Finding ways to make progress with your language skills is very challenging when we are socially distancing and wearing masks!
PRACTICING ENGLISH is the most important way to improve your fluency level. Every ESL Instructor will say, “Practice, Repeat, Practice, Repeat!” But how can you practice when you are in the middle of a pandemic? Your social and academic interactions have become limited, and you may not know many (or any) English-speakers, who have time for a normal conversation with you – so that you can use the language you have been learning. Here are a few tips to keep you on track….
- Find a short poem or speech online that has both audio and written text. Keep it short, but try to memorize it. Then record it on your phone and listen back. This is a good warm-up exercise. An idea might be, “The Rose That Grew From Concrete,” by Tupac Shakur. Or, of course, any book by Dr. Seuss!!
- Think of interesting topics or questions that you might be discussing with a friend, colleague or professor, for example: Politics, Weather, Shopping, Food, Travel. Create an imaginary conversation, and practice out loud, so that when you are next in a social situation, the language will be easier to use. Recording yourself will help you remember.
- Imagine your next visit to your favorite restaurant. Upload their menu and practice ordering your meal for yourself, and a friend. Record your dialogue and also repeat some of the menu items. You will be ready to go out when this is over.
The use of a RECORDING DEVICE (iPhone; Laptop; Tablet) is one of the best ways to practice English by yourself. Whether by video or audio, hearing yourself will make a big difference. If you follow a daily routine of practicing English, outside of your lessons, you will make amazing progress. Soon this virus will be over, and you will be ready to speak English in every situation! If you need more ideas, and want to discuss how to create a daily English-practicing routine, by yourself, please sign-up for a Free Discovery Session, and get on our Mailing List for more tips and ideas.