Locations and availability
I tried to do in-person last year but we all kept getting sick. Here’s to hoping 2024 will be much better healthwise!
Not all courses have both an online and an offline date/time set but we can definitely see about fitting an in-person class in. Drop me a message and we’ll figure it out.
If you need to talk to me in real-time, these are the hours I’m ‘in the office’. They might overlap with lessons or other work though but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
I’ll be holding classes at the libraries below on the listed day:
- WED – Glenview Public Library (1930 Glenview Rd, Glenview, IL 60025)
- THUR/FRI – Logan Square Branch, Chicago Public Library (3030 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647)
- THUR/FRI – Lincoln Park Branch, Chicago Public Library (1150 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614)
- SAT – Cicero Public Library (5225 W Cermak Rd, Cicero, IL 60804)
Tutoring can be scheduled from 10AM up until 10PM Central and held at one of these locations or one of your choosing (pick the location when you sign up). They can be in-person, online or a mix of both.
Please note that I’m at these locations by appointment only. If classes are cancelled and no tutoring is on the schedule, I won’t be on site. You can keep on top of my schedule by joining my mailing list via the form below.
Lessons
What’s your teaching style?
I always see this on forms and I’m never sure what it means . . .
I do guided learning. So, I explain the concept with examples and then have the students try it.
I’m also more of an ‘avoid this’ instead of ‘do this’ teacher because I know everyone doesn’t think the same way—I’m an example of that!—and I’ve watched lots and lots of students make those mistakes. Coupled with all my shortcuts, you’ll cut out the stress and time it takes to get as far as my students do in a year.
I teach vocabulary and very basic grammar through complete immersion. It’s really weird to me that in schools we’re taught to learn a language through another language. So, I’m turning this on its head and having you experience Japanese through your senses!
What if I just want to learn some Japanese for fun?
No problem! Casual dabbling is “serious” in my book if you’re enthusiastic about it.
My core methods don’t take the fun out of learning. If anything, it makes it easier to enjoy the Japanese!
What types of lessons do you offer?
I think I’ve got something for everyone:
- live (real-time) Courses – online group classes through Discord; some are, or can be, offered in person
- self-study Courses – on-demand courses where you study mostly on your own but can practice with others in our monthly online Study Sessions
- Tutoring – online or in-person individual or personal group lessons at your pace
OR
What if I’m not a beginner? Where should I start?
These are timed hour-long tests to see how much you know and how well you know them. Go to the linked page to read more.
What happens once I sign up for lessons?
Once you buy or book and buy your preferred lesson option, you’ll receive the materials and/or calendar invite you need to do the lessons. What you get depends on the product so look at the What’s included? or Included with this purchase section for each one.
(I’m working on automating the emails and bookings but it’s just me here! If it’s not urgent—like, your class starts tomorrow—, then please give me a few days to get you your items. I really appreciate your patience and understanding!)
Throughout the lessons, stay in touch with me. If there’s something you don’t get, tell me. If something is just boring, tell me what’s more interesting to you. I’ll answer when I can!
If, after all that, it’s still not working out, you might be able to get a refund depending on the product. Let’s try to get through this together before it comes to that!
Refunds
Read about Refund and Returns here.
Learning materials
Can you send me a printed copy of the book/workbook?
Everything is digital right now unless you’re taking an in-person class with me, in which case I print a copy and put it in a binder for you.
I would like to eventually sell a printed version of each (work)book but the cost to you, even at face value, would be ridiculous if I order just the one book every time someone requests one. Print runs (of the same book) drop to a decent price when I make orders of 100 or more.
If you want a physical copy of a book no matter what and don’t care when you receive it, get your name on the waitlist below. When the count is close to 100, I’ll send you the order form and get them printed and mailed out to you once most of the orders have come in.
Do you have videos for your courses?
I’ve got videos for some of them.
I’m recording the rest but it’s taking a while. My house is not a quiet space with 2 toddlers and I have a lot of things I’m working on for you all.
Hey, I think there’s a typo . . .
Hey, this section isn’t making a whole lot of sense.
Thanks for pointing that out!
I’m constantly working to make the existing lessons and worksheets better and clearer, so drop the issue in the ‘Everything else’ message box and I’ll look into it.
My brain is always jumping back and forth between multiple things, so I really can’t thank you enough for being a third pair of eyes.