Astrid Fries

After teaching English to children of all ages at a Rudolf Steiner School in Germany, I felt drawn to move to the UK, where I have been living for almost 20 years now. While embarking on a career change my passion for teaching languages continued in the form of 1:1 lessons, and I started to teach online even before Covid. I have taught German to adults who are keen to use the language when going on holiday (beginners and advanced levels alike), as well as supported secondary and university students to get through their exams. I have also taught English to people from outside the UK who needed to pass their B2 exam in order to stay in Britain. Starting to learn Portuguese a few years ago constantly reminds me of what it is like to learn a foreign language (with an adult brain) and my move to Wales more recently has made me take up Welsh!
Your needs and goals will inform my teaching. If you study German or English to improve your conversation skills for example, we will speak about subjects that are of relevance to you, and practice listening skills. During the lessons I will make notes and afterwards send you a list of new vocabulary and expressions, for you to memorise. I would usually add some exercises to do with the material taught, which will include grammar to the extent that is necessary or helpful for your progress. If your main focus is on writing, we'll figure out what aspects of writing you need help with (e.g. spelling, grammar, flow, structuring), practise those in class, and also look at texts you have written between lessons together... My main motivation is to share that joy of gradually becoming able to communicate (or improve your skills) in a language that didn't use to make sense before...