1. Flashcards with pictures.
Unfortunately, vocabulary requires memorization, and there is almost no better way to memorize than flashcards. What you will want to do is have the vocabulary term on one side, with the other side being a picture of what it represents (not the English word). This mimics how children learn language and forces you to associate the word with its visual meaning. If you don't like to draw, try printing small pictures to cut and use as flashcards. If you can't do that, just remember that the picture just has to make sense to you and go from there!
2. Find a friend.
Studying with a friend enables you to study orally, which is great for subject that is used for communication! You can even practice conversations with him/her, and you can immediately give each other feedback.
3. Websites and apps.
There are numerous websites designed to help language students. Check out News In Slow Spanish/French, which presents news at a more comfortable pace. Duolingo is also a great interactive resource.
4. Videos.
YouTube is a fabulous source, since it is global. Finding videos for every unit will be easy, and you can also find funny videos in the language, like this one:
5. Set the audio on your movies to the language, if possible.
If you want to watch a movie, why not learn at the same time? Check to see if the audio on the disc is available in the language. If so, change it and be sure to turn on the corresponding subtitles (not in English!).
6. Change the language on your devices.
Chances are, you are familiar enough with your device (cell phone, computer) that you could change the language on it and be able to cope. Plus, you'll be learning the vocabulary associated with it. Also try changing the language on websites and apps (Facebook, Instagram).
7. Listen to music in the language you're studying.
If you like to listen to music when you're studying (and you don't mind words), research popular songs and listen to them instead of your usual genre. You can also do this when you're not studying, if you're a music fan in general. Look up the lyrics and sing along. :)
8. Create sentences for verb forms
To learn conjugations, it is more useful and authentic if you create multiple sentences for each verb form. You could also write a short story trying to include each form.
9. Learn about the things around you.
As you become more advanced, you should constantly be curious about what new words are in the language. If you are stuck somewhere with nothing to do, such as driving or riding in a car/bus, think about vocabulary and conversations that have to do with the environment you're in. If you don't know the word for something, look it up.
10. Find someone who is a native speaker of the language.
There is a good chance that someone in your school or community speaks the language or knows someone who does. Connect with this person. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are great ways to do this, especially if he/she lives far away. He/she might know others who would love to make your acquaintance, too!
And an extra one:
11. Keep persevering.
Learning a language is not supposed to be frustrating, but it won't always be easy, either. As you continue to go through each level, you will be surrounded by people who care about the language and their presence is sometimes all you need to remind yourself to keep going. And if you keep going, you won't stop.
Good luck / bonne chance !
