Our children Maja (18) and Hanno (16) have been taking French lessons in the canton of Basel-Stadt since the third grade of primary school – Hence Maja has been taking French for nine years and Hanno for seven. Despite years of lessons and living just a few kilometers from the French-speaking region, both children had little language skills. Additionally to a weak vocabulary and grammar, a conversation would have presented them with a considerable hurdle: a fear of articulation in the foreign, unfamiliar language.
The situation has improved significantly since the two children have been receiving French lessons from Agnès Hy-Tarashev alongside their usual school lessons. The teaching material QTalk used by Agnès Hy-Tarashev gives the children a completely new approach to language. The teaching material is based on a natural approach to language. Pictures convey the content, which is to be articulated independently within the framework of grammatical topics. This encourages the independent formation of sentences and reduces inhibitions about speaking the language. The lessons always focus on active speaking. Writing exercises are given as homework. We are very relieved that the children have finally found a joyful approach to French and – as a side effect – have been able to significantly improve their grades. For example, Hanno’s grades improved from a 2.5 to a 5 in a short period of time. The successful and organic learning process is supported by Agnès Hy-Tarashev’s progressive and demanding methodology. Her empathetic and always positive nature enables the children to make rapid progress and to find in Agnès Hy-Tarashev a person who embodies French to the fullest.