Recently in English Study Tips Category

DON'T JUST READ, WRITE!
I know that many of you read my BLOG entries every week, but I don't get many comments from you. So I'm asking you to try and write me a comment as often as you can.
I know that many of you are afraid of writing on my BLOG because you are worried about making mistakes. But please don't worry! Everyone here is trying to learn English, just like you! So please give it a try!
You can write about any topic you like. Tell me about your weekend or your future plans! Tell me your opinion on one of the topics from your class or tell me what you thought of the class! Tell me what you liked about your class! Ask me a question or just write me to say hello! Anything is OK!!!
I really want to hear from you! I want to read your messages....they make me happy! And most importantly, writing me messages will help your writing skills and communication skills!
Please write me a comment soon, I'm waiting!!!

COME TO JOY EVENTS!
In class, I always try to plan many communicative activites and get you to use as much natural English as possible. However, you still need to practice outside of class if you want to improve. So I suggest that you join the events we have at JOY whenever possible.
There are always native English speakers at the parties and events held here at JOY. So you can use the grammar, vocabulary and phrases you learn in class to communicate naturally with native speakers. It's your chance!!!
In September we have many events. Tonight we will hold the welcome party for the two new teachers and the farewell party for Braden and Erin who will be leaving JOY next week. Then we will have an English cooking event on September 27th and talks about Mongolia (in Japanese) and Barcelona (in English) both on September 26th and 28th. We will also hold the English EXPO at the end of October.
So please come and enjoy all the events we have at JOY and use lots and lots of English and have FUN!!!

BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY!
We need to know vocabulary in order to communicate! The more vocabulary you know, the easier it is to understand what people say and to communicate your thoughts, opinions and feelings. But building your vocabulary is not always easy!
Try reading English books and newspaper articles (for learners of English). At JOY we have many “graded readers” for students of all levels! You can borrow these books for two weeks and study vocabulary and practice reading and reading comprehension (understanding).
And don’t forget to start a vocabulary notebook (for vocabulary only)! Write down all the new words you learn in the notebook and write an example sentence in English using the word. Or write a diary using the new words you have learned.
I can check your work at any time! So don’t be shy...NOW is your chance!!!

ENGLISH IS EVERYWHERE!
Please try to look for English when you leave your home! English is everywhere in Japan if you actively look for it! You can find English on the street (on signs), in stores, at information centers, at the library, on TV, etc.
Often, pamphlets (for travel or information) have some English written in them, and food packages sometimes have English written on them, too. Please look for the English and read it.
You can also listen to English radio or watch English TV programs. NHK has many English learning programs that are on everyday during the week stating at 6:45am, 12:00pm and 11:00pm. These programs are interesting and you can learn a lot of English!
So the next time you leave your house, please watch out for English....it’s everywhere!!!

GO BACK TO THE BASICS!
What does this mean? Well, sometimes we forget the easy grammar that we studied a long time ago or we make simple mistakes. So please review the basic grammar that you learned and try using it again in class and in your writing. You'll be able to learn the grammar again quite easily and you can even learn how to use it properly.
Reviewing grammar is also a good way of remembering important points. So if you "go back to the basics" then your English will definitely improve! Please give it a try!

USE ENGLISH EVERY DAY!
It is very important to think in English every day. So try writing a diary or journal when you have some free time. You can write simple English sentences about your daily routine or you can write your opinions about important issues. And I can check your English spelling and grammar when you come to class!
Also, please try to check my BLOG at least once a week. And always leave a comment! You can tell me about your weekend plans, special events or what you liked about the class! Anything is OK!!!
Remember to use English every day.....OK?

USE ENGLISH TEXTBOOK CDs!
Try Shadowing the conversations (repeating after the CD) or dictation (writing down what you hear). After, check your work with the listening script. Doing these two activities will help you improve both your listening skills and pronunciation!
Also, you can try listening to English Textbook CDs in your car when you drive somewhere (and do shadowing). Always keep one or two CDs in your car!
Listen to English CDs at least once a day. Your listening skills will definitely improve!

STUDY ENGLISH WITH FRIENDS!
This week's study tip is easy! Just make friends with your classmates or other students at JOY and study English together.
You can repeat vocabulary, do homework together, help each other with English grammar and share your ideas on studying! Studying with friends is much more fun!!! It's a good way to learn and practice English! Good luck!