Coucou les French learners,

I have a secret to tell you: children’s stories aren’t just for kids, they’re a treasure trove of enjoyment for adults too!

In fact, research shows that adults who engage with children’s stories experience reduced stress levels and improved mood.

Children’s stories play a crucial role in reducing stress levels and lowering the affective filter, both of which are essential for effective language acquisition.

The concept of the affective filter, introduced by Stephen Krashen, refers to psychological barriers that can impede language acquisition when emotions like anxiety, fear, or embarrassment are elevated.

When the affective filter is low, you are more open to receiving and processing French input, which is crucial for acquisition.

Plus, children’s stories offer a rich vocabulary in context, making it easy to understand and remember new words.

The repetitive nature of events and phrases in these stories reinforces language patterns. It allows you to absorb grammar structures intuitively, without the need for rote memorization.

Our Latest Free Video

My Dear Man & I are excited to announce our newest free video featuring the popular Mediterranean tale “La toute petite bonne femme” (The Very Little Woman).

This charming story follows a tiny woman who lives in a tiny world. She has a small house, a tiny chicken coop, a small chicken, and even smaller eggs. Everything in her life is minuscule, creating a whimsical and humorous setting.

The story is known for its repetitive use of diminutive phrases, such as “toute petite, petite,” which makes it amusing and easy to follow for French beginners.

Its repetitive structure, similar to a poem, reinforces key vocabulary throughout the narrative.

Watch the video of me telling the tiny woman story using the Story Listening approach.

Alongside the video, you’ll find its transcript and audio available on our website, perfect for learners at every level. Click here, it’s FREE!

All you need to do is relax, enjoy the narrative, and try to grasp the overall meaning with the aid of my drawings on the board and visual cues.

Then, narrate the story on your own. You get to use the language actively and you boost your confidence as you realize how much you can express in French!

Even a few minutes of narration each day can make a significant difference in your French proficiency.

Join our Community of Dedicated Learners

Subscribe to our French program and become part of our vibrant community of language enthusiasts.

Together, we’ll explore the rich world of French literature and culture, one story at a time.

Start your journey today and discover how stories can unlock your potential in French!

As Trice, one of our community members, shared in a Trustpilot review:

Alice Ayel’s website is exactly what I have been looking for! I am an older adult who is learning French for fun! I have watched a lot of videos, tried language apps, bought French books and joined online communities. I have tried memorizing vocabulary, grammar rules, conjugations and verb groups. None of these have been helpful and only gave me stress and anxiety!!! Alice Ayel’s videos are enjoyable and I love following the story as she draws!!! For the first time in years, I look forward to my daily French lesson!!! I highly recommend her website and YouTube channel!!! Thank you Alice Ayel!!!