Tips for Learning French

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Tips for Learning French

• avec Madame Laing

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Dear student,

• Whether you are
• In French 1, just being introduced to the French
  language
• In French 2, proud of yourself for having
  successfully completed French 1
• In French 3, anticipating the Checkpoint B
  Examination
• In French 4 choosing to continue your study of
  the French language
• In French 5, because you simply adore the French
  language
• Here are some helpful tips for truly learning
  the language in a meaningful way!

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Tip 1 Devote time outside of class to French
activities

• To actually learn and develop an appreciation for
  the French language will take your willingness to
  make efforts outside of class.
• Understand that outside of class, there is whole
  other world where French is spoken every day, and
  used as a primary means of communication in many
  cultures.

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• Language and culture go hand in hand. Learning
  French is more than just verbs and vocabulary.
• Learning French is about communicating with
  people and developing an appreciation for the
  art, music, food, and history of the many
  francophone countries around the world.
• By making an effort, you will develop an
  appreciation for, and dedication to, learning
  French.

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Tip 2 Watch television and movies in French

• Try watching the news in French. At first you
  will not understand much of what is being spoken,
  but after trying, you may notice that there are a
  lot of French words that sound similar and mean
  the same as English words.
• The news also has a lot of pictures and videos up
  in the corners, to guide you.

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• Watch commercial breaks on news shows and use the
  visual aids, while listening for new vocabulary
  words or expressions.
• Watch commercials to learn more about the French
  culture. Many American products are also marketed
  in France and Canada. You may be able to
  recognize them.
• Canadian television includes French language.
  Watch shows in French to learn conversational
  French.
• It will probably be easier for you to start
  learning vocabulary from the news first, before
  moving on to sitcoms or cartoons.

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• Thinking about watching your favorite movie
  AGAIN? Try setting the language settings to
  French with English subtitles. After a while, if
  you are very brave, set the language settings to
  French with French subtitles. You will begin to
  make connections by already being familiar with
  the storyline.
• By watching television in
• French, you will strengthen
• your listening skills.

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Tip 3 Visit French websites

• Visit French websites or download French apps
  with activities and games to practice your skills
  and introduce you to new vocabulary.
• Visit French news websites and keep yourself
  updated with what is happening in the
  French-speaking world.Look for the translation
  option, and switch the site to English language
  if you find yourself becoming too frustrated.
  Later, go back and challenge yourself.
• By visiting websites, you will
• strengthen your reading skills.

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Tip 4 Study even when you are not assigned to
do so.

• Take the time to revisit what was taught in
  class, and you will be more likely to really
  learn the material and be able to use it.
• Make a habit of spending at least 15-30 minutes
  each day learning and/or practicing.
• By taking the time to study outside
• of class, you will notice a significant
  improvement in your abilities.

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Tip 5 Learn a song

• There are various children's songs, as well as a
  variety of popular songs, originally written in
  English, which were later translated into French.
  You may already recognize the tunes.
• Just keep in mind that the translation is likely
  not word for word, so you should still look up
  the exact meaning of the French lyrics.
• By learning a song, you will
• improve your memory and
• pronunciation skills. And you
• will have fun too!

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 Tip 6 Choose an aspect of culture which
interests you

• (for example art, history, music, travel,
• geography, shopping, food, etc)
• Make this aspect your personal hobby.
• Teach others about this, or find out if you can
  do projects in French or other subject areas,
  based on your hobby.
• Having something meaningful to YOU will make your
  study of French more worthwhile and interesting.

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 Tip 7 Visit museums and restaurants

• Visit places where you can either experience or
  learn about the language or culture.
• Sainte Marie among the Iroquois is a Living
  History Museum and re-creation of the French
  Mission that stood on the shores of Onondaga Lake
  from 1656-1658, near Liverpool, New York.
• There are many local places that you can visit,
  such as French restaurants. Dont forget about
  Canada, located two hours to our north!
• By visiting museums and restaurants, you will get
  to experience the fun of learning French.

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Tip 8 Look for authentic French realia

• While in the grocery store or out shopping, look
  for French words on billboards, product labels,
  commercials, etc, and you will soon find that the
  French language is indeed very close to you.
• If you take a trip or vacation, look for
  brochures or travel guides with French included.

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Tip 9 Get others involved

• Find someone else who is also dedicated to
  learning French, and set up a study partnership
  or group.
• Teach French to a family member or relative.
• Exchange ideas with others. Come up with fun and
  interesting ways to study together.
• Share them with Madame Laing as well, because she
  may find them so outstanding that she will want
  to borrow themin exchange for bonus points ?

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 Tip 10 Find what works for you

• All of these tips may not be realistic or
  possible for you, and that is totally fine!
• Figure out which of these tips work for you and
  begin your course of action. Remember to share
  what you do, in class! The fact that you are
  already dedicated is the most important step.
• French is fun, and I truly hope that you will
  discover this for yourself! Bonne chance et bon
  voyage!