How to Prepare for Your First French Lesson in London

Starting a new language is exciting, but preparing for your first French lesson can feel a bit daunting. The key to making the most of your experience is a combination of mental preparation, practical steps, and setting realistic expectations. If you're about to embark on this language journey in London, here’s how you can prepare to ensure you get the most out of your first French lesson.

Read more: How to Prepare for Your First French Lesson in London

1. Set Realistic Expectations

Before anything else, it’s crucial to manage your expectations. Learning a new language takes time and dedication. If you’re a beginner, don’t expect to speak fluently after a few lessons. Instead, focus on the basics—vocabulary, pronunciation, and simple sentences. The goal of your first lesson will likely be to get a feel for the language’s rhythm and structure rather than mastering complex grammar rules.

Tip: Remind yourself that making mistakes is part of the process. Embrace them as opportunities to learn and improve.

Read more: How Learning French Can Boost Your London Trip Notes

2. Choose the Right French Course for You

In a city like London, you have a range of options when it comes to French lessons. From private tutors to group classes, there’s something to suit every learning style. Here are some popular options you might consider:

• Language schools and institutes: Institutions like Alliance Française or the Institut Français offer high-quality courses for learners of all levels. They often have immersion programs and cultural events, which can add depth to your learning.

• Private tutors: If you prefer personalized attention, a private tutor may be a good fit. You can find qualified French teachers through online platforms like  Gaëlle & French tutors.

• University courses or language exchange meetups: Some universities offer beginner courses, and there are plenty of language exchange groups in London where you can practice with native speakers in a relaxed setting.

Once you’ve decided on a format, check the syllabus or outline for your first lesson. Understanding what you’ll cover in advance will help you feel more prepared.

Read more: The Importance of Native French Tutors for Accurate Pronunciation

3. Get Familiar with Basic French Vocabulary

While your first lesson will introduce you to fundamental concepts, it helps to familiarize yourself with some basic vocabulary. Learning common French greetings, numbers, and phrases will allow you to jump right into the conversation. Focus on the following:

• Basic greetings: Bonjour (hello), au revoir (goodbye), comment ça va ? (how are you?)

• Polite phrases: Merci (thank you), s’il vous plaît (please), excusez-moi (excuse me)

• Numbers: Learn 1-10, as numbers are often used in everyday conversations.

• Simple phrases: “Je m'appelle [name]” (My name is...), “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?), “Je suis débutant(e)” (I’m a beginner).

You don’t need to memorize everything at once, but a little familiarity with these basics will make your first class less intimidating.

Read more: How a Personalised French Tutor in London Can Boost Your Confidence

4. Get Comfortable with French Pronunciation

French pronunciation is notoriously tricky for English speakers, especially the nasal vowels and the French ‘r’. Understanding how to pronounce French sounds will make your learning experience smoother, so it’s worth investing some time before your lesson.

• Listen to French audio: Before your lesson, try listening to French language podcasts, music, or YouTube channels for beginners. Pay attention to the rhythm, intonation, and the pronunciation of different sounds.

• Mimic the sounds: Don’t be afraid to repeat words out loud. Mimicking the sounds helps build muscle memory for your mouth and tongue, making it easier to pronounce correctly in class.

A good French teacher will guide you through pronunciation, but developing a basic understanding beforehand will help you avoid some common beginner mistakes.

Read more: Top 10 Benefits of Taking French Lessons in London

5. Bring the Right Materials

To be prepared for your first lesson, you’ll need a few essential materials:

• Notebook and pen: Keep a notebook dedicated to your French lessons. Writing things down helps reinforce what you’re learning.

• Textbook or online resources: If your class doesn’t provide a textbook, you might want to invest in a beginner’s French book like Le Nouveau Taxi! or an online app like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise. These resources will allow you to practice outside of class and build on what you learn in your lessons.

• A French-English dictionary: While there are many online translation tools, having a dictionary on hand for quick reference during class can be useful.

Having the right tools makes your learning process more organized and efficient.

6. Prepare Mentally

Learning a language can be a mental challenge, especially if you’re juggling it with a busy schedule or other responsibilities. The key to success is consistency and mindset.

• Stay open to making mistakes: You’re going to mispronounce words, mix up verb tenses, and forget vocabulary. That’s normal. The more mistakes you make, the more you’ll learn.

• Practice active listening: Pay close attention during your first lesson, even if you don’t understand everything. Your teacher will likely speak slowly and use simple phrases to help you get the hang of things.

• Stay positive: Remind yourself that learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small victories, such as successfully ordering a coffee in French, as you go.

Read more: How Long Does It Take to Learn French Language

7. Engage with French Outside the Classroom

Immerse yourself in the language as much as possible outside of your lessons. London is a culturally diverse city, and there are plenty of ways to practice French beyond your classroom.

• Visit French cafés or restaurants: London has a range of French eateries where you can practice ordering food in French. The French Bakery in Soho or Café Rouge are great spots for casual practice.

• Watch French films or TV shows: Streaming platforms like Netflix offer a variety of French films and series with subtitles, allowing you to hear natural French while learning new vocabulary.

• Find a language partner: Platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk connect you with native speakers who are learning English. You can arrange to chat online or in person to practice speaking French.

8. Embrace the Learning Journey

Your first French lesson in London is just the beginning of an exciting language-learning adventure. Stay curious, be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. With each lesson, you’ll get closer to your goal of fluency, and soon, French will feel more natural to you.

By preparing mentally, physically, and emotionally for your first lesson, you’ll set yourself up for success. So grab your notebook, learn a few phrases, and get ready to embark on your journey to speaking French

Gaëlle & French Tutors: Personalized French Lessons in London

At Gaëlle & French Tutors, we offer tailored French lessons in London, designed to meet the unique needs of each student. Whether you're a beginner, preparing for exams like DELF/DALF, or seeking business French skills, our native French-speaking tutors provide both in-person and online sessions. We emphasize a personalized approach, crafting lessons that align with your current level and learning style. Students commend our engaging and structured teaching methods, highlighting significant improvements in language proficiency. With flexible scheduling and a focus on building confidence, Gaëlle & French Tutors is a solid choice for anyone aiming to master French in London.