January Jumpstart: New Year, New
Goals, & Fresh Starts
Hello English learners! Happy New Year! January is the perfect time to turn over a
new leaf. Many people make New Year’s resolutions—promises to improve
themselves. This is a fantastic chance to set specific goals for your English fluency!
Whether it’s practicing for 10 minutes a day or learning 5 new words a week, let’s
make this your most fluent year yet!
Frost (frawst) (Noun)
A thin layer of ice crystals that forms on cold surfaces.
Example: The grass was white with frost this morning.
Blizzard (BLIZ-urd) (Noun)
A severe snowstorm with high winds and low visibility.
Example: We stayed inside during the blizzard to keep warm.
Hibernate (HY-bur-nayt) (Verb)
To spend the winter in a dormant or inactive state.
Example: Some animals hibernate until the weather gets warmer.
Crisp (krisp) (Adjective)
Air that is cool, fresh, and invigorating.
Example: I love walking in the crisp January air.
Bundle up (BUN-dul up) (Phrasal Verb)
To dress warmly by wearing many layers of clothes.
Example: You need to bundle up before going out in the snow.
Frigid (FRI-jid) (Adjective)
Extremely cold in temperature; freezing.
Example: The frigid winter wind made my ears sting.
Milestone (MYL-stohn) (Noun)
A significant stage or event in the development of something.
Example: Finishing my first English book was a huge milestone.
Persistence (pur-SISS-tunss) (Noun)
Continuing to do something despite difficulty or delay in success.
Example: With persistence, you will master English grammar.
Refresh (ri-FRESH) (Verb)
To give new strength or energy to something; to start again.
Example: January is a great time to refresh your study habits.
Habit (HAB-it) (Noun)
A settled or regular tendency or practice.
Example: Daily listening is a great habit for language learners.
Glisten (GLISS-un) (Verb)
To shine with a sparkling light, like snow in the sun.
Example: The fresh snow started to glisten under the morning sun.
Thaw (thaw) (Verb/Noun)
The period when frozen ice or snow begins to melt.
Example: We are waiting for the big thaw so we can see the grass again.
1. Turn over a new leaf: To start behaving in a better way or to start a fresh chapter in life.
Example: I used to be lazy with my homework, but I’m turning over a new leaf this year.
2. Break the ice: To say or do something to make people feel more relaxed in a social situation.
Example: The teacher told a joke to break the ice on the first day of class.
3. Start from scratch: To start something again from the very beginning with no help from previous work.
Example: My old essay was terrible, so I decided to start from scratch.
4. Stick to it: To continue doing something even when it is difficult.
Example: Learning English is hard, but if you stick to it, you will succeed.
5. Keep your eye on the prize: To stay focused on your end goal or the result you want to achieve.
Example: Whenever you feel like quitting, keep your eye on the prize: total fluency!
6. Burn the midnight oil: To work or study late into the night.
Example: I had to burn the midnight oil to finish my project on time.
New Year’s Day (January 1st)
A global celebration of the first day of the year. It is a time for reflection and making resolutions. Language Tip: Use this energy to set your «SMART» English goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
MLK Day (Third Monday in January – USA)
A day to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader in the American Civil Rights Movement. It is often a «day of service» where people volunteer in their communities. Concept: Focusing on equality, justice, and the power of a «dream.»
Burns Night (January 25th – Scotland)
A celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. Traditions: A «Burns Supper» featuring haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties (potatoes), and reciting his famous poems.
Australia Day (January 26th)
The official national day of Australia. While it marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, it is also a day to reflect on Australian history and diversity. Fun Fact: Unlike the northern hemisphere, January is the middle of summer in Australia!