French the Natural Way

Bonjour dear French Listeners family, 👋

I have a confession: I need to contradict something you might believe about learning French.

You might think that memorizing vocabulary lists first, then using them later, is the path to fluency.

But what if I told you that’s backwards?

This Week’s Narration Challenge – Your Turn to Shine! 🎙️

Before I explain, I want to invite you to participate in this week’s narration challenge.

Here’s what to do:

1. Experience the story first: Watch and listen to La Légende de Saint Martin here: https://www.aliceayel.com/resources/la-legende-de-saint-martin/

(The audio sync button lets you read along at your own pace—use it if you need it!)

2. Then tell it back: Simply retell the legend in your own words, in your own way. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t need to be word-for-word. Just share what you understood, what stayed with you.

3. Share with our family! Post your narration on Telegram by Sunday, December 14th using:

• 🎤 Audio message (my favorite!)
• 💬 Text message
• 📝 Picture of your handwritten narration

And here’s my promise: I personally give feedback on every single narration shared.

Why? Because I want you to feel the power of what you’re doing, and I want to build our French Listeners family stronger together.

Simply click this link: https://t.me/+kj7F0mWZ8Uo4OWE0

If you’re new to Telegram:

1. Download the free Telegram app from your app store (look for the paper airplane icon)
2. Create an account using your phone number
3. Click the link above and you’re in! 🎉

You can also use Telegram on your computer at web.telegram.org!

But Wait… What IS Narration Again?

Narration is simply telling back what you’ve heard in your own words.

Not translating. Not analyzing grammar. Just… retelling the story naturally, the way you understood it.

It’s the single most powerful way to make French stick in your memory forever.

The Garden and Your Memory

Think about learning to garden. Imagine someone hands you a thick manual.

You have two choices:

Option 1: Sit inside and memorize all the Latin plant names first—Solanum lycopersicum, Lactuca sativa, Cucurbita pepo. Study soil pH levels and fertilizer ratios. Then go outside and try to grow something.

Option 2: Walk through a beautiful garden with an experienced gardener. Watch tomatoes ripening on the vine. Smell the herbs. Feel the satisfaction of harvesting lettuce you planted. Get inspired by what’s possible. Then learn the terms and techniques that will help your garden flourish, because now you understand why they matter.

Which sounds more natural? Which sounds more joyful?

Experience first, inspiration first, the living thing first. Then memorization follows naturally, powerfully, permanently.

When you narrate, you’re tending your French garden. You’re not memorizing isolated seeds in a drawer—you’re planting living language in rich soil. The vocabulary, the expressions, the rhythm… they take root because they’re part of something alive, something that touched you, something growing.

That’s why narration works. That’s why it makes French unforgettable.

Your Challenge This Week

Listen to this week’s story. Let it nourish you.

Then tell it back—imperfectly, naturally, in your own way. Share it on Telegram.

Let celebrate your growth together!

And if you know anyone who’s struggling to make French stick, who’s tired of forgetting what they’ve studied… share this newsletter with them. They might need to discover that their brain is a garden too.

Je suis fière de vous,

Alice 🇫🇷

P.S. Seriously, I read and respond to every narration. Our Telegram community is where the real magic happens. Don’t just be a subscriber—be family. 💙

Bonjour tout le monde ! 👋

I have something exciting to share with you this week—and it involves YOUR voice!

Your Invitation: Join Our Growing Telegram Community! 💬✨

Our Telegram community is buzzing with activity.

More and more learners are joining every day, sharing their narrations, celebrating their progress, and encouraging one another.

If you haven’t joined yet, now is the perfect time to become part of this warm, supportive space where French comes alive through real voices and real connections.

Ready to join us?

Simply click this link: https://t.me/+kj7F0mWZ8Uo4OWE0

If you’re new to Telegram:

1. Download the free Telegram app from your app store (look for the paper airplane icon)
2. Create an account using your phone number
3. Click the link above and you’re in! 🎉

You can also use Telegram on your computer at web.telegram.org!

