Language diary - extension to the idea

I want to keep talking about my idea for a language diary. I believe this idea is very useful.

As an extension to the diary idea, I think we can develop the diary to get even more learning and development from it.

Here are my original text blogs concerning the "language diary"

http://www.language-explorer.co.uk/index.php?post_id=490822

http://www.language-explorer.co.uk/index.php?post_id=500877

Here are some more developments to the idea...

1. We have a go at a diary of 50 words (approximately) using written short sentences

(Start with really easy sentences, then build it up to the more complex)

2.  We then try our best to translate using a dictionary when we need to - not worrying about grammar. Just sentence structure

Make the best sentences you can, from your mind, or dictionary if you need some help. But don't take a long time to think about all the words.

3. We then read it back a few times for improving speaking speed and accuracy and check pronunication via an IPA dictionary

Read it very slowly out loud first. Check for the right number of syllables as you read. Don't worry if it sounds quite unnatural and strange by reading out loud in a slow way.

Read the passage at a normal speed (perhaps 5% slower than you feel is a good speed. This gives you 5% more time to pronounce well.

If you find a word hard to pronounce, or you do not know the pronunciation, then underline it, or separate the word into a list.

4. If we have a language partner or native speaker to communicate with, then we send the diary entries if they are willing to see them.

Native speakers will not mind correcting small texts 50-100 words.

Highlight any words you feel are new to you and if you need clarification about them.

5. Corrections made (by native speaker or by us)

Don't look back on the orginal diary you wrote. Just enjoy and save the corrected one. We don't need the original anymore.

6. We can file away for review later -We can revisit words from old diary entries when needed.  Read all diaries once a month or so

 

This way, all four skills are tried out, practiced and reviewed with just a 50-100 word exercise.

The only judgement to make is:

Did I enjoy writing the diary?

Do I enjoy reading the diary?

Do I enjoy speaking the diary out loud?

Do I enjoy hearing myself read the diary?

Do I think I am learning more?

Do I want to keep making a diary?

Keep a diary, keep it going!

Bye for now

Alan