Start with simple texts, such as children's stories and brief magazine articles. To reinforce the vocabulary you learn, write words on small cards or Post-It notes and attach them to the corresponding object. Seeing the language in a story context helps you understand idioms and how they are used. Seeing people speak as you hear them increases your comprehension. If invented drama is not to your taste, watch a daily newscast.
Newscasters usually speak much faster than actors, which can make rough going for the beginner.
The accompanying video footage, however, helps fill in the auditory gaps. You will not likely write well, but that is not the goal. The goal is to learn and to familiarize yourself with the language. Writing involves your hands, eyes, and brain in a manner that speaking alone does not. It also gives you greater time to express yourself, time to erase, correct and edit.