Recently, in a Greek Language group that I attended, someone asked of the group “How do you spend your time when learning Greek?” I love when people ask this question, as it often leads to resources being shared and discussed. Beyond resources, this person was inquiring as to how people organize their learning time.

With so many resources available – podcasts, YouTube videos, workbooks, apps, conversation groups, lesson groups, and more – how you organize your learning time is an important question to consider.

While thinking about the question, I realized there are some larger principles that guide my learning process. If you are unsure of how to spend your time, maybe these principles will help you decide.

Do What You Enjoy

Unless you have to learn the language for a job or other required purposes, then you are likely learning Greek because you want to. So, do the things that you enjoy doing! If you enjoy the process, you will stick with it. Do you like listening to podcasts? There are great podcasts at a variety of levels to choose from. Are social experiences more motivating for you? Join a conversation or lesson group to capitalize on that motivation. Love movies? Watch movies in Greek! The important corollary to this principle is that it is also okay to stop doing things that you don’t enjoy!

Use Methods That Work for You

There are many different methods for learning a language. You can get lots of great ideas from other learners about what they do, but what works for you will be unique to you. The best way to see what works is to try different things when you hear about them. I know some people who make and study flash cards. It works for them and they enjoy it. But, when I tried it out, I quickly discovered it just wasn’t for me. On the other hand, I enjoyed the podcast a friend suggested so much that it lead to an almost daily habit of listening to podcasts in Greek! Keep in mind that the methods that work for you today may change as your Greek level or interests change.

Use Methods That Meet Your Goals

What are your goals? Do you want to learn to speak Greek so that you can communicate with relatives? Then, concentrate on opportunities that improve your speaking and listening skills. If your goal is to travel in Greece, then you might focus on travel related phrases. Having at least a general goal in mind can help you shape your personal learning experience. Try to balance your goals and doing what you enjoy. For example, while I don’t enjoy using flashcards, I’ll probably use them for a few weeks before I take a Greek language test.

Have a Routine

Having a routine doesn’t mean you have to do the same things everyday. I like to divide my time into Active vs Passive learning. Active learning might include a conversation group, reading with a focus on understanding every word, or grammar exercises. Passive learning is engagement with the language, but in a less effortful way. Listening to a podcast, reading for enjoyment or watching a show fall into this category. I try fit in both Active and Passive learning each day.

Study Greek Everyday

I find that even on a super busy day I can fit in at least 5 minutes of Greek. Most days, I have time for more than that, but on days that I don’t, I figure that 5 minutes keeps my brain in Greek mode. The amount of time you have available can help guide your choices.

How do you organize your learning time? Do you have daily or weekly routines?