feet wet with the language you want to study. Choose one or two of the above activities and do it for the amount of time you’ve committed to studying. Keep a record of your reactions and results in your journal. I’d love to hear about some of these. You can post a comment on this blog or write to me at either Pres@PrinceLanguage.com or seileenprince@gmail.com

Ciao for now,

Eileen