Would you like to make it easier to learn English?

Focus on learning new vocabulary. Language science shows this is one of the most important things you can do to learn a new language! Here is an example of that research.

For the beginner, these words may actually be single letters or numbers. For the advanced student, it may be an idiom or the conjugation of an irregular verb.

And there are more reasons to focus on building your vocabulary…

More Benefits of Vocabulary Learning

Building a robust vocabulary has several benefits for people learning English as a second language:

1. Stay motivated by measuring your progress. You can count the number of new words and phrases you learn.
2. Understand more. A larger vocabulary helps you understand more of what you hear and read.
3. Better communication. With more words, you can express yourself more fluently.
4. More confidence: Knowing the right words to use boosts your confidence.

See here and here for research that explains this.

A chance to win a gift card

Each week we plan to have a drawing for a gift card. Anyone who has come early and said their vocabulary words or phrases from the previous class session successfully on their 1st try will have their name entered in a drawing. During break, we will pick one name. That person will get to choose if they want an Amazon or Walmart gift card.

“Why does it have to be on my first try?”

Language science also shows it is important for you to practice these new words until are automatic. This means you practicing until you can say or identify the word without having to think. So you will need to practice every day many times.

We will not put your name in the drawing if you don’t get every new word correct on your first try. This is not because we want to be mean. It’s actually the opposite! We want to help you learn to learn on your own outside of class.

It takes practice just like a sport or musical instrument. This is because speaking a new language is much more than knowledge. It involves your muscles and many other parts of you. So try to make the practice fun!