How to Learn English at Home ?
The act of learning English at home has become more popular than ever, particularly with the advent of online options and schedules that fit just about any lifestyle. Whether you're starting from scratch, or simply looking to update your English, it is possible to really improve your English language skills without ever leaving the house. Here are some suggestions to engage with English language materials while learning English at home:
1. Set Goals
To begin with, you have to figure out what your goals are. Do you simply want to improve your speaking, pass a test/exam, or understand movies better? Setting goals for yourself will keep you motivated, engaged and help you understand how much progress you are making. i.e.
• "I want to learn 20 new words each week."
• "I want to have a 5-minute conversation all in English every day."
2. Create a Schedule
You have to practice it, just like anything else in life, engagement and regular contact is needed. Try to spend at least 30 minutes daily focused on learning English, it could be listening, or improving vocabulary, anything. A set schedule helps you build habits and information retention.
3. Use the FREE resources available online!
There is a TON of content available so that you have the ability to learn English from home and online.
- Applications: there are many good free applications available (think of Duolingo, Memrise, Babble and HelloTalk), that serve as a good basic source to learn vocabulary and develop a speaking component.
- Websites: BBC Learning English, Engvid and VOA Learning English are good examples of web based resources, that offer video lessons (which can be downloaded) and quizzes.
- Youtube: there are many teachers/language specialists that are offering lessons on grammar, pronunciation, and conversation that are available to watch on Youtube!
4. Watch in English
Watching TV/movies or youtube is another way to develop your listening and pronunciation skills. If you can, watch the video with the subtitles and once you start to feel like you are improving, turn the subtitles off. Some good beginner watching shows to try are Friends, Peppa Pig, and the Simpsons!
5. Read Every Day
Reading every day is a great way to develop your vocabulary and a good grammar structure. The goal is to start with easy books and children stories and be building your way up to more complex reading like newspaper articles, blogs or novels. There are two good examples of sites that have easy reading, New in Levels, and simple English Wikipedia.
6. Speak and Practice
Practice talking as much as you are able, even if it is just by yourself! You can have a conversation with yourself, talk to yourself about what you are doing, or simply read aloud. You can also:
• Use apps and websites (Tandem, Speaky) to find a partner online to speak with.
• Speak to Siri, or Google Assistant, in English.
• Record your voice and listen to yourself speak and pronounce different words.
7. Have A Vocabulary Notebook
Have a notebook and write down the new words and phrases you learn. Look back at this vocabulary and attempt to use the novel vocabulary in your sentences! You could also use flashcard apps like Anki or Quizlet.
8. Be Patient And Don't Give Up
Learning a new language takes time. You are going to make mistakes (the only way to learn) this is are all normal! It is important to celebrate those smaller victories, like understanding a definition of a new word, or being able to finish a conversation!
Conclusion
You don’t have to pay for expensive courses and classes to learn English. You can make progress in English from your home when you are motivated, consistent, and some support. You just have to take the plunge, keep your focus, and enjoy the journey of becoming fluent in English!
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