6 Tips for Getting Back into French after a (long!) Break!
- Anissa :)
- Jan 28
- 3 min read
Returning to French after a hiatus can be both exciting and a little daunting.
Maybe life kept you busy—visiting loved ones, starting a new job, exploring new places, or welcoming exciting changes into your life. It’s natural for French studies to take a backseat sometimes!
Lately, I’ve been hearing this phrase from so many of you: "J'ai tout oublié mon français !" 😱
But let me reassure you—you haven’t!
So!? If you’re looking for a little boost to get back into the swing of things, here are some tips to help you ease back into the language... On y va!
1. Assess Your Current Level
Before you jump back in, check where you stand:
Exercise: Take a quick self-assessment. You can use this placement test I have prepared for you.
Goal: This will help you identify areas that need a little extra love.
2. Build a Consistent Routine
Consistency is key to refreshing your memory and mastering any language:
Exercise: Dedicate 20-30 minutes each day to French. Break it down into fun segments:
🎧 10 minutes of listening to a French podcast or song.
🔠 10 minutes of vocabulary practice using flashcards.
📝 10 minutes of grammar exercises.
Goal: Making French a daily habit will keep the language fresh in your mind.
3. Really engage in Active Listening
Immerse yourself in the language:
Exercise: Watch French films, YouTube videos, or listen to audiobooks. Start with subtitles in your native language, then switch to French subtitles as you progress.
Suggestions: Why not try to practice listening to "Les aventures d'Arsène Lupin". I shared the first adventure and a quiz with you in this article.
Goal: This will boost your listening comprehension and familiarize you with different accents and speaking speeds.
4. Practice Speaking
Let's get those speaking muscles working:
Exercise:
Shadowing: Listen to a short French video or audio (hello tongue twisters!), then try to repeat exactly what the speaker says, mimicking their pronunciation and intonation.
Speaking with a tutor: You know how much I lovingly challenge you during our lessons—especially with those opening conversations. Asking for every little detail about your weekend… I’m sure you’ve heard my famous line in your dreams: "Comment s'est passé ton week-end ?"
Goal: Rebuild your confidence in speaking and pronunciation while proving that—non! (again!)—you haven’t forgotten your French!!
5. Read in French Regularly
What a great (useful!) resolution this year!
Exercise:
Start with short articles, news websites (like 20minutes), or books you've read before in your native language.
Try reading fairy tales and children's books if you need to ease into it. There's no shame in it. ("Le chat au chapeau" - The cat in the hat - anyone?!)
Goal: This will improve your reading comprehension and expand your vocabulary.
6. Write Short Texts in French
Time to put pen to paper!
Exercise: Write a daily journal entry in French. Start with simple sentences and increase complexity as you feel more comfortable.
Alternatively, write about your day or respond to prompts like "What is your favourite season and why?" or "What would your dream vacation look like?"
Why not send me a little message in French? You know I'm always happy to hear from you outside of our lessons!
Goal: Practice forming sentences, conjugating verbs, and using vocabulary in context.
Remember everyone, learning a language is a journey, not a race. Stop stressing yourself, be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and most importantly, enjoy the process! I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's continue to make French fun and exciting together!
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