French
Ridgefield Continuing Education
French


French - Day and Evening



Reminder: Advanced registration and payment is required.


Classes are listed below. Some classes are in person and some are on Zoom. Please note location for each course below.


French: Beginner, Part 1 - Evening - in Person
For people with no or very little knowledge of French who would like to build a solid learning foundation of the language for travel, business, culture . . . Students will discover how English and French are similar in their structure and vocabulary.  Text is Learn French the Fast and Fun Way (Barron's 4th Edition. ISBN-10: 1438074948 or ISBN-13: 978-1438074948). Focus will be on learning alphabet (Pronunciation) and numbers, listening, written comprehension and short conversation related to everyday life situations with native speaker, Jean Vianes, who formerly worked for IBM in France and the U.S. and is now teaching and tutoring French.

8 Sessions (12 hours) $ 174 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 157)
Mon., 10/19, 26; 11/2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 12/7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School.



French: Beginner, Part 2 - Evening - in Person
A continuation of part 1 above with Jean Vianes. Scroll down for description.
7-8 Sessions
Available Winter 2027.



French: Basic Users Continued - Evening - on Zoom
This Zoom class continues the French for Basic Users (Beginner Parts 1 and 2) class from last spring and is for people who have a little experience of the language.   Participants can express personal information, needs, and everyday events in French and are building vocabulary, strengthening grammar and pronunciation, We will continue to build additional foundation and become familiar with practical, everyday usage using a variety of sources and practice French together in an easy, relaxed atmosphere. And, of course, we will continue to explore the richness of French culture and history – tantalizing tidbits for those considering a visit to France!   Newcomers with equivalent experience are welcome. Text is French Made Easy Level 1 by Lingo Mastery.  Instructor: Nancy Maxwell. Text is French Made Easy Level 1 by Lingo Mastery. Instructor Nancy Maxwell was a teacher and school counselor in Switzerland for over 20 years and traveled extensively in Europe, particularly France.

8 Sessions (12 hours) $ 174 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 157)
Mon., 9/28; 10/5, 19, 26; 11/3, 10, 17, 24 from 5:30 to 6:55 p.m. on Zoom.
NOTE: No class 10/12.


French: Beginner, Part 3 - Evening - in Person
A continuation of part 2 above with Jean Vianes. Scroll down for description.
7-8 Sessions
Available Spring 2027.



French: Intermediate Continued - Evening - In Person
This is a continuation of this past spring’s class with native speaker, Jean Vianes. Newcomers with equivalent knowledge are welcome. Students will consolidate already acquired vocabulary and strengthen their expression. Discussions between the attendees themselves and the speaker at each session. Topics covered will be linked to daily life, tourism, history, books, health, shopping, etc. There will be references in the classes to grammar, spelling, expressions and conjugation. The idea is to bring all students closer to fluency in speech. Please bring the text Learn French the Fast and Fun Way (Barron's 4th Ed.) to class. Instructor is native speaker, Jean Vianes, who formerly worked for IBM in France and the U.S. and is now teaching and tutoring French.

8 Sessions (12 hours) $ 174 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 157)
Wed., 10/7, 14, 21, 28; 11/4, 18; 12/2, 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School.
NOTE: No class 11/11 or 11/25.


French: Intermediate / Advanced - Day - In Person
We will read and comment on various articles about France, French culture and the French language. Handouts will be distributed at the beginning of each class. Instructor is native speaker, Jean Vianes, who formerly worked for IBM in France and the U.S. and is now teaching and tutoring French.

8 Sessions (12 hours) $ 174 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 157)
Wed., 10/7, 14, 21, 28; 11/4, 18; 12/2, 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Annex.
NOTE: No class 11/11 or 11/25.


Future Semesters


French: Beginner, Part 2 - Evening - in Person
A continuation of Part 1 from Fall. For people with no or very little knowledge of French who would like to build a solid learning foundation of the language for travel, business, culture. . . Newcomers are welcome. The students will acquire essential vocabulary, become familiar with the simplest rules of grammar and conjugation while studying short texts and visuals illustrating the habits of French i.e. site visits or local activities. Text is Learn French the Fast and Fun Way (Barron's 4th Edition. ISBN-10: 1438074948 or ISBN-13: 978-1438074948). Focus will be on comprehension, pronunciation, interactions with questions / answers conversations related to everyday life situations with native speaker, Jean Vianes, who formerly worked for IBM in France and the U.S. and is now teaching and tutoring French.

