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Showing posts from May, 2025

How to Learn English Easier: From A0 to C1 Step by Step

  Learning English from zero can feel like a mountain to climb—but the good news? You don’t have to do it all at once. With the right tools, mindset, and strategies, you can move from a complete beginner (A0) to an advanced user (C1) in an easier, more enjoyable way. Here’s your step-by-step guide to mastering English. Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation (A0–A1) Goal: Learn basic vocabulary and grammar for daily communication.   Tips: Start with topics you know. Learn words about your family, food, colors, numbers, and simple verbs like go, eat, like . Use pictures and flashcards. Visuals help you remember faster. Watch videos for beginners. Try YouTube channels like BBC Learning English or EnglishClass101 . Practice speaking from day one. Even if you only know 5 words, use them in real sentences. Recommended Tools: Duolingo, Quizlet, English children’s books, and beginner-level podcasts like "The English We Speak." Step 2: Grow Confidence in Convers...

My Journey

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  Hello! I’m Sharmaine Calimlim , though many call me ShamSham . I was born and raised in the warm and lively city of Urdaneta, Pangasinan , in the northern Philippines. My story is one of growth, discovery, and finding my true calling. From childhood dreams to college lessons, from a new life in America to coming back home to Baguio City—this is the journey that led me to where I am today: a passionate online English teacher, filled with purpose and joy. Growing Up in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Life in Urdaneta was simple but full of color. I grew up in a close-knit family where values like hard work, humility, and kindness were taught early. I was the type of child who loved to talk, laugh, and ask questions. I enjoyed books, music, and spending time with my loved ones. That love for learning and connection would later become key in my journey. Education was always important in our family. After graduating from high school, I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting . Numbers and...

The Power of Speaking Clubs in English Learning

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  If you’ve ever studied English, you probably know that grammar, vocabulary, and listening practice are essential. But there’s one powerful tool that’s often overlooked: Speaking Clubs . Why Are Speaking Clubs So Important? Speaking Clubs create a supportive and fun environment where learners can use English in real conversations. This kind of practice is invaluable for building fluency, confidence, and communication skills. Here’s why you should join a Speaking Club: 1. Real-Life Communication Practice Reading and writing are great, but speaking is where your English becomes alive . Speaking Clubs help you: Think faster in English Respond naturally in conversations Get used to different accents and speaking styles 2. Build Confidence Many learners feel shy or nervous when speaking English. In a small group of friendly faces, you’ll find it easier to express yourself and make mistakes without fear. The more you speak, the more confident you become! 3. Learn ...

How to Build a Daily English Practice Routine (That Actually Works!)

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  Set a Realistic Time Goal Consistency beats intensity. It’s better to study 15 minutes every day than to cram once a week for 2 hours. Try This: - Morning: 5 minutes of vocabulary flashcards - Afternoon: Listen to an English podcast or song - Evening: Write 3–5 sentences in a journal Choose the Right Materials for Your Level Don’t start with Shakespeare if you’re still mastering the basics. Use materials that are just a bit challenging — enough to keep you learning without feeling frustrated. Great Resources: - A1–B1: Duolingo, BBC Learning English, ESLfast.com - B2–C1: TED Talks, The English We Speak (BBC), graded novels - All Levels: YouTube channels like English Addict, Speak English With Mr. Steve, or EnglishClass101 Practice Listening Every Day Listening is the secret sauce for fluency. It improves your pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar — without you even realizing it! Ideas: - Watch a 10-minute video with subtitles - Listen to English music an...

How to Start Learning English as a Beginner

  So, you're thinking about learning English? awesome choice! Whether you're doing it for travel, work, school, or just for fun, starting something new can feel exciting and a little scary. But don't worry! Everyone starts somewhere, and this guide will help you understand where to begin and what kind of lessons to expect as a beginner. First, it’s a good idea to ask yourself why you want to learn English. Is it for a job, to move abroad, or maybe to talk to new people online? Knowing your goal can really help keep you motivated and make it easier to choose lessons that are right for you. When you're just starting out, you’ll focus on the basics. This means learning everyday vocabulary: things like greetings ( hello, how are you? ), numbers, colors, food, and simple verbs like eat , go , or sleep . You'll also begin to understand basic grammar, such as using the present simple tense (like I eat rice or She goes to work ), pronouns ( I, you, he, she ), and how t...

