​Tagalog with kirby


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Complete Beginners

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The Tagalog With Kirby Complete Beginners Program is a 12-week small-group guided Tagalog learning program designed for beginners who want to start learning the language in a supportive and engaging environment. 
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Over the 12 weeks, students build a strong foundation in Tagalog through weekly live classes with Ate Joanna, guided small group speaking practice sessions with a Tagalog coach, and structured video lessons designed to build confidence in conversation. Students also receive worksheets, handouts, and additional learning materials to support their progress throughout the program.

Cohorts are intentionally limited to 15 students so that everyone has the opportunity to participate, ask questions, and build meaningful connections with fellow learners.
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Many people grew up hearing Tagalog spoken by parents, grandparents, or relatives but never had the opportunity to learn it formally. This program provides a supportive environment to begin speaking the language with confidence and is also welcoming to anyone starting their Tagalog learning journey. 

Tagalog With Kirby Complete Beginners Program

Length: 12 weeks

Format: Small-group cohort learning
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Cohort Size: Maximum 15 students 

​Includes:
• Weekly live classes with Ate Joanna
• Weekly speaking practice sessions with a Tagalog coach
• Structured video lessons and learning materials
• Worksheets and guided practice activities
• A supportive small-cohort learning community

Classes with Joanna: Tuesdays at 8:30PM CST (will be recorded)
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Sessions with Tagalog Coach: More flexible, based on  your availability

Start Date: April 7, 2026

This class is now full

Ate Joanna with students in Manila, Philippines, 2024

Who This Program Is For
The Complete Beginners Program was created for learners who are just starting their Tagalog journey and want a supportive place to begin. 

It may be a great fit for you if:

You are a complete beginner.
You have little or no experience with Tagalog and want a clear place to start.

You grew up hearing Tagalog but never learned to speak it confidently.
Many Filipinos in the diaspora understand some words but never had the opportunity to formally study the language.

You want to reconnect with your Filipino heritage.
Learning Tagalog can deepen your connection to Filipino culture, family, and community.

You are a heritage Learner who wants to build a strong foundation.
Some heritage learners begin with Complete Beginners to strengthen pronunciation, grammar, and confidence before moving into move advanced study. 

You prefer structured learning with guidance.
You want clear lessons, live instruction, and guided practice instead of figuring everything out on your own.

You enjoy learning alongside others.
The small cohort format allows students to build friendships and encourage one another while learning the language together.

You Are Not Alone

Many students join the Tagalog With Kirby program with a similar story.

They grew up hearing Tagalog spoken by parents, grandparents, or relatives but never had the opportunity to learn it formally. Some understand a few words or phrases, while others feel like they are starting completely from the beginning.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Learning Tagalog as an adult can feel intimidating at first, but many students find that once they begin, the language starts to feel more familiar than expected. This program was designed to provide a supportive environment where students can build confidence and learn step by step.

this class is now full

What is Included in the Program

Students in the Tagalog With Kirby Complete Beginners Program receive:

Structured video lessons that prepare you for each class
Each week begins with video lessons introducing key vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar so students arrive prepared to participate.

Weekly live Tagalog classes with Ate Joanna
Live sessions focus on practicing what students learned in the video lessons while building confidence speaking the language. 

Small-group speaking practice sessions with a Tagalog coach
Students meet in smaller groups each week to practice conversation and reinforce what they are learning.

Worksheets, handouts, and guided learning materials
Additional materials support continued practice outside of class.

A small, supportive learning community
Each cohort is intentionally limited to 15 students, allowing everyone the opportunity to participate, ask questions, and build meaningful connections with classmates.​

A full 12-week guided learning experience
The program includes 8 weeks of core instruction followed by 4 weeks of structured practice and skill-building to strengthen confidence speaking Tagalog.

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​What You'll Be Able to Do by the End of the Program

By the end of the Tagalog With Kirby Complete Beginners Program, students will have built a strong foundation in Tagalog and will be able to:
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• Introduce themselves and participate in basic conversations
• Pronounce Tagalog words more clearly and confidently
• Understand and use essential sentence structures
• Ask and answer common everyday questions
• Recognize and use key vocabulary used in everyday situations
• Feel more comfortable hearing and engaging with the language

For many students, this also means feeling more confident participating in conversations with parents, grandparents, and relatives who speak Tagalog.

Students also leave the program with a clearer understanding of how Tagalog works and a strong foundation to continue into the Advanced Beginners level.

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​Next Step After This Program

Students who complete the Tagalog With Kirby Complete Beginners Program can continue their learning journey in the Advanced Beginners Program.

The Advanced Beginners level builds on the foundation developed in the Complete Beginners and focuses on expanding vocabulary, strengthening listening skills, and developing more natural conversations in Tagalog.
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Many students choose to continue to the next level so they can keep practicing with the TWK community while continuing to build confidence in the language.

this class is now full

​Meet Your Instructor
Ate Joanna Kirby
​Founder of Tagalog With Kirby

Joanna has been teaching Tagalog for more than 15 years and has worked with over 1,000 students from around the world. Through Tagalog With Kirby, she has helped many learners build confidence speaking the language while reconnecting with their cultural roots.

Her teaching approach combines structured lessons, guided conversation practice, and a supportive learning environment that encourages students to participate, ask questions, and grow at their own pace.

She is also the creator of the Tagalog With Kirby video curriculum and leads the TWK Cultural Immersion and Study Abroad program in the Philippines. 

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What Students Are Saying

"Daphne · Jan 10, 2023Joanna is extremely passionate about teaching Tagalog. This was my first time taking a Tagalog class, and I was super nervous! However, Joanna approaches each lesson with patience and a great sense of humor. I have grown a ton in my speaking and writing abilities because of how Joanna explains unfamiliar topics and grammar in a clear way. I recently completed the Complete Beginner Tagalog class, which consisted of asynchronous videos, audio exercises, and worksheets, plus weekly classes with a speaking coach, and several small group classes with Joanna over the course of three months. I've made friends in this class, and we've grown together! I am excited to continue my Tagalog learning journey. Thank you, Joanna!"

"Iris Zalun · Aug 17, 2022I joined the Advanced class after years of putting my Tagalog journey on pause. Joanna gives clear explanations of grammar and practical use, plus I learn a lot just by listening to my peers. The small group size means we get a lot of attention and opportunities to practice. I'm slowly gaining the knowledge and confidence to speak my family's native language!"

Read more...

Tuition

Early Bird Enrollment

Available through April 1

Pay in Full: $350
Installment plan available


Regular Tuition

Begins April 2
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Pay in Full: $450
Installment plan available


Cohort Size
Each cohort is intentionally limited to 15 students to maintain a supportive and interactive learning environment.
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If you’ve been wanting to start learning Tagalog but weren’t sure where to begin, this program was designed to provide a clear and supportive place to start.

Join the April 7 Class
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Classes on Tuesdays at 8:30PM CST (will be recorded)

If you need a time converter to see if the time works for you, here is one 

this class is now full

​You will receive important class links via email after you sign up.

Maraming maraming salamat po! I am excited to work with you. - Joanna
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