Preparing for Japanese Classes

A slower week of French and getting ready for something new

📅 Week 15/53 | Study Log 2026

🥐 French

This week leaned more toward enjoyment and exposure than strict studying, so I didn’t end up following through on all the goals I originally set.

I watched lessons 4 to 7 in the French pronunciation course. Lesson 8 is much longer than the others, which is probably why I paused earlier in the week.

I had also planned to read three more stories from my French short stories book, but that plan shifted once I picked up some new books from the library. I found myself much more interested in those, so I started reading them.

I originally went to return a few books, but since it was a branch I hadn’t been to before, I decided to browse, and of course, I couldn’t leave empty-handed. I picked up Yotsuba&! Vol. 4 and 14. I’ve only read Vol. 1, but I’m assuming it’ll be fine to skip around. I’m not too concerned about reading in order. I’ve already finished Ados à deux.

We’re learning spring vocabulary in French.

As they say, April showers bring May flowers, and there has been a lot of rain recently. On Friday, the students couldn’t go outside for recess, so I introduced them to T’Choupi. They watched a few episodes before lunch.

🍜 Japanese

My main goal this week was to complete the Tofugu Hiragana and Katakana workbooks, and I did just that! My kana recognition feels much stronger now, and I can recall them more easily than before. Still, I know it won’t fully stick until I’m writing consistently.

I also watched an episode of the anime Gintama. I’m mostly watching for fun rather than studying, but I’ve noticed I’m picking up new words, and the language sounds much clearer overall.

My Japanese class officially starts this week! It’ll be my first in-person language class. I’m excited, but I also know I’ll probably be drained on class days. Still, I think it’ll be worth it since I’m sure my Japanese will improve.

✨Language Wins of The Week

🥐 French: It’s always nice when my students try to speak French. While I was helping one student with an I Spy worksheet, he asked what object he should find next. I said, “Dis-moi,” and he responded, “What does ‘dis-moi’ mean?”.

He could’ve just said “huh?” or “what does that mean,” but instead he repeated exactly what I said, which means he heard and processed it perfectly.

🏔️ Icelandic: I found Complete Icelandic at a thrift store! I already have the ebook, so I didn’t buy it, but it definitely made me want to study Icelandic again.

📅 Next Week’s Plans

My Japanese classes start this week, so I want to take things easy. I know I can get overwhelmed when something new starts, and I try to overcompensate by being “productive.”

Thanks for being here, see you next week!