All of our brains work differently because Yehovah made us all unique. What might work well for my brain, might not work well for yours.
I live in a big family that is full of different kinds of learners. This has helped me realize that we may not all learn the same, and it’s okay. It’s normal actually! It has been interesting to help my Mom teach my siblings and see how we each learn differently.
Through my years of studying, I have found the ways my brain learns best. There are many different ways I learn, but these are definitely my favorite!
Have a language Study Buddy
I definitely recommend if you are learning a language to find a “Study Buddy” to learn with. Or even a group of “Buddies“. It helps greatly to be able to share and teach another person what you’re learning. Reading and speaking with others in the language helps you practice and understand the language in a way that you couldn’t do on your own. I’ve learned that having a buddy has helped me understand the language on a different level than studying it alone! I believe that teaching something you learned makes it click in your brain in a way that helps you understand it better. One of my dearest best friends has been my Hebrew study buddy for a few years now. She has helped me in countless ways, cause I can speak to her in Hebrew and she also is an accountability partner who encourages me to learn. I greatly encourage you to find someone to be your “study buddy”!
Flashcards
If you ask my study buddy, she knows how much I LOVE flashcards. It’s one of my favorite ways to learn because it’s how I’ve found my brain learns best. I write on an index card (in whatever color I desire) the word that I’m learning. I write the Hebrew word on the front of the card and the English translation on the back. I do this because it teaches my brain to read only the Hebrew and not see the English translation (So I don’t become dependent on the translation). I add the word to my “learning” set of cards. Once I have written the set I will be learning, I go through each one saying them out loud in Hebrew first then flipping it over and reading the English translation.
I review them at least twice a day. If not, more. Once I can say a word with ease and know what it means, I put that card in my “mastered” set of flashcards.
This is exciting for me because it means I have learned a new word and my vocabulary is increasing. I will go back often, every couple days or so and review ALL of my mastered set of flashcards. This helps me retain all the information I have been learning. Once my little flashcard box gets full, I throw away all the words that I know I have mastered. The words I can recognize and pronounce without hesitation go in the trash. (sad, but good!). Than, if needed, I purchase more of those handy index cards and with the room I now have in my box I start all over again! I am without a doubt a flashcard learner and just have a blast doing these!
Charts
I love making charts! I have them hanging up on the wall by my desk so I can look to them whenever I need to. I also have a couple folded and placed in between the pages of my Hebrew Bible. These are really nice when you are studying and need a reminder of something. No need to flip through pages of a book or search online for the information you need when it’s right in front of you, just a glance away. This is a time saver and helpful for those with forgetful minds. I also read through each chart daily, which helps me review and retain all the information. Once I am sure I have fully learned and understood the information, I will remove the chart and hang up a new one with new information. These are always very helpful when trying to remember rules in Hebrew, new words, verb tenses and such.
Writing
Writing is one of my favorite things to do. I love writing books, blogs, my thoughts and prayers, songs, homemade cards, just pretty much anything. Because I enjoy it so much, I decided to use it while learning Hebrew. I journal in Hebrew whatever I feel like composing on paper. What do I write? The same kind of things I write in English, but only in Hebrew. Writing in Hebrew has helped me compose sentences and complete thoughts, which helps me in my thinking and speaking in Hebrew. Some days, when I’m really deep into my Hebrew writing, I forget my English! It’s very encouraging and interesting but also funny (and frustrating when I’m trying to remember English). Writing in Hebrew has become such an important way for me to learn. Sometimes, you just have to take your favorite things to do and use them to learn!
Scripture Copy Work
Copying the Scriptures has had a huge impact on my life. I cannot express my appreciation of this study method enough. It has helped me not only understand the Scriptures more, but it’s given me a deeper relationship with Yehovah and a stronger desire to study the Scriptures more.
How I copy in Hebrew is different than how I copy in English.
The vowels in Hebrew are very small dots and lines (unlike English) and there are also accent marks, which can be a challenge in itself. In English, I know what all the words and sentences are saying.
But, in Hebrew, while I am copying I am still learning the language. I copy between 1-4 verses in Hebrew every day. After copying the verses, I take apart each word and study it. Than I study all the words together as a whole verse. Than, I journal what it means and my thoughts about all of it. Hebrew Scripture copy work is SO much deeper and richer than English copy work. This is one of the reasons I love the Hebrew Scriptures. It has a much deeper meaning underneath than what we see on the surface in our English Scriptures.
There is so much beauty, flavor and fullness that we are missing when we read and study the Scriptures in English.
What are YOUR favorite ways to study a language? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s share with one another and help each other learn. Some things are better when we do them together!
Blessings & Shalom,
