THE

LANGUAGE HOUSE

Celebrating our Cultural Differences

SPANISH    *    RUSSIAN    *    FRENCH    *    CHINESE    *    LATIN

SIGN LANGUAGE  *  ENGLISH COMPOSITION & GRAMMAR

 

  

 

 

OTHER  LANGUAGES:

 

 

GERMAN  *  PORTUGUESE  *  JAPANESE  *  ITALIAN   *  & More

 

  When 4 or more students request the same language, we will work to create a study group or class. 

For immediate language instruction, please inquire about private instruction.

 

 

 

      “[. . .] the student studying for four years has a genuine interest in knowledge and education, not just in fulfilling minimum foreign language requirements.”

Matthew Potts, Admissions Counselor, University of Notre Dame

 

 

      “The student who is willing to do more than the minimum is always more appealing.”

                                                Ray Brown, Dean of Admissions, Texas Christian University

 

 

Dear Parents,                                                                         

I am SO proud to introduce the HIGHLY-QUALIFIED and IMPRESSIVE array of instructors who have joined THE LANGUAGE HOUSE for the 2008/2009 school year!!!  Classes will now be available for many ages, with high school students – and middle-schoolers upon request - receiving grades to be used for high school credit should they choose.

 

OUR primary goal is to equip our students with the necessary skills to converse, read, and write effectively in the language(s) they are studying.  That they "think" in this language is how we best judge our success.

 

We are located at 605 Muriel St. in Richland, WA.  We are near Costco, one block behind the Bonefish Grill, and within walking distance of ECHO.  Our language learning classroom is a comfortably-sized, naturally-lit, and culturally-decorated room with a separate entrance.  An atrium, as well as the park across the street, allow for socializing during breaks and lunch.

 

Early Registration is now in proces through April 30. Submitting the registration form with fee will hold your child's place. Please contact us with your questions or comments. Languagehouse@verizon.net Phone 627-7111 or 378-9751

 

Please meet our Language Teachers  (alphabetically by language) . . .                    

                                                             

 

Mandarin  CHINESE:    Eva Elwell

                                                                                                                                                                                   Why Study Chinese? 

http://www.bu.edu/mlcl/about/why-study/chinese.html

http://ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/attachments/CompleteListEligibleMajors0708SMART.pdf

 

I am bi-lingual, speaking English and Chinese.  I was born in Taiwan, SE Asia, and Chinese is my native language.  I came to the U.S. in 1985 to further my college education.  I studied English since the 7th grade in Taiwan and passed the “Test of English as a Foreign Language” (TOEFL) when applying to the American University.

I have been teaching Chinese for over 10 years to both children and adults at the TC Chinese Language School.  I attend the Chinese Teacher’s seminar and workshop in Seattle every year.  I enjoy teaching Chinese because I am proud of my culture’s long history, and I want to share the language and culture with everyone.

 

Late Sept. - May

Mondays and Wednesdays:

 

Elementary CHINESE 1:              1:30PM – 2:15PM             Grades:  Advanced 2nd – 6th  



Tuesdays and Thursdays:

Mid/High School CHINESE 1:     1:00PM – 2:15PM              Grades:  Advanced 6th -12th

 

Students will:   Learn basic character forms * Learn to pronounce Chinese words * Read Chinese language student books * Write Chinese characters * Learn the grammar * Practice daily conversations.  To assist in these learning objectives, I will also present Chinese folk songs and games throughout the semester. 

 

Cost:  $45/mo.                                                                           Min/Max – 6/10 students 

Curriculum/Supply Fee:   $30                                One Semester Commitment Required

  

 

E N G L I S H:
COMPOSITION & GRAMMAR:  Sherrill Fink

 

 

        I have an English Education Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University and approx. 15 years f/t experience as a Dept. of Defense Technical Writer/Editor.  I currently work as a homeschool mom, but I also freelance.  In addition to mentoring many adults at my previous “day job” as writer/editor, I have also tutored homeschooled, high-school students.  I have worked on a wide variety of projects, including government regulations, technical papers and peer journal articles, dissertations, a military history book, phonics texts, and devotional articles.  My joy is to help people develop their unique perspectives and communicate clearly, setting their writing free of distractions to the reader.

