Language Learning, the Summer Edition

I originally posted this around the same time last year. Thanks to the bingo-angle, my summer language practice was light, fresh and fun. I hope you’ll find it’s useful for you this year, too.

Happy Language Learning! ♡

Summer is in full swing here in Spain. Many people are lucky enough to get away from the normal routine for a few weeks and dedicate themselves entirely to friends, family and the enjoyment of life’s pleasures.

Personally, I’ve been completing home improvement projects, reading, and exploring the area near my new home. I’ve managed to dedicate a bit of time to my language learning practice but I haven’t been taking it that seriously or strictly following my usual routine.

While I’ve been easing off a bit, some of my students have gone in the other direction. For them, summer is a time to focus more intently on language study. They take advantage of the slower pace at the office to really get down to business with English. Others disconnect completely from anything that involves sustained effort, routine, or study. They take the summer off and come back with a renewed sense of purpose in September or even October.

For me, I know from experience that if I completely disconnect, I run the risk of taking a much longer break than I originally planned (for example, not practicing French for 15 years). I’m also one of those people (for better or worse) who derives self-worth from feeling “productive” and checking off things on my to-do list. 😅 So how can I strike a balance between structure and disconnection? I’d like a break from my usual routine, without risking full-on abandonment…

A few years ago, my niece created a poster with her summer bucket list of activities. She came up with 20 ideas to make the most of her break (and not spend the entire time in front of a screen). It wasn’t exactly a to-do list, but it did create some direction and anticipation as she and her mom made plans and prepared for each activity. She also got that satisfying sense of accomplishment that comes with checking things off and intentionally making new memories.

Inspired by her, I created a Language Learning Bingo Card for anyone looking to shake up their study routine this summer. While it’s not a new idea, it can be a helpful way to explore different strategies without the pressure of turning them into habits. It’s meant to bring a bit of lightness and novelty into your practice.

Changing up your study methods can be beneficial for your learning, too:

• A bit of novelty can help sustain motivation by making learning more enjoyable and interesting.

• A variety of activities and resources helps build competency in different areas.

• Successful language learners are often flexible and willing to experiment with new techniques. You might stumble upon something that really works for you.

Of course, there can be some downsides to abandoning your routine. If you constantly change your approach, you might only scratch the surface or lose the consistency that comes with routine. Still, summer feels like a good time to try something different before settling back into structure when the cooler months roll in. (I’m working on a series called Routine Refresh coming out Beginning of September. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss it!)

Download the free PDF Bingo card or make your own and see what you can cross off. You can aim for a line, a blackout, or just treat it like a summer bucket list for language learning. A little structure might help you make the most of the long, warm days without feeling like you're “studying”.

Connection through language has always been at the heart of Love to Lingo. Now, I'm finally building a space that reflects that. Think of it like the foreign language department of a university, without the exams.

It a place where you can:

• Practice your target language, in a real context, with real people

• Feel supported in your learning

• Learn from experts who are passionate about their subject

And beyond the language, have something to look forward to. A reason to engage, to think, to connect with people who are curious about the world.

Here’s what’s coming:

• Guest Lectures on Italian Opera, Cave Art in Spain, Cross-Cultural Communication and German Culture. (All in the original language version.)

• Cinema Club in French (and hopefully Spanish/Italian soon!)

• Two more discussion meetings for La Casa de los Espíritus

• Self-Study Groups in different languages

• Routine Refresh: a five-day challenge to build up your language practice

Paid subscribers can join all of these events and have immediate access to The Language Practice, a 56-page self-study guide.