This Week’s Challenge: Narrate “Le Fils Ingrat” 🎙️

This week’s story, “Le Fils Ingrat” (The Ungrateful Son), is a powerful tale about consequences and family bonds.

We want to hear YOUR version!

Here’s how:

Step 1: Visit the story at https://www.aliceayel.com/resources/le-fils-ingrat/

Step 2: Watch the video and use the audio sync button to read along

Step 3: Record your narration (audio, video, or text) and share it in our Telegram group!

Grace and Zoe have already shared their beautiful narrations in the group!

I’d love for you to join them, compare your interpretations, and see how each person brings something unique to the same story.

There’s no “right” way—only YOUR way.

Whether you’re practicing pronunciation, building confidence, or simply enjoying the process—your voice matters.

Every narration enriches our community!

🎯 Deadline: Sunday evening

Allez, courage! N’ayez pas peur de vous lancer. 💪 Who will be next to share?

December Challenge: Advent Poem Calendar 📅🕯️

Throughout December, I invite you to slow down and savor our Advent poem “Le Calendrier de l’Avent” in a special way:
by handwriting one verse each day, or recording yourself reading it aloud.

Find the complete poem here: https://www.aliceayel.com/resources/poeme-du-calendrier-de-lavent/

There’s wisdom in the saying that the best pace to absorb a poem is the pace at which you can copy it by hand.

When you write out each word, you’re forced to slow down, to notice each phrase, and to see how every word plays its part in creating the whole.

It’s a gentle, meditative practice that lets the French sink deeper into your mind and heart.

Each day, choose one verse, write it out by hand, and if you’d like, share a photo in our Telegram group.

Let’s create a beautiful collection of handwritten French together this Advent season! 🕯️

You can also record yourself and share your audio like Grace is doing!

You’re Exactly Where You Need to Be 💝

Whether you’re just beginning or you’ve been with us for a while, I want you to know: you belong here.

Acquisition happens through living stories, through gentle daily practice, and through a community that respects and encourages every learner.

There are no tests here, no pressure—just beautiful tales that invite you to grow naturally, at your own pace.

My Dear Man & I create these stories and build this community because we believe French should be accessible to all.

Your participation, whether you narrate stories, handwrite verses, or simply listen along, makes our community richer and more vibrant.

Thank you for being part of this adventure. I can’t wait to hear your voice and see your handwriting in our Telegram group!

À bientôt,
Alice 🇫🇷

P.S. Grace and Zoe are waiting to hear your narration! Who’s brave enough to go next? 🎉

Bonjour tout le monde ! 👋

We’ve given our site a complete makeover!

And before you worry about having to relearn where everything is, let me reassure you: this change is all about making your life easier, not harder. 🌟

Over the past months, My Dear Man & I have been listening to your feedback, watching how you use the site, and asking myself: “How can we make this simpler? How can we remove the overwhelm and help everyone find exactly what they need without clicking through a maze of buttons and tabs?“

The answer? Less is more. Fewer buttons. Clearer navigation.

Everything you need, right where you’d expect to find it. ✨

Watch the Welcome Video First! 🎬

Before I explain anything, watch the new intro video.

It’s short, friendly, and will walk you through everything you need to know about navigating the new site.

👉 Watch it here: https://www.aliceayel.com/membership/welcome/

Seriously, take 10 minutes right now. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let me give you the grand tour.

It’ll make everything so much clearer! ☕

Where Everything Lives Now 🗺️

Once you’ve watched the video, here’s a quick summary of where to find what you need:

Connect with the Community 💬

At the very top of your page, you’ll see “Talk” – that’s our Community Chat where you can introduce yourself, ask questions, share your progress, and connect with fellow French learners.

We want to hear your story! Where are you from? Why are you learning French? Jump in and say hello!

And don’t forget our Telegram group – click the Telegram link at the top of the Talk page to join our vibrant, supportive community where members share voice messages, narrations, photos, and celebrate each other daily! 🎙️📱

Make Real Progress 🚀

Click “Progress” at the top of your page to find our structured learning path.

