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I was initially hesitant to sign up, but Kathryn created such a welcoming environment that making mistakes felt completely safe. I was genuinely surprised to find myself speaking French in the very first class— and even dreaming in French a couple of weeks in.
- Deborah
What Makes Our Classes Different?
You Start Speaking Immediately
You won't spend weeks memorizing vocabulary before saying your first sentence. From your first class you'll hear and use French naturally, fully supported and never put on the spot.
Grammar Becomes Easier to Understand
You'll learn essential grammar through meaningful practice and repetition, without getting bogged down in endless verb charts or drills.
You Learn Through Stories, Gestures, and Conversation
Instead of relying on textbooks and translation, you'll build understanding through interactive activities that make new words easier to remember and use.
Mistakes Are Part of the Process
Small, supportive classes give you space to experiment, build confidence, and enjoy learning alongside other adults.
So What Does This Actually Look Like In Class?
You might be wondering: "How am I supposed to speak French in my very first class if I don't know any French yet?"
That's where the magic happens.
You'll hear French from the very beginning, but you'll never be left to figure it out on your own. Through gestures, repetition, and lots of guided speaking, you'll be surprised by how quickly you begin understanding and actually speaking in French.
French from the beginning
You'll hear almost exclusively French each lesson, with gestures, repetition, and context helping you understand along the way.
Gestures that make French stick
Hand gestures connect new words and expressions to something physical and visual, helping make French easier to remember and use.
Guided speaking as a whole group
You'll spend the majority of your class time actually speaking French, guided every step of the way.
See a demo-class in action :
The Method Behind the Experience
French for Grownups uses the Accelerative Integrated Method (AIM), a proven approach to language learning that combines storytelling, gestures, repetition, and communication.
Rather than beginning with memorization and grammar rules, AIM helps you learn French through meaningful context and communication— building your understanding and speaking skills naturally.
Is This Course Right For You?
This class is perfect for you if:
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You want to actually speak French—not just study it
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You want to actually speak French— not just study it
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You studied French years ago and want a fresh start
Traditional language classes left you feeling overwhelmed or discouraged
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You want to travel to France or Québec
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You enjoy learning with other people
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You want a welcoming class where you can participate without worrying about making mistakes
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Traditional language classes left you feeling overwhelmed or discouraged
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You enjoy learning with other people
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You want a welcoming class where you can participate without worrying about making mistakes
✓
You studied French years ago and want a fresh start
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You want to travel to France or Québec
What You'll Learn
By the end of the course you'll be able to:
Introduce yourself and talk about a variety of topics
Communicate in the past, present,
and future
Build sentences with essential vocabulary and grammar
Understand common words, phrases and simple conversations
Use practical French in situations such as travel and dining
Ask and answer everyday
questions
Choose Your Class Location
(This is Part 1 of a 3-part beginner French series. Parts 2 and 3 build on what you learn in Part 1.)
What Students Are Saying
“
A fantastic way to learn French! This class is an immersive learning experience that uses hand gestures, songs, and repetition to help students start speaking French faster. Kathryn is an enthusiastic and encouraging teacher that helps students want to learn. I would recommend this course to anyone that has a passion to learn French!
- Kristen
“
What I enjoyed most about the class was the dynamic and engaging teaching method. It was very different from anything I had experienced before, and I truly appreciated how interactive and lively each class was. I’m certain I learned more in just 9 classes than I would have through a more traditional method. If someone were considering joining, I would tell them it’s a fun, effective, and immersive way to learn French—perfect for all ages and backgrounds. It feels less like studying and more like naturally picking up the language while staying motivated and having fun.
- Jenny
“
I was initially hesitant to sign up because of the emphasis on participation, but the instructor quickly created a welcoming, encouraging environment where making mistakes felt completely safe. Her energy, humour, and compassion made the class both engaging and fun, and it was clear how much care went into preparing each lesson. The use of gestures, stories, music, and creative activities made learning French feel natural and memorable. I was genuinely surprised to find myself speaking French in the very first class—and even dreaming in French a couple of weeks in.
- Deborah
“
Kathryn’s teaching style is warm and encouraging, and she has a way of making everything clear and easy to follow. She creates a really supportive environment that makes learning French feel approachable, even when we’re tackling new or tricky words. Her class is perfect for anyone wanting to learn French, whether it’s your second or third language — it’s engaging, paced just right, and accessible for learners at any level. What really stood out to me was how she made the learning process feel simple and manageable, even when the language felt overwhelming at first, especially as a third language learner.”
- Aziz
“
I have studied a few languages during the course of my life, 40 plus years, at a few different universities, and most had the same method for teaching: study, memorize, test, repeat. While this method worked for me at an academic level, it never really bridged the gap between oral language skills and written language skills. However, the method used for this class really helped me push through that missing gap - the use of hand gestures to reinforce memorization of written and oral was phenomenal. I was able to more easily transition to the use of French for speaking with the gestures, than I have been in the past. I found myself thinking more in French, and less in thinking in English before translating to French. For me this class and method helped accelerate my ability and willingness to try and speak in French because I found confidence in having the hand gestures to help me speak. I would, and will, take this class again in a heartbeat. Also, the teacher is great: helpful, energetic, fun and talented.”
- Garnet
Common Questions
I'm a complete beginner. Is this level right for me?
Absolutely. Our Beginner French Classes are specifically designed for complete beginners or adults who want to start fresh.
What if I'm nervous about speaking in front of others?
You'll learn in a supportive environment where participation develops naturally and mistakes are part of the process. No one is ever put on the spot!
Will we study grammar?
Yes, but grammar is first introduced naturally through gestures, conversation and stories. Once students understand what sounds right grammatically (through guided speaking and repetition), then they learn the grammar rule. The grammar rules therefore become more meaningful.
Are the classes suitable for older adults?
Yes! Classes are open to adults 19 and older. The classes are a mix of all adult age groups.
Do I have to register for all three "Parts" to Level 1?
No, you only need to register for Part One. If you're enjoying the class then you can register for Part Two once Part One is complete.
Are course materials included?
Yes! We don't use a textbook :) All handouts are provided. Please bring a pencil and eraser (and a notepad if you wish).
Contact Me
Have a question about the course? Send me a message and I’ll get back to you by email.