Before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight: there are no strict rules when it comes to setting up your language learning notebook or journal. It’s your space! Think about what motivates you, what feels comfortable, and what inspires you to learn. Still, if you’re looking for a little structure and inspiration, here are my 3 favourite steps—and some personal tips too!
How to Organise Your Notebook for Language Learning – 3 Easy Steps!
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📚 Why Keep a Language Learning Notebook?

Learning a language isn’t just about grammar books, workbooks, or binge-watching YouTube videos (although they help!). It’s also about writing things down. Keeping a notebook where you jot down new vocabulary, grammar rules, short essays, notes from your lessons, or even reflections in your target language helps reinforce what you’re learning—and gives you something personal and satisfying to flip through.
✏️ Step 1: Choose the Right Notebook

First things first—you’ll need to pick your perfect notebook. This might seem like a small thing, but trust me, it’s not! There are lined, blank, dotted, hardback, paperback, soft leather covers… so many beautiful options out there.
🧡 My tip? Dotted or blank pages give you more freedom to organise, sketch, or decorate your notes however you like. I find them the most flexible and visually appealing. But if you love structure and prefer lined pages—go for it! This is your learning space, after all.
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Personally, I don’t struggle with that decision anymore, because I create my own handmade notebooks 😊 You can check out my collection and order the one you fall in love with!
🎨 STEP 2: SET UP THE FIRST PAGE

Now the fun begins! Setting up your first page is the perfect chance to get a little artsy and express your love for your target language. Here are some ideas:

✍🏻Write an inspirational quote in your target language.
📑Add stickers, washi tape, or sketches that remind you of the country.
✏️Draw something symbolic—like a croissant, the Eiffel Tower, or a Spanish guitar.
🖊️Use colours that feel motivating or calming to you.

For example, if you’re learning French, you might decorate your first page with little doodles of the Eiffel Tower, café scenes, or some popular phrases. This visual connection really helps build emotional motivation.
📖 Step 3: Start Filling Your Notebook (Smartly!)

Now it’s time to get to work and fill up those pages with everything you’re learning—your vocabulary lists, grammar notes, writing tasks, and more.

If you’re working through a student book, I recommend dividing each unit in a consistent way, like this:

🖋️Page 1 – Grammar rules and examples
🖋️Page 2 – Vocabulary and useful phrases
🖋️Page 3 – Writing exercises or journal entries

This method keeps your notebook neat, and it makes it so much easier to go back and revise specific topics when you need them.
✨ Pro tip: Colour-coding your notes is incredibly helpful!
Use different colours for different categories—grammar, vocab, expressions, cultural notes, etc.
For example, blue for grammar, green for vocabulary, pink for phrases. Your brain will thank you later!
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🖍️ Final Thoughts

The most important rule? Make it yours. Let your notebook reflect your personality and learning style. Keep it tidy, playful, and inspiring. Use colours, stickers, doodles, quotes—whatever helps you stay consistent and excited about learning.

If you’d like to see some of my notebooks and how I organise them, check out the videos on my YouTube channel! And don’t forget to subscribe for more language tips and cozy content 💕
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