I am sorry for maybe repeating other threads and replies. However I seem to be getting myself more confused the further I go when trying to learn this language.

My aim is to be able to read and speak Russian to a good standard. Whilst I appreciate this will take time I am confused as to the best way to go about learning it.

I first started off learning basic Russian words via voice recordings and can remember a lot of them . most though they don't come up in everyday conversation or if they do they need to be expanded on to form a sentence.So I thought I would study the written word via the Penguin Russian Course.. taking it slowly so that I understand it..

However it is hard for me to asses what kind of stage I should be at after 1 month of studying. (I know it isn't much time) I can understand @ 100 words in Russian . and know names of @ 100 items in Russian .. I also know some basic Russian sentences ..

But I am frustrated (if this is the right word) at not being able to understand more I have to rely on the online translator to find the words I need if I am writing in Russian Or when I see the words I don't always know how they are pronounced..

I do have the help of a number of People on this board to whom I am grateful. But my question is rather than going from one to another - language and written,
what is the most effective way to learn would it be written as you find new words or spoken, how do I extend my knowledge would it be better to go to a library and see if there are basic maybe even children's books that are translated or written in Russian and build up from there?

Or would it be better to approach a tutor in order to gain some structure to my learning?

I am sorry if this post sounds confusing but I am a bit disheartened at not being able to decide on a clear path in order to progress,
If someone who has had similar questions when they first stared out and can provide an opinion I would appreciate it

Thanks for looking in