 

Sept. – May

Tuesdays and Thursdays:



ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 with GRAMMAR:            2:30PM – 3:45PM           Grades:  Advanced Middle & High School

                    

  

            A formal course for high school credit, this class will study grammar on Tuesdays and writing on Thursdays.  The course may include Christian content.   

Clear and concise communication is vital in any career, including being a wife and mother.  We will focus on the grammar and expository writing you are likely to need in higher education and the workplace.  Along the way, we will tame the two roaring lions of high-school English:  The SAT essay and the research paper.  If parents wish to coordinate writing topics with classes occurring at home (i.e. history, literature, or science), I will do my best to work with them (please contact me before classes begin).  I will assign both grammar and writing homework each week. 

I will encourage frequent interaction with students and parents.  Students, if you faithfully attend, participate, prepare assignments on time, and do your best, you will succeed in this course despite any preconceived ideas you might have about your writing ability.

 

Cost:  $60/mo.                                                                                    Min/Max – 6/10 students 

Curriculum/Supply Fee:   “New” about $100                    One Semester Commitment Req’d

 

 

FRENCH:   Tricia Skirko

Why Study French?

http://homepages.ius.edu/CGARNIER/WhyFren2.htm

http://www.fll.vt.edu/French/whyfrench.html

 

       I was fascinated by foreign languages from the age of 5 when my Italian grandmother could barely speak English.  At my first opportunity, in the 7th grade, I began French.  I added Spanish in the 9th grade and Russian in 10th.  I was accepted into the foreign language program at Georgetown University out of high school.  I was also recruited for the Army Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey.  For personal reasons, I didn't choose either of these paths. 

      I continued my French studies at Whitman College in Walla Walla, my Spanish at the University of Hawaii, and my Russian at the University of Hawaii and the Monterey Institute of Foreign Studies.  Linguistics study at the University of Hawaii aided my structural understanding of various languages.   My B.A. was pursued with an Honors Program addendum.

      I use energy and passion when I teach.  I am a 4-H leader, a CHECK teacher, and a homeschool mom.  Having studied multiple languages, I believe I have a clue to the type of environment and curriculum which fosters the easiest and fastest language learning.  Currently, I love teaching French to my wonderful students at the Language House.

 

Days to be coordinated with those interested October  -  May

 


Tuesdays and Thursdays:

Elementary School  FRENCH 1:              10:00am – 10:45am              Grades:  3-6                             



Mondays and Wednesdays:

Middle/High School FRENCH 1:             8:15am – 9:45am              Grades:  Advanced 6th – 12th



ELEMENTARY FRENCH 1 will be FUN!  ~ “The lesson that is not enjoyed is not learned.” ~ Talmud.  We will begin mastery of this fun, beautiful language with lots of interaction through games, acting with props, and other activities.     Using many different mediums for submersion, we will learn useful phrases and basic grammar, rather than just words.  I will integrate culture and geography to stir excitement about the possibilities!   BIENVENUE!

Cost:  $35/mo.                                                                                                         

Curriculum:  “New” about $40                                                     Min/Max 6/10

Supply Fee:   $15/semester                                            One Semester Commitment Req'd

   

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL FRENCH 1 will be taught through useful daily phrases and expressions to more quickly achieve a working knowledge of this romance language.  We will address the language’s structure and learn grammar on a daily basis.  My philosophy:  Mastering a language is best done through activities, games, and interaction, not just bookwork or a computer program. 

With such a rich library of language curriculum and references, I can’t use just one.  Quality curriculums such as ABeka, Barron’s, Dover, Int’l Linguistics, Rocket, Rosetta Stone, and more invite me to create and flow with the unit study we may be addressing.  Students will complete the year with having created their own French language reference book.  

I will integrate culture by "visiting" some of the art and history of France, perusing its geography, and discovering other French-speaking countries around the world.  BIENVENUE! 

     

"I like how the class is smaller; we get more individual attention."              Mary R.

