Sr. Tate's guide to learning vocabulary

If you want to speak, you have to learn words. No other way around it. But remember, that the more efficiently we learn, the quicker and more effective our learning will be. Here are some suggestions.

1. Short segments work better than long study sessions. Once your brain is "tired," it won't want to assimilate new information. Try breaking your study sessions into 5-6 times per day for 5 minutes each.
2. If you like using flashcards, try putting both the Spanish AND the English on one side. Use these for the first couple of days. It helps program your mind with the correct answers instead of always reinforcing the fact that you don't know the words.
3. Remember that repetition is key. Looking at a word once won't help drive it into your long-term memory. It takes many repetitions to get there.
4. The more senses you use, the faster you will retain the words. Try all of the following:
   1. Read it
   2. Write it
   3. Say it
   4. Hear it
   5. Visualize it (See an image)
   6. Use it in context
   7. Associate it with other languages or words you know
   8. Act it / draw it / do it / touch it (physical memory)
   9. Make a mnemonic (memory hook)
   10. Sing it. Music is powerful.