Russian from Scratch for Kids
We will teach your child to speak, read, and write in Russian, even with zero prior knowledge—through games, fairy tales, and live communication with native speakers
Free game lesson and gentle adaptation
What is Russian as a foreign language for children
Russian as a Foreign Language is a course for children with no background in Russian. Your child starts by understanding simple speech and everyday dialogues, then learns the alphabet, reading and writing. Classes are held online in mini-groups of up to 8 children of the same age and level, twice a week for 40 minutes.
| Russian from Scratch | Russian for Bilinguals | |
|---|---|---|
| Who Is It For? | The child does not speak or understand Russian | The child hears Russian at home, but speaks with errors or answers in English. |
| Where to start | Understanding speech and everyday conversations | Speech development, reading and writing |
These lessons are for your
child, if
English is spoken at home and at school
The child is growing up in an English-speaking environment. Russian is rarely spoken, so the child lacks a basic vocabulary.
He stays silent or gets shy when spoken to in Russian
The child shuts down when relatives try to talk to them and is afraid to answer.
The child does not know either letters or words
What is needed is a course that starts from scratch—with an understanding of simple speech and the first words.
1 Free Assessment
30-minute meeting with our methodologist: will determine your child's Russian language level and tell you about our Palme school.
3 Engaging lessons and practice
Online lessons are held 2 times a week for 40 minutes in a mini-group. Additionally, the child receives a daily game simulator (15 minutes a day tailored to their level) and a speaking club for practice.
5 Care for family and fair rules
A user-friendly platform with fun homework assignments that your child does independently, while we help out! You will have a personal tutor and a flexible schedule tailored to your time zone. Your paid lessons are easily rescheduled and never expire.
2 Matching a mini-group
We select groups of up to 8 people strictly based on age and language level. Children see each other’s examples, overcome the language barrier more quickly, and learn through live interaction.
4 Progress assessment
You can clearly see the results of the training. Every few weeks, we conduct metric tests and send you detailed reports on your child’s skill development.
What you will get
The student's path
From meeting the teacher to fluent speech
Free Assessment
30-minute meeting: determining your family's starting level and goals.
Personal program
We select a teacher and adapt the program to the child's age and level.
Personalized Plan
Group of up to 8 people or individually — at a convenient time in your time zone.
Peer practice
Conversation clubs and communication with peers accelerate language acquisition.
Program Structure
Absolutely all Russian-language groups have switched to the new «Cyclic Program 3.0». A child can join any group at any time and choose an individual learning path and pace.
For children who do not yet speak or understand Russian. The child will begin to understand simple speech and communicate on everyday topics; reading and writing are not taught at this level.
For children who already know individual words and understand a little slow Russian speech. The child will learn the alphabet, start reading simple words and sentences, and speak more confidently.
For children who speak in short sentences and are already trying to read and write. The child will learn to maintain a conversation, understand short texts, and compose short written messages.
For children who understand Russian well, but want to read, write, and speak more confidently. The child will learn to express their opinion, understand short texts, and write coherent stories.
For children who speak fluently and read confidently in Russian. The program develops fluent reading, retelling, accurate writing, and the ability to reason on various topics.
For children who are starting to learn Russian from scratch. The child will learn to understand simple speech and participate in short dialogues on familiar everyday topics.
For children with a limited vocabulary and basic knowledge of the Russian language. The child will learn the alphabet, master cursive letters, and begin to read, write, and speak in simple sentences.
For children who already speak in short phrases, know the alphabet, and read simple words. The child will learn to understand and retell short texts, maintain a conversation, and write short messages.
The program combines Russian language and literature lessons. The child will strengthen grammar, learn to read and retell texts, reason, and logically express their opinion.
For children who speak Russian fluently and read confidently. In the classes, the child improves their speech proficiency, explores literature, and learns how to lead discussions, analyze texts, and draw conclusions.
For teenagers who are starting to learn Russian from scratch. The student will master the alphabet, start reading simple texts, and communicate in short sentences in everyday situations.
For teenagers who already speak in short sentences and can read simple words. The student will strengthen reading and speaking skills, master basic grammar, and learn to write short messages.
For teenagers who understand spoken Russian and can maintain a simple conversation, but still make mistakes. The student will learn to express their opinion more confidently, discuss various topics, and work with short texts.
The program combines the Russian language and literature to develop competent, confident speech. The teenager will deepen their knowledge of grammar, learn to analyze and retell texts, reason, and participate in discussions.
For teenagers who speak, read, and write fluently in Russian. The student studies the nuances of grammar and unadapted literature, learns to deeply analyze texts, write essays, and defend their position with arguments.
What Does This Mean?
- Groups are divided by students' age and language proficiency level, ranging from complete beginners to advanced.
- The program is structured around cycles of varying lengths; in other words, the learning process follows a circular pattern. After a while, the teacher returns to the previously studied topic, which allows students to consolidate, summarize, and repeat the material. And each student moves between groups of different levels according to their individual learning pace, basic knowledge, and abilities.
