5 Ways to Practice English at Home

25.10.2017

While you may spend an hour to an hour and a half in an English class per week, sometimes it's just not enough. So how do you keep learning and practicing English the rest of the time when you're not in class? Of course, if your teacher gives you homework that helps, but even then it can be too little practice.
 
Here are five wonderful ways to practice English at home, so that you can progress and learn more effectively. Remember... "if you don't use it, you lose it!"
 
1. Post-It Notes
 
Post-It notes aren't just for pushing around your desk when you're not using them. They are very handy when learning a new language! 
 
Write the English word for common household items on Post-Its, and stick them on things around your house. For example, write the word "mirror" on a Post-It and stick it to the mirror in your bathroom. Do the same with drawers, the refridgerator, cabinets, wardrobes, tables, etc. That way, you can't help but see the English word when you're going about your business at home, and you just might remember the English word better.
 
2. Friends
 
Do you have any friends that speak English, too? While it can be hard to switch languages with people, it definitely helps!
 
Saying even just a few English phrases to your friends when you see them, even if it's just "How are you doing?" or "How was your weekend?" can help you get in the practice of speaking English more often.
 
3. Change Your Phone
 
We all look at our phones all the time, so why shouldn't it help you learn English?
 
Change your phone language (and your Facebook, too!) to English. It's one of the easiest ways to practice when you're not even thinking about it. You already know where all the buttons are anyway, and what they do, so it's almost impossible to mess something up with it. You'll be speaking English so much faster, just by changing the language on your Facebook and phone.
 
4. Read
 
Why not try reading at least one news article a day in English?
 
It can be challenging, of course, but without a little bit of challenge, you're not going to learn. Plus, you'll be more informed of the world around you. Some good news websites are NPR and The Guardian.
 
5. Duolingo
 
Duolingo is a great website to support your language learning. Duolingo is an online language learning website. They offer everything from Norwegian to Klingon, and most importantly, they have English practice.
 
You most likely won't become fluent just by using Duolingo, but it's a great way to practice during the week inbetween your English lessons. And it's fun, too, since it's set up like a game! Give it a shot, and see if it helps to expand your vocabulary!
 
Are there any ways you practice English at home? Let us know! And don't forget to drastically improve your English language skills by signing up for lessons with YES - Your English School.