Meeting up with the same language partner every week can become monotonous and affect your motivation. The good news is that you can spice up your language sessions simply by changing your environment and routine. Here are seven great ideas to break the monotony and avoid boredom.
- Picture Labeling
Picture labeling is a great way to add vocabulary to your new language. Simply take a page from any magazine and start writing down the name of every single object you can identify without the help of your language partner. Do the same by identifying actions or moods by using verbs (i.e., the woman is reading). Once you have completed the vocabulary you know, let you partner teach you new vocabulary.
- Personality Quizzes
Personality quizzes are a fun way to learn a language. There are many personality tests available online, pick one in the language that you are learning and answer it with the help of your language partner. Do not forget this is only for learning purposes, so try not to take the results too seriously.
- Roleplay
Roleplay is a very effective language learning activity. Imagine a situation that could happen in your life and plan the conversation around it with your language partner. Some examples of roleplaying are: simulating a job interview, booking a hotel room, attending a parent-teacher meeting, seeing a doctor, going to the hair salon. Roleplay the conversation as if it was happening in real life by adding the emotions related to each situation.
- Board Games
Meeting with strangers to learn a language can be a daunting experience. Board games are great ice breakers and the best way to expand your vocabulary while having fun. There are many games in the market but do not limit yourself to word games or anything educational. Try all kind of games like cards, chess, strategy games or even games designed for children. The most important thing here is that you interact with your language partners and learn how to laugh in your second language.
- Movies
Movies are perfect for intermediate or advanced learners. It’s the best way to train your ears to listen to real-life language. You can go to the cinema and watch the latest thriller or you can opt for watching a movie at home with your language partner. This will allow you to stop and rewind in case you need explanations. Don’t forget to turn your subtitles on, unless you really want to challenge yourself. Netflix has a variety of movies in many languages. Children’s movies, short films, or silent films are excellent for beginners.
- Cooking
Why not make your language session a cooking class! Nothing better than practicing Italian while learning how to make lasagna and sharing ideas about cooking styles. This activity can be organized once a month in small or big groups.
- Outings
Take your language exchange out of the regular Café. What about a shopping session at your favorite supermarket to learn about shopping vocabulary? Other interesting places are: parks or crowded places to talk about people; museums to talk about art; or restaurants to learn about food. Don’t forget to take notes!