The four key steps of the LAMP method:
- Pick Phrases and Use Them Daily
- Learn the Phrases
- Practice the Phrases with Other People
- Assess and Choose New Phrases
Step One: Pick Phrases and Use Them Daily
It is recommended to pick phrases that would most likely appear in everyday conversation. For example:
- Hello, how are you?
- My name is (Courtney).
- What is your name?
- Hello, my name is (Courtney).
- I am learning English.
- It is nice to meet you.
In order to succeed in the first step, it is important to learn and use phrases and not just words. Remember, a complete phrase includes a subject and a verb. For example:
- Word: Hello
- Phrase: Hello, my name is (Courtney).
Also, keep the number of phrases used to a minimum of three to five. An overload of information defeats the purpose of learning. After you have decided on which phrases to use for the day, write them down on a piece of paper. Don’t forget to write the date! If you know a native English speaker, have them read the phrases aloud to get a better idea of how each word is pronounced. It’s essential to be able to make the basic sounds. The good news is there are only 39 total unique sounds that make up every word in the American English language. If you learn to make those sounds, people will understand what you are saying when you speak.
Next, translate each phrase in your native language to understand the meaning in English. It is recommended for beginners to write the translation next to the English phrase. As you become more confident in learning English, write your translations on the back of the paper. Write down any difficulties and development in English as a visual aid to track progress.
Step Two: Learn the Phrases
Listening is the gateway to effective communication and a beneficial way to see if the information presented has been comprehended. Practice and immersion are futile unless listening is a part of the equation. Say the phrases aloud to yourself to help get an idea of how each word is pronounced. Keep repeating the phrases by dividing the phrases into different subsections to enhance listening and learning. Shake things up by practicing with a friend; he or she may be able to help if you make a mistake with pronunciation. For example:
- Divide long sentences into shorter phrases.
- Say each shorter phrases several times.
- Combine short phrases into complete sentences, and repeat several times.
- Say all of the phrases without assistance from a person and or notes.
Step Three: Practice the Phrases with Other People
It is important to practice your daily phrases with as many people as possible for about two to four hours. Committing two to four hours a day will help reinforce your quest in becoming fluent in English. Try not to get discouraged if you happen to meet impolite people. They exist in every language, and for every impolite person, there are nine more friendly people who will be willing to help. Speaking with people you are not familiar with can be difficult; however, stepping out of your comfort zone will produce nothing but positive benefits for you. You never know, you may make a friend or two while learning at the same time.
Step Four: Assess and Choose New Phrases
After a long day of practicing, now it is time to reflect on your day. Think about your successes and difficulties. Write down the phrases that you mastered, and the phrases that you had trouble with throughout the day. Below are some questions you can ask yourself:
- What did I learn?
- Did I pronounce each word correctly?
- What words did I struggle with today?
Use the phrases you had extreme difficulties with for the next day, and continue using them until you are comfortable with moving on. If you had no difficulties: congratulations! Take this time to select the phrases you will use tomorrow. Here are some suggestions:
- Greetings
- Dates and times
- Hobbies
- Holidays
- Asking permission
Remember, practice makes perfect. In order to achieve success in using the LAMP method, you will have to use these four steps every day to reach your desired fluency. Becoming fluent in a language will not happen overnight, and mistakes are bound to happen. In fact, they should even be encouraged, because turning those mistakes into learning experiences will make fluency in English seem much closer and attainable. Use the golden rule of LAMP to help you in your journey of learning English: “Each day learn a little, and use it a lot.”
Photo Credit: IDaccion Illustrator
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