Useful Websites for the French Learner
Below are some great tools and resources for any foreign language learner. The biggest perk of all is that they are all FREE! Some sites you have to create a profile to use but there is absolutely no cost. Simply click on the pictures next to the description to be taken to that site.
Dictionaries
WordReference
In my opinion, wordreference is the one and only online dictionary for the foreign language learner. It is easy to use and navigate but you can only translate one word (or a short phrase like "water bottle") at time so don't try putting in a
whole sentence.
*There's an app for it too!
Games
Kahoot
If you're looking for a fun game to play with friends Kahoot is a great option. You can make your own quizzes or simply use the search bar to find pre-made quizzes that match what you are looking to practice.
*Note: you need a desktop/laptop computer to project the questions and cell phones to record responses.
Digital Dialects
Digital Dialects is another great gaming tool for foreign language learners. Once you choose your language you can pick a topic to focus on (fruits & vegetables, numbers, etc) and play a variety of games to practice with. There is even a section dedicated to verb practice!
Quizlet
With Quizlet you type in the vocabulary you would like to study so it is customized to your class. Not only is Quizlet great gaming tool but you can also create flashcards and tests as well.
Pronunciation
How to Pronounce
Pronunciation can be very tricky in French especially when the teacher isn't around to help. Luckily there is How to Pronounce. This site allows you to type in a word or phrase, choose the language and hear what it should sound like. I would advise putting in the whole sentence rather than a word to get a more accurate pronunciation.
*There's an app for it too!
Audacity
Recording yourself is an amazing way to hear the mistakes you make when you are speaking and be able to correct them. With Audacity you can record and edit your presentations in an easy to use, professional way. We will be doing a lot of recordings in French class so this would be a great tool to learn how to use.
Writing Practice
Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the top foreign language learning platforms available online. This site provides mini lessons and activities on a variety of different topics in French. You can go through the lesson then test what you've learned using the various games and activities.
Languages Online
Languages Online provides all kinds of practice exercises from matching activities to writing to quizzes. Once you choose your language you choose a topic to focus on and you are given numerous activities to choose from. The only downside is that everything is in French so you may need to look up some words using WordReference to know what the topic is.
Listening Practice
Youtube
Listening to French music may seem silly to some because you may not be able to fully understand it but it can be used as a great listening exercise. By listening to the songs you get a feel for how the words are prononced with will in end help your pronunciation. Youtube has countless numbers of French songs and music videos, simply type in "French music" and start listening. Once you find an artist you like you can type their name in and find more of their music and artists like them.
Ma France
For a more structured listening activity I would suggest Ma France. BBC created this site where you can access videos in French that have subtitles and transcripts to easily follow along with as you are listening. There are also question sets you can try to challenge yourself with.
