top 5 tips to\u00a0break through a language learning plateau<\/span><\/h2>\n#1 100 photos<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"photo](\"https:\/\/cudoo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/photo%20vocabuluary.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nVenture out into a familiar setting and take 100 photos, either on a camera or using your phone, of anything interesting you see. The image can be something as simple as fruit or more complex like a city street with buildings and other sights. Once you have taken the pictures, set a timer for 20 seconds and say out loud as many words as you can think of in your target language that describes what is going on in the photo. Make it up, get creative, even write it down, but it has to be in the language you\u2019re learning!<\/p>\n
As soon as the 20 seconds are up, move on to the next photo and do the same thing. Whether you\u2019re just starting to learn a new language or have been at it for a while, using the timer forces you to think quickly and rely on words you may think you\u2019ve forgotten. You\u2019d be amazed at how much you pick up and then don\u2019t use, and thus won\u2019t think about.<\/p>\n
#2 Taking notes<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"language](\"https:\/\/cudoo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/language%20notes.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nSimilar to the 100 photos task, this activity requires you to watch a movie, listen to songs, or read a book in your native language, but then write notes about it in your target language. It does not need to be extensive notes \u2013 even a few words are sufficient to keep you thinking in your target language while doing mundane things in your native language.<\/p>\n
The exercise allows you to think, write, and communicate on-the-spot in your target language. For speed and convenience, you can even use a smart device such as a phone or tablet to jot down the notes.<\/p>\n
#3 Make a “Swear” Jar<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"language](\"https:\/\/cudoo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/language%20swear%20box.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nRather than dumping in a set amount of money into a jar when you swear, deposit the money every time anyone speaks in a language that isn\u2019t the one you\u2019re supposed to be learning. When the jar is full (as it will because we all slip), use the money collected to purchase some sort of language learning material. This method works better when you have multiple learners, as policing yourself alone can be considerably more difficult.<\/p>\n
#4 Start a blog or Join or a Forum<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"hand-1757224_960_720-1.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/cudoo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/hand-1757224_960_720-1.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nA blog is nothing more than an online journal that can be used to track your progress in addition to accumulating a following of likeminded individuals in a targeted virtual community. Although you may alternatively do a pen-and-paper journal, or choose to keep your blog private, knowing that someone else is reading what you have to say is a pretty strong motivational factor when it comes to performing at your highest potential and allows for interaction with others who may be in the same plate as you.<\/p>\n
You can write about anything from a summary of your progress, to strategies you use in your learning, or even just rant about the frustrating process that language learning can sometimes be. There are also a number of free online forums for language learning, where you can practice, share ideas and phrases, etc.<\/p>\n
#5 Time-Boxing<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Smart](\"https:\/\/cudoo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Smart%20goals-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Venture out into a familiar setting and take 100 photos, either on a camera or using your phone, of anything interesting you see. The image can be something as simple as fruit or more complex like a city street with buildings and other sights. Once you have taken the pictures, set a timer for 20 seconds and say out loud as many words as you can think of in your target language that describes what is going on in the photo. Make it up, get creative, even write it down, but it has to be in the language you\u2019re learning!<\/p>\n As soon as the 20 seconds are up, move on to the next photo and do the same thing. Whether you\u2019re just starting to learn a new language or have been at it for a while, using the timer forces you to think quickly and rely on words you may think you\u2019ve forgotten. You\u2019d be amazed at how much you pick up and then don\u2019t use, and thus won\u2019t think about.<\/p>\n Similar to the 100 photos task, this activity requires you to watch a movie, listen to songs, or read a book in your native language, but then write notes about it in your target language. It does not need to be extensive notes \u2013 even a few words are sufficient to keep you thinking in your target language while doing mundane things in your native language.<\/p>\n The exercise allows you to think, write, and communicate on-the-spot in your target language. For speed and convenience, you can even use a smart device such as a phone or tablet to jot down the notes.<\/p>\n Rather than dumping in a set amount of money into a jar when you swear, deposit the money every time anyone speaks in a language that isn\u2019t the one you\u2019re supposed to be learning. When the jar is full (as it will because we all slip), use the money collected to purchase some sort of language learning material. This method works better when you have multiple learners, as policing yourself alone can be considerably more difficult.<\/p>\n A blog is nothing more than an online journal that can be used to track your progress in addition to accumulating a following of likeminded individuals in a targeted virtual community. Although you may alternatively do a pen-and-paper journal, or choose to keep your blog private, knowing that someone else is reading what you have to say is a pretty strong motivational factor when it comes to performing at your highest potential and allows for interaction with others who may be in the same plate as you.<\/p>\n You can write about anything from a summary of your progress, to strategies you use in your learning, or even just rant about the frustrating process that language learning can sometimes be. There are also a number of free online forums for language learning, where you can practice, share ideas and phrases, etc.<\/p>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n#2 Taking notes<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n#3 Make a “Swear” Jar<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n#4 Start a blog or Join or a Forum<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n#5 Time-Boxing<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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