Beginning Sept. 14 in Damariscotta, a new kind of French conversation class will start for adults and home-schooled teenagers. Taught by Margot Stiassni of Edgecomb, the class is geared to helping each student relax and progress at his/her own pace while gaining fluency and confidence. Stiassni has designed her own program, Parlons Ensemble (“Let’s speak together”) to serve students’ needs in a friendly immersion environment. Gently encouraging students to step out and speak up, she involves students in structured and open ended conversations, movement and games while helping them refine their pronunciation. Important grammar points and verb practice are also taught along with with useful cultural tips for traveling and presentations about French culture. Stiassni, a graduate of Williams College and Stanford University, has taught French for over 25 years. She has also taught French to adults for eight years with the Penobscot Language School of Rockland.

The first class, Continuons! (“Let’s Continue!) in this year’s Parlons Ensemble series, is designed for students with previous experience speaking French. Classes will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday mornings, on Sept. 12, 21 and 28 and on Oct. 5 at the Damariscotta Baptist Church upstairs classroom. The cost is $130 which includes printed handouts, digitized listening assignments plus extra individualized help and French snacks.

Also beginning on Sept. 14 and continuing during the school year, two informal French conversation groups will be led by Stiassni in the Damariscotta Baptist Church parlor. Drop-in participants are welcome at any time.

Intermediate level speakers can meet at a brown bag lunch, from noon to 1 p.m. Beginners and advanced beginners may prefer a tea/coffee social, from 1-2 p.m. These get-togethers are free of charge, though donations to benefit the Open Door Café (also held at the church) are invited. For more information and to learn which class will meet your needs, call Stiassni at 882-7593 or email her at domusic@gwi.net