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How Anxiety Blocks Learning — and What It Has to Do with Working Memory
I recently used a BBC article in French  — which I assume is taken from this BBC CrowdScience podcast  — during a French lesson. I often work with authentic materials like this for translation, comprehension practice and discussion, as they bring real-life language and ideas into the classroom. This particular piece explored why some people find maths easy while others struggle — but the message applies far beyond maths. It’s really about how anxiety affects working memory ,

Cate Taylor
Nov 112 min read
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Why Are Question Words So Tricky? Navigating Spanish Question Words
Learning a new language is an adventure, complete with moments of joy and perplexity. One common hurdle for Spanish learners is mastering...

Cate Taylor
Oct 93 min read
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Why Are Question Words So Tricky? Navigating French Question Words
Learning a new language is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One common hurdle for French learners...

Cate Taylor
Oct 93 min read
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What Is Cognitive Load? A Simple Guide for Parents and Learners
If you've ever felt like your brain is too full to take in one more thing—whether during a maths lesson, listening to a warp-speed answer...

Cate Taylor
Jul 313 min read
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What can YOU do to maximise the benefits of tutoring?
This is a follow up to the last blog, Unlocking Success: The benefits of tutoring and how to maximise its impact , where we talked about...

Cate Taylor
Jul 102 min read
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Unlocking Success: The Benefits of Tutoring and How to Maximise Its Impact
Tutoring can be a powerful tool in a student's educational journey, providing personalised support and targeted instruction that can...

Cate Taylor
Jun 213 min read
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Exam Prep: Planning for Success (and Sanity!)
Exams are on the horizon, and whether you're a student getting ready to sit them or a parent offering support, now is the time to get...

Cate Taylor
Apr 213 min read
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Improving Accuracy in your French and Spanish Writing
Accuracy in writing is essential for all types of tasks, particularly summaries and translations. I recommend you review your text at...

Cate Taylor
Mar 172 min read
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Exam Preparation? Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Exams aren’t just for teenagers—adult learners, this is for you too! Starting early can make all the difference.

Cate Taylor
Feb 43 min read
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The Essential Verbs to Learn First in any Language: Part Two
Expanding your Mastery of Verbs: the next French and Spanish verbs to study In our previous blog, we covered the top 10 essential verbs...

Cate Taylor
Dec 9, 20243 min read
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The Essential Verbs to Learn First in any Language: Part One
When starting to learn a new language, mastering verbs is key to unlocking basic communication. Without verbs, forming sentences and...

Cate Taylor
Oct 22, 20243 min read
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The Advantages of Using French and Spanish When Travelling
Travelling to France or Spain offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, and one of the best ways to enhance...

Cate Taylor
Jul 16, 20243 min read
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Navigating Exam Season: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Teenagers
As exam season rolls around, talking to your teenagers about their studies can be a tricky balancing act. I can say things to students I...

Cate Taylor
May 6, 20242 min read
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Unlocking Your Language Potential: A Guide to CEFR Language Exams
Are you looking to certify your language skills for work, study, or personal growth? If so, you might have encountered the Common...

Cate Taylor
Mar 28, 20243 min read
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Navigating the Pros and Cons of Learning with Duolingo
Embarking on my Italian learning journey with Duolingo has been enlightening as a teacher of other languages. While the platform offers...

Cate Taylor
Mar 28, 20243 min read
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Speaking Exam Survival Tips Every Student Should Know
Preparing for a speaking exam in a foreign language can seem daunting, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can approach it...

Cate Taylor
Mar 21, 20243 min read
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Christmas gratitude from one of my students
One of my young tutees who comes for English support has written this delightful letter to Santa. It filled me with Christmas cheer and...

Cate Taylor
Dec 14, 20231 min read
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Top tips for improving your French and Spanish
Tip One Take every opportunity to use your language skills. It sounds obvious but it's easier said than done, but once you've put your...

Cate Taylor
Dec 7, 20232 min read
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Is Google Translate accurate?
It can be a helpful tool but one which needs managing carefully. Read on! As a very new teacher during the fairly early days of internet...

Cate Taylor
Nov 17, 20233 min read
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Listening to improve your French and Spanish
Ideally, you could improve your listening skills whilst strolling around beautiful cities chatting to the locals in France, Spain or...

Cate Taylor
Oct 19, 20232 min read
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