Both the Zhuyin and Pinyin systems can help you pronounce and read Chinese characters better, as well as spell Chinese names and words written with the Latin alphabet and to also enter/type Chinese characters in certain computer input methods faster.

In this FLEX course, the teacher will provide mini recording links of the Zhuyin symbols and show the corresponding Pinyin letters. Students will be asked to repeat what they hear, while pointing or tracing the symbols, as they read it aloud to retain what they are learning. 

Optional writing homework handouts (PDF) will be provided after each lesson (usually 3-4 new symbols/pinyin at a time) and students are asked to record themselves in video or audio after each lesson to receive the teacher’s feedback on their pronunciation.

Week 1: In three lessons (all posted at the beginning of the week), learn the first 11 Zhuyin symbols with their Pinyin via mini-recordings and have chart to be printed and used during the lesson in front. Learners will be asked to record themselves saying the symbols and to send it to the teacher in the classroom. Writing handout is optional. A fun interactive matching game link will be sent at the end of the week for students to review what they have learned (link and codes will be provided to access).

Week 2: In three lessons (all posted at the beginning of the week), learn the next 10 Zhuyin symbols and their Pinyin via mini-recordings and use the chart from Week 1 for visuals. Review all 21 symbols. Learners will be asked to record themselves saying the symbols in a video or audio recording and send it to the teacher in the classroom. The writing handout is optional. A fun interactive matching game will be sent at the end of the week for students to review what they have learned (link and codes will be provided to access).

Week 3: In three lessons (all posted at the beginning of the week), learn the next 12 Zhuyin symbols and their Pinyin via mini-recordings and use the chart for visuals. Review all 33 symbols and learners may start combining symbols and letters together, once they are comfortable. The teacher will post short assignments to be completed and sent back in a video or audio recording in the classroom. The writing handout is optional. A fun interactive quiz will be sent at the end of the week for students to review what they learned.

Week 4: Learn the last 4 Zhuyin symbols and their Pinyin via mini-recordings and use the chart again for visuals. Review all the 37 symbols with their corresponding Pinyin and begin combining them together to form sounds this week (an exercise handout provided). Learn the different tones. The alphabet song can now be sung completely. Complete any incomplete assignments, any video or audio recordings, and optional written handouts. This is the last week to record a video or voice recording of yourself saying the symbols/pinyin and receive the teacher’s feedback.

A chart that shows the conversion of both systems will be posted in the classroom. Learners are encouraged to print this visual out to have it in front of them for reference when learning the phonetic systems.

All learners are welcome. No experience required. These are both important systems in learning Mandarin Chinese, and while many will choose one over the other, Ms. Stephenie truly believes that both are useful at different times and places. 

At the end of the course, Ms. Stephenie will give students a fun interactive Nearpod link to play a matching game to reinforce the Chinese alphabet symbol and corresponding letters, teach learners a fun song to remember their Chinese alphabet and a personalized certificate of completion will be presented to each learner.