Well hello there, Reader, I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to connect with you today.

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A few days ago I listened to a fascinating interview with a polyglot - a person who is able to understand and speak multiple languages. Elisa Polese has studied 25 languages and teaches 13 of them! (Wow! I'm struggling to keep my English and Spanish going! I can't imagine having 25 languages floating around in my head! Can you?)

In the interview, the host and Polese discuss some important strategies, or secrets (that aren't really secrets), that will help anyone learn a language more effectively.

The one I'm going to focus on for a minute with you today is this point:

*I added this in because she doesn't say it, but that's what she's meaning from the context.

So a big part of learning English or developing your CELPIP skills is being consistent.

Duh, right?

I know you know that.

But how do you manage consistent practice when you're juggling a full time job and a family?

Now that's where this gets interesting.

My big takeaway on this one: Learn the art of doing what you're already doing, but incorporate your English practice into it.

vs.

Trying to add practice on top of your already insanely busy day. (This won't work!)

What do I mean?

Try one (or all!) of these ideas and let me know how it goes!

1. Break time: Do you normally have your coffee break (or break/lunch break) alone? Stop! Make an effort to sip your coffee or eat your sandwich with a few native English speaker coworkers. But do it consistently - meaning: daily.
2. Are you into journaling? Try taking just 5 minutes to keep a 'gratitude journal' each day. Write about a few things that happened that your thankful for. But do it in English.
3. Do you commute? Turn your car or bus ride into a mobile university. Download a few podcasts - like mine, for example! (shameless plug!) or news stories from your favourite local English station. I highly recommend cbc.ca because they feature Canadian English - which is something you MUST be listening to (and a lot) if you're prepping for the CELPIP.
4. Got kids? Read a book with them. If you've got children around, what if you read a book in English with them?(Or had them read to you!) *Note: just because it's a children's book, doesn't mean the words will be easy! Be prepared to have your vocabulary challenged and grown! (Bonus: it's ok to ask your kids for help!)

See what I'm trying to do here? Do what you're already doing, but do it in English. (Don't try and stuff something more into your already busy schedule!) You'll break!

Thank you for reading! Is there something you'd like me to cover in a future edition of the newsletter? A question about the CELPIP that you'd like answered? Just hit reply and let me know. I read and respond to every e-mail.

Aaron