Today we will talk about the effectiveness of the method learning English words with flashcards. Let's look at the pros and cons of this approach, and also learn how to print cards for yourself or download ready-made ones.

First of all, I would like to note that I personally know people who have learned several foreign languages ​​with such cards. In addition, this method is very convenient for learning special vocabulary before negotiations.

Such people have a whole house littered with cards. When you “taste” effectiveness, you will not be torn off by the ears. English flashcards are an ingenious and simple method. Only it must be used strictly correctly, otherwise it will be a waste of paper and time.

The idea of ​​memorizing words is the visual representation of a word, as well as its association with a picture. This is, of course, one of the additional tools for learning foreign languages, but it is a very useful tool.

Now let's move on to shortcomings using flashcards to learn English. Many have already tried to memorize words in this way, but in “combat conditions”, the picture was remembered, the association was remembered, but not the word! They either couldn’t remember it exactly or pronounce it correctly. Take a look at this schedule :

It reflects the dependence of memorizing words using the card method on their repetition. Thus, if you do not repeat what you have learned, then after 4 days approximately 70% of the language material is forgotten. This may be a bit of an exaggeration. Words may not be completely forgotten, but rather become a passive stock.

Now you probably understand how to use cards with English words correctly. If you repeat all the words after 20 minutes and go through the flashcards the next day, you will be able to remember about 70% of all new words.

English cards and mnemonics

Learning English using cards can be supplemented with the help of mnemonics. In short, mnemonics is a set of special techniques and methods that facilitate the memorization of necessary information and increase memory capacity through the formation of associations.

A word is given that needs to be learned. This word, for example, vehicle. We know that this is a large vehicle and the word is read ([‘viːɪkl], “viikl”). We come up with an association (a Russian word similar to this) - fork. We imagine a picture that combines these two objects in the strangest way. For example, a large vehicle, with a yellow awning body, punctured by a large fork. Next, imagining a machine with a fork, we write down the word on one side of the card, and on the other the translation and how it is read. Next, we put 10 of these cards in the right pocket, take them out, say, in the subway... and then yes, everything is as usual with cards. When 10 words have been learned back and forth, we put them in the left pocket. When there are 100 cards in the left pocket, we repeat.

Conclusion:

With the right approach, regular repetition of words and the use of mnemonic techniques, the English flashcard method shows high efficiency, even without supervision from the teacher. On the other hand, constant “cramming” is required, which is not suitable for everyone. As an alternative to this method, I can recommend

To prevent the process of learning English from becoming boring, dry, uninteresting and even tedious, you need to try to diversify it in every possible way. This can be done in various ways: alternate activities, include games for learning English, attract guests (preferably), watch audio and video materials, etc. And sometimes it is enough just to use a variety of handouts in the lesson to learn English.

pay attention to english cards, since they not only make the work of the English teacher easier, but also greatly help the learner cope with the task. When we talk about English flashcards, the first thing that comes to mind are sets with some kind of image. As a rule, these collections of English language cards are several dozen or even hundreds of small-format images, on the reverse side of which there is a translation of the word and its transcription (the latter is not necessary).

What are English flashcards for? Firstly, they develop memory well, because the illustration forms a strong connection between the word and the visual image. Secondly, they practice the pronunciation of the English language, since with the help of transcription we reinforce the correct sound of the word. Thirdly, when working with cards in English, attention is trained. And the result of all this can be called a high-quality replenishment.

By cards in English I mean not only words with pictures, but also task cards on which certain test exercises are placed. Such cards can be used for collective, individual or differentiated work with students, which is not only very convenient, but also allows you to find an approach to everyone’s knowledge.

Where can I find flashcards in English?

English language cards are demonstration material, so it is advisable to purchase them ready-made in a specialized store. You can also use electronic versions of English language cards, which can be downloaded without any problems, but then you will have to make efforts to print them out in the proper form. If you still decide to look for these cards on the Internet, go to the website.

Check out thematic cards for entry level. They are represented by 12 main conversational topics, starting from and ending with. These are standard English cards with a picture on one side, a word and transcription on the other. If you are teaching children over five years old, the “My First English Words” cards will help you. 300 copies present the necessary words for memorization in a convenient format.

There are also cards in English from the field of business. In 10 thematic blocks, all words and expressions also have examples of use and translation into Russian. Don’t ignore the cards for consolidating lexical and grammatical material. These are cards with a group of tasks that can be used for various types of control of English language proficiency.

