English Learning Tips For Students
· Previous · Next Return to Index › How to Learn English With Pictures
Colleen Morrison

Each of us learns in her own way. Some of us are experiential learners--we learn by doing. Others of us "listen and learn." Sometimes the lesson determines the nature of the learning. Learning a new language, for example, frequently requires us to adopt an entirely new way of thinking and learning. Like any language, English has its own nuances and challenges for the English language learner, so whether you're the learner or the teacher, you might find it helpful to understand how to learn English with pictures.

Create flash cards. This works especially well as a vocabulary builder. Cut pictures from magazines, catalogs or newspapers or download pictures from the web. Attach one picture to one side of a blank 3x5 index card. On the other side of the card, write the English word that describes the picture. Use your dictionary to check your spelling.

Start with individual words. You can combine singular ("shoe") and plural ("shoes") forms of nouns on a single card, but you may find it more helpful to create a separate card for each. Don't forget adjectives (e.g. "red," "tall" and "short").

Combine words and concepts. This works well if you can create comparative scenarios, e.g. "blue shirt" and "yellow shirt." In this way, you'll learn both the noun and the adjective that describes it.

Create cards that illustrate action words. On one side, write the infinitive form of the verb, along with the present-tense conjugations: "to run: I run, you run, he/she runs, we run, they run."

As you become more proficient, make your lessons more challenging by combining words to make sentences. To do this, make stacks of cards grouped by part of speech: noun, adjective, verb. Select one noun picture, one adjective and one verb to create an instant sentence.

As your skills become more advanced, step up your learning. Line up the pictures and their associated words to tell simple stories. Make silly stories that will reinforce your learning. Make stories that describe special events and holidays.

Consult your dictionary frequently.

· Previous · Next Return to Index › How to Learn English With Pictures





Go to another board -