“Thank you for reviewing the material.  It really helps to go over things multiple times.  One thing I really like[d] was acting out the conversations.”       Carlie B.

“I enjoy learning about the culture as well as the language.”      Elizabeth A.               “Thanks again for offering this - it has been wonderful for her!”      Brenda A.

 

Cost:  $55/mo.               

Curriculum:  "New" about $50                                         Min/Max – 6/10

Supply Fee:    $15/Semester                          One Semester Commitment Req'd                   

       

                     

 

 

LATIN Study Group:   Miriam Kerzner

Why Study Latin? 

http://www.promotelatin.org/latinOld.htm#consider

 

I grew up in Toronto, Canada, where I studied French, Hebrew, and Yiddish all the way through junior high.  In high school, I continued with French and Hebrew and added Latin and Aramaic.  In graduate school, I focused on the European Union.  With French and English already under my belt, it seemed appropriate to study German.  I discovered that my Yiddish placed me into German 4 and that Latin was an immeasurable help to understanding German grammar. 

           The variety of languages I have encountered provides me with a great deal of comparative material.  Currently, I teach at Columbia Basin College and Oasis School.  I have been a homeschool mom.

 

Sept. – May

Fridays:

 

LATIN 1 Study Group:        2:00PM – 3:00PM                 Grades:  6th  – Adult

 

Have you ever wanted to learn Latin but were intimidated by the grammar?  Now you can study Latin in a much more accessible fashion.  With Ecce Romani, we follow a Roman family learning their language and culture as well as exploring the close relationship between that ancient language and our own.

 

Cost:  $25/mo.                                                                                       Min/Max – 4/12 students 

Curriculum/Supply Fee:   "New" about $76 (+ S/H)             One Trimester Commitment Req'd   

 

 

              RUSSIAN Study Group:
Tricia Skirko

Why Study Russian?

http://www.bu.edu/mlcl/about/why-study/russian.html

http://ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/attachments/CompleteListEligibleMajors0708SMART.pdf

 

October - May
 
Mondays:

 

Middle/High School RUSSIAN 1:                     3:15pm – 4:15pm                    Grades:  Advanced 6th – 12th

 

(Description forthcoming)

 

Cost:      $30/month                                                              Min/Max: 4/10                                     

Curriculum/Supply Fee:    TBD                                  1 Semester Commitment Required

 

 

American SIGN LANGUAGE: 

Why Study ASL? 

 http://www.uvsc.edu/asl/whystudyasl/index.html

              

               

 

Sept. – May

Tuesdays and Thursdays:

 

Beginning ASL:               2:30PM – 3:45PM               Grades 3 – 8 (need basic reading, writing, and spelling skills) 

 

                We will learn ASL and study deaf culture, and this course will include a significant amount of Christian content.  Our goal will be to intereact with the deaf since ASL was created by and belongs to them (not us!).  Faithful attendance is a must since learning the sign “in person” is irreplaceable.  Students will learn vocabulary, beginning ASL grammar, Bible memory verses, and Christian praise songs.  Students will be expected to practice their vocabulary daily. 

To orient students to the deaf community, we hope to have several visitors to our class and perhaps even a deaf team teacher.  Toward the end of the 2nd semester, 1 or 2 field trips will substitute for class periods. For example, we plan to witness an expertly interpreted, Sunday morning church service and to attend a Thursday, deaf family activity night at the local Agency for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  These outings will be the culmination of the course.  Families will be welcome to attend the outings as well. 

 

Cost:  $50/mo.                                                                                Min/Max – 6/12 students 

Curriculum/Supply Fee:   “New” about $40                  One Semester Commitment Req’d

 

 

Elementary SPANISH:    Susan Nielsen

Why Study Spanish?

http://www.studyspanish.com/topten_reasons.htm

 

            Teaching Spanish to children is my passion.  My first workshop began in January 2005.  In addition to parent/child classes, I have also successfully taught preschool enrichment programs on location, as well as after-school workshops and summer camps for students ages 2-12.  I delight in helping children and families experience the joy and benefits of early exposure to a second language. 

