About Casa Lingua
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
My name is Kim, and I am the founder of CasaLingua!
I graduated from Warwick University in 2002 with a BA (Hons) in French and Italian and then spent time working in London whilst studying part time for my MA in Education. I moved to the North-East in 2010 to complete my teaching training at Durham University. I have been teaching Modern Foreign Languages for 14 years now!
Alongside my ‘day job’ I deliver conversation classes to adult learners as well as offering private lessons to Secondary and Primary aged pupils in French, Spanish and Italian. My own children - now 5 and 7 - have also spent many of their formative years enjoying Italian stories and picture books. Both now love attending the Spanish afterschool clubs that i deliver weekly in Shotley Bridge Primary. With language learning, I genuinely believe that there is no such thing as starting too early!
BELIEFS & ETHOS
I am a passionate linguist and love to share my enthusiasm with others. I am diligent and committed to the teaching profession and ensure that my knowledge and practice is current, engaging and personalised. I am friendly, light-hearted and encouraging and I am told that my enthusiasm is infectious - don’t take my word for it, have a look at my reviews! Most of my lessons are in-person and taught in my house where I do my very best to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. There is a lot to be said for making learning fun for everyone, not just the little ones. With regular classes, expert tuition and home learning tasks for those who want or need a bit extra, CasaLingua takes the stress out of learning and makes it as easy as possible for you to succeed. Why not give it a go?
What People Are Saying
“ I am really enjoying the lessons - the class always goes very quickly which is always a good sign😊”
— Sarah B
“Lessons are well balanced, relaxed and fun with everyone made to feel confident to contribute. Really enjoyable .”
— Dan W
“Lessons are very engaging and fun. Kim is lovely. I feel like I've learnt more in a few short lessons than I ever did at school! The kids have taken to it really well too”
— Emma L
“Kim is really engaging and tailors lessons to what I, or my son, would like to learn - he is always excited about what they are doing. Sessions are often games-based which is perfect for young children. I would 100% recommend Kim! .”
— Anna H
FAQs
What is your background?
I am a fully qualified Modern Foreign Languages teacher and have taught in the UK for the last 12 years. I have a BA (Hons) French and Italian from the University of Warwick, a PGCE from Durham University and a MA Education from London Metropolitan University.
Which languages do you teach?
I offer tuition in French, Italian and Spanish. Please see my schedule to see which lessons are due to start soon. If you do not see what you are looking for, get in touch as I may still be able to help.
Who are your conversation classes aimed at?
People decide to learn a language for a multitude of reasons, including work, travel as well as pleasure! The beginner’s conversation classes cover the very basics, helping you to build knowledge and gain more confidence when speaking in a foreign language. If you are more advanced, you may wish to check on availability at intermediate level. Finally, if you have very specific requirements and do not feel that a general conversation class would meet your needs, please get in touch as a one-to-one class may be more suitable.
Are you able to work unsupervised with children?
I am a fully qualified and practising languages teacher and have full DBS clearance from Northumberland County Council. Parents of younger learners usually prefer to stay and learn alongside their children but older children can stay with me for their lessons if you and they are happy to do so.
Do you offer academic tuition?
I have taught GCSE and A-level languages for the duration of my teaching career and am up to date with most course specifications and qualifications. Please just get in touch and tell me what exam board and qualification you/your child is studying for and I will give you an honest answer as to whether I am the best tutor to meet your needs.
Where are your classes/lessons held?
I teach all of my lessons from my house in Shotley Bridge, DH8. I have full DBS clearance for working with children and have company public liability insurance.
When do your lessons take place?
I already have a schedule in place for group conversation classes and you can view and book these here
If you notice that there is not an existing session that meets your needs, please get in touch.
How large are the classes?
The conversation classes are usually between 4 and 10. The sessions are informal, fun and interactive. The classes are kept deliberately small so that everyone has a chance to play a part in the lesson and receive a greater amount of help and feedback from me!
