For a long-term project like learning a language, make sure you’re also having fun so that you can stay motivated.
Here are some ideas for ways to learn English that don’t feel too serious. They’re perfect for summer holidays!
Netflix And TV Series
When you “get into” a TV program or series, you forget that you’re learning. Instead, you’re immersed in the story.
Netflix is just one way to get English-speaking TV, but there are lots of other ways to subscribe, download or stream programs and films. Here are two things to help:
1. If you don’t have access to unlimited broadband, watch a trailer on YouTube (for example) then buy the DVD.
2. If you’re unsure about watching a whole film or program, start by watching kids’ cartoons. Often the English is easier, and cartoons are also short. (If you have children, watch with them!)
3. The point is to enjoy what you’re watching. So make it a “date” with friends to watch together and find other people who also watch the same thing so you can talk about it together.
Read A Great Book In English
The secret is to find a book about something that fascinates you. The passion you have for the subject will help you continue reading when you meet difficult words or sentences.
Set yourself a goal of two pages ONLY every day. Then take time to enjoy those two pages, look up words that you don’t understand, and then make a note of them.
By the end of the summer, you’ll have finished (or nearly finished) a great book. That is a fantastic achievement!
Join a Facebook Group
Spend a few minutes every day in a group which is dedicated to learning or practising English. Facebook groups are great for this, because you can check in quickly and see what other people are saying. You might also make some friends!
This summer I’ve started a new Facebook group just for this – and you can join it here:
Speak English
Meet other people who are also practising their English, and get feedback from me!
Start a New Project
Summer projects are a really fun way to do something new, meet other people doing it – and learn some English at the same time.
Think about a “craft” type project (my neighbour is learning how to make wine, for example) or a social project (another neighbour is setting up a choir to meet people and share music).
When you start a new project you might have to learn how to do it, through reading books or watching tutorials; and you can also join forums where you can contact other people for help.
If your project involves other people, you can also create a little community of people who share your idea – either online or in real life. This gives you more opportunities to speak English.