Language Learning Checklist | Work At It Everyday | How To Learn By Yourself

It doesn't happen very often, but occasionally, you'll teach somebody who sees English lessons as more than just an academic exercise and they want to communicate better. 

Below, you'll see a checklist of simple tasks that L2 (second language) learners can do on a regular basis that will give them that regular contact with their second language. 

If you or they have any questions, there is a FAQ section below.

Superstar Students: How To Study By Yourself

Checklist:
When Learning A Language...

Check off the assignments as you complete them.

1. In General
                  Carry a notebook around with you and write new words and expressions.
                  Say “Hello”, “Good morning”, etc. to the teacher in the hallway. 
                  Say a sentence/ Ask a question to an English teacher in English.
 
2. Listening
                  Watch a TV show or movie in English.
                  Watch a TV show or YouTube video in English at least 5 times in one week.
                  Listen to 10 English songs in one week.
                                     Watch a “lyrics” video
                                     Write down at least 1 new phrase from the song
                                     Write down new words from the song

3. Reading
                   Read a blog or article that you find interesting in English at least 5 times a week.
                   Read an entire book in English.
                   Visit a forum, follow on social media, or read comments in English every day.


4. Writing
                  Write a diary every day in English for one week
                  Write a presentation of yourself, a hobby, your family, a friend, etc.
                  Write a letter to your teacher
 
5. Speaking
                   Record yourself speaking about a topic for 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc. 
                   Talk to yourself in English
                   Participate in class
                                     Ask a question
                                     Answer a question
                                     Tell a story

6. Grammar
                  Google “____ exercises” and do the practice exercises. 
                                      (Ex. “present perfect exercises”)
                  Write down the ones you get wrong

Get the FREE Checklist on PDF and .doc

FAQs

FAQs
What is this?
The most important thing to do when learning a foreign language is to have regular, authentic contact with that language. These are suggestions that a learner of a foreign should be doing every week to immerse in that language as much as possible. These are meant to be supplementary to a language class or teacher.
 
How do I do it?
Check off the boxes as you complete the tasks. Repeat the checklist when necessary. 
 
Why these tasks?
These tasks are meant to be the most common things that most people do in their daily lives. These are supposed to work alongside of what we are doing anyway… only doing some in our target language.
 
How long does this take?
Work at your own pace! This is task-based work instead of time-based work. It is meant to incorporate your target language into our daily lives. If you don’t normally do one of these (for example watch movies, do it and consider it to be a mental exercise… or don’t do it. These are meant to stimulate ideas and motivation, not take them away. 
 
If you’re interested…

Stop by and say HI...

Want more? 

Teachers' Room Members enjoy ALL lesson plans and materials PLUS updated videos and workshops.