Language Learning Strategies Tips and Tricks for success

 Read aloud: think of it as training your mouth to make the new sounds.  In class, if your “answer” does not come to mind use your new language to say that you don’t know, or need help! Stay in the mind set of the language, giving your brain time to work in the new language. Speaking

 Practice listening! Watch videos and listen to music in your new language. Listen to native speakers when you are in a store or restaurant. Try to recognize words, even sounds.  When others in class speak, listen for what they say and mentally build images of their answers—in the language itself.  Make friend with a native speaker and practice! Listening

 Do not read word-by-word, or translate word-by-word. Put aside everything and just read, even twice. Do not look up vocabulary while reading. Read a phrase or sentence as a thought to get its sense or meaning.  Read/sing song lyrics of the language. Reading

 Write out sentences you have practiced orally. Then write out the sentences with substitute words.  When you get corrections, re-write them. Correct what you got wrong, even repeating in order to embed it in your mind Writing

 Be inventive in acquiring new words Speak the list, and if the word has gender, or is singular/plural, make sure you use the article!  Create a visual thesaurus. Draw a picture of a new vocabulary word.  Look up new words and their definitions in the dictionary or online. Write out the definition. Add one synonym or antonym.  Use memory strategies: acronyms, rhymes, key words Vocabulary

 Familiarize yourself: Read a short clear easily understandable explanation of a grammar rule.  See how it’s used: Find several examples of the rule Check whether you have mastered the examples  Use it yourself: Create your own examples drawn from your daily life, or in conversations you could have with a friend, classmate, or even a family member. Grammar

 Make flashcards: whether digital or on paper  Explore using your iPhone or iPad: at moments when you are bored look up aps or popular music and videos in the language.  Use the Internet; search for websites. Play games, read newspapers, look up your hobby, research for other subjects you are studying, etc.  Watch videos and movies in your new language.  Learn the words to popular songs and sing along. Technology

 Study daily—develop a foreign language habit Think of studying as you would for a sport or music: a series of skills that need practice!  Don’t miss class!  Find a study buddy or two.  Take Risks! Be fearless in making mistakes, and getting correction.  Think of building your skill set Basics lead to more complicated variations  Relax and enjoy yourself! Do not worry about what you cannot remember, or cannot yet understand or say. The language will gradually become clearer in your brain, but this will happen on a schedule that you cannot control. Just make sure you spend enough time with the language. That is the greatest guarantee of success. Environment