you who are interested in learning English.1.10 Use the Internet

The internet is a fantastic invention, which has changed the way we live our lives. While it is fantastic to be able to read the People’s daily or chat with friends online, it is a waste if we don’t use the medium to learn English. Many English schools offer a full suite of blended online learning applications – but, in addition to that, there’s plenty you can do on your own.

1.11 Read English Newspapers

There are numerous newspapers which provide a rich source of interesting and varied reading materials. This is a really good way to improve your reading.

1.12 Listen to Radio

Virtually every radio station in the world is up for grabs with the Internet. Don’t just be content with the VOA or BBC world service. There are many other interesting alternatives. Try listening to radio from around the English speaking world.

1.13 Chat

You can use MSN, Yahoo! and other chat programs to chat in English. Try finding some of your English speaking friends. If you have Skype, encourage your friends to get it too and call them for free using your computer.

1.14 Don’t be Self-conscious

There are a few old-fashioned methods which might sound quirky but can work:

Improve your pronunciation: Use a mirror to practice making difficult English sounds; record yourself speaking English and listen afterward, paying attention to stress, intonation and problem phonemes.

Think in English: Have an imaginary conversation in English. Think through what you’re going to say.

Speak to your friends in English: Encourage yourself to practice by speaking with each other. This doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom. Try speaking to your classmates or friends in English. Don’t worry about picking up bad pronunciation habits-speaking more regularly will give you a much greater level of confidence and you will definitely improve faster.

1.15 For Parents

Kid’s whose parents take an active interest in their child’s education will probably be much more likely to become successful language learners. Let them know you care by communicating with them regularly about what they are learning:

• Check their homework and help them with it as much as you can.

• If they join an English course, make sure they are actually using those tapes that you paid for at the start of the course. Too many kids never even take off the cellophane wrapping on their cassettes. Your child can learn a lot from reviewing material from each unit on the tapes.

• If you can speak even a little English, don’t be afraid to use it with your child. Don’t be afraid that your child will learn bad pronunciation – that’s one of the reasons you want your child to learn English! But the more exposure they have to the language, the better they will become at English.

• Encourage your child to read as much as possible in English. It’s important to choose material appropriate to your child. However, there is a wide range of material available at local bookstores which will be suitable for your child.

• Let them watch cartoons and movies in English. Children love cartoons, and seeing them in English will only increase their desire to learn.

One of the best ways you can help with your child’s education is to take part yourself. Why not sign up for an English course yourself. Come to any English school with your child and learn English together.