Inspiration
Because her husband and children speak good Dutch, Hanna, a Russian, sometimes felt excluded until recently. 'Everyone in our family speaks Dutch. Especially when we had guests or went to visit, I couldn't always participate in the conversations. Since she started taking courses at TopTaal followed, she understands more and more.
Hanna has lived in the Netherlands for five years with her husband and sons Gabriel, seven, and Lucas, five. They speak Dutch at home, because her Georgian husband speaks the taal almost as well as the children. Hanna says: 'We have two young children who go to school. I want to be able to communicate freely with teachers and parents. I also want to know what my children have to learn at school. I wanted a job, to socialize and integrate faster. I knew that I would increase my chances if I taal spoke'.
I can manage much better and see the future much more positively
'The children don't have homework yet, but my oldest son sometimes brings his books home and together we analyze what he does well and where he makes mistakes. I need to know words such as addition and subtraction. It is still easy now and I like to help. But if they get more difficult homework, I can't help them anymore and I find that annoying. Although I still think in Russian, my children think in Dutch. To teach them Dutch and Russian, I read two stories every night. It is tradition in our family: one in Dutch and one in Russian. "
At TopTaal Hanna took the course, among other things Taal For Advanced Students. 'The lessons were very difficult for me. I had taught myself everything at home. When the children were small and playing at home, I taught myself everything from books. But a new taal learning is very different in a classroom than when you learn from a book. A new taal You have to learn slowly. When I had lessons at a higher level, I had to work harder. Practice more. Write and read more.
The first parent conversation that Hanna had at school was very difficult for her. "I didn't understand everything and couldn't say what I wanted to say. The last time was a real test for me. I only spoke Dutch. I did it! There were two different teachers with different call speeds and with different intonations. They spoke about learning, behavior and feelings. I have had the entire conversation in Dutch! It was a big success.'
At the moment Hanna is improving her taalskill with a Taalbuddy. "We chat together and then she corrects me. For homework, I have to write stories, and then she tells me what I'm doing wrong." The lessons have really helped Hanna, she says. "They helped me a lot, especially with my motivation. I have a household and therefore need an appointment outside the home. If I have a class, I go. But if I have to study at home now, I can't do it well anymore. I need that regularity."
Hanna is very pleased with the way the lessons were taught. 'The lessons at TopTaal are very modern. Sometimes we got songs from YouTube, other times we watched a movie together. And we went out together with the group. That was perfect for me! My knowledge of Dutch taal My writing has improved, my vocabulary has expanded. I understand more grammar, and my writing is better than before. I can manage much better and have a much more positive outlook on the future.
After receiving her certificate in April, Hanna applied for a job at a clothing store in July. She was successful. 'That's definitely because of the lessons. I can clearly express my opinion. I'm happy with the courses.' TopTaal Because I found the practical information very helpful. Unfortunately, with my schedule at the store, I can't attend the course right now. But as soon as I can, I'll sign up for the course. Taal & Personal Financial Administration. I really want to improve my Dutch.