Anne speaks about how wonderful her students are and the best way to learn French is to take French lessons one on one with a native speaking French teacher.
Schedule an appointment to learn about taking French lessons with Anne in Naperville IL. Call or write today!
The short answer to this question, how long does it take to learn French, is that it depends on the student. Anyone wanting to learn French must be willing to put in the time and effort needed to succeed. Programs that promise you can learn French in a ridiculously short period of time is just as it sounds…ridiculous!
If you are leaving tomorrow to live in France and become totally immersed in the culture and language, you will likely learn French more quickly than in a classroom setting. This form of learning is called “immersion.” Unfortunately, we cannot all have that experience. Learning French on the homefront without the benefit of mixing with the natives may seem challenging, but learning from a native French speaking tutor can be the next best thing.
In general, one year of one-on-one instruction with a tutor from NaperFrench is equivalent to two years of college instruction, provided you put in the time outside the classroom in continued practice and study. In general, for every hour of classroom time spent learning with a tutor, you should spend a minimum 1-2 hours outside the classroom with continued exposure to French. For students this is done by listening to media with people speaking French, watching movies with subtitles, looking at French literature, etc. With such a commitment, you can expect to develop reasonable fluency and feel comfortable traveling abroad and having conversations in under a year. However, your personal pace in reaching your goals will depend on three main factors:
In short, how long it takes to learn French depends on your time commitment. One-on-one instruction with NaperFrench provides the highest quality curriculum but your own motivation, expectations and capability will work in your favor. Are you ready to learn French? Lessons are also now available via skype and in person. Contact NaperFrench today at 630-405-3840.
1. How much time do you spend studying French? 
One of the best French study tips I can give my students is to dedicate some time to studying everyday. As with any other foreign language, learning French requires work, and the best way to overcome the obstacles and get a comprehensive grasp of the subject. Work a little everyday. Languages are best learned when your brain works with them everyday. It doesn’t have to be long. As students of my French classes in the Chicago suburbs will tell you, Even just 10 minutes a day will go a long way.
2. Do you process or memorize?
You cannot focus on learning French with your goal being to pass your next exam. That is why the next of my French study tips is to actually understand and learn the material. To some, this sounds obvious. But as a Naperville French teacher, this is easier said than done. People get so caught up in their daily lives that they end up working on their knowledge as a way to get an A on their test or to meet the teachers expectations. But, the language demands an understanding. When it comes time for you to actually speak, you need to understand French and be able to formulate your sentences. Simple memorization and translating in your head will not cut it. If you are used to memorizing phrases from an audio or video method or memorize verb charts from a book, then you need to think of how you can actually learn the language. Private French tutoring in Naperville can help.
3. What kind of dictionary are you using?
Every good French teacher in Naperville will tell that resources matter. Investing in a good dictionary will get you far. Once you are motivated to learn and processing information the right way, you will come across words you don’t know. This is actually great, because it allows you to gain new vocabulary that you are using in English and may not correspond to the vocabulary being taught to you in your French classes in the Chicago suburbs. But, Google translate is not a reliable option. Find my recommended list of resources in my French study resources blog post.
4. What do you do when someone corrects your writing?
Students take my Naperville private French lessons to learn from the best, native speaker. This means having someone to teach and also correct them. But, when students get tests, homework, and essays back correcting their writing, they have the tendency to care only to look at the grade and forget everything else. Corrections are there so that you can learn from them. If you are taking a class in school and don’t discuss your mistakes with your teacher or at take note of what she wrote on your work, you are never going to learn.
5.What do you do when you learn a new word or grammar?
My top tip for studying a language- whether you are learning via a private Naperville French teacher, on your own, or in high school or college foreign language classes- is to practice what you learn. When you learn new vocabulary or grammar, you need to keep it in mind. This applies whether you learn an entire new verb tense in your lesson, or just a single word from a text. Using it beyond the point of learning will reinforce what you saw and drill it into your brain. Try revising what you just learned the night after your lesson to make things clearer and easier to remember.