Start with the Baby Progress (yes, even if you’re not a beginner – this builds your foundation!), then move through Infant, Teen, Adult, and Senior at your own pace.

Each progress builds naturally on the last, keeping you in that sweet spot of comprehension and growth. 🌱

Explore More Stories 🎬🎧

Beyond the structured Progess, you have two wonderful sections:

• “Watch” – All our Story Listening videos organized by level, complete with transcripts and audio so you can read along
• “Listen” – Stories, podcasts, and audiobooks perfect for when you’re on the go

Free Gifts in La Boutique 🎁

Click “Boutique” to download all my ebooks completely FREE! They’re yours to keep and enjoy – my gift to you! 📚✨

The 3 Steps That Transform Your French 🎯

No matter where you are on the site, remember these three powerful steps:

Step 1: Watch and listen to get the gist of the story.
Don’t stress about every word – just let French wash over you and follow the narrative. 👀🎧

Step 2: Read and listen again using the Audio Sync button at the top of each story page.
This connects written words with sounds and deepens your comprehension dramatically. 📖🔊

Step 3: Narrate the story in your own words – speak it aloud or write it by hand.
Start in your native language, mix in French, and gradually use more French as you grow. Then share your narration on Telegram or in Talk so we can celebrate with you! ✍️🗣️

These three steps are how passive listening becomes active speaking. This is how French becomes truly yours.

Your Feedback Matters! 💭

This redesign is for YOU, so I really want to know what you think!

Is something confusing? Did you find what you needed easily? Is there something you loved about the old design that you miss? Or maybe you’re discovering features you never knew existed?

Please share your thoughts!

• In our Community Chat (Talk): https://www.aliceayel.com/talk/
• Or directly on Telegram: https://t.me/+kj7F0mWZ8Uo4OWE0

My Dear Man & I are reading every comment, and your feedback helps me make this space even better for our entire community.

Don’t hold back – We want to hear the good, the challenging, and everything in between! 🌟

I know change can feel a bit disorienting at first, but I promise – once you watch that welcome video and click around for a few minutes, you’re going to love how much simpler and more intuitive everything feels.

Welcome to the new chapter of our journey together!

À très bientôt,
Alice 🇫🇷

P.S. I want to take a moment to thank each of you who sent messages of condolence. Your kindness and compassion touched me more deeply than words can express. This community isn’t just about learning French – it’s about genuine human connection, and I’m so grateful to have you all in my life. Thank you for holding space for me during a difficult time. Your warmth means the world. 🕊️

Bonjour tout le monde ! 👋

I have to tell you about something really special that’s been happening in our community lately.

You know how learning French can sometimes feel lonely? Like you’re on this journey by yourself, wondering if you’re doing it right, if you’re making progress, if anyone else struggles with the same things you do?

Well, that loneliness? It’s disappearing.

Because our community has found a home on Telegram – and it’s becoming the most supportive, encouraging, vibrant space I could have ever imagined. 💬

A Space Where French Comes Alive 🗣️🎙️

Here’s what makes our Telegram group so special: it’s not just another chat room where messages get lost in the noise. It’s a private community – just for us, just for our French learners – where real connection happens.

And here’s the beautiful part: you can now share audio messages! You can post videos! This isn’t just typing words on a screen anymore – this is hearing each other’s voices, supporting each other’s courage, celebrating those first brave attempts at speaking French out loud. 🎤✨

Think about it: when was the last time you actually spoke French to someone who understood what it feels like to be learning? Someone who wouldn’t judge your accent or correct every tiny mistake, but would simply cheer you on for trying?

That’s what’s happening on Telegram right now. And it’s transforming how our members acquire French. 🌱

Melissa and Chris Are Leading the Way! 🐸🌈

This week, I challenged everyone to narrate “Les grenouilles et l’arc-en-ciel” (the three frogs and the rainbow story – click here to watch, read and listen).

And guess what? Melissa stepped up and shared her narration! 🎉

She told the story in her own words, using the French she has right now – not perfect, not flawless, just hers.

