[one_second]Learning English or any other language is hard. However, you will only make it harder for yourself if you blindly spend money on expensive English teachers or courses that will only focus on theoretical English (i.e.nouns, verbs, adverbs etc.) Learning English is a bit like learning to ride a bike. Did you memorize bike manuals or did you just start cycling? Did you learn all the parts of a bike or did you just learn how to paddle and brake? The same concept applies to learning to speak English. You learn the fastest by “doing”. The more time you spend “doing” the better you will get.

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Today, let’s discuss 15 strategies that you can follow at home, free of charge to improve your English. Just like when learning to ride a bike, these are things you can do on your own. These exercises will you help develop better muscle memory when using English and help you “think” and “speak” in English instead of translating from your first language.

Here we go:

 

1.) Watch videos online

 

Watch a “How To” video on YouTube. Understand the process and then try to explain it to a friend using only English. Try to describe everything in as much detail as possible. If you get stuck, don’t stop. Keep going until can explain the whole process confidently and fluently.

The science – In order to become fluent in English, you need to stop thinking in your first language and translating. You need to start thinking in English.

Where to start – Try this video on how to make perfect scrambled egg!

 

2.) Read good books

 

Read the preview of a book on Amazon. Write down 10 new words you found. Look up the meanings of those words and how they are used in sentences. Write down a synonym for each. Try using these words when you practice speaking with your conversation partner.

The science – Expanding your vocabulary is an important part of learning English. However, it is pointless just to memorize thousands of words without a.) understanding the context they are used b.) using them in active conversations. We encourage all our students to activate their vocabularies.

Where to start – Try this book on Jeff Bezos and Amazon 

 

3.) Learn lyrics for English songs

 

Google search the lyrics of an English song. Play the song online and sing along. Learn all the lyrics by heart. Now try to sing along without looking at the words. Pay special attention to how the singers are pronouncing words and stressing on different sounds.

The science – Speaking English confidently and fluently requires you to be comfortable with your voice. You need open up, hear your voice and be comfortable with it. You vocal muscles are foreign to English. To overcome this, you have to speak out loud. Music is a great way to do this.

Where to start – Try this Pink Floyd classic 

 

4.) Practice English speaking with a native speaker over Skype

 

You cannot learn English without practice speaking with native speakers. You just can’t. Sign up for sessions with a program like SpokenEnglishPractice.com and start having Skype conversational lessons every week. This will allow you to practice English the same way you would if you lived in an English speaking country.

The science – Most English learners know basic grammar and have a vocabulary of at least 100 words. Where they lack is opportunities to have real conversations with real native speakers. You simply can’t master oral English by listening to tutors or clicking on software. You need to practice with native speakers.

Where to start – Try 1 on 1 Spoken English classes 

Do these things at home, on your own time. You will realize that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on expensive English language courses or in English speaking software!