6. What do you do to practice your French?
All French study tips point to one direction- practicing your French! To learn French more easily and quicker, you need to practice with every opportunity that comes your way. Make the effort to try speaking the language both in and out of the classroom, but in a few extra minutes a day to study, etc. The best advantage comes from finding innovative ways to deal with French- like watching a movie in the language you are learning or reading articles in it.
7.What method are you using to learn French?
People come to me as a French teacher in Naperville knowing that I provide the best method for learning French. One-on-one private lessons are always best for learning a foreign language. But, if you choose another method, beware of how you are learning to better understand what you will learn from it. Audio tapes or video methods may help you, but understand that you will need to put in extra effort to speak with a real French person. In a large group, you may learn a lot, but you will need to spend extra energy correcting yourself and reflecting on what you as an individual are struggling with and how to fix these errors.
8. What do you do when talking to a French native?
My French classes in the Chicago suburbs are unique, because I am teaching as a French native. I grew up in France, so I have the accent and best language skills around. Students also adore that I have the cultural knowledge, which those taking lessons love to learn about in addition to the language itself. Being able to talk to a native is important. One must adapt to different accents and learn to have a natural conversation with someone who is actually French. It is hard at first, but you must learn to not switch to English, or recite scripted phrases, or stumble between each word, or any of the other common mistakes made by students. Practice makes perfect.
9. Why are you studying French?
The last of my French study tips is to reflect on why you are learning French. It is important to understand, as it will explain your motivation (or lack of), your progress, and what you need to do moving forward. Some are studying merely to get the credits in school, or because learning a language is obligatory. Some are passionate about French culture, or would like to study or live in the country. Some people love learning languages. Motivations are different for everyone, but a sincere interest in learning will get you much further than learning a foreign language as an obligation.
Understand your learning process and what you want in the future to get the most out of your French lessons in Naperville. I would love to help you get even further with the French language and help you learn with a customized curriculum fit for your exact needs!
Learning French, especially at the beginning, can seem intimidating. But, once you see all of the French that you already know, picking up French vocabulary will be no problem! While teaching French classes in Naperville, I always encourage my students to look at patterns in the French language and look for words that are already around them in English. Seeing the origin of the word can reveal a hidden meaning.
It doesn’t take your first Naperville French lessons with me to get a few French words down. Words we use everyday provide a little French lesson- like restaurant, proposition, table, and television.
Aside from exact words, the English language takes many words that are originally French by simply changing up the ending. These are words like history, coming from histoire in French, and victory, which also drops the –oire ending and adds on a –ory. Similarly, vocabulaire, revolutionaire, secrétaire, nécessaire, ordinaire, and militaire are French words that have been used in English by dropping the –aire for –ary. Now you see the similarity, right?
Even professions often have a similar look and feel, something that my students taking French courses in Naperville greatly appreciate when learning vocational vocabulary. Acteur is French for actor. Docteur is French for doctor. Employeur? As the logic goes, that is for employer. Directeur means director; entrepreneur is just as it sounds in English!
The harder part of connecting French and English words is when words with the same meaning have a minimal look and feel. These tricks are less obvious to those who don’t know French, but those receiving my Naperville French tutoring in Illinois are quick to pick up the change. A large part of American words have French roots, although pronunciation and spelling has changed over the years. Raison is French for reason. Faible is French for weak; it may not seem similar, but when you realize that faible is like feeble, it all makes sense.
This quick French lesson goes to show you that you can learn French words easily, even before you start taking my Naperville French lessons! Now that you are seeing French words that you already know, keep looking around for what else you can find that originates from the French language. These new words will help you to better understand French and speed up your French classes in Naperville with me! Contact me for other ways you can learn French outside of the classroom.
My core philosophy as a Naperville French teacher has always been to teach personalized, one on one lessons for the best language learning experience. As much as my students and I both love this face-to-face interaction, there are some times that this just isn’t possible. Due to time and distance constraints, it can be difficult for some to attend my Naperville French lessons. That is why I have developed a new strategy: online French lessons via Skype.
