Being stuck inside can make you feel like you\u2019re going crazy. But why not use this time to your advantage, and work on improving your English? You\u2019ll be able to practise fluency, all while staying closely connected to the rest of the world through news, video and games.<\/p>\n
Here are some tips to help you pass the time, and most importantly – stop you from getting cabin fever<\/strong><\/em><\/span>. A lot of these activities are free. And, you can do them in your pyjamas!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before you start practising your English at home, draw up<\/strong><\/em><\/span> a plan to help you get the best results. Think about your strengths, your weaknesses and exactly what you want to improve. Ask yourself if there is a way you can merge your interests and hobbies with your English learning. Then decide what you\u2019ll do each day to reach your goals.<\/p>\n For more information about goal setting, check out our blog: How SMART Goals can help you improve your English in 2020<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s Netflix, HBO or Amazon Prime, online streaming services can be a godsend<\/strong><\/em><\/span> when learning English at home. Make use of the subtitles (in English – of course) to easily follow the dialogue. Practise your listening skills, pronunciation and even pick up new slang.<\/p>\n One thing you can do is to make note of interesting and new vocabulary. Then pause the show and repeat the sentences with the same stress and intonation.<\/p>\n Short sitcoms like Friends<\/a> or How I met your Mother<\/a> are a great place to start if you\u2019re new to watching shows in English. And then when you\u2019re a real pro, try Peaky Blinders<\/a> or Game of Thrones<\/a> to perfect your regional accents!<\/p>\n For more ways to practise your English with your favourite TV program read: How to Improve Your English Using Netflix<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Transform your smartphone into your own mini-classroom, and download an app dedicated to learning English. Although apps can\u2019t replace a real-life teacher, they can give you a little push in the right direction. Practise your speaking in a chat room<\/strong><\/em><\/span> with apps like Tandem<\/a> and Hello Talk<\/a>, or learn new vocabulary with Memrise<\/a> and Duolingo<\/a>. Whatever your needs, trust us: there will be an app for it.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t know which one to download? Take a look at our list: 8 Of The Best Apps For Learning English<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re trapped at home and feel like you might go insane<\/strong><\/em><\/span>, use the time to learn something new. YouTube is a great platform for this, and if you watch videos in English, you\u2019ll not only acquire a cool new hobby, but also work on your listening skills too.<\/p>\n There are thousands of videos out there, everything from looking after plants<\/a> to learning to draw<\/a>. Follow a step by step guide on how to make pancakes<\/a>, a makeup tutorial<\/a> or even how to tune a guitar<\/a>.<\/p>\n1. Define your goals<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
2. Start watching that Netflix series<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
3. Download a language learning app<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
4. Learn a new skill or hobby with YouTube<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n