Brookfield Public Schools

Vocabulary

• Use each new word in a sentence.
• Say the words out loud while studying.
• Tape record the words and then listen to them.
• Fold a page in half, write the words on one side, the definition or a synonym on the other.
• Make use of the words as much as possible.
• Make use of visual imagery (mental images) whenever possible.

Spelling

• Take notice of accented words. (The use of accents needs to be stressed, because without it the word could have a different meaning.
• Learn the sounds of the letters in the alphabet. Some foreign languages are phonetic (meaning the words are spelled the way they sound). Ex. Spanish. 

Grammar

• Review the reading; look for examples of new grammar.
• Try to use the form while practicing vocabulary.
• Try to identify the forms you already know.
• Use the new forms in written and spoken examples.
• Practice by making up your own examples. 

Reading and Listening

• Get the general idea of the selection by reading through it before using the dictionary. .
• Avoid translating; try to get your native language out of your mind.
• Read aloud. This will help to pronounce unfamiliar words and remember them.
• Look for familiar words or roots of words.
• Only use the dictionary as a last resort. Try to understand the words in their context.
• Look for nonverbal cues.
• If you don't know a word, continue listening or reading; don't panic and miss the end of the statement.

Speaking

• You won't be able to say as much in the foreign language as in English. Don't worry about sounding simplistic.
• Don't worry about the grammar; focus on getting your meaning across.
• Force yourself to talk and think to yourself in the foreign language.
• Whenever there's an opportunity speak to your friends or native speakers in the foreign language.

General

• Write everyday.
• Do self-tests.
• Highlight the key points of every chapter.            .
• Create lists and study sheets; use devices like rhyming and association to help you remember.
• Carefully listen to everything that happens during class. Mentally try to answer all the questions asked.             

Homework

• Carefully review the work of the day.
• Review previous work.
• Self test in writing the examples of that day.

Your best resource is your teacher!