Ach du lieber! It is again time to learn some vocabulary. Maybe for a test, maybe because the building blocks of language are kind of important for learning German. You reach for the flash cards because flash cards are the standard for foreign language study. But are they the best way? How do you learn German vocabulary?
That depends a bit on you. But if you loved your flash cards, you probably wouldn’t be here, searching for a better way to learn German vocabulary than making yet another pile of flash cards.
Enter doodling. Drawing. Sketching. You really can doodle your way to better comprehension, because drawing has been connected to enhanced retention and comprehension.
Why sketching helps you learn German vocabulary.
First, a little about the why behind sketching. Then we will move on to the details on how to get the most out of the time you spend studying German vocabulary.
Sketching your German vocabulary engages visual imagery and memory.
Research has found that sketching your vocabulary list actually helps you remember more. You spend time processing the language while you draw. You create context for the words you are learning. Most importantly, you connect the German vocabulary directly to an image rather than an English word. This helps “jump start” your ability to truly think in German. It is like a visual cheat sheet for your brain as it maps out this new language.
Sketching involves motor engagement.
Have you ever heard of kinesthetic learners? A good deal of teaching and learning is geared toward auditory learners, though they make up only about 25% of learners. 45% of learners are actually considered kinesthetic learners. If you ever thought you learn best by simply doing, you just might be a kinesthetic learner. Sketching and doodling activates those muscles, engages your memory and helps the words etch themselves into your brain.
Sketching involves semantic encoding.
Semantic encoding is a type of deep processing that focuses on meaning and making connections with what you already know. This process begins when you look at the German word you wish to sketch and start to think about how to represent it. It deepens as you think of the word and formulate related sentences while drawing.
Sketching promotes multisensory learning.
It is kinesthetic. We just went over that. It is visual. That’s a no-brainer. You end up with an image, after all. It may be auditory. Obviously, you can say this all out loud. This might be a bit awkward if you are sitting in a crowded coffee shop, but the other patrons have probably seen stranger things. Interestingly, our brains go through similar processes when we think words as they do when we hear words. So you can engage some of that auditory learning quietly, in your head, if you don’t want the awkward glances distracting you from your studies.
What is the best way to sketch your vocabulary for maximum retention?
Some of that depends on you. Notice a theme? That’s because the more enjoyable it is, the more you will look forward to doing it. The more you look forward to doing it, the more you will actually do it. Here, I will show you what I do, because it is fun for me. I am actually using this to learn Norwegian, but the concept is the same.
Organize your space.
I have a cute little monster pencil case I picked up when school supplies were on sale. Es ist mein Monster. It makes me smile. I filled my little Monster with colored pencils, highlighters, pens and a pair of scissors. Everything I need to relive my elementary school days is packed into one fuzzy blue pencil case with googly eyes and a toothy grin. I sketch in a composition book. The pages don’t fall out of these as easily as spiral bound notebooks. I drag this around everywhere. It needs to be sturdy.
Choose your words.
Related words are best. They don’t have to be closely related, but you want to be able to create a story using all the German vocabulary you have selected. Start thinking how to sketch this. Use as much German as you can while planning your picture. Maybe you just know colors and the one word you are trying to learn. Think what you know.
Start drawing.
It may sound something like this inside your head while you draw a fox:
“Der Fuchs ist rot. Der Fuchs hat cute little rote paws. Der Fuchs heißt Tails.”
The important thing is to think the word as much as you can alongside as many other German words as you can at the same time. This helps you practice your new vocabulary while increasing the connections in your brain.
Construct a story using your German vocabulary words.
After you are finished drawing, write a short story about what you drew that connects as many of your German words as you can.
This does not actually take very long. Within a few minutes, you can sketch an animal and write a few sentences. Add to your notebook when you have a few minutes, and go back over finished pages regularly to review.
And if you love flashcards? There is no reason you cannot combine the two methods.
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