Russian

Russian Classes are separated into 6 week sessions. The 7th week week we have a gathering with all classes and levels to eat Russian food, drink tea, play games, and watch films for a full cultural experience.

Adult Classes are Thursdays:          Beginner Class 6:00 PM
                                                             Intermediate     7:00 PM

Children Classes are Mondays:       Beginner Class 4:00 PM
                                                             Intermediate     5:00 PM

Class times for beginners can change to accomodate class request and needs. All classes are taught by owner Peter Zhmutski, his bio follows.

Peter Zhmutski was born and raised in the former Soviet Union. In 1997, Peter graduated at the top of his class from the Gymnasia of Linguistics of Almaty in Kazakhstan. For three years he was an official presenter on behalf of UNESCO in Kazakhstan, representing the “Youth Leaders” of the country, attending the President’s functions, meeting foreign ambassadors, politicians, and businessman from around the world. 

From 1995-1998 Peter worked as an interpreter for the American company East-West Ministries. From 1997-1998 he attended Almaty’s Institute of Languages and Translation, where he studied foreign languages, their history, language sciences and teaching methodologies, and colloquium leadership.

In 1998 Peter was one of 6 finalists in ACCELS program YFU (Youth For Understanding) out of 4000 applicants. The program, initiated by US government and the government of Kazakhstan, was created to sponsor college students to come to America to study and learn the culture.

Peter came to the United States in 1998. In 2000 he received his Associate Degree from Fort Scott Community College in Kansas. In 2002 he received his Bachelor’s in Communication from Pittsburg State University. In 2006 Peter received his Master’s degree in Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma.

Peter has decided to apply his linguistic skills to teaching Russian. Peter uses a unique method of learning conversational basic Russian through associations, pairing exercises, elementary grammar, basic reading, guest speakers and a variety of visual techniques in his beginner Russian classes for adults. The students also learn about Russian culture, history, food and traditions. The students are given opportunities to attend Russian events and parties and/or watch Russian documentaries and listen to Russian music.  

Peter uses two different methodologies for the beginner Russian classes for children: the famous Zaitsev system and the Lomonosov School for gifted children. The children learn how to speak, write, count and converse in Russian. They memorize songs and poems, and sometimes even reenact scenes from Russian fairy tales. They undergo thorough tests where they earn prizes and receive gifts for attendance, homework, class participation and overall performance.       

Private Russian classes are also available for all levels and all ages.