Breakfast chat
The Kitchen is our main area where we use the Polish language. Food and drink items we are using, cutlery we are passing… plus on the wall I put a Polish calendar and my husband’s task is to say what the day is. We also revise time and say what’s the weather looking out of the window. All that happens eating our porridge and slices of toasts.
Imaginary person/ object
We have a third imaginary person in the house that I comment to in Polish. This little bird understands Polish and I can address him in my language. This way I keep the language active, I can use 3rd person when commenting to him on my husband.
If you have pets at home, you can talk to your cat, dog in your native language.
Shopping list
When my husband is shopping, I prepare the list for him in Polish. He still may call me from the shop when he forgets the meaning of a product.
Our information board
Still in the kitchen, I try to keep our information board with things to do, things to buy in Polish. The more Polish he sees , the better.
Fridge = small whiteboard
Keep a small whiteboard on the door of your fridge where you can write a sentence, a new word. Each time he reaches for the fridge he may learn something!
15 minute lounge learning
We both committed to do a short moment of learning that we can both afford. It’s our down time and we treat it as a part of our evening together. No English for 15 minutes. It’s time and we use this time to converse, to revise or learn a new expression.
Learning cards
Create vocabulary related to each room where you spent time together. Think about the sentences you would use in English and prepare your card, then keep them handy.
Use your phone
When sending short messages on Whatsapp or text I write in Polish using the vocab I know he will understand.
Watching Polish movies together
Watching Polish Netflix shows with English subtitles or Polish films related to his interests is a good method for keeping him enthusiastic
Journeys in the car
A good moment to go for a 10-15 minute Polish chat.
Having Polish friends around
Interacting with other Polish people that he feels comfortable with is a great booster for his language confidence
Culture
Blending your culture in your common life is a must for keeping the enthusiasm going. Think about holidays and festivities in your country and fit them in your couple calendar.
We celebrate Christmas in a Polish and British way on the 24th and 25th December
Some good tips here, that should also work for teaching English or German indeed any other language.
Thank you, Graham. Glad you find the post useful.