My Catholic beliefs influence all that I do and are a main contributing factor to my desire to help others.
Experts recommend exposing children to their first foreign language by the age of 6 and suggest they are ready to learn a language as early as 3. Children are especially equipped to learn a second language before kindergarten because youngsters quickly absorb whatever they hear. According to Dr. Erika Levy, Associate professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Columbia University, children can learn to understand new words in two different languages at an incredibly fast rate, in addition to the wonderful cognitive benefits. Knowing a foreign language is not just advantageous in the workforce but, in our increasingly global world. It is also beneficial in elementary classrooms and neighborhoods. As many children are exposed to different cultures at a much younger age than their parents, an appreciation and understanding of diversity is more important than ever. Studies indicate bilinguists tend to be more creative thinkers than those who speak one language. Taking Mandarin Chinese courses are especially valuable because of the uniqueness of the language. Mandarin Chinese stimulates both sides of the brain and can improve intelligence. The use of tones in the language may facilitate musical aptitude and the unique counting method used by Chinese helps build math skills.
-Mrs. Erin Fiegler, Middle School Teacher
While there are a number of online and in-person foreign language tutors available, I strive to provide students with an outstanding environment to excel.
Flexible scheduling is available and if you are in the Aberdeen, SD area, lessons can be in your home, my home, at school, at daycare or at the library. Online foreign language lessons via video chat are available as well.
Face-to-face and online foreign language lessons are personally tailored to each of my students. Instruction is provided in a one-on-one environment and the curriculum is developed based on each learner's strengths.
I combine a specialized linguistic background and years of experience working with people of all ages to deliver effective teaching methods that allow students to learn at a surprisingly fast rate.
I will discuss your motivations for providing foreign language lessons for your child and create a custom plan designed to achieve your goals.
Regardless of student age, I work to ensure that foreign language lessons are fun and engaging, and I frequently incorporate personal interests. A variety of activities and resources are used based on a student's goals. Skills taught are based on a student's age and motivations and may include:
I grew up in Taipei and moved to the US to continue my education. I am K-12 Chinese certified and have more than a decade of experience teaching Chinese courses to students ranging from young children to adults.
I have spent nearly 30 years in the US gaining knowledge and experience. I am a fluent English speaker and have taught English to students at all levels for more than a decade and am a certified ESL for K-12.
I have been fluently speaking Italian for nearly 20 years and have taught conversational Italian at the college level. My diverse teaching background and a Ph.D. in Linguistics equips me to teach Italian courses to any age.
As a certified ESL for K-12 I am fluent in Spanish. My diverse teaching background and Ph.D. in Linguistics equips me to help young and old learners master the language.
Through years of extensive European travel, I have learned to fluently speak many of the Romance languages including French. I have taught a wide variety of learners and can help you achieve your goals to speak French as well.