Why It Works
- You can start your studies at any time; there is no longer any need to wait for a suitable group to start.
- Individual learning path for each student: now, instead of the whole group moving to a new level when everyone has mastered the knowledge, each student progresses individually at their own pace.
- Individual learning pace, every child learns at a pace that is comfortable for them. Need a little more time to master new material? Take your time! Everything is clear, ready to move on to the next level? Welcome!
- A forced break in studies (due to illness, for example) is no longer a problem; the child will easily make up for gaps in the next learning cycle.
Choose the Perfect Plan for Your Child
Start for free, then choose the schedule that works best for you. No hidden fees, manageable workloads, and bonuses for long-term learning
2 free sessions to meet the teacher and see if our format is the right fit for your child
- Meet the teacher
- Assessment of your child's level
- Personalized program recommendation
2 free sessions to meet the teacher and see if our format is the right fit for your child
- Meet the teacher
- Assessment of your child's level
- Personalized program recommendation
2 free sessions to meet the teacher and see if our format is the right fit for your child
- Meet the teacher
- Assessment of your child's level
- Personalized program recommendation
2 free sessions to meet the teacher and see if our format is the right fit for your child
- Meet the teacher
- Assessment of your child's level
- Personalized program recommendation
Our teachers
- Russian, Mathematics, Geography, more than 5 years of experience
Education
- Higher education (Pskov State University, 2019), ChOUDPO «Institute of Professional Development and Training» St. Petersburg, 580 hours.
- Professional retraining «Special (defectological) education. Logopedics». 2021.
- Professional retraining «Theory and methodology of teaching the subject „History“ and „Social Studies“. 2019.
- Professional retraining "Teacher of Geography". 2019 г.
- Professional retraining "Teacher of Primary Grades". 2023 г.
Work experience and achievements
- Winner of the qualifying round of the radio contest
young poets of the Pskov region "In Rhyme"
2019. - Finalist and bronze medalist
radio contest of young poets of the Pskov region
«In Rhyme» 2020, - The winner of the poetry
of the "First Test of the Pen" contest - Winner
of the poetry contest of the "Mine!" movement. I have
a collection of poems called "Behind the Sun" and
his group of poems.
- Russian language, experience of more than 10 years
Education
Kurchorsky State University
Philology Department,
teacher of Russian language and literature,
Bachelor's degree.Kurchorsky State University
Philology Department,
philological education (language),
Master's degree.Kurchorsky State University
law school,
Jurisprudence (criminal specialization),
Specialist.School of RCT teachers of the A.S. Institute project.
Pushkin.
- Russian language, experience of more than 8 years
Education
- Higher pedagogical education at the Crimean Federal University. Faculty of Foreign Philology, «English philologist»
Work experience and achievements
- Completed courses in inclusive education (MPGU 2022)
- Six months internship at a language school in Mexico
- FCE-C1
- IELTS 8.5
What Parents Are Saying
Start with a free lesson — then choose the format that works best for your child
«My son started talking to his grandmother on a video call without an interpreter — that is priceless. The teacher found a way to approach him in just two lessons.»
«My daughter is 11 years old, and it is important to me that Russian is her language for development. Besides Russian, she does chess and math.»
«I wanted to preserve Russian for my children to communicate with relatives. We have been with the school for over 5 years.»
«Palme School is a real lifesaver for immigrants looking for ways for their child to gain knowledge and experience in communicating in Russian.»
Your First Lesson & Assessment Are 100% Free
Leave your contact info below. A student success manager will reach out within 24 hours to find the perfect time and teacher for your child.
✓ No commitment or upfront payment required
✓ Taught by a certified educator
✓ Receive a personalized learning plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with a free lesson — then choose the format that works best for your child
At what age can I start classes?
Our programs are suitable for children as young as 4 years old. There are separate levels for preschoolers, younger students and teenagers.
How do you determine a child's level?
Before the training begins, a free introductory test with a methodologist is conducted to determine the level and select the appropriate group.
How long is one class and how often are lessons held?
Classes are held twice a week for 40 minutes. This format helps to consolidate the material and maintain interest in learning.
Is it possible to start training at a time other than the beginning of the school year?
Yes, you can join at any time - we use a cyclical program that allows for flexibility in joining the course.
What should I do if a child misses class?
Lessons can be rescheduled or made up; they don't «expire.» We help children maintain their progress even if they miss classes.
Is there a free trial lesson?
Yes, you can sign up for a free introductory class to get to know the program and the instructor.
What is included in the tuition?
Fees include regular classes 2x per week, access to additional materials, mentor support and the option to freeze if needed.
What are the technical requirements for online classes?
You need a device with internet (computer or tablet) and Zoom installed. All training materials are provided digitally.
How is the course «Russian for Beginners» different from the course for bilinguals?
«Russian from scratch» is for children who do not speak or understand Russian: we start with understanding simple speech and everyday dialogues. The course is for bilinguals—for children who hear Russian at home but speak with errors or answer in English.
Do parents need to know Russian to help their child?
No, knowledge of Russian is not required for parents. Classes are conducted by a school teacher.
