Not sure how you can study French outside of school? Here are some handy things to do:
Strategies for Understanding Authentic Content
-- https://hmhfyi.com/french/strategies/language/preparation/
Use these strategies to get the most out of the links on this site.
Preparation
Whether you’re about to read an article or watch a video, you’ll understand more if you do some preparation.
· Look at the title and the introductory text. Are there any words or phrases that you could look for? Are there any questions?
· Does the introductory text identify the topic? If so, review any related vocabulary you know. What words and phrases do you expect to come across?
· Look at the associated image. What additional information can you get from this?
Understanding Content
Plan to look at each item at least three times. You’ll understand a little more each time. Take some notes each time you look at the site.
With audio and video, keep in mind that, while subtitles, closed captions (CC), or transcripts may help you to recognize some words, they are often generated by an automated tool, and may not be accurate. They can also deprive you of an opportunity to practice your comprehension skills and to prove to yourself what you can do. When you are listening, remember that people use filler words, in the same way as we use terms such as “um” and “ah” when we speak English. These words don’t mean anything, but they help people gather their thoughts and formulate what they want to say. Listen for the filler words that native speakers use. You can use these words when you speak in the language.
The first time, look at the content in a general way, to get the overall meaning.
· What is one idea you can take away?
· If there are pictures, how do they help you to understand?
· What words from your preparation do you recognize?
The second time, focus on identifying the purpose.
· Is the resource descriptive (such as tourist guide or weather report) or informative (such as a movie trailer or an interview)?
· What is the tone? Formal or informal?
Reviewing and Summarizing
After viewing a website, review the notes you made. Look up the meaning of any words you guessed. Then summarize what you learned.
· How many words did you recognize?
· Which new words or expressions did you learn?
· What connections did you make to what you are learning in other subjects, such as geography, history, math, or science?
· What are the similarities and differences with your own community or region?
Once you’ve done that, shift your focus to the language.
· What words and phrases do you recognize? When watching a video, use the Pause button to give you time to note these words.
· Are there any cognates?
· What words don’t you understand? Can you guess their meaning by using context clues?
· If you’re watching a video, can you infer meaning from body language, facial expressions, and gestures?
· What details did you pick up? Can you relate any details to the main idea(s) you identified earlier?
When you have finished your third run-through, answer as many of these questions as you can:
· Where is the action, event, or situation taking place?
· Who are the people? What do you know about them?
· Do you recognize any products from the region, such as food or clothing?
· What did you learn about what people do or think?
· How are the places, products, situations, or events similar to or different from those in your own community or region?
- Look at or listen to something in French every day--even if it's just 10 or 20 minutes! You may only see me in class two or three times a week, but exposing yourself to the language every day will make you less likely to forget.
- Use a language-learning app or website to help you study the things you struggle with. Conjuguemos can help you drill grammar and vocabulary; Quizlet is a good way to make flashcards to study; and Duolingo helps you practice different topics in context.
- Find a podcast or YouTube channel that you like. We use Slow French and Easy French in class, but that doesn't mean you can't use them on your own!
Strategies for Understanding Authentic Content
-- https://hmhfyi.com/french/strategies/language/preparation/
Use these strategies to get the most out of the links on this site.
Preparation
Whether you’re about to read an article or watch a video, you’ll understand more if you do some preparation.
· Look at the title and the introductory text. Are there any words or phrases that you could look for? Are there any questions?
· Does the introductory text identify the topic? If so, review any related vocabulary you know. What words and phrases do you expect to come across?
· Look at the associated image. What additional information can you get from this?
Understanding Content
Plan to look at each item at least three times. You’ll understand a little more each time. Take some notes each time you look at the site.
With audio and video, keep in mind that, while subtitles, closed captions (CC), or transcripts may help you to recognize some words, they are often generated by an automated tool, and may not be accurate. They can also deprive you of an opportunity to practice your comprehension skills and to prove to yourself what you can do. When you are listening, remember that people use filler words, in the same way as we use terms such as “um” and “ah” when we speak English. These words don’t mean anything, but they help people gather their thoughts and formulate what they want to say. Listen for the filler words that native speakers use. You can use these words when you speak in the language.
The first time, look at the content in a general way, to get the overall meaning.
· What is one idea you can take away?
· If there are pictures, how do they help you to understand?
· What words from your preparation do you recognize?
The second time, focus on identifying the purpose.
· Is the resource descriptive (such as tourist guide or weather report) or informative (such as a movie trailer or an interview)?
· What is the tone? Formal or informal?
Reviewing and Summarizing
After viewing a website, review the notes you made. Look up the meaning of any words you guessed. Then summarize what you learned.
· How many words did you recognize?
· Which new words or expressions did you learn?
· What connections did you make to what you are learning in other subjects, such as geography, history, math, or science?
· What are the similarities and differences with your own community or region?
Once you’ve done that, shift your focus to the language.
· What words and phrases do you recognize? When watching a video, use the Pause button to give you time to note these words.
· Are there any cognates?
· What words don’t you understand? Can you guess their meaning by using context clues?
· If you’re watching a video, can you infer meaning from body language, facial expressions, and gestures?
· What details did you pick up? Can you relate any details to the main idea(s) you identified earlier?
When you have finished your third run-through, answer as many of these questions as you can:
· Where is the action, event, or situation taking place?
· Who are the people? What do you know about them?
· Do you recognize any products from the region, such as food or clothing?
· What did you learn about what people do or think?
· How are the places, products, situations, or events similar to or different from those in your own community or region?