The Finnish Language School of Minnesota offers courses for children and adults from beginner to high fluency, in-person and online. In-person classes are held in Minneapolis and online classes are conducted live via Zoom.
Click the following links for information on course schedules or on prices and registration.
Online Courses
5-10 classes held once-weekly, designed for adults (and older teens). Each course is typically offered three times annually. Course levels can be repeated without redundancy, as the theme changes each course.
BEGINNER:
January 27-March 17
Tuesdays 6-7:30PM Central
The theme for Beginner will be The Finnish Home. We will learn about colors, patterns, furniture, and common cultural features of Finnish homes! No prerequisite Finnish skills necessary.
IMMERSION:
January 28-March 18
Wednesdays 6-7:30PM Central
The theme for Immersion will be Instruktiivi. We will learn about the many ways to use a high-level, rare but useful case– the instructive– to change both nouns and verbs. This class will be particularly useful for you if you read a lot in Finnish. Teaching and communication is predominantly in Finnish in this course.
Teacher: Lily O.
In-Person Courses
6-8 classes held on first and third Saturdays in a Fall semester and a Spring semester. In-person courses may be added or combined depending upon registration each semester. Students and families are encouraged (but not required) to volunteer for the school, such as by participating in annual event preparation, managing the library, serving on the board, or substitute teaching.
Courses are based on registration, and are adapted to best serve the needs and interests of the students. The course descriptions below may change based on the ages and stages of currently registered students. If you are wondering which course is the best fit for yourself or your family, or the details/theme of the courses currently offered, email finnishschoolofmn@gmail.com.
LITTLES: Baby and Parent 0-2 years.
Guided time 10-10:45, followed by social play until 11. It is optional to stay and socialize until 11:30. Each class time has a topic or theme integrated into songs, fingerplays, stories, and sensory/art activities. Learn and share how to integrate Finnish language and culture into your routine at home. This class is primarily immersive, but no previous knowledge of Finnish is required.
EARLY CHILDREN’S IMMERSION: 3-6 years.
Parents are welcome but not required to participate in this class, depending on the child’s development stage. Pre-literate students will learn Finnish vocabulary and culture through songs and music, games, arts and crafts, and storytime. Typical pre-school concepts such as alphabet, counting, colors, shapes, social and emotional connection and cooperation are integrated through a Finnish lens, with a topical theme for each class. Sähly and other sports will be introduced (separate from the older children) and students will also participate in baking or cooking. This class is primarily immersive and appropriate for both new or beginner and higher fluency speakers.
CHILDREN’S: 7 years and older.
Each class time we work on basics of literacy, grammar, conversation and culture. One Saturday a month, we also play sähly (Finnish floor hockey) or other games, and on another, bake traditional Finnish goodies. This class has a mix of Finnish language levels and is taught mostly immersively in Finnish. Please bring a notebook and a pen. Nähdään!
ADULTS’ BEGINNER: Beginner to conversational fluency class for adults. Materials used in class are based on the textbook Finnish for Foreigners. Each class time includes teaching vocabulary for a practical scenario (i.e. restaurant, taxi, hospital, railway station), and two verbs conjunction, plus pronunciation practice with a game. We also introduce or reviews a grammar subject and discuss cultural topics. This class is beneficial to both new and repeat students.