How do French Lessons via Skype work?
French lessons via Skype are easy and simple. Just like my regular Naperville French lessons, the student and determine a one hour time slot to meet each week. We work on conversation, grammar, vocabulary, and more. I call you, the student, and we speak French via Skype the entire time.
Who is Eligible for Skype French Lessons?
My Chicago French lessons by Skype are just as beneficial as the Naperville private French lessons I have been teaching for a decade. But, French lessons via Skype are only intended for certain students. In order to best learn from Skype French lessons, the student should already have attained a certain level of the language. It can be extremely difficult to learn basic grammar and vocabulary over a computer screen, so I ask that students be at an intermediate to advanced level of the language. French lessons via Skype are intended for students looking to ameliorate their language skills and practice conversation with a French native.
The Benefits of Learning French via Skype
Skype French lessons will help you get comfortable with conversing with real French people in French. With more practice comes a more natural feeling when speaking the language and quicker thinking. Students will continue to learn more vocab and fix grammar errors with each lesson.
Learn French at Home with Chicago French Lessons Skype
I am so excited to announce my new language method, teaching French lessons via Skype! Video calling with a French native is a wonderful opportunity, and my students who travel or have a tight schedule can keep learning the language with me. Whether you are travelling for business, on vacation, or just cannot get out to Naperville due to work and family conflicts, my Chicago French lessons by Skype are just a call away. Make the most of your language capabilities with my video chat classes. Schedule your lessons today to learn French at home!
My students taking French lessons in Naperville IL all take French for different reasons, whether it be for school, work, or pleasure. No matter what their purpose is for taking Naperville French classes, learning French certainly proves beneficial in the professional world. Here 
are some jobs that have positions or skills that necessitate or greatly value knowledge of the French language.
1. Being a French teacher
The most obvious job that requires French is being a French teacher, of course! I have been teaching French classes in Naperville for over 10 years, and I love what I do. Those with great talent in French or who like to instruct others may wish to go the same route. You can teach children, at a school, by means of private lessons… or you can go live out your dreams in a French speaking country teaching English. The possibilities are endless….
2. Translator/ interpreter
When becoming a translator or interpreter, the more languages spoken the better. I offer services as a Chicago French translator and Chicago French interpreter; however, many of the translators and interpreters who focus solely on this task work with several languages. With this job, you will dedicate studies to the French language to later be able to verbally interpret or translate documents from and into another language. Oftentimes, a translator or interpreter focuses on a specific field, like legal or medical, to work well with technical terms.
3. Tourism industry
A career in the tourism industry will either require a high level of French or consider some French useful, depending on the location. Whether it be working in a restaurant, at a hotel, as a flight attendant, or other career paths, French will make your job much easier.
4. Global corporations
When looking to work for a global corporation, multiple languages can help. My work as a Naperville French teacher has given me the opportunity to work with many individuals learning French to work with multinational companies. Whether it be working at a physical branch in a French speaking area, working for customer service, or dealing with French suppliers and clients, another language is always a plus.
5. Proofreader
Proofreaders who can speak French are preferable in the business, as they are able to work on French editions of a book or magazine, translate and correct documents in French, and more.
6. Accounting
While accounting and French do not seem to go hand and hand, I have known several French speakers given the opportunity to work for on accounting. This is particularly useful for dealing with French accounts and French clients.
7.Hardware/ software companies
Learning French is also very useful for software and hardware businesses, as many technical support systems operate for several countries. This means that being able to speak a second language, like French, can come in handy for speaking on the phone.
Learning a new language is a valuable investment that goes beyond fun- it can help shape and enhance your career path. Whether you want to do something that is specifically dealing with the French language, or make a professional choice that can benefit from added French knowledge, French will make your career more valuable. Take French tutoring in Naperville with me and see where the French language can take you!
Learning French, especially at the beginning, can seem intimidating. But, once you see all of the French that you already know, picking up French vocabulary will be no problem! While teaching French classes in Naperville, I always encourage my students to look at patterns in the French language and look for words that are already around them in English. Seeing the origin of the word can reveal a hidden meaning.
