Dear French Community,

You know that moment when you’re trying to tell a story in French, and the perfect word just… doesn’t come?

Your mind reaches, grasps, and maybe lands on something close-ish?

Here’s what I want you to know: that’s not failure. That’s your brain doing exactly what it’s designed to do.

This week, Anita shared her written narration on Telegram, and I noticed something beautiful: she was making meaning in French.

Sure, some connector words were still forming, some details still settling. But the heart of the story? She had it.

Just like in yoga, we meet ourselves where we are. Some days the pose feels effortless; other days we wobble. Both are progress.

Here’s your gentle invitation this week

For your current story: Keep the momentum flowing. Let those patterns absorb naturally through more listening and narrating. No forcing, just noticing.

For a playful review: Re-watch a favorite scene (that boot in the soup is horrendous!). Watch it just for joy this time, noticing how the words connect like old friends.

Remember: You’re building a relationship with French. Every narration is a conversation, not a test.

This Week’s Narration Challenge

Ready for a delightful adventure? Meet young Arthur Laventure in “Une histoire d’ogre” – a clever tale where our hero outwits an ogre and his wife not once, not twice, but THREE times!

Watch, read, and listen here: https://www.aliceayel.com/resources/une-histoire-dogre/

Let the story settle in your mind like tea steeping.

Then share your narration on Telegram by Sunday, January 25:

• Record your oral narration (French or your mother tongue – you choose!)
• Write what you remember
• Draw or illustrate a favorite scene
• Share photos that connect to the story

Whatever feels right for you today.

I’ll give each of you personal feedback on your narration. Your sharing makes our community richer – truly.

Keep showing up. Keep narrating. You’ve got this.

Alice 💕

P.S. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of teaching French: The people who make the most progress aren’t the ones who get it “perfect” from the start. They’re the ones who keep showing up, week after week, letting the language become familiar like an old friend’s voice. That’s you. That’s what you’re doing right here. And I’m honored to be part of your French story.