          I am a certified Spanish teacher with experience in bilingual education.  I received my Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Spanish Teaching Minor from Central Washington University in January 2001.  I completed my Master’s Degree in Literacy at WSU-TC in 2005.  I have studied abroad in Mexico and Spain.

          My previous teaching experience includes elementary and private music programs, bilingual education, and bilingual reading.  I am Director of Dos Caminos Spanish Workshop, a program dedicated to teaching Spanish to children ages 2-12, and I maintain SpanishwithSusan.com, an online learning resource for students of Spanish.  For more information about me, please visit http://www.DosCaminos.net.

 

Sept. – May

Tuesdays and Thursdays:

 

Primary SPANISH 1:            12:30pm – 1:15pm           Grades K – 2nd

Intermediate SPANISH 1:       1:30pm – 2:15pm           Grades 3rd - 5th

 

        Students will be taught by thematic units developed by instructor, such as seasons, weather, holidays, family, etc.  Basics, such as numbers, alphabet, greetings, and more, are incorporated into units.  A supplemental workbook will extend the class home.

        Workshops may be based on seasonally appropriate stories and complemented with related songs, games, crafts, and activities.  

 

Cost:  $50/month                                                                                Min/Max – 6/10

Supply Fee:  $20/Semester                                               One Semester Commitment Req’d

Curriculum:  “New” $15 (+S/H)

 

 

Middle/High-School  SPANISH:    Cristy Garcia

Why Study Spanish?

http://www.studyspanish.com/topten_reasons.htm

 

I am bi-lingual and bi-cultural, having lived in El Salvador, Central America, from the age of 1 until 17.  Since I was 7, I would translate for medical and/or outreach teams visiting El Salvador.  Currently, I am married to a Salvadoran, and we speak Spanish in our home.

I have a B.A. in General Studies with a Teacher’s Licensure from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA.  I was Magna Cum Laude with concentrations in English and Spanish. At the International School of San Salvador in Central America, I was a third grade teacher as well as a tutor to international students needing assistance with their English skills.

I was a bi-lingual teacher for 1st and 3rd graders at Rowena Chess Elementary School in Pasco.  I am currently teaching Spanish to a wonderful group of middle and high school students at the Language House.

 

Sept. - May

Mondays and Wednesdays:

 

Mid/High School SPANISH 1:     8:30AM – 9:45AM                                Grades 6-12

Mid/High School SPANISH 2:   10:00AM – 11:15AM                          Grades 6-12

 

         In class, students will listen to as well as practice their Spanish language skills.  Spanish 1 students will learn from the Avancemos curriculum; Spanish 2 students will continue with En Español.  Each unit of these books focuses on a specific country in the Hispanic World as a base for vocabulary words and specific grammar skills.  Students will be expected to complete daily homework and practice their Spanish using the textbooks’ online resources.  There will also be group projects, called WebQuests.  Students will be graded on homework, class participation, quizzes/tests, and group projects.

En Español & Avancemos were developed as a result of extensive research with practicing Spanish teachers from throughout the United States.  Visit www.mcdougallitell.com and click on "World Languages".     

 

"Spanish I with Cristy Garcia at the Language House is a wonderful experience and opportunity for our son Spencer.  The students

all get individualized attention, being in a smaller classroom setting, and Cristy is able to not only succeed at teaching her students

Spanish, but she also makes learning fun!  Spencer looks forward to his weekly classes.  We'll be taking Spanish with Cristy again

next year!"

Cost:  $60/month                                                                                                                                          Darlene O'Neil-Servin

Curriculum:  "New" about $65 (+ S/H)                          Min/Max – 6/10

Supply Fee:  $20                                       One Trimester Commitment Req'd                    

 

 

Please contact us with your questions, comments, or to register.

Please submit the attached registration form and following fee to hold your child's place:

$30.00 (by 4/30) or $50.00 (after 4/30)

 

Languagehouse@verizon.net                  Phone 627-7111 or 378-9751

 

THE LANGUAGE HOUSE

605 Muriel St., Richland, WA  99352

Located close to Costco, just one block behind the Bonefish Grill, and within walking distance of ECHO.