You can play with English language cards (by the way, this is also a useful activity), arrange, make and solve riddles, in a word - use them in different ways in your work. The main thing is to turn learning English into a fun and educational process.

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

English teachers, as well as parents working with children, sometimes need to make cardboard cards with words, and preferably with pictures. In this article you will learn how to make such cards for children quickly and without hassle. Using this method, I made, for example, cards with .

Making vocabulary flashcards using Quizlet

To create flashcards we will use the Quizlet service. Its main function is to study words using cards, but with its help you can make not only electronic, but also paper cards with words and pictures.

Read also:

• ,
• .

Step 1: Create a set of words

After registration, click on “Create”.

Words can be added in two ways:

• One card at a time: in the “Term” and “Definition” fields, enter the English and Russian word (or vice versa), specify the language.
• List: click on the “Import from Word, Excel, Google Docs, etc.” button – a window will appear in which you need to copy the words in the “word – definition” format. This function is very convenient when there is already a list of words in the file.

Step 2: Add pictures

If you want cards with pictures as well as words, add them when creating the set. Pictures can be added only from those proposed - the program itself searches for suitable images. In the paid version you are allowed to add your own pictures, but this is unlikely to be necessary - the image database is quite large.

You may not find a suitable illustration for the technical terms, but they are unlikely to be needed if you are making flashcards for, say, second grade. Please note that the picture will appear in the “Definition” field, not the “Term”. In other words, the definition can be not only the translation of a word, but also a picture or translation + picture.

Step 3: Print and cut out the cards

After saving the set, click on “Print” (where this button is hidden, see the picture below) and select the desired print format. Large cards on A4 sheet are best suited (you need to select the “large” format). Click “Save PDF” and print the file.

After printing the cards, cut them out and glue them together. It is advisable to stick the cards on cardboard. That's all, the training materials are ready!

Ready-made cards with English words and pictures for children

It’s convenient that in Quizlet you can not only create sets of flashcards, but also use others’ ones. For example, if you need cards on popular topics such as “Food”, “Animals”, “House”, etc., you can easily find ready-made sets through the search.

How to add transcription to word cards

There is a fly in the ointment: unfortunately, Quizlet makes it quite difficult to add transcription when creating flashcards. Transcription is generally difficult to type on a computer, because these symbols are not on the keyboard. I suggest this method.

Flash cards or simply cards with illustrations and words in English are a simple, universal, proven effective method for memorizing new words. Traditionally, flashcards for learning English words were used in class or group lessons, but with the advent of computers and the Internet they were adapted for self-study.

Detailed description of the method

The flashcard method of learning new words is based on the idea that students remember new material better if it is visualized. This method is especially effective when teaching children, since the cards usually feature colorful illustrations.

In learning English, this method is used to learn new words, memorize and repeat them, as well as to practice pronunciation. Typically, cards are grouped into thematic or grammatical groups. For example, on the topic of food or irregular verbs.

Use flash cards in several types of exercises at once. Conventionally, they can be divided into four categories: memory training, cramming, recognition and the method of physical response. Most often, cards are used in group classes. In this case, it is more effective to use printed materials rather than electronic ones.

Memory exercises

The essence of such exercises is as follows:

1. Lay out a set of cards on the table.


2. You have a minute to remember as much as you can.


3. Then put them away and write down all the words you remember on a piece of paper.

Cramming

1. Attach the nine word cards to the board and trace them with chalk or marker to create a table.


2. Gradually remove them one by one, each time asking students which word you removed.


3. Students must repeat all removed words as if they were still on the board.


4. When there are no cards left on the board, ask students to name all the words that were on the empty spaces in the correct sequence.

Free lesson on the topic:

Irregular English verbs: table, rules and examples

Discuss this topic with a personal teacher in a free online lesson at Skyeng school

Leave your contact information and we will contact you to sign up for a lesson

Recognition

1. Cover the card with the English word with a piece of paper and slowly open a small part of it.


2. Ask students to guess what is shown there. If they don't succeed, open it a little more.


3. Once students guess the word, repeat it several times in chorus and separately, using different intonations.

Physical response method

1. Post cards in English around the class or room.


2. Say one word and have students point or go to the card it is written on.


3. The one who gets there first names the next word.


4. Alternatively, vary this exercise with additional tasks. For example, say: “those with blond hair, go to the image of an orange, and those with dark hair, go to the apple,” etc.

How effective are cards?

Let's take a closer look at how this method helps you learn English.