Don't Be Scared to Learn English with Me – Let's Make It Fun and Worry-Free!

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                          Learning English doesn’t have to be scary or stressful. In fact, it can be something you look forward to! Many students feel nervous before starting their first lesson—worried about making mistakes, struggling to speak, or even the cost of lessons. But I want to assure you that learning with me is different . I’m Here to Help, Not to Judge                I understand that every learner has a unique story. Some are shy to speak, others are afraid of grammar, and many just don’t feel confident yet. That’s okay! I’ve worked with students of all levels and ages, and I know that progress takes time. You will never feel rushed, judged, or embarrassed in my class. I’m understanding, patient, and flexible with your learning needs. Learning English Can Be Fun!                I don’t believe in bori...

Why You Should Learn English Today: More Than Just a Language

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  In today’s fast-changing, globalized world, learning English is no longer just a bonus skill—it’s a powerful tool that opens the door to endless opportunities. Whether you are a student, a working professional, a traveler, or someone who simply wants to grow, there are strong reasons why you should start learning English today. One of the biggest advantages of learning English is the career boost it provides. English is often called the global business language, and with over 1.5 billion speakers worldwide, it plays a central role in international communication. Many companies around the world use English as their primary language, especially in industries like technology, science, aviation, and tourism. By learning English, you increase your chances of landing better jobs, working with international clients, getting promotions, and standing out in the job market. English also allows you to connect with people across the world. It’s the most widely used language on the internet...

Speak Better English with Fun & Affordable Private Lessons!

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Are you looking for fun, comfortable, and effective English lessons that actually help you improve? Whether you need English for work, travel, school, or daily life, my private 1-on-1 lessons are designed to boost your grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and overall confidence in every session.  What Can You Expect in Every Lesson? ✅ Grammar Made Easy – Step-by-step explanations and examples ✅ Vocabulary Building – Learn useful words and phrases you’ll actually use ✅ Speaking Practice – Talk more, speak better, and sound natural ✅ Weekly Review Test – A short quiz every week to review and track your progress You’ll learn at your own pace, in a safe, encouraging space where mistakes are welcome – that’s how we grow! Affordable Rates + Great Deals!   US$15 or CA$20 per private lesson – affordable and worth it! SPECIAL OFFER : Buy 10 lessons in advance and get 1 FREE! That’s 11 lessons for the price of 10 You instantly save US$15 or CA$20 ! Perfect for ser...

Start Your Day with English: A Teacher’s Tip for Daily Progress!

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  Hi everyone! Teacher Sharmaine here!  Let me ask you: how do you start your day? Do you check your phone? Scroll through social media? Or maybe jump straight into work? Well, today, I want to share something powerful and simple: Start your day with English!   It doesn’t have to be long or boring. Just a few minutes each morning can build your confidence, improve your vocabulary, and set a positive mood for the day. Wh ether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone learning for fun, here’s how you can make English part of your daily routine. Step 1: Morning English Warm-up (5–10 mins) Right after you wake up and stretch, grab your phone or notebook and do a quick English activity. You can try: ✅ Reading a short article or news headline in English ✅ Watching a 5-minute video on YouTube or TikTok (choose educational or motivational ones!) ✅ Reviewing 3–5 new vocabulary words ✅ Speaking 3 sentences out loud about how you feel or what you plan to do today...

Get Free Lessons When You Refer a Friend This May!

