Ellie 〈Eri えり〉

Eri-sensei has been such a great tutor for me. The more I talk with her, the more confident I feel in my ability to comprehend Japanese. Even when I have moments where I can't think of whatever word I want to use, she gives me all the time I need to try and find that word. She's been a really big help in offering me more natural phrases and teaching me what vocabulary is more common in regular, spoken language compared to more formal or written language. I also really appreciate her correcting my common mistakes, which has been really useful in not only improving my grammar, but also bettering my understanding of the language. I plan to keep taking lessons with her and continue practicing grammar that I don't use very often. I know I still have a lot of improvement to do, but I feel like I've made great strides already with Eri-sensei's help!

Our lessons are very engaging and so much fun at the same time. Eri-sensei is very well organized and prepared. After every correct sentence I’m getting ovations which is extremely encouraging. I’ll do my best at every meeting! Maybe some small homework will help me review materials even more between sessions.

さすがえり先生！she makes her own lesson material and I think she should publish it. Seriously, I've been self studying for 4 years and tried so many different books and online resources. Her material is so helpful and interesting! Conversations are natural and fun and I learn so much every time!

今回のレッスンでは、自然とか敬語とかカジュアルな話し方を練習しました。まだ慣れなかったけど、もっと鍛錬して身につけました。敬語は難しいけど、いずれ慣れるようになると思います。 その上、1年間えり先生のレッスンを取ってきました。あのとき、6ヶ月後の日本旅行のため、日本語を聞き取りとか話すことを練習したかったので、あれから、日本に行って来て、たくさんわかるようになりました。 えり先生が生徒の話したことを書き取ってくれるのが、私には、すごく便利ですね。文法の内容も、漢字と単語も、話し方とイントネーションも交わりづらいと思いますが、書き取りで聞いたことを見たら、すぐに理解して、単語を聞き流さないようになりました。本当にやくに立ってきました。 今から、もっともっと知りたいし 練習したいから、頑張り続けます！

レッスンはいつも勉強になります！最近、文法を練習したりフリートークをしたりしてもらったから、対話が自然になると感じます。全部のニュアンスが聞きとれることも、早く返事をできることもまだまだだけど、私は楽にできるようになりました！

I just had my first lesson with Eri, and she is wonderful, very kind, and very patient. I found Eri to be helpful and encouraging as I struggled through the grammar.