How to find effective and enjoyable resources to learn French?

and go past the intermediate plateau

One of the most common challenges we face in language learning—especially at the intermediate levels, and especially when we’re trying to break free from the boring traditional approaches - is the quest for perfect learning materials.

In this post, I’m offering you practical advice on this topic and show you how the French Awareness program will simplify this process for you.

For info, French Awareness is a flexible, hands-on 1:1 program that helps intermediate learners become autonomous, go beyond the intermediate plateau whist developing more self-awareness. Our next edition starts on May 4th :)

You can read more about it here : How to develop your French Awareness

1. Define Your Goals

What skills do you want to improve most right now? Is it listening comprehension, vocabulary, pronunciation, or fluency? All of the above? Maybe you'd like to stop translating from your native language into French when you speak, or you'd like to be able to use in conversations the words and structures that you understand?

Having clear goals helps you know what kind of materials to use and even how to use them.

For instance, if you'd like to focus on improving your French oral pronunciation, I'd advise you to use audio materials such as podcast episodes in a way that will facilitate your progress.

Instead of passively listening and trying to make sense of what is being said, I encourage you to read out loud and listen at the same time when transcripts or subtitles are available. This technique allows you to notice right away if the sound you produce isn't correct. In this way, you can make notes of the sounds or words that cause friction.

In French Awareness, you can additionally ask the help of Anaïs, who will correct you and teach you in a short video how to pronounce these sounds, with additional feedback to make sure your new awareness sticks.

This is why Anais and I work with a limited number of participants for each edition of French Awareness : you get hands-on practice, individual coaching & guidance to make sure that you clarify your goals and get the support you need to reach them.

2. Explore a Variety of Resources

Don’t limit yourself to just one type of resource, as it may become redundant and give you a biased language-learning experience.

I don't recommend sticking to only movies, or only books, or only podcasts. I love exploring similar topics but in various forms (video, audio, text), and by various people : in this way, you don't have time to get used to only one voice, instead your brain is encouraged to hyper-adapt and creates stronger connection between feelings, words, sounds and meanings.

The French Awareness program makes you discover a variety of native speakers, from different parts of the francophonie, share their experience and advice on self-awareness topics.

When you diversify your sources, you expose your brain to different teaching styles and content, enriching your learning experience.

3. Use Authentic Resources

You’re at an intermediate level, and to surpass it, it’s essential to seek out resources that use French authentically.

That's why in your French Awareness program, we use only content that was created for native-speakers in mind rather than students. There’s no efforts made to accommodate your level, so you can get out of your comfort zone with the support of your study guides and the guidance of your teacher.

The study guides were designed to accompany your understanding, using questions to direct your attention on certain aspects of what you'll listen to, or watch, or read, as well as a glossary special expressions and turns of phrases that are part of native speakers' natural speech.

Together, we go beyond the textbooks and storybooks especially made for learners, and you get immersed in the French language and culture naturally and authentically, pushing you towards higher levels.

4. Choose Topics That Fascinate You

You’re now in control of your learning, with no strict teacher behind you saying, “this is good” or “this isn’t.” You have the choice to follow your heart and explore resources that genuinely interest you.

I still remember my English professor at university saying, “Daily news is a perfect source for improving your English.” Yes, that’s true, but it’s also perfect for plunging me into deep despair… And watching Friends, reading novels, exploring poetry, learning philosophy and psychology, are just as effective.

French Awareness gives you that permission slip : let go of the guilt to step away from textbooks, the news and other traditional (and boring or anxiety-stirring) materials. We explore topics of self-growth, helping you elevating your French as you also find ideas to elevate your own life.

5. Stay Flexible

When you study French on your own, be ready to adjust your selection of resources. Perhaps that podcast on psychology seemed like a good idea, but the presenter speaks too fast and it’s discouraging, or the episodes are too long and you never have time to finish them? If a resource doesn’t work for you, don’t hesitate to drop it and try something new.

It can be time-consuming to find the right resources for you, and you can't really know if something is going to work for you or not until you try it...

Enters French Awareness.

With over 20+ years of experience teaching intermediate learners of various languages, I've developed a super power at finding the perfect resources and at facilitating their understanding + use for a liberated self-expression. The work of finding what will work has been done for you, so you can stop wasting time, put that worry aside and focus on what matters : immersing yourself in the language.

But wait, there's more.

Because developing the best approach for your language learning journey isn't just about finding the right resource.

It's not enough to "just" read, listen and watch, we have to do something more in order to truly make this language your own.

I'll tell you more about it in my next post.

In the meantime, check out the ​French Awareness website​ and if it resonates, hurry up to join our program!

The next edition starts on May 4th, 2024 and we have 5 spots (enrollments open until May 1st)

Free Guide du Bien-Être en Français

If you’re not quite ready to work together but you like my approach, I’ve put together a rich list of ideas and resources such as podcasts, youtube channels, websites, activities… so you to create your own French refreshing routine with inspiring materials.

Download it for free here : Mon Guide du Bien-Être en Français