Then Chris jumped in and shared her opinion on the story – what she thought about the ending, what the fable taught her. Just like that, we had a real conversation happening. Not about grammar rules or conjugation tables, but about ideas, stories, and what they mean to us.

This is what language acquisition looks like in real life: people connecting, sharing, supporting each other, and speaking (yes, actually SPEAKING!) French in a safe space where mistakes are just part of the journey. 🇫🇷

Why Telegram Changes Everything 📱💙

I know what you might be thinking: “Another app? Another place to check?” But hear me out – Telegram is different.

Unlike our website Community Chat (which is wonderful!), Telegram lives on your phone. It’s with you throughout the day.

You can record a quick voice message while folding laundry. You can share a video of yourself narrating a story during your lunch break. You can post a photo that reminds you of a French word you just learned. 📸🎧

And because it’s a private group – not public, not open to random internet strangers – you can be vulnerable. You can try. You can mess up. You can speak French with an accent, stumble over words, mix in English when you need to, and know that everyone there gets it because they’re on the same journey. 🌟

You realize: “These are real people, just like me. And if they can do it, so can I.” 💭

Join Us! 🇫🇷💙

If you’re not on Telegram yet, I really want to encourage you to join us. It takes just a minute to download the app (it’s free!), and then you’re in. You’re part of this beautiful, supportive community where French learners connect, share, stumble, succeed, and cheer each other on. 🎉

Here’s the link to join our private group: 👉 https://t.me/+kj7F0mWZ8Uo4OWE0

You don’t have to post right away if you’re not ready. You can just listen to others’ audio messages, read the conversations, feel the warmth of this community. And when you’re ready – when you feel that little spark of courage – you can share your voice too. 🎤💚

Melissa did it. Chris did it. And I promise you: the community will welcome you with open arms (and open ears!) when you do. 🤗

This Week’s Challenge: Your Turn! 🐸✨

If you’re already on Telegram – amazing! This week, I challenge you to share something:

Maybe it’s your narration of “Les grenouilles et l’arc-en-ciel.” Maybe it’s an audio message saying what you thought of the story. Maybe it’s just a quick “bonjour” so we can hear your voice and welcome you properly! 🌈

And if you’re not on Telegram yet? Click that link. Join us. See what’s happening. Feel the energy. And when you’re ready, add your voice to the chorus.

Because your voice matters. Your French matters. And our community? Our community is waiting for you. 🇫🇷

À très bientôt – maybe I’ll hear your voice on Telegram this week! 🎙️✨

Alice

P.S. Seriously, the audio messages are game-changers. There’s something about hearing a real human voice stumbling through French with courage and humor that makes you think, “I can do that too.” Come join us and see for yourself! 💚

 

Bonjour tout le monde ! 👋

This week, I have a special challenge for you: narrate our story “La montagne Simeli“! 🏔️

If you haven’t watched it yet, here’s the link: https://www.aliceayel.com/resources/les-montagnes-simeli/

When you narrate, your brain has to actively retrieve and reconstruct what you heard. You’re not just passively receiving the language – you’re making it YOUR OWN.

You’re recalling vocabulary, recreating sentence structures, and thinking IN French rather than ABOUT French. 🧠✨

This is where the magic happens!

And I want to invite you – yes, YOU – to take the challenge and share your narration in the Community Chat: https://www.aliceayel.com/community-chat/

Don’t worry about perfection. Don’t worry about getting every detail right. Just tell the story as YOU remember it, with the French you have right now.

That’s exactly what matters. 🌟

How to Narrate “La montagne Simeli” 🎧📖

First, watch and listen to the story to understand it. Don’t pause, don’t look up words, don’t stress.

Just follow along and get the gist – who are the characters? What happens? How does it end?

Let the story wash over you and see what sticks. 👀

Then, tell it back in your own words. You can do this orally (speak it aloud to yourself, a family member, your pet, or even record a voice memo!) or in handwriting (grab a pen and a notebook).