It doesn’t take your first Naperville French lessons with me to get a few French words down. Words we use everyday provide a little French lesson- like restaurant, proposition, table, and television.
Aside from exact words, the English language takes many words that are originally French by simply changing up the ending. These are words like history, coming from histoire in French, and victory, which also drops the –oire ending and adds on a –ory. Similarly, vocabulaire, revolutionaire, secrétaire, nécessaire, ordinaire, and militaire are French words that have been used in English by dropping the –aire for –ary. Now you see the similarity, right?
Even professions often have a similar look and feel, something that my students taking French courses in Naperville greatly appreciate when learning vocational vocabulary. Acteur is French for actor. Docteur is French for doctor. Employeur? As the logic goes, that is for employer. Directeur means director; entrepreneur is just as it sounds in English!
The harder part of connecting French and English words is when words with the same meaning have a minimal look and feel. These tricks are less obvious to those who don’t know French, but those receiving my Naperville French tutoring in Illinois are quick to pick up the change. A large part of American words have French roots, although pronunciation and spelling has changed over the years. Raison is French for reason. Faible is French for weak; it may not seem similar, but when you realize that faible is like feeble, it all makes sense.
This quick French lesson goes to show you that you can learn French words easily, even before you start taking my Naperville French lessons! Now that you are seeing French words that you already know, keep looking around for what else you can find that originates from the French language. These new words will help you to better understand French and speed up your French classes in Naperville with me! Contact me for other ways you can learn French outside of the classroom.
Children learn foreign languages naturally
It is often said that children can pick up a foreign language much more easily than adults. The reason behind this is that children are still 
forming their brains, making the child brain much more flexible and adaptable. Children who learn a foreign language, like my young students taking NaperFrench French lessons in Naperville, are able to optimize their learning potential. When young, kids learn a second language just as easily as they learn their first language- this is an amazing ability, as any adults who have ever tried to learn another language will tell you that it is much more difficult for them.
Because the language will be acquired naturally, there is a great linguistic advantage for children. Experts explain that the ability to hear and reproduce new sounds is lost by the age of 8 to 12, meaning that there will be a permanent foreign accent in any language. The ear and vocal muscles of children are flexible, just as the brain is, so they can still reproduce the miniscule differences in a second language with native quality. Plus, children learn naturally at during their youth, whereas adults must attempt to get their brains to break the rules of their mother tongue in terms of accent, grammar rules, and more.
Cognitive Benefits
Studies show that learning a second language enhances a child’s overall verbal development. Children can differentiate between languages from birth, so there is no chance that a foreign language can interfere with the development of English skills. But, the benefit goes beyond just knowing another language itself. Children learning another language, like taking French lessons, exhibit better skills in elementary school, have better problem-solving skills, more creativity, and better spatial relations. Later in education, kids who know another language score better on ACTs and SATs.
Later on in life, young language learners have enhanced multi-tasking and planning skills, and enhanced memory. The brain is trained to focus on important information and discard the unimportant. Children can also communicate better and have more flexible thinking.
Conclusion
Giving your child the gift of language lessons from an early age is an investment that will continue to reward them and last a lifetime. Not only will your child learn a foreign language more easily and reap all of the linguistic and cognitive benefits from it, but he or she will be able to learn even more languages more easily. Children also gain an expanded world view and learn to appreciate and understand other cultures. When it comes time to enter into the professional world, your child will have an edge in the global marketplace. So, give your child the opportunity to get ahead by taking children’s French lessons in Naperville with me!
My French lessons in Naperville, at NaperFrench, give me the opportunity to see the evolution of language classes in the school systems. Children, teens, and adults generally take my Naperville French classes in equal distribution. Each group has its own reasons for learning, and tailored methods to follow. My Naperville high school French tutoring is the curriculum that has changed the most over recent years. People are coming to me for Naperville high school French tutoring, Aurora high school French tutoring, Hinsdale high school French tutoring, Chicago high school French tutoring, and more. Students are coming for NaperFrench French lessons from all over because the language classes in all educational systems are evolving.
