Foundations of Mandarin Chinese Level 1: Beginner Chinese Course

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This comprehensive live beginner Chinese course is designed to equip you with the fundamental skills needed to build a solid Chinese language foundation. Whether you're starting from scratch or have a little background, this course will guide you step-by-step through essential vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, listening, speaking, and writing skills in an interactive and engaging live format.

💫 What Sets This Beginner Chinese Course Apart? 
- Scaffolding instructions in small classes provide personalized attention and immediate feedback, fostering a supportive environment. This approach allows me to tailor strategies to individual needs, enabling students to progress at their own pace. 
- Spaced repetition: We regularly learn and review new Chinese characters, words, and sentences. This method helps reinforce our memory and ensures that the knowledge becomes more permanent over time. Engaging with the language in this way not only aids in memorization but also enhances our ability to use Chinese in practical contexts. As we progress, we start to notice patterns and connections between characters, making it easier to grasp new vocabulary and sentence structures. 
- Participating in Real-Time Peer-to-Peer Practice: We engage in real-time conversations with our classmates, actively practicing what we've learned in class. This hands-on method enables us to immediately utilize the language skills and vocabulary we've gained, reinforcing our knowledge through practical application. 
- Personalized Writing Practice: Students receive guidance on writing in Chinese, which enhances hand-eye coordination and aids in better memorization of new vocabulary.
- Students engage in a highly interactive learning environment designed to keep them motivated and excited. Fun and engaging games like Bingo and Simon Says are used to reinforce vocabulary and sentence structures, while visual aids such as images, flashcards, and short stories help students connect words to real-life contexts.
- Optional Assignment: After each live session, they will receive fun practice assignments. Always optional but encouraged. I use Blooket and Quizlet for optional practice on their own time to retain more knowledge.
- In addition to the weekly theme, students will also discover how to greet others, bid farewell, and offer compliments, all integral components of each lesson. Each week introduces new conversation skills that build upon the previous ones.


🗓️ Chinese Course Structure: 
- Class Schedule: 3 times a week, 30-minute sessions.
- Homework: Optional weekly assignments to reinforce the material covered in class.
- Duration: 9 weeks, covering one unit each week.



🤔 What You'll Learn in This Chinese Course:
- Speaking and Listening: Improve your speaking and listening abilities through interactive live lessons that introduce new concepts every week. You'll have the chance to practice in real-time with me and your fellow classmates. I will provide support tailored to your Chinese proficiency level throughout the entire journey. Each week's content will build upon the previous one, with regular reviews to ensure your mastery.
- Reading Practice: Enhance your reading fluency with thoughtfully curated materials that boost your comprehension and vocabulary. We will begin by focusing on individual characters, and then progress to words, phrases, and sentences. By the end of this course, you will confidently be able to read an entire paragraph independently.
- Writing Skills: Discover the beauty of Chinese penmanship through engaging step-by-step tutorials that make learning Chinese characters both accessible and enjoyable. By writing a new character, we also enhance our ability to read and pronounce it.
- Grammar: I will provide you with a comprehensive guide on Chinese grammar rules, including essential tips and examples that will help you understand the nuances of the language and improve your writing skills.
- Culture Exploration: Students will explore aspects of Chinese culture through fun activities like traditional paper-cutting, Chinese calligraphy, and more. 



📚 Age and Level Appropriateness:
This course is tailored specifically for upper elementary and middle school students, starting from Grade 3 and above. Whether your child is a complete beginner in Mandarin or has had a bit of exposure, this class is designed to establish a strong foundation for young learners. No previous knowledge of Chinese is necessary. 


👋 About the Instructor: 
Hi, I'm Ms. Jessica! I'm passionate about making learning both fun and accessible. With years of experience teaching STEM subjects, I bring a unique approach to teaching Mandarin Chinese, blending structure with creativity. While English is my second language, my own journey learning it has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of mastering a new language. My classes are highly interactive, using games, visual aids, and plenty of practice opportunities to ensure that every student feels supported and confident in their learning. I look forward to helping your child discover the beauty of the Chinese language and culture!



❓ Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What age group is this course designed for?
This course is designed for students in Grade 3 and above, generally targeting upper elementary and middle school students. It is suitable for children with no prior knowledge of Mandarin Chinese.

2. Does my child need any prior experience with Chinese?
No prior experience is necessary! This course is designed for complete beginners or students who may have had minimal exposure to the language.

3. How often does the class meet?
Classes meet 3 times a week for 30 minutes each session, over a 9-week period.

4. Will there be homework?
Homework is optional but encouraged. I provide fun assignments using tools like Blooket and Quizlet to reinforce what students have learned in class.

5. How will you make the classes interactive?
Classes are highly interactive, with plenty of opportunities for students to practice speaking, reading, and writing. We use engaging games like Bingo and Simon Says, visual aids like images and flashcards, and short stories to make learning fun and effective.

6. What if my child misses a class?
If your child misses a class, don’t worry! Each session builds on the previous one, but we regularly review material to ensure students can catch up and stay on track.

7. What will my child learn by the end of this course?
By the end of the course, your child will be able to introduce themselves, engage in simple conversations, and recognize and write key Chinese characters. They will also have a deeper understanding of Chinese culture through activities like paper cutting and calligraphy.

8. How are speaking and listening practiced in class?
We practice speaking and listening in real-time through live conversations, where students get to interact with me and their classmates. This hands-on approach ensures that students immediately apply the language skills they’ve learned.

9. How do you teach writing Chinese characters?
I guide students step-by-step through writing Chinese characters, emphasizing stroke order and structure. This practice not only improves handwriting but also helps with memorization and pronunciation of the characters.

10. How do you incorporate Chinese culture into the lessons?
In addition to language learning, students will explore Chinese culture through activities like paper cutting and calligraphy, giving them a broader understanding of the language’s cultural context.

11. How do you support different learning paces?
With small class sizes, I’m able to offer personalized attention to each student. This allows me to tailor strategies and feedback based on their individual needs and help them progress at their own pace.

Any other questions? Send me a PM!