While learning, there are phases where I feel I am not making any progress or worst I am not even able to maintain the level I was at. These setbacks make me a bit sad but I have never been demotivated. I don’t need a pep talk to feel better or to try again. I think what I really need in this passing phase is discipline. This reminds me of what Bruce Lee famously said: "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times" You know what……I have repeated many phrases countless times. My professor starts every session by asking: ✅How was your weekend? ✅What did you do yesterday? ✅What will you do this week? Answering these simple questions helped me to get better at using correct tenses. Well I have to acknowledge it does not seem simple when we have to answer in French 😂 But anyways……I still make mistakes… my pronunciation still needs improvement….And ….C’est normal… And I will keep practicing until I hit my target.

I asked the librarian ….”Is there a language section? I am looking for a book in french to help me improve my reading.”……. We were at the premiere étage (First floor). She said while pointing to a section…. “Umm….We only have grammar specific books, there.” …..Disappointed me picked a book that was heavy on grammar but still had something to read. Few moments later, I was at the ground floor browsing different sections. Suddenly I stumble upon a whole section of French language. It had stories. I picked the book named “Les 5 Souhaits de Rose” by Catherine Bourgault…... You know Why I picked this book?…. Well because I instantly understood the title. And….I went back to the librarian to inform her that there is a whole section carrying french story books. She smiled and said…..”Yes that is for kids”……..I replied, “I am a one year old french learner so I think I am eligible to get a book from that section”. We both burst into laughter breaking the one library rule which is to stay silent. 😂 But it was a happy ending. 😇

They say think in French! Well I haven’t found a switch to flip. Have you? For now I only have one mantra : Speak every day! Don’t worry about the mistakes. It is part of the learning process. In this video the wind is blowing but my French isn’t flowing. 😂

Today, when I was faced with lots of choices while selecting “une morceau de fromage” (a piece of cheese) I used the “akkar bakkar” method… which is “Am stram gram” for French speakers or “Eenie meenie miney moo” for English speakers. 😂 But I don’t use this method for everything. Like for example I didn’t pick my French professor randomly. I chose him because he is competent and patient. In our current sessions we are working on my speaking fluidity and fluency. It will come with practice. And that’s exactly why I am describing my experience using correct tenses in this video in French. Reviewing my tenses was my homework. And it means more than memorising verb conjugations on their own. Because you see in French context is king. So speaking with a mentor and getting their feedback live is extremely helpful. So did you practice your French today?

Welcome to The French Blueprint, and thank you for joining. You now have access to a community of people learning French where you can exchange with other members and practice during live sessions. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself, say hello, and start connecting with others. I encourage you to use the content regularly for short, consistent refreshers and learning. The goal is simple: small daily progress that builds real confidence over time. Be sure to check the calendar for live events, where you can practice what you’ve learned in real time and bring the content to life. À Bientôt! Phil