A major change is the rigor of language lessons in High Schools and school districts in general. Not long ago, foreign language classes were seen as unimportant, relative to core subjects like English and Science. Second languages were not required; they were merely elective courses for those students interested. This resulted in oftentimes low quality, undervalued courses and students walked away with low level skills and no desire to continue the language.
Now, school systems understand the importance of foreign language and adding emphasis and even requirements to these programs. Many schools are requiring a certain amount of foreign language classes to graduate. Others are adding interest value by offering a wider variety of language. After high school, students are expected to take foreign languages in college and need them to graduate. As a Naperville French lessons instructor, I see how necessary these changes are.
But, as the importance of languages augments, so does the need for proficiency. My Naperville French students come for high school French tutoring for different reasons. Some students are struggling to keep up with their French classes, in addition to their already big workload for school. Other students wish to stay ahead of the curve and even test out of levels in school. There are those students who have a genuine passion or ability to speak another language and want the chance to experience more than high school courses have to offer. Still others get high school French tutoring, knowing the language skills will help them later on in life for their college classes or professional career.
Moreover, the curriculum of high school French and other language classes has changed to be more oriented towards college. Naperville high schools offer dual college credit to higher levels of language courses. Official AP courses are being created so that students can take the foreign language AP tests and test out of introductory college courses. All of these course designs aim for higher level foreign language speakers to help students later on in life.
At NaperFrench, I also offer AP French preparation courses to my high school students. The recent reform in the French AP test now means that students can prepare to take the test better than ever and prepare to excel. French tutoring provides revision for the French AP test, but also focuses on regular French tutoring, so that the overall language level improves.
Overall, the changes to the Naperville high school foreign language system, Aurora foreign language program, Plainfield French lessons, and more has made for a better- educated student with stronger foreign language skills. Of course, using Naperville private French lessons as a supplement is helpful because it allows for private, customized courses based off of the student’s particular needs- anywhere from catching up to getting ahead in language lessons to just having someone to speak with for more than the few minutes of opportunity in school. Learning French in school serves as the base of an individual’s university, career, and adult language abilities, and it is certain that dedicating to a foreign language earlier on and learning it the right way from then is the best way to find success in the future. Make the most out of your French high school experience by getting high school French tutoring at NaperFrench.
Whether you like them salty for brunch or your sweet tooth craves them for dessert, my NaperFrench students and the rest of Chicago can’t seem to get enough of the famous French crepe. For those of you who are new to French cuisine and have never tasted a crepe, picture this: pancake-like batter spread extremely thin and filled with anything from Nutella to sugar to cheese, chicken, and mushrooms to ratatouille (another favorite dish from France!). As a French native, I have always missed being able to go down the street to a local café and order a crepe whenever I wish. Luckily, the city of Chicago and the suburbs alike have experienced the crepe craze and finding a local creperie is now easier than ever! Students taking my French lessons in Naperville IL have asked my suggestions for best places to get a crepe, so I have compiled a list of my favorite local finds.
Chicago- La Boulangerie
If you are looking for Crepes in Chicago from a French restaurant with an American twist, try La Boulangerie in Logan Square. The crepes are unique by looks, as the texture looks extra spongy and they are served flat on the plate but still filled with your favorite ingredients. Many of these ingredients and combinations have an American flare to them, but turn out delicious as dictated by the reviews of French and American customers alike. The Logan is a best seller- containing egg, bacon, spinach, pine nuts and sour cream for a unique combination. Many crepes like the Wisconsin and the Bliss mix sweet and salty ingredients in the crepe. For your sweet spot, the campfire is especially American but a favorite; as the name suggests, the crepe pours out chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. What many customers enjoy even more is the build-your-own crepe bar for dessert. Make sure to pick up some of the viennoiseries and pastries like the croissants (almond is my favorite), éclairs, madeleines, and macaroons.
