Comprehensive French Tutoring With Kat

I approach the learning process based on individual needs. In the beginning, we will assess the student's ability in reading, writing, conversation, and pronunciation. We'll also discuss what the student (and the parent, when applicable) feels their strengths and weakness are, and how they learn most successfully. Teen and adult students may need guidance in special areas (such as composing an "explication de texte" or preparing for an oral examination on a specific area of French history) so we'll establish these goals as well. We may go over existing course materials to match the expectations of your other educators. No matter what your objectives are, each area of study (reading, writing, conversation, and pronunciation) will always be included in our coursework.

I have a Bachelor's degree in French with a concentration in French Literature in Translation. A focus on translation requires a deep knowledge of not only the French language, but its culture, history, literary styles, and traditions. I am not a native French speaker, which I believe is an advantage. I lived in France on and off in my adolescence and early adulthood, so my experience is as global as any native French speaker. Because it is my second language and my "second culture," I inherently relate to the difficulty of learning a new language and cultural customs. While conversing and immersing ourselves with native French speakers is an essential part of the learning process, it is equally as essential to have the guidance of someone who knows how to learn French as a second language.

Lessons are $50 an hour, but may be more based on travel needs. Some specialised lessons (such as academic writing) may be conducted fully or partially remotely, and in these cases the cost will be established on a case-by-case basis.

Because of my life experience and academic background, friends and acquaintances have naturally gravitated towards me for help learning the language. More often than not, this is simply for the joy of learning a new language.

In French, I have worked with adults to students as young as 13. I also have experience in teaching much younger students to improve reading and writing in English, which I very much enjoyed and hope to do in French as well.

Recently, my partner proposed to me on a return visit to Paris.

Find a teacher who can both challenge you and who you respect and resonate with. The most motivating teacher-student relationships happen when the student and teacher like and inspire each other.

Know what your short-term and long-term goals and make sure your teacher can help you meet them.

In my experience, there is no proven method to learning a language, so teachers who use a single method or single textbook should be avoided. We all learn our native language in our own way and in our own time, through the material and guidance that life presents to us. With a second language it is exactly the same.

What are my short-term and long-term goals?

What do I think I'm "bad" at? What are my strengths? What kind of work do I routinely avoid? What kind of work motivates and inspires me?

What aspects of learning the French language most interest me? For example, you could have decided to learn French because you fell in love with French music. Studying French songwriting would then be a perfect way for us to begin our lessons.

How much time can I realistically give not just to the lessons, but to daily studying? Five minutes, an hour?

Think of what you have most enjoyed learning. What subject was it? What was your teacher like (or if you learned on your own, what was your own process)?

Are you a self-motivated learner, or do you benefit from close guidance and supervision?

There are no wrong answers to these questions. The key is to be self-honest and communicate your true wants and needs, likes and dislikes to your teacher.