As an English Language Learner there are as many ways as there are tools to learn the English language. One useful way is enroll in an ESL class, whether it is a traditional classroom setting or an internet class setting. No matter which one you decide is best for your situation you will need some tools to help you on your journey to learning English. Today, you will find out why it useful to use flashcards when learning English.

Obviously the first question you might have is "What is a flashcard?" A flashcard is a square piece of paper with a vocabulary word in your first language written on one side and the same vocabulary word on the other side in the language you are learning. You can make flashcards by taking a blank piece of paper and cutting with a scissor into 2x2 inch squares or whatever size you find most comfortable. Another way to make a flashcard would be to cut an index cards in half. You can then go ahead and proceed to writing your vocabulary words on the flashcards, one per card. Remember to write the vocabulary word in your first language on one side, and the language you are learning on the other side. Alternatively, you can purchase flashcard pre-made with all the vocabulary words you need to learn. All the work is done for you. You then have more time for learning.

Okay, so now you know what a flashcard is and how to make them. It is time that you learn how to use them. Put the flashcards in a neat pile in front of you, preferably on a table. The pile of flashcards should also be set up with your first language face up. Take the first flashcard and read aloud the word written in your first language. Then flip the flashcard over and read aloud the word written in the language you are learning. Repeat this process with the entire stack of flashcards. You can repeat this as many times as it takes you to get familiar with the vocabulary words you are learning. Now that you have done that you can quiz yourself on the vocabulary words with the same flashcards. Put the flashcards in front of you and as before read the word written in your first language, but this time see if you recall what the word is in the language you are trying to learn. You now put divide the flashcards into two piles: vocabulary words you can recall and vocabulary words you cannot recall. Take the pile of flashcards with the words you could not recall and start the process over with those. Soon enough you will be an ace with your vocabulary words, and making strides towards being the best English Language Learner you can be.

There are some advantages to using flashcards. They are portable, inexpensive, and you can have someone quiz you with them. You also are using more than one of your senses when you use them. Remember you are reading, writing, and speaking when you use your flashcards. You are truly engaging your mind with this tool.

To find out more about flashcards visit our website at http://www.everydayell.com. You can order your own flashcards at this English language learners website. If you have any questions about ESL activities feel free to contact us with the information on this English as a second language webpage.