Pocket Learning Cards

One of the many methods I use is to carry laminated cards with me that contain the words I want to learn (such as learn Spanish, or learn Portuguese, or learn Chinese) on one side and their meanings, in English, on the other.

I keep about 5-7 cards with me at all times. Whenever I have a spare moment such as waiting in line at a checkout counter, waiting for my computer to boot up, waiting for my plane to take off etc.

Here’s how I go about creating the cards:

I go to an office supply store and get a pack of self-laminating plastic covers
I tape 2 of my business cards together, front-to-front.

On one side I list the words, verbs, or phrases in the language I’m learning; usually no more than 6-7 per card.
On the other side I put the numbered English translations of the words from the other side. I number each side so I can flip the card vertically as opposed to horizontally. I also use a separate color for each side of the card. The colors help me visualize the words and phrases.

I slide the cards into a self-laminating cover and seal it.

I keep going over all of the cards throughout the day. When I feel I’ve mastered one (however long that takes, from 1 day to a week or more) I remove the card from those I take with me and put it in a drawer along with other cards I’ve mastered.

If you’re learning more than one language you can file the mastered cards away by language. (such as if you’re learning Japanese, or learning French, or learning German)

Do you have any other suggestions for things that were particularly helpful to you learning another language? Just click on the “Contact Us” link below and let us know. We may do an article on the suggestions you provide! (with full credit and disclosure given of course!)

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