We just had our annual Christmas fete: good food, French conversation and French carols. The teacher was teased for being a dictator when she broke the group of 15 students into small groups. But it worked: whether from 25 years ago or still studying with her, they became more comfortable. They talked and laughed freely even though most of them didn’t know each other.

We came together to sing French carols with piano accompaniment.

One student wrote that he continued thinking in French after the party. No mean feat since he’s a beginner.