Breakfast crepes with eggs and ham at Chicago french restaurant and bakery
Lakeview- La Creperie
This little Parisian Creperie will offer you the French experience with a large crepe menu and some other French food finds as well. My picks for savory crepes are the Poulet aux Champignons (a crepe filled with white Chicken meat, a creamy herb sauce, and sautéed mushrooms) and the Ratatouille (a crepe filled with the traditional dish from France consisting of peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, onions, and zucchini). Or try a crepe filled with a French dish marinated in burgundy wine and filled with meat and vegetables- the Coq au Vin for chicken or the Boeuf Bourguignon for beef. Sweet crepes range from plain- sugar or Nutella- to unique- I recommend the caramel and salted butter or la Pomme (apples sautéed in a butter and cinnamon reduction). If you’re looking to try escargots, try them as an appetizer at this Lakeview crepe restaurant! There is a nice wine list for red wines as well. For an even more French experience, try this creperie on Thursday nights for a meal accompanied by live French music.
Poulet aux champignons crepes from La Creperie
Naperville- Paris Bistro
This local bistro isn’t specifically a creperie- you can get anything from a Steak Frites to a Salad Nicoise to a Croque Monsieur. However, students taking my Naperville French classes love the crepe menu here and the convenient location. The Mona Lisa makes for a delicious lunch or dinner, filled with chicken, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke, and spinach. This Naperville French restaurant is also famous for the BABA crepe, stuffed with bacon, asparagus, creamy brie, and almonds. My adult students and children alike love the Nutella and banana Monkey and Nuts dessert crepe. Paris Bistro prides itself on being an intimate, European experience for all who visit this French Restaurant in Naperville.
Nutella and banana crepes with ice cream
Wheaton- Suzette’s Creperie
Suzette’s Creperie located in Wheaton is a great French restaurant in the Chicago suburbs. Suzette’s began as a street vendor, imitating the crepes sold as fast street food in France. Eventually, the business expanded as a French restaurant and Creperie in Wheaton. This little café and bistro is another top pick of my students and myself for Naperville and Chicago French food. The ham and cheese crepe is simple but classic and is cooked to perfection at Suzette’s. Plus, it will please everyone at the table. Again, the beef bourguignon crepe is one to try- with extra attention on the part of the staff to authenticity as it is made with authentic French wine and braised for six hours. The sweet crepes here are simple, but the perfect end to your meal- try one packed with fresh fruit and whipped cream or filled with jam or lemon and sugar. If you are looking to try something else, Suzette’s has a great selection on Quiches and other Parisan patisserie and bakery items.
Woodstock- La Petite Creperie
This Chicago creperie is inspired by authentic French flavors, particularly from the region of Brittany where the crepe has the most history, to create the perfect place to get crepes in Chicago. The wine list is changed every few months, live music plays regularly, and summer is the perfect time to go to enjoy outdoor seating. Get crepes in Woodstock for any meal, as La creperie’s menu has breakfast, savory, and sweet crepes. For breakfast, I like La complete; just as the name suggests, this crepe has a bit of everything- fried egg, Swiss cheese, ham, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and pommes rissoles. From the savory crepes, seafood lovers will enjoy L’Océane (shrimp, scallops, and salmon in pesto sauce), but I particularly enjoy the Provençale crepe which consists of zucchini, bell pepper, squash, asparagus, eggplant, and goat cheese. The crepe Suzette is a must at this Woodstock French Restaurant for dessert- a traditional French recipe made of crepes flambées with orange, butter, sugar, and Grand Marnier.
Shrimp, Scallop, and Seafood Crepe- La Petite reperie’s L’Oceane (Woodstock)
I hope you all will enjoy these delicious Chicago crepes as much as I do! Not only are you guaranteed a delicious meal, but a Chicago French restaurant or Chicago creperie promises to serve up French culture as well. And, if you’re lucky, you will get to practice some French with the native French chefs (La Creperie’s chef is known for conversing from table to table), native French diners, or even fellow language students! Bon appétit!
Anne Cottez-Jones - French Tutor
Naperville IL
Phone - 630-405-3840