Firstly, I’d like to say a big..

Happy New Year!!! 

.. to everyone. It’s been too long.

Sincerest apologies for my hiatus (noun: a pause or gap in process), the past few months have been absolutely crazy and so hectic. Apart from the expected chaos of the holiday season and everyday life, add a couple sicknesses and an out-of-state move to the list…and there you have my Nov/Dec/Jan. But enough about me, I am back in the game and here to provide you with even more exciting things on English Outside the Box‘s learning blog.

First, besides signing up and subscribing to this blog, I’d like to invite you to sign up for English Outside the Box’s newsletter. This newsletter will be providing you with all of the latest and greatest Outside the Box news, information, and learning opportunities. It will give information about upcoming giveaways, free class options, even more learning resources, and other things I may not necessarily include on this blog. To sign up visit:

http://eepurl.com/bbavFX

Next, did I say free class options? Yes, I did!! Starting this coming month, February, I will be hosting a free Conversation Hang Out (via Google Hangouts) for 7 students (and me of course). These Conversation Hang Out’s will happen once a month, will vary on themes/topics, and will be an excellent way to talk with a native speaker, other learners, and make connections! Because of different time zones, the class start times will vary month-to-month to allow multiple countries to participate, but space is limited so make sure you sign up fast! To sign up, send an e-mail with your name, country, & e-mail to: [email protected]  To check the current class information for this month, visit: http://bit.ly/eng_class and of course, check your e-mail newsletter updates!

Another great (and exciting) feature coming up on the blog next month (& this year) is a new writer & maybe, a short story series. An incredibly talented writer has come on board to give you even more things to read, more ways to connect, and more opportunities to practice English. Through these posts, you will be able to practice reading, writing (commenting), new vocabulary, potential new grammar concepts, and speaking…talking and sharing your thoughts with others. I’d say this will be an excellent addition to your learning routine!

Finally, in addition to all these great new things coming to the blog, don’t forget to take advantage of all the ‘old stuff’. You know what they say, “an oldie but a goodie.” (something old but still valued) The menu has changed (new year, new menu), and should be a little bit easier to navigate. If you want to find specific posts, exercises, or lessons that focus on a particular skill, you can search under “Practice English”. You can also connect with me, and utilize the English opportunities I give via Social Media. English Outside the Box can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, all with the name: JenESL760 . On these social media sites you will find a lot of visual learning tools: infographics, pictures, charts, cartoons, quotes, videos, etc.. all of which will help different skill areas. If you haven’t connected yet, what are you waiting for?

It feels good to be back, and I wanted to say hello and give some updates before I get back into the swing(return to normal routine) of regular blog updates. So, HELLO! I am so looking forward to 2015 and all the world has the offer! I hope you are too…

Happy Studying & Connecting! ♥♥

If you like what you’ve read, and are excited for the new features and updates coming…share your excitement, and share the blog with a friend.

Thanks! xo Jennifer