Following are learning strategies students can practice using on their own. Explanations and demonstrations of
how to implement the strategies may be needed with beginners. Have students make cards to keep track of their
language learning strategies. Students can add their own strategies they find useful.
Listening
- Ask your teacher if you can tape record the lesson
- Listen for words you know or have learned
- Look at the person who is speaking
- Don't worry about understanding everything
- Ask questions if you don't understand something
- Confirm your understanding with a friend (Is this what the teacher said?)
- Take notes or write questions in a journal to refer to later
Speaking
- Try your best, don't worry about being perfect
- Practice reading in English to a younger brother or sister
- Listen to the pronunciation and fluency of an English speaker
- If someone doesn't understand you:
- say it again slowly
- act it out
- draw a picture
- describe it
Reading
- Preview what you will read (look at titles, subtitles and pictures)
- Don't stop at every word you are unsure of (keep reading and try to guess the meaning)
- Use the glossary in your book to look for meanings
- Keep a translation dictionary nearby when you're really stuck
- Talk about what you've read with a friend
- Take notes or write down questions while you are reading
- Use a graphic organizer to keep track of key information
Vocabulary Development
- Keep your own dictionary for words you have learned
- Make flash cards to practice new vocabulary
- Define key vocabulary with word maps or word squares
- Use dictionaries including picture and translation dictionaries
- Practice using new words in your speaking or writing
Writing
- Make a list of words relating to your topic (in your native language or English)
- Look up key words relating to your topic
- Use a graphic organizer to brainstorm your writing
- Don't worry about mistakes with your rough draft (just get your ideas down)
- Have a friend help you make changes to your rough draft
- Read your writing to friends, teacher, or family members to get feedback
