Intentional Study and Realistic Goals

April Language Study Log

Happy May!
May has been going well so far, and I almost forgot to recap April, so let’s get into it!

🥐 French

I completed two books this month: one from my physical TBR and another from the library. Honestly, I’ve been having a horrible reading year. I haven’t been enjoying many of the books I’ve picked up in English, and it’s been discouraging to spend hours reading only to end up disappointed.

I think it’s time to change things up, which is why I’ll be reading the French book L’étranger intensively in May. I also plan on finishing the three graphic novels/manga I picked up from the library.

Original French Plans for April:

• ✅ Finish reading Le Café du temps retrouvé

• ✅ Start the French Pronunciation Course by Dylane Moreau

  • I’m about 10% through the course

• ✅ Read French Short Stories Vol. 1 & Vol. 2

  • I did start both books, but I haven’t finished either yet.

Sometimes it feels like I rarely complete my goals, but I’ve realized that keeping my plans more flexible, like saying “start ___” instead of “finish ___,” helps me recognize the progress I am making.

May Plans for French:

• Read L’Étranger (complete part 1)

• Start reviewing vocabulary from L’Étranger

• Finish reading 3 graphic novels/manga

🍜 Japanese

April was the month of becoming more intentional with Japanese. I decided to start Japanese classes and stop dabbling. The classes have been going well so far. They’ve helped me consistently set aside time for Japanese, even if it’s just completing Katakana homework or showing up to class.

I was worried my level wouldn’t match the class, but so far I feel pretty on par with the other students.

Japanese April Plans:

• ❌ Review Genki Lessons 1-3 before Japanese classes begin

• ✅ Complete Tofugu Hiragana and Katakana Workbooks

• ❌ Start reading よつばと！Vol. 1 (Yotsuba&!)

  • I have yet to start reading, but I did find a channel that reads through Yotsuba using comprehensible input. I think when I’m ready to start reading, I’ll follow along with the videos.

I underestimated how much time the Japanese classes would take. Since starting them, I haven’t done much outside of class. Realistically, I probably won’t get to reading よつばと！ until the summer, once classes are over.

May Plans for Japanese:

• Continue showing up to class!

📅 May Plans

I think I’m back in dedicated study mode, at least for French. I’m excited to do more intensive study and watch my vocabulary grow through reading.

As for Japanese, I’m taking things slowly and focusing on the bare minimum for now, which is simply attending class and keeping up with homework.

How did your April studies go, and what are your plans for May?

Thank you for being here! See you on Monday for the next study recap!😊