Joan

Certified Tutor

Since 1982, I have been learning, studying and teaching French. I attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and earned a Bachelor's Degree in French from there after visiting France and French speaking Canada many times prior to graduation. During high school, I participated in a month long immersion study of French and earned a 1 year credit. This not only allowed me to learn, but to use what I had learned. I have had the privilege to teach students from ages 3-99 French. I have taught high school student, people wanting to travel to French speaking areas of the world, preschoolers and adults of all ages. Some were just learning English, so this was helpful in the infant steps of learning a language. Others were adults that had learned the language many, many years before and wanted to renew their love of the language.

I not only tutor French 1,2,3,4 but AP level, Test prep and can help native French speakers understand English as well. Having taught my husband English, I know firsthand the challenges of learning languages from a non- native speaker. I don't have a preference of level of French you want to learn, but you must want to learn. Taking on a foreign language can enhance your life in more ways than one, so you must be open to learning all the aspects of the language the words, culture, food, history and traditions.

I take a well-rounded approach to learning French. It's a way of life. Listen to the music of the language. Find French around you in your daily life. Before we even start the formal learning we already know over 1000 words as we use them in English, so this is something I will encourage all of my students - to keep your eyes open to the French all around you. Traveling is a great way to enhance our learning of French, whether we go to France, Canada, or just visit through books, movies and music. Engage in what an opportunity you have to grow, see the world as a bigger place and apply what you learn to other parts of your life. As a traveler, I have been to France many times. I have lived, worked and had a child there. My in-laws still live in the suburbs of Paris. My oldest child learned French from birth and we have continued the traditions, customs and heritage in our home for over 20 years. I have a passion for baseball, scrap booking, reading, traveling and music. I feel French in a part of all of those interests and I hope you'll find a way to connect what you like to French too. I am excited and interested in getting to know you and creating a learning environment where you can grow, until then... A bientt - votre professeur de franais