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Hello everyone!
June in Japan often means rainy days. Rainy season hasn't quite started here in Sendai yet, but you can feel the air starting to get more muggy.
Sometimes the rain is light and relaxing. Sometimes it rains all day, and going outside feels like too much work.
The picture above shows one of our rainy day English activities at home. On rainy days, I often let my sons do English activities they enjoy. One activity they like is a phonics card challenge. They try to beat each other by making the craziest words they can.
Some words are real. Some words are very silly. But they are still thinking about sounds, letters, and word patterns. And most importantly, they are having fun with English.
That is a good reminder for all of us.
Studying does not always need to feel serious.
Rainy days can be a good chance to study at home in a calm, comfortable, and enjoyable way.
Here are some easy and practical study tips for rainy days.
1. Make a small study space
You don't need a perfect desk or a beautiful room.
Just choose one small space where you can focus.
Before you start, clear away things you don't need. Put your notebook, pencil, textbook, or computer in front of you.
A clean space can help your mind feel clearer too.
2. Choose a short study goal
On rainy days, do not start with a huge goal.
Instead of saying, “I will study English for two hours,” try something smaller.
For example:
- I will study for 10 minutes.
- I will learn 5 new words.
- I will read one short article.
- I will write 3 sentences.
- I will review my last lesson notes.
Small goals are easier to begin. And once you begin, you'll likely feel more motivated.
3. Make English a little playful
This is especially helpful for children, but adults can do it too.
You can play with words, sounds, phrases, or questions.
For example:
- make funny sentences
- create silly words with phonics cards
- describe a picture
- play a quick word game
- ask and answer fun questions
- try to say a sentence faster and more clearly
When English feels playful, students can relax. And when students relax, they usually speak more.
4. Use the sound of rain
Rain can be a distraction, but it can also be peaceful.
Try using the sound of rain as background music.
Make some tea or coffee, sit down, and study slowly. You do not need to rush.
A rainy day can be a nice time for quiet study, reading, writing, or listening practice.
5. Practice speaking at home
You don't need another person to practice speaking.
You can speak by yourself.
Try talking about simple topics:
- What did I do today?
- What will I do tomorrow?
- What food do I want to eat?
- What movie did I watch recently?
- What is one thing I am looking forward to?
Speak for just one minute.
Do not worry about perfect grammar. The goal is to practice making English come out of your mouth.
6. Review old notes
Rainy days are perfect for review.
Many students want to learn something new every time, but review is very powerful.
Look at your old lesson notes and ask yourself:
- Which words do I remember?
- Which phrases can I use in a sentence?
- Which mistakes do I often make?
- Which topic was difficult for me?
Review helps new English become your own English.
7. Make studying comfortable
Studying does not have to feel cold or serious.
Wear comfortable clothes. Drink something warm. Use a favorite notebook. Sit somewhere you like.
If you make studying feel comfortable, it becomes easier to continue.
This is important because language learning takes time.
We do not improve in one day. We improve little by little.
8. End with one success
Before you finish studying, notice one thing you did well.
Maybe you remembered a word.
Maybe you wrote one good sentence.
Maybe you studied even though you felt tired.
That counts!
Small success is still success.
A rainy day challenge
The next time it rains, try this simple study plan:
- 5 minutes: review old notes
- 5 minutes: learn new words
- 5 minutes: speak about your day
- 5 minutes: write a few sentences
That is only 20 minutes, but it can be very useful.
Rainy days do not have to stop your progress.
They can become quiet, comfortable, and even fun study days at home.
Thanks for reading, and enjoy your rainy season! Rain makes everything grow!
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