Step One: Vocabulary
You can learn vocabulary by reading, but it’s good to learn more in addition and to really make sure you understand the new words so that you can use them.
You should get a basic textbook that has grammar, vocabulary, and exercises. The Ultimate French Review and Practice
Start with the vocabulary words given in our textbook. When you run out, you can get a thematic book such as these thematic vocabulary books
The number of words you choose to learn at once will depend on your time and how quickly you can remember them. If you choose to learn vocabulary words once per week or every 5 days, try not to learn more than 30 words at a time. This is a lot, so try to devote one or two minutes per word. Study longer per word if you need to.
If you are going to spend minutes on vocabulary, just learn 10 -20 words. Adjust it to your needs.
If you are going to spend time studying vocabulary words everyday, cut back. Remember, if you spend Monday learning 30 words, you will have the rest of the week to master them. This will be part of your small steps. If you study words daily, don’t learn more than 5 words per day unless you plan on spending several hours studying everyday.
Choose the 5, 10, or more words you are going to study. You should have a notebook or section of your notebook devoted to vocabulary. You will also need note cards. You can use a 3 X 5 card and write 2 to 4 words on each card, or cut them in half.
Take the first word and write it in your notebook. Write it only in your target language. I will use the word playa as an example.
playa
Look at the word and think about it. What does it remind you of? I can see the word play.
Now write the English equivalent next to it.
playa – beach
Say both words out loud, and then repeat the words 5 times. Is there a way you could possibly remember it? You play at the beach. If course, you can play at lots of places, but right now you are only associating it to a beach.
Write both words four more times, saying the words as you write them.
playa – beach
playa – beach
playa – beach
playa – beach
playa – beach
Now, write the word on your note card and say it a few more times. Move on to the next word with the same technique. Go through all the words in this manner.
When you are finished, pick up your flashcards and quiz yourself. Did you remember them all?
It’s okay if you didn’t. Look over all the ones you didn’t know and say them out loud a few more times. Try to associate them again.
When you are finished, keep all the note cards for each week together. We will use these again later.
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