Start in whatever language feels comfortable – your mother tongue with French words mixed in, mostly French with some mother tongue, or entirely in French if you’re feeling brave!

There’s no “right” way, only YOUR way. ✍️🗣️

The key is to retrieve what you absorbed without looking back at the transcript. What do you remember? What moments stood out? What phrases stuck with you?

Trust that your brain captured more than you think! 💭

Grace Shows Us How It’s Done! 👏🎉

One of our wonderful community members, Grace, took the challenge and shared her narration. I want to show you what she wrote – not because it’s perfect (it’s not!), but because when I read it, I understood the gist of the story perfectly.

And that means Grace truly understood “La montagne Simeli“! 💙

Here’s Grace‘s narration with just a few gentle corrections in brackets:

“Il était une fois un homme généreux et pauvre. Il a un frère égoïste et riche. Un jour, [l’]homme généreux [est allé] dans [une] forêt et il a vu [une] montagne très [haute]. Il a aussi vu 12 hommes [forts] en bas de la montagne. Les 12 hommes ont dit « montagne, ouvre[-]toi ». Ils [sont entrés dans la] montagne et [ils ont] pris des sacs de richesse et ils ont dit « montagne[,] ferme[-]toi ». Après [que] les 12 hommes [sont sortis], l’homme généreux était [curieux] et il a dit à la montagne « montagne, ouvre[-]toi ». L’homme est [entré dans] la montagne et il a pris quelques [choses précieuses] comme [de l’]or et il [est retourné] à sa maison. Le frère égoïste a vu que son frère avait [de l’]or et [qu’]il [était devenu] riche. Alors, le frère égoïste était jaloux et il a demandé pourquoi son frère [était] devenu riche. Il a [entendu parler de la] montagne [et de sa] richesse. Par conséquent[,] le frère égoïste [est allé à] la montagne et il a dit « montagne, ouvre[-]toi ». Il a vu beaucoup de richesse et il était heureux. Cependant, quand il [a voulu] sortir, il a dit « montagne [Simeli], ferme[-]toi », [à la] place [de] montagne [Simeli]. Ça n’a pas marché. Soudain, les 12 hommes [forts] [sont arrivés] et [i]ls ont dit à l’homme égoïste : « c'[est] toi qui [as pris notre] richesse ! » et ils ont coupé sa tête.”

Grace, this is WONDERFUL! 🎊 You retold the entire story with all the key plot points: the two brothers, the magic mountain, the magic words, the greedy brother’s mistake, and the tragic ending.

Your verb usage shows you understood the sequence of events. Your vocabulary choices show you grasped the emotions and actions. Yes, there are some small grammar adjustments (articles, verb agreements, past tense forms), but that’s completely normal and those will smooth out naturally with more exposure and practice.

What matters is that you COMMUNICATED the story! ✨

This is exactly what narration is about: expressing what you understood with the French you have right now. Not perfection. Progress. 🌱

Your Turn! 🇫🇷💬

Now I want to hear from YOU! It’s not too late to take the challenge.

Watch “La montagne Simeli,” then narrate it in your own words and share it in the Community Chat.

Why share it publicly? Because it makes you accountable. Because seeing others’ narrations inspires you. Because the community will celebrate with you. Because putting yourself out there – even imperfectly – is how courage builds and confidence grows. 💪

Your narration doesn’t need to be as long as Grace’s. It doesn’t need to be in perfect French. It just needs to be YOURS.

Even a few sentences are enough! Tell us what you remember about the two brothers, about the magic mountain, about what happened. Use English if you need to. Mix languages. Do whatever feels right. Just TRY. 🎯

I’m waiting to read your stories!

Let’s fill the Community Chat with your versions of “La montagne Simeli” – each one unique, each one valuable, each one proof that you’re not just listening to French… you’re ACQUIRING it. 🏔️✨

À très bientôt!

Alice 🇫🇷

P.S. If you feel nervous about sharing, remember: every single person in this community started exactly where you are. We’re all learning together, growing together, and celebrating every brave step forward – including yours! 🌟