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Things to learn while in lockdown

(88 Posts)
CathTheWise Wed 08-Apr-20 07:07:27

I've decided that I don't want to waste this time and started learning Spanish. I hope I'll have an opportunity to visit this country at least some day. Maybe not this year. Maybe not even the next one. But still! So I use Duolingo for that. My DD learns how to play ukulele, it's funny, I'll probably start that, too.
What are you doing or learning?

GardenofEngland Wed 08-Apr-20 12:17:12

I'm stuck in Spain still no ferry now until 23 April! and my Spanish is coming on well just no where to practice it. I use Duolingo but it is the Latin American version so some words are different. I also use Babbel but find it hard! But for just learning enough to get by on conversation wise I use Learn Spanish with Paul Noble. He gives loads of hints and shortcuts.

Growing0ldDisgracefully Wed 08-Apr-20 12:22:22

Not exactly new but already teaching myself Honiton lace and have now started doing the same with Bucks Point (Buckinghamshire) lace. I have the 2 lace pillows on the go and alternating between the two every few days. Also doing crochet (a relatively new skill), and playing the piano more (not a new skill). Am looking at revisiting playing the piano accordion, something I haven't done for years. However I may need to keep the windows and patio doors shut for that, out of respect to my neighbours, who probably won't appreciate the racket!

Grannyjacq1 Wed 08-Apr-20 12:33:17

www.futurelearn.com/
Can recommend this for all sorts of courses - many of them free.
Can anyone recommend a free online Zumba class - I know there are loads - thousands - of You Tube, but would prefer one that someone has tried and tested!

notgoneyet Wed 08-Apr-20 12:35:51

MamaCaz is this any good?
www.adorama.com/alc/10-best-free-online-photography-courses

maryhoffman37 Wed 08-Apr-20 12:52:42

We are learning a poem a day Mondays to Fridays and I am considering learning to touch type for the first time in my life. (I'm a professional writer!)

Hithere Wed 08-Apr-20 12:54:04

My dh and I are also learning German.

For anybody learning Spanish, I recommend you watch Pocoyo. I know it is cartoon for kids but you can associate actions of the characters with what is being said.
I watch Pocoyo in Portuguese so I dont forget it

growstuff Wed 08-Apr-20 15:51:38

Hithere Wenn ihr Hilfe braucht, kenne ich eine gute Deutschlehrerin wink.

I've learnt how to use Zoom to keep my tuition business ticking along (I'm a German tutor). It's been on my "to do" list for ages to become more proficient in using social networking, so that I don't have to rely on one-to-one lessons. It's better for the environment anyway because I don't have to travel.

growstuff Wed 08-Apr-20 15:53:20

Hithere If you haven't already found it I would recommend Deutsche Welle's "Nicos Weg". learngerman.dw.com/en/beginners/c-36519789

Hithere Wed 08-Apr-20 15:55:04

Grownstuff
Thank you! I am such a beginner but eager to learn

growstuff Wed 08-Apr-20 15:59:33

Seriously, if you get stuck, message me - I'm happy to help. I use Duolingo to learn Norwegian. Personally, I find it a bit slow and repetitive, so ended up buying a book which goes into the grammar a bit more thoroughly, but everybody learns differently.

Hithere Wed 08-Apr-20 16:00:56

Grownstuff,

Thank you for your offer and you bet!

My family and I went to Germany and Austria last year and it has been in our to do list since then

grandMattie Wed 08-Apr-20 16:01:07

Curiously, I’m teaching my 9 year old DGD French, but it is limited by time constraints (she’s in NZ) at the moment, and difficulty with playing games etc. As a fairly advanced Spanish student, I have suggested teaching it. She is thrilled.
My Spanish tutor recommends using the BBC Spanish thingy if that’s any help.

jocork Wed 08-Apr-20 16:01:38

I'm supposed to be working from home doing online training courses. I work as a learning support assistant but am due to retire in the summer, so unless the schools go back sometime after Easter I'll have new skills I'll probably never use! I'm thinking about learning German as DS and DiL are moving there in October, but also working on a few craft project ideas which have been floating round my head for ages.

growstuff Wed 08-Apr-20 16:06:29

The BBC Bitesize courses are usually good for younger learners, although I haven't looked specifically at the primary level language ones for a while.

grandMattie You can make your own games with Quizlet or Classtools.net classtools.net/

Xrgran Wed 08-Apr-20 16:07:28

Doing 2 or 3 drawings a week of beautiful trees - then emailing to politicians asking them to stop HS2 and the felling of ancient woods.

Bluecat Wed 08-Apr-20 16:36:24

Inspired by you ladies, I have downloaded the Duolingo app and started to learn Spanish. Not sure how I will do, as my memory is atrocious these days.

LynW Wed 08-Apr-20 16:54:58

Ksing - I’ve also ordered the magnetic alphabet from the Deaf Society and a set for my DG too. Hope to learn a few of the signs together for fun via Zoom - he’s not deaf. They were £3 a set. Am also trying to improve my piano playing, but it’s not happening just yet.

LynW Wed 08-Apr-20 17:27:16

PS You can download and print off sheet music to any standard for anyone with a piano, keyboard or other instrument. I’m having super easy, ha, ha but it’s enjoyable having something new and different to play. You can usually view a section of the music to see if it’s suitable for you before you purchase.

Jeannie59 Wed 08-Apr-20 18:55:27

I started with the O.U nearly 4 years ago, I did the access into psychology
Started 1st year choosing psychology with science
It was so hard, I gave up after a few months
I started Duolingo learning Italian, as my friends and I were going to Italy in July, not now though.
So how do we pick something up and get on with it?
I keep thinking about writing a book, but wouldn't know where to start

Juliet27 Wed 08-Apr-20 18:59:05

shysal. I've got that book somewhere...I must search for it

Ingrid45 Wed 08-Apr-20 20:45:51

Started accordion lessons again after an 11 year gap! If I don't ,manage to master it this time with all the practice then I never will!

Cunco Wed 08-Apr-20 21:37:19

I am learning how to be ruthless, shredding old papers and discarding other stuff that has clogged up cupboards and drawers for 20 years or more. If only the recycling centre and charity shops were open, I could get shot of it all!

FarNorth Wed 08-Apr-20 22:00:38

I need to learn how to declutter.
Luckily, I have a coal fire so can get rid of papers there.

I've been learning Scottish Gaelic on Duolingo. My DGD attends a Gaelic school so I thought I should give it a shot.

TerriBull Wed 08-Apr-20 22:01:27

French with text books, Cds and Duolingo. Husband's doing Spanish but he's being doing that for a while.

grannyrebel7 Wed 08-Apr-20 22:11:06

I have ordered a painting by numbers kit. Can't wait for it to arrive. I really need something to get stuck into. Quite excited about it!