One of my goals for this year was to write and publish another book. Not another novel but something for you to read, anyway. I haven't started writing yet.
Instead, I created 5 journals and 1 activity book Why all the journals?
Writing tends to be overlooked, but it's a very effective activity for language learning:
You're producing your own words.
Making active use of the language will help your memory.
It prepares you for speaking.
You may think writing is too difficult for you. But it doesn't have to be. You can start with single words and build from there as your Spanish gets better. You can mix languages. You don't have to worry about the grammar. All those things will get better over time. Nobody is judging your writing.
All journals include:
Intro, in both English and Spanish, with suggestions on how best to use the journal.
Prompts to help you reflect on the experience, before, during and after the Camino.
Pre-Camino: plan your stages, finalise your packing list, keep track of your to-do list.
Blank writing space.
And they're a good size to carry in your backpack.
There are 2 generic ones that can be used on any Camino. And 3 for specific routes, with info about the places you'll be going through (so you can practice your reading too).
The other book I created this year is Pasatiempos Peregrinos, an activity book.
It has 10 different types of activities (word search, crossword, odd one out, word scramble, etc.), 80+ activities in total and a 200-word Spanish-English vocabulary list.
All the vocabulary used in the activities is relevant to the Camino.
And more importantly... it's fun! We learn better when we enjoy what we're doing. Pasatiempos Peregrinos ticks that box.
You can benefit from it whether you're a total beginner or you want to revise your Spanish. It's suitable for older kids and adults (and the print is on the large side too).
