Chinese Mythology & Folktales – Intermediate Mandarin Immersion

Step into the world of Chinese mythology and folktales! In this intermediate-level Mandarin immersion class for learners ages 9-12, students will explore traditional Chinese stories that have been passed down for generations. Through engaging storytelling, learners will build their listening and reading comprehension skills, expand their vocabulary, and deepen their understanding of Chinese culture. Each week, we will dive into a different story, from legends of the Monkey King (孙悟空 Sūn Wùkōng) to the tale of Chang'e and the Moon (嫦娥奔月 Cháng'é bēn yuè), uncovering the cultural significance behind each tale.

This class is taught primarily in Mandarin, with English support provided as needed to ensure comprehension. It’s perfect for learners who already have a basic foundation in Mandarin and are ready to take their language skills to the next level while exploring the rich world of Chinese mythology.

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What Will Be Taught?

- Traditional Stories: Explore famous Chinese myths and folktales, such as:
    - The Legend of the Monkey King (孙悟空 Sūn Wùkōng): The adventures of the mischievous Monkey King who gains immortality and battles powerful enemies.
    - Chang’e and the Moon (嫦娥奔月 Cháng'é bēn yuè): The tale of Chang’e, who ascended to the moon and became a goddess.
    - The Story of Nian (年兽 Nián shòu): The origins of Chinese New Year traditions, featuring the monster Nian and how villagers scared it away with firecrackers and red decorations.
    - The Foolish Old Man Who Moved the Mountain (愚公移山 Yúgōng Yíshān): A story about perseverance and determination as an old man decides to move a mountain blocking his village.
    - The Butterfly Lovers (梁山伯与祝英台 Liáng Shānbó yǔ Zhù Yīngtái): A tragic love story often compared to Romeo and Juliet.
    - The Jade Rabbit (玉兔 Yùtù): A tale about a rabbit who sacrifices himself for the gods and is rewarded by living on the moon with Chang’e.
    - The Eight Immortals (八仙过海 Bāxiān Guò Hǎi): Stories of eight legendary beings with supernatural powers crossing the sea, each using their unique abilities.
    - The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl (牛郎织女 Niúláng Zhīnǚ): A romantic folktale that explains the origin of the Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day).
    - The Dragon’s Pearl (龙珠 Lóngzhū): A story about a boy who saves his village by defeating a dragon and retrieving its magical pearl.
    - Pan Gu and the Creation of the World (盘古开天 Pángǔ Kāitiān): The myth of Pan Gu, who separated heaven and earth to create the world.
    - Hua Mulan (花木兰 Huā Mùlán): The tale of a brave woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army.
    - Nuwa Creates Humans (女娲造人 Nǚwā Zàorén): A creation myth about the goddess Nuwa molding humans from clay and repairing the sky after it shattered.
    - Zhong Kui, the Ghost Hunter (钟馗 Zhōng Kuí): The story of a scholar who became a ghost hunter to protect people from evil spirits.
- Vocabulary and Expressions: Learn new vocabulary and expressions from each story, focusing on key words and phrases that appear frequently in Chinese literature.
- Cultural Insights: Discuss the cultural and historical context of each story, including traditional festivals, symbols, and moral lessons.
- Listening and Reading Practice: Improve comprehension skills by listening to stories in Mandarin and reading along with the teacher.
- Speaking Practice: Participate in discussions and share thoughts on the stories in Mandarin, building confidence in expressing ideas and opinions.

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How Is the Class Structured?

Each 30-minute session will follow a structured format to keep learners engaged:

- Welcome & Warm-Up (5 minutes): Greet the class in Mandarin and review key vocabulary from the previous lesson.
- Storytelling (15 minutes): The teacher will tell a traditional Chinese story in Mandarin, using visuals, gestures, and props to aid comprehension.
- Vocabulary and Discussion (5-7 minutes): Introduce and practice new vocabulary from the story, and discuss its cultural significance.
- Wrap-Up & Review (3-5 minutes): Recap key points from the story, review vocabulary, and provide time for questions.

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Language of Instruction

This is an intermediate-level Mandarin immersion class designed for learners with a foundational understanding of Mandarin. The class will be taught primarily in Mandarin, using storytelling, visuals, and gestures to ensure comprehension. English support will be provided when needed to explain key vocabulary or cultural concepts. Learners are encouraged to use Mandarin as much as possible to strengthen their language skills and build confidence in listening, speaking, and understanding Chinese stories.

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Interactive Elements to Keep Learners Engaged

Our teachers create a supportive and interactive environment where learners can:

- Listen to captivating stories in Mandarin, improving listening comprehension
- Participate in discussions about the stories’ meanings and cultural significance
- Practice speaking Mandarin by sharing thoughts and answering questions
- Learn new vocabulary and phrases from each story
- Explore Chinese culture through traditional myths and folktales

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Pre-Reqs

This class is designed for intermediate-level learners who have a basic foundation in Mandarin. Learners should be able to:
- Recognize and write simple characters (e.g., numbers, family members, common objects).
- Understand and respond to basic questions in Mandarin (e.g., greetings, introducing themselves).
- Follow along with stories told primarily in Mandarin with occasional English support.

If your child has completed beginner-level Mandarin classes or can participate in basic conversations, they are ready for this class! Check out our profile page for beginner-level classes!