We will talk in Italian from day one, to communicate real information; albeit slowly. This is highly effective. I like to understand the student; how they like to learn, their preferences of learning style, and any natural anxieties that learning a strange language may provoke in them. This will allow me to tailor a teaching approach to them, and foster progress in a relaxed setting.

An emphasis on real communication is at the heart of my lessons: role play and games play a big part in them, and my students grow into the language uninhibited to use it; unencumbered by ideas of perfection. Italian is beautiful and musical - speaking and hearing it should be a joy, and so they are in my lessons.

I have a strong understanding of Italian grammar and idiom, and effective, enjoyable ways to teach these aspects. All the elements of language are taught holistically, however, and always grounded in real dialogue. This avoids an onerous focus on technical points.