Salut !
Are you tired of French words slipping through your fingers just when you need them most? Whether you’re in your fifties, sixties, or seventies, this proven 5-step system will transform how you learn and retain French vocabulary. Let’s explore these game-changing strategies that will make French words stick in your memory.
Are you ready? C’est parti!
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Watch the full video lesson on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Commeunefrancaise
Step 1: Active Engagement - The Power of Pen and Paper
The foundation of effective vocabulary learning starts with active engagement. Research shows that physically writing down new words creates stronger neural connections than typing them. Here’s how to make it work:
- Choose a dedicated notebook or pocket-size binder for flashcards
- Make it visually appealing with colors and organized sections
- For on-the-go learning, use your phone’s notes app to capture words
- Transfer phone notes to your notebook during dedicated study time
Remember: consistency matters more than perfection. Even a few minutes of daily engagement can lead to remarkable progress.
Step 2: Contextual Learning - Building Memory Networks
Instead of memorizing isolated words, create rich contexts that help words stick naturally:
- Write complete sentences using new vocabulary
- Create personal connections to each word
- Use visual aids: sketches, diagrams, or word webs
- Read simple French texts to see words in natural contexts
For example, instead of just memorizing “pluie” (rain), embed it in a vivid phrase: “Il pleut à verse aujourd’hui!” (It’s raining cats and dogs today!)
Step 3: Spaced Repetition - The Science of Remembering
Implement this scientifically-proven review schedule:
- Day 1: Initial learning
- Day 2: First review
- Day 4: Second review
- Day 11: Third review
- Day 25: Fourth review
Tools to help:
- Physical flashcards organized by review frequency
- Digital apps like Anki or Mochi
- Dedicate 10-15 minutes daily for reviews
Step 4: Mnemonics and Associations - Your Mental Memory Hooks
Create memorable associations that bridge French words to familiar concepts:
Example associations:
- “Papillon” (butterfly) → “puppy yawn” with an image of a butterfly flying past a yawning puppy
- “Ananas” (pineapple) → “Anna’s nose”
- “Poubelle” (trash can) → “Pooh-bell”
The more personal and vivid your associations, the better they’ll stick!
Step 5: Practical Application - Bringing Words to Life
Put your vocabulary into action through:
- Regular conversations with language partners
- Keeping a French journal
- Writing creative stories or poems
- Using at least three new words in each practice session
Challenge yourself to incorporate new vocabulary naturally: “D’habitude, je me réveille et je mange un pamplemousse pour le petit déjeuner.” (Usually, I wake up and eat a grapefruit for breakfast.)
Making It Work for You
Success tips:
- Trust the process of writing and spaced repetition
- Personalize your learning system
- Immerse yourself in French through labels, media, and daily practice
- Stay consistent and celebrate small victories
Remember: Learning French is a journey, not a race. Each word you master is a step toward fluency, regardless of your age or previous language experience.
Start implementing these steps today, and watch as French vocabulary becomes a natural part of your linguistic repertoire. Bonne chance!
Extra tips
Before we wrap up, let’s quickly go over some bonus tips and a quick recap to supercharge your vocabulary learning.
1. Understand how your brain works: writing things down and using spaced-repetition is much better than cramming vocabulary from a long list on a website. Even better when you’re linking the words to multiple senses, emotions, and stories.
2. Make your own personal system. Maybe you like to draw doodles for each word, or use word webs. Maybe you’d like to record yourself speaking the words, so you can remember them better.
3. Let’s bring French into every corner of your life. Label objects around your house with their French names. Change your phone’s language settings to French. Follow French social media accounts or YouTube channels. Use a new French word in the comments for this video, why not? Each of these small actions creates another opportunity to engage with your new vocabulary.
4. Get extra lessons and insights by subscribing to my newsletter. I’ll send you weekly French discussion, about cultural issues in France or vocabulary from my everyday life. It’s my most important tip for you today! It’s free and you can start right now.
Click here to be part of the Comme une Française community
Remember, learning a language is a journey, not a race. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and most importantly, have fun with it!
Allez, à plus ! I’ll see you in the next video.
wonderful
Thank you Geraldine, it’s a scary time, thank you for your comments! Much appreciated!!
J’étais tellement perturbé par les résultats de élections que je n’ai pas assisté aux séances la plupart de la semaine dernière.Merci de votre compréhension et solidarité.
oui