Back-To-School Tips or How to Go Back to Learning a Language After a Long Break

August is slowly coming to an end, and the season of fallen leaves and warm, fuzzy drinks is just around the corner. Even though most of us have year-round obligations, September often marks the beginning of a new season. For example, my 30s are ominously approaching, and I still feel like the year begins after the summer break.

Summer, with its relaxed atmosphere, also takes its toll on language lessons. Language learning tends to move more sluggishly, and we become “rusty.” However, the new academic year encourages us all to dive back into language learning with renewed zeal! But until we reignite that passion, here are a few pointers to help you get back on track with your schedule.

Getting back into the groove

The hardest part of going back to learning a language is finding your groove again. When we begin learning again, it is quite common to set unrealistic goals or overachieve, something that blows up quite soon. On the contrary, we should ease into a regular but non-pressuring learning schedule.

Begin by re-establishing habits and allocating specific time for studying, either daily or weekly. Of course, you can reawaken your enthusiasm by stocking up on your favorite essential supplies. Is there a better way to study than sampling your new fountain pen?

Engage with various learning materials

Engaging with diverse material is an excellent way to start polishing your language skills again. Research and collect all physical and digital resources that can help you: text, video, audio, games, or anything else that helps you learn. Another great way to start again is to join language exchange groups or find and converse with native speakers. Practical exposure is not only the most effective to learn but also a great way to get back on track.

Revisit and expand vocabulary

When you are ready to begin your language study again, then bear in mind that one of the most important steps is revisiting your vocabulary. When learning a new language, we typically learn a large number of new words at once. However, if we do not use these words regularly, we may easily forget them. You can start by using flashcards or your favorite language apps to review your old word lists.

Another great method is contextual learning, which involves seeing words used in context—either through reading or conversation—and can be especially effective in solidifying your knowledge. Take advantage of resources like Word Trainer from LiveXP, which offers structured ways to improve your vocabulary retention. It works with a spaced repetition method, which allows you to learn new words with specific time intervals to avoid overlearning or vice versa.

Don’t pressure yourself

The most important aspect of this back-to-school mentality is to avoid burnout from the first month. While it is time to start fresh and you feel tempted to complete your review quickly so as to move forward, remember that rushing the process will only result in quick exhaustion or disappointment.

Take a few steps back and start your material review in a slow and structured manner. Explore how much time you feel comfortable devoting each day, and don’t push your limits. Seeing things with a fresh perspective and a positive mindset is the only way to avoid feeling overwhelmed when you return to studying.

Use LiveXP for guided learning

Finding the right resources to support you is critical to your success. LiveXP is an excellent tool, as it provides you with options for a flexible learning pace tailored both to your schedule and lifestyle. There is a wide range of tutors available, with options for lesson duration, frequency, level, and even choosing someone who shares your interests—anything to make your lessons more enjoyable and unique to you.

Using LiveXP also allows you to access the Personalized Path, a learning plan that considers your needs and wishes. While it emphasizes daily practice, it does so in a way that will not overwhelm you. Maintain your language skills stress-free while someone else plans your lessons for you.

Take a more laid-back approach

While textbooks, apps, and resources are useful, sometimes, when we return from our summer vacation, we need something even more laid-back. The good news is that we still have the time to take it easy before we get into more “serious” lessons and exercises.

What are some good ways to get back into language learning without actively studying? Well, that depends on your hobbies and interests. You can begin by watching movies or TV shows in the language you’re learning. If you are the reading type, pick up a book. It doesn’t need to be a heavy classic novel; just pick up whatever makes you feel good.

Even if you’re too tired to actively watch or read anything, crank up your stereo. Okay, yes, your preferred streaming service via wireless headphones, you get the gist. Listening to music in your target language is one of the best ways to refresh your knowledge, practice your accent, and have lots of fun doing it!

Set mini-challenges with rewards

Finally, a great way to stay interested is to challenge yourself. Even with mini-challenges, it doesn’t have to be something over the top. For instance, watch a “Gilmore Girls” episode without subtitles in your native language. Or read through an article without consulting a dictionary.

Whatever the challenge is, make sure to pair it with a small treat. Reward yourself with a coffee or a new sticker, or a guilt-free day of doing nothing. You can also set small challenges with your friends (like Duolingo’s Friend Streak) and reward the winner.

Conclusion

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean that everything has to be gloomy. Relearning a language after a long break can appear—and can be—daunting, and you feel like you need patience and persistence to move forward. However, if you set attainable goals, don’t pressure yourself, and engage in diverse material (like LiveXP), returning to language learning can be less challenging. Remember not to push yourself to the limit, and everything will fall into place.