At Direct Dutch Institute we always tell our students: ‘practise makes perfect’. And: ‘use it or lose it’. But how do you practise your Dutch, now that most people stay indoors? In this series of short interviews, we ask our teachers for advice (and for some personal revelations as well)! Today it’s up to teacher Edith Kroon!
What is it you love about teaching Dutch?
”It is wonderful to be able to help people learn new things. And at the same time, through their questions, they make me look at my own language in a different way.”
Do you need superpowers to teach Dutch grammar to foreigners?
What is it most students don’t know about you?
”Lots of things 😉 But one fun fact: I have a really large family: five brothers and five sisters and lots of nephews and nieces.”
All Direct Dutch courses continue online during the corona crisis. Are you a digital diva, or are you a little nervous about teaching online?
”This is the first time I’m teaching online, and sometimes there are technical difficulties. It is not the same as being together in the same room. On the other hand, I’m really happy we are able to keep in touch with our students this way.”
Social distancing = less opportunity to practise Dutch. Some tips, please!
”Get in touch with people online. A lot of elderly people are unable to receive visitors at the moment, and they might be happy to videotalk to you. Or if you just want to listen, there are lots of interesting podcasts online.”
Which Dutch books do you recommend to students of Dutch?
”All books! There are so many Dutch books, you can always find the right one for you. And it doesn’t have to be fiction either. Find one on a topic that interests you.”
Which Dutch movies /series do you recommend?
”Right now I’m watching Welkom in de 80-jarige oorlog. It’s a children’s program, but very informative about a very interesting part of the history of the Netherlands. And funny. You can watch it for free online”
Last but not least, do you have a mantra to keep your head up during this crisis?
”Wees een held, blijf thuis! The best advice right now is to just stay at home. So curl up on the couch with a Dutch book or film and practise your Dutch while you’re saving lives.”