Learn a Second Language One Word a Day Bracelet

The universal difficulty of learning a second language is the fact that students' ears, mouth, eyes, hands and mind are not immersed in the environment. When they don't have the chance to use what they learn soon enough, students quickly forget what they learned. To solve the problem of lacking the environment and chances of using what is learned when learning a second language, I designed a watch in my mind (second, hand drawn picture shown here) to create chances for anyone who is learning a second language to review and use the words they learned quickly, frequently, and stylishly. I was able to use a pendant to make something very close to what I have in mind and have all the functions I want in about 30 minutes.

I believe 3D printer can execute my design exactly which I don't have access to. I used what is available to come up with a bracelet which creates fun environment and chances to use what is learned when someone is learning a second language, such as Chinese.

Below are what I used, steps taken, and resultant first master piece.

Supplies

Materials used:

1 Hinged oval pendant with latch hook approximately 0.875 in by 1.125 in

1 Matching necklace chain

1 Small lobster clasp

1 Small jump ring

1 Solder iron kit

1 Chain nose pliers

1 Round nose pliers

Computer Word program

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Step 1: Have a Pendant!

I have a modest ambition for my ABC child (American Born Chinese) to learn Chinese as second language: One word a day. To solve the problem that she doesn't have much chance to use what she learns everyday, I designed a watch in my mind which has hinge and latch hook allowing changing the word easily everyday. I strategically pick a word for her to learn everyday. She spends about 5 minutes writing and saying the word. Then she can show and tell about the watch in school, or tell what the word is when asked, look at the word at any time during the day. Thus, she has repeated chances to review what she learned and making it stay.

I believe a 3D printer can make this watch. But I don't have one. I had a pendant with hinge and latch hook, a bail (attached metal loop)which I had picked up a long time ago. The first thing is to solder another loop on the opposite end so it can be worn on wrist (I always feel a chain around children's neck is a safety hazard, so making a pendant necklace is not an option). In fact, that's almost the only thing to do.

Step 2: Solder the Second Loop

I happened to have a jump ring of matching color and diameter in my miscellaneous items and soldered it on. It is a bit big. A better thing to use should be a loop of matching wire coiled on round nose pliers with overlapped ends as shown.

This is my first ever jewery plus soldering experience. If I took picture of the process at the same time, I must have either ruined the whole thing, sent alarm off or soldered my thumb and point finger together. I did it with instinct and common sense. I'm not exactly handy either. So if I did it, you can do it. I also watched this great Instructable afterwards: https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-solder-amateur-jewelry/ . I plan to make more of this bracelet to give as presents. I know where to improve in the next project.

Almost there already.

Step 3: Attach Bracelet Chain, Lobster Clasp and Jump Ring

I placed the bracelet frame on the wearer's wrist, measured how long the chains needed on two sides, removed two chains of the needed length from the matching necklace chain, opened one jump ring on one end of each chain, slided it through the loop on the frame and closed the jump ring. I opened one jump ring on the other end of each chain, slided it through a slightly larger (easier to clasp the lobster clasp than the tiny jump rings on the chain) jump ring on one end and and lobster clasp on the other end.

Done already!

Step 4: Print Words

I opened a Word document, drew an oval of 0.875 in by 1.125 in with no fill and light border line, copied and pasted it to fill a whole page, inserted a text box of 0.875 in by 1.125 in with no fill and no border line, copied and pasted the text box over each oval shape, typed one word in each text box/oval shape, saved the document and printed out the first sheet of words. One page can fit 81 words/oval/text box. I'll cut out one word a day, once all 81 words have been learned, the document will be saved in a different name and another 81 words will be typed and printed.

Step 5: Afterwords

This bracelet is versatile. The underside of the frame can be a picture of somebody dear to the wearer. It can also be used for an important message for the wearer.

Although I still prefer it wore like a watch instead of bracelet, I love the vintage industrial chic aged metal look. It looks cool on a girl or boy. As a family we are in love with the function and look of this first ever jewery I made.

If you liked it, vote for it. If you have any questions about this Instructable or learning Chinese as second language, please feel free to contact me.