French news: achieve more with less – The power of comprehensible input

Coucou les membres de la communauté,

I have some exciting news to share with you this week!

Dr Beniko Mason, who has just published groundbreaking research on language acquisition, has had the biggest impact on my way of teaching French. It is thanks to her Story Listening method that I came to build our site and provide you with comprehensible French stories.

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French the natural way: how should you start reading?

Coucou les French learners,

This week, I want to share a great question from Pete, one of our dear members, which I believe will resonate with many of you:

How should I read? Should I read the French words to myself (in my head like the adult I am) or will it be best to read out loud as I did as a child (70 years ago) when I was learning to read English?

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French news: uncover the legend of the Pont d’Avignon (and join me live!)

Coucou les membres de la communauté,

Today, during my Monday live class, I shared the legend of the Pont d’Avignon. This legendary tale captivated everyone and sparked a lot of interest in learning more about this iconic piece of French history.

New Resource: The Bridge of Avignon

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French the natural way: discover the joy of reading in French!

Coucou les French learners,

Are you eager to read a book in French but unsure which one to choose? You’re not alone! This is a common challenge for language learners at all levels.

When I first started to acquire Portuguese, I was eager to dive into classic literature.

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abisproduction236 accountability203 accountable203 autonomouslearner237 becomeamember234 beginnerplus167 boost219 booster214 classes39 comprehensiblefrench276 comprehensibleinput269 comprehension285 consistency171 consistent172 dailyfrench225 determined167 discipline163 disciplined178 engage185 engaged173 enjoytheride181 event79 fle304 french for fun44 frenchbeginner170 frenchcommunity263 frenchforall228 fun448 inputaloneissufficient258 intensive182 interact218 intermediate742 journey201 keepmotivated208 language acquisition264 learner252 lefrancaisensemble241 lisenfrançais217 listen318 live62 live event55 liveclass98 motivate186 motivated178 motivation236 motivationbreak183 natural200 novice high276 novicehigh361 online learner222 partnership52 pleasure159 pleasurereading141 reading287 reboot101 reward36 slow french346 speakfrench212 upper beginner449

French news: feel energized, join me this week!

Coucou les membres de la communauté,

Every Monday, I spend 30 minutes with Suqing, my Chinese tutor, and it’s something I always look forward to. Our interactions leave me feeling energized and accomplished because I can understand her, ask questions when I’m confused, and use new words I’ve picked up from watching Chinese videos during the week.

[read more…]

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French the natural way: it’s OK not to understand!

Coucou les French learners,

Today, I want to touch base on a common concern that many of you might encounter: the feeling of being lost when you don’t understand a story… Or even its gist!

Have you ever found yourself in this situation?

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French news: embracing the silent phase

Coucou les membres de la communauté,

Last week, I shared with you my evolving perspective on pronunciation in French, emphasizing the importance of training our mouths and tongues to speak with confidence. (In case you missed it, read about my recent ephihany here!)

[read more…]

accountability203 accountable203 acquirefrench76 active listener94 activelistener54 activelistening78 advanced294 advanced french93 beginner318 classesdefrançais40 feedback60 frenchclass101 frenchclasses72 frenchnews27 guidance35 infolettre35 intermediate742 lessons36 live session100 liveclass98 motivation236 novice168 novicehigh361 observe25 online teaching29 period3 phase3 progress136 pronounciation43 silence7 silent10 speak85 speakfrench212 stayontrack35 stepstospeaking58 teaching42 train29 training56 upper beginner449 warmup43 zoomclass84