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  We have an exciting announcement to share with all our amazing students—starting this May , we’re launching our brand-new “Refer-a-Friend” reward program ! This is your chance to not only help your friends improve their English skills but also enjoy some great benefits for yourself. Our Refer-a-Friend reward program launching this May —and it’s designed just for our loyal and supportive students like you! Here’s how it works: For every friend you refer who signs up for lessons , you’ll receive 1 free lesson as a thank-you gift. Yes, it’s that simple! If you refer two friends , you’ll get two free lessons . Refer three friends ? You guessed it— three free lessons ! There’s no limit to how many friends you can refer or how many free lessons you can earn. This is a great opportunity to share the joy of learning with the people you care about while getting rewarded at the same time. Help your friends start their English learning journey while also getting extra time to boost your...

Let’s Talk About Learning English and How You Can Improve

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           Hi, dear students! I know that learning English isn’t always easy—but it is possible when you have the right mindset and daily habits. I always tell my learners, “It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making progress.” So today, I want to share some simple but powerful tips that can help you improve step by step.           First, try to surround yourself with English every day. Listen to English songs you enjoy, watch movies or series with subtitles, and follow English-speaking creators online. Even small things—like changing your phone’s language to English—can help you feel more comfortable with new words and phrases. The more you hear the language, the more natural it becomes.           Next, don’t be shy when it comes to speaking. I know many of you feel nervous about making mistakes, but that’s how we learn. Practice speaking out loud—maybe with a friend, a teacher, or even by ...

Exciting News: I’m Now a Certified CELPIP Instructor (Level 1)!

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I’m thrilled to share that I have officially completed and passed The CELPIP Instructor Training – Level 1 ! This certification marks an exciting milestone in my journey as an English educator and allows me to support learners preparing for the CELPIP Test (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) —one of the key language tests for immigration and professional opportunities in Canada. With this new qualification, I can now offer focused guidance, test strategies, and practice tailored to CELPIP takers aiming to achieve their target scores. Whether you're applying for permanent residency or just want to boost your Canadian English skills, I'm here to help! Stay tuned for CELPIP-specific lessons, tips, and practice sessions that will help you feel confident and prepared. Thank you for being part of my teaching journey. Let’s keep learning and growing together! 

Why Immigrants in Canada Should Take the CELPIP Exam: Benefits, Advantages, and Preparation Tips

Planning to settle in Canada? Here’s why the CELPIP exam could be your most important step—and how I can help you succeed. Moving to a new country is one of the most empowering decisions you can make. And when it comes to building a new life in Canada, a country known for diversity, opportunity, and growth, clear communication in English is not just helpful, it’s essential. That’s why proving your English language skills through the CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a smart move for any immigrant preparing for life in Canada. Whether you're applying for permanent residency, Canadian citizenship , or want to advance your career , CELPIP is the only Canadian-designed English language test accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) . It evaluates how well you use English in real-life Canadian situations, from writing an email and responding to work-related conversations to understanding instructions and expressing your opinions clea...

Level Up Your Day with the Many App – Download Now!

  Hello everyone! I’m excited to share a helpful new tool with you! If you're looking for a convenient app to stay connected, manage your tasks, or explore new opportunities, I highly recommend checking out the Many App . You can download it directly from the Google Play Store using this link: 👉 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.TheMany.benben&pli=1 Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy exploring!

May Update: New Pricing for Private English Lessons

Hello dear students, parents, and supporters, As we welcome the month of May, I’d like to share some important updates regarding the pricing of my private English lessons for learners of all ages. After careful thought and consideration, I’ve made a necessary adjustment to the lesson fees. **Please note that this new pricing applies only to new students who enroll starting May 2025 . All existing students who enrolled before this month will continue to enjoy the old pricing structure. The updated rates for new students are as follows: US$15 per session CA$20 per session This change comes in response to various challenges faced by many independent educators like myself, including global inflation, international transfer fees, and increasing platform and operational costs. I’ve done my best to maintain affordable rates, but these adjustments are essential to sustain the quality of teaching, tools, and resources I provide. To show my appreciation, I’m happy to share that the “Buy 10...