7-8 Sessions
Available Winter-Spring 2027.



French: Beginner, Part 3 - Evening - in Person
A continuation of Part 2 from winter 2027. Newcomers with equivalent experience are welcome. An interactive class where students study short texts and visuals. Focus will be on studying script of events and associated video, the comprehension of these events, conversational exchanges, expressing yourself when visiting a francophone country, with native speaker, Jean Vianes. Text is Learn French the Fast and Fun Way (Barron's 4th Ed.). Instructor: native speaker, Jean Vianes.Jean Vianes, who formerly worked for IBM in France and the U.S. and is now teaching and tutoring French.

7-8 Sessions
Available Winter-Spring 2027.



French: Advanced Beginner - Evening - In Person
The course is designed for people who have completed French Beginner, Parts 1, 2 and 3. Newcomers with equivalent knowledge (A1/2-FLE) are welcome. Students will consolidate already acquired vocabulary and strengthen the way they can express themselves. Each session will encompass discussion (s) between the attendees themselves and the speaker. Topics covered will be linked to daily life matters, history, geography, books, tourism, health, shopping, etc. There will be references in the classes to grammar, spelling, and conjugation. The idea is to bring all students closer to fluency in speech. Text is Learn French the Fast and Fun Way (Barron's 4th Edition. ISBN-10: 1438074948 or ISBN-13: 978-1438074948).   Instructor is native speaker, Jean Vianes, who formerly worked for IBM in France and the U.S. and is now teaching and tutoring French.

Available Fall 2027.


French: Intermediate, Part 1 - Evening - In Person
The course is designed for people who have completed Advanced Beginner classes. Newcomers with equivalent knowledge (A1/2-FLE) are welcome. Students will consolidate already acquired vocabulary and strengthen the way they can express themselves. Each session will encompass discussion(s) between the attendees themselves and the speaker. Topics covered will be linked to daily life matters, history, geography, books, tourism, health, shopping, etc. There will be references in the classes to grammar, spelling, expressions and conjugation. The idea is to bring all students closer to fluency in speech. Text is Learn French the Fast and Fun Way (Barron's 4th Edition. ISBN-10: 1438074948 or ISBN-13: 978-1438074948).   Instructor is native speaker, Jean Vianes, who formerly worked for IBM in France and the U.S. and is now teaching and tutoring French.

Available Fall 2027.


French: Intermediate, Continuing - Evening - In Person
The course is designed for people who have completed French Intermediate Part 1. Newcomers with equivalent knowledge (A2-FLE) are welcome. Students will consolidate already acquired vocabulary and strengthen the way they can express themselves. Each session will encompass discussion (s) between the attendees themselves and the speaker. Topics covered will be linked to daily life matters, history, geography, books, tourism, health, shopping, shows, etc. There will still be references in the classes to grammar, spelling, expressions, and conjugation. Instructor is native speaker, Jean Vianes, who formerly worked for IBM in France and the U.S. and is now teaching and tutoring French.

Available Winter - Spring 2027.

Why Learn a Foreign Language? in Person? or Online with active Instruction and Participation?

Step away from a rote computer program and into live, active learning of a foreign language.

Absorb news as heard in another country.

Visit another country to see the sites, converse, eat, and enjoy the culture.

Use original genealogical sources.



European History, Ridgefield History and More!


Click here to view the European History and Local or American History and Archaeology classes below - MORE TO BE ADDED.


Ridgefield History


The Dutch, The English, The Native Americans and The Deeds

This is the story three different cultures who tried to occupy, and retain possession of the same lands. Each had a different approach and political agenda as they made their land deals. The Europeans did not understand the Native Americans and visa versa especially in the beginning. This was the political climate the Proprietors of Ridgefield had to negotiate as they were establishing their new town. Instructor Lynn-Marie Wieland is a lithic (stone tools) archaeologist specializing in southern New England prehistory focusing on the Indians of the Ridgefield area up through and their contact with the early European settlers. She minored in Meso American Archaeology and has traveled extensively in Central America.

2 Sessions $ 54 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 47)
Wed., 9/23 & 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Annex and on Zoom.
NOTE: This is a hybrid course.


European History

TO BE ADDED - Click here to view the European History and Local History and Archaeology classes above.

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