The best tip to improve French this summer : take a break!

Summer is here, and with it comes a slower rhythm, sunshine, and maybe… a little guilt?

If you’ve been working hard on your French (or anything else!) this year, you might feel hesitant to take a break.

You might worry about losing progress, forgetting vocabulary, or “wasting” all the effort you’ve put in so far.

But let me tell you something important:

Rest is not a step back. It’s part of the process.

Summer French

Just like muscles need time to recover after training, your brain also needs time to breathe.

Breaks allow you to consolidate what you’ve learned, come back with fresh motivation, and avoid burnout.

So if you’re feeling tired, distracted, or just ready to enjoy the summer that’s okay.

You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to disconnect. You don’t need to feel guilty for not doing French homework on the beach 😉

In fact, many learners notice that after a short break, they come back feeling more confident and clear-headed. Why?

Because stepping away helps things sink in. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need :

You will consolidate your memory:

When learning a new language, your brain needs time to consolidate the information you've acquired. Taking breaks allows your brain to process and strengthen the neural connections associated with newly learned linguistic elements, such as vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. During breaks, the brain engages in a process called memory consolidation, where the information is transferred from short-term memory to more stable long-term memory stores.

Spacing out your language learning sessions with breaks over time, known as spaced repetition, has been shown to enhance long-term retention. By revisiting the language material after taking a break, you strengthen your memory and reinforce what you've learned, leading to more durable language skills.

Summer French

You can avoid cognitive overload...

Language learning can be mentally demanding, especially for beginners. Continuous study without breaks can lead to cognitive overload, where your brain becomes overwhelmed with information and has difficulty retaining new knowledge. Taking regular breaks helps prevent cognitive fatigue, allowing you to approach language learning with renewed focus and attention.

... and restore your attention and motivation :

Motivation is the key when you learn French and it requires sustained attention. When you take breaks, you give your brain an opportunity to rest and recharge. Restoring attention can lead to improved performance when you return to your French learning tasks, as you'll be more alert and better able to concentrate on the material.

You will activate your "Default Mode Network"...

When you take a break, your brain's Default Mode Network (DMN) becomes more active. The DMN is associated with introspection, self-awareness, and daydreaming. Engaging this network during breaks allows your brain to make connections between new language knowledge and existing mental frameworks, facilitating deeper learning and comprehension.

Moreover, your brain continues to work even when you're not consciously focused on your learning. This phenomenon, known as the "incubation period," can lead to creative insights and improved language learning skills.

...and reduce your stress :

Learning a new language can sometimes be stressful, especially if you're under time pressure or feeling overwhelmed. Regular breaks can help reduce stress levels, promoting a positive learning experience. Lower stress levels have been linked to better memory consolidation and improved cognitive function.

Summer French

To conclude here is a gentle reminders for this summer:

Taking a break doesn’t erase your progress. What you’ve learned is still there. Trust your brain to keep what matters.

Enjoy your summer and see you in September!

Summer French

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Hi, I'm Samantha! With Experience the French, I aim to provide you with the opportunity to:

• Learn French differently: Move beyond traditional methods and embrace a practical, engaging approach that focuses on real-life communication and conversation.

• Understand the cultural impact of your expatriation: Gain insights into how culture shapes your experience abroad, from navigating workplace dynamics to building meaningful connections in your new environment.

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