1. Cards stimulate active recall.

   When you look at an image and try to remember the word that describes it, you stimulate a special ability called active recall. In other words, you are trying to retrieve all the information from your memory, and not just choose one option from several. Active recall creates stronger neural connections and leaves a deeper imprint in memory.

2. Flashcards in English engage your metacognitive abilities.

   When you turn the card over and look at the back of the card, where the word is written, you evaluate whether you are right. You mentally ask yourself, “Is my answer correct?” and “How well do I know (or don’t know) this?” This process of self-reflection is known as metacognition. Research shows that using metacognition leads to knowledge being retained more deeply in memory.

3. Cards are easy to adapt to different tasks.

   They are not tied to any textbook or method of learning English. It is a stand-alone tool that is used to practice different skills and study different topics. Their main function is to help you remember English words. But often students and teachers create sets of cards on grammar topics. For example, with their help it is convenient to learn forms of irregular verbs or different tenses.

This teaching method also has disadvantages.

1. Using this tool, you receive information through only one channel - visual.

   Yes, you'll be successful in learning new vocabulary, but if you don't spend time on other learning methods that involve grammar, listening and speaking, you risk falling significantly behind in these areas.

2. Learning English using flashcards is not as interesting as learning English from films, TV series and songs.

   Some students find this method outdated and prefer to use more modern tools.

5 places to find cards

1. Lanternfish ESL Flashcards

   This site is best suited for beginners and children, as it contains simple vocabulary, and the cards are illustrated with fun and colorful pictures. The materials here are divided into thematic categories: sports, health, safety, clothing, etc. In addition to the cards themselves, the site has online games and exercises in which you can use them.

2. ESL-kids.com Flashcards

   This is a collection of ready-made cards with images on various topics. The materials here, as on the previous site, are suitable for children and beginners. Each thematic set has two options - shortened and large. Each individual card also has two options: one with an image and description in English, and the other with only an image.

3. Scholastic Teacher Flash Card Maker

   On this site you can create your own cards with words and illustrations. The interface is simple, so both students and teachers can use the site.

4. Dictionary.com

   Another site where you can create your own cards in English. The site offers dictionary definitions for added words. In this case, you don’t have to waste time writing them yourself. Users distribute the created materials into thematic sections, which are easily customizable.

5. Quizlet

   This is one of the most famous websites for learning vocabulary. In addition to the dictionary and ready-made sets of cards, here you can create your own lists of words. The site also has exercises and tasks with which users repeat learned vocabulary.

Useful video on the topic:

English words in pictures with transcription. Websiteumm4.com

Educational cards for children “In the kitchen” - “In the kitchen”

Cards with pictures dishes, kitchen appliances and other household items that are often used in the kitchen. Each card contains a word and its translation into English with transcription.

Educational cards “Food and drinks” - “Food and drinks”

Free cards with pictures for children on the topic “ Food and drink" - "Food and drinks"
This dictionary in picture cards will help your child remember English words and their pronunciation.

Total 10 sheets, PDF files (5.90 MB) Download free cards “Food and drinks” - “Food and drinks”

Cards "Whose Shadow": Fruits and vegetables in English

Educational logic cards for kids. Print and cut out the cards and encourage your child to choose the correct shadow for the picture. Also, you can use these cards to learn English words. To store the cards, an “unfolded” box is included (which must be folded and glued). At the end of each lesson with your child, invite him to put cards there, teaching the child to order.

DOWNLOAD

Educational cards for children: Vegetables

Educational cards for children's development with the names of vegetables (separately in Russian and separately in English).

The sooner you start teaching your child a foreign language, the better. The first lessons can be taught to children (3-5 years old) who do not yet know how to read. Look at the pictures with him, pronouncing the names of the objects first in Russian, then in English.
It is enough if, with your help, at the initial stage of learning, the child masters 2-3 words in one lesson.

Educational cards for children: Fruits in Russian DOWNLOAD

Educational cards: Clothes and shoes

We learn English. English words in pictures.
Children love to look at pictures, this can be used to start learning.
A picture dictionary for little ones will help your child remember an English word and learn how to pronounce it.

Educational cards for children: School supplies.

Developmental cards for children with the names of school supplies (separately in Russian and separately in English).

DOWNLOAD DEVELOPMENTAL CARDS FOR CHILDREN “SCHOOL SUPPLIES”IN RUSSIAN

Educational cards. English alphabet - English Alphabet.

These cards « English Alphabet with pictures» will help you teach your children the letters of the English alphabet.

Educational cards for children. Learning numbers.

These cards will help you teach your children to count.

All rights to graphic materials belong to their owners. Cards are provided for personal use only.