"Play is one of the most important ways in which young children gain essential knowledge and skills." ~UNICEF, 2018

Through learning the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac in Mandarin Chinese, this class sets children up for a lifetime love of learning the world's most widely-spoken language. Through fun activities such as interactive songs, action rhymes, and writing Chinese characters in a way that feels like drawing pictures, learners will begin to enjoy the sights and sounds of Mandarin Chinese. I will start your child on the same joyful journey of learning Mandarin that I started as an English teacher in Taipei in 2004. Nearly twenty years of learning later, I am still growing and improving my Mandarin every day and this is the example I will set for your child.

Cultural Note: During my time living in China and Taiwan, I celebrated the Lunar New Year many times. Every year is marked by a different animal, and this important cultural practice is based on an ancient legend going back thousands of years. This class presents the legend from a secular perspective, focusing solely on what the twelve animals are, in what order they come in, and how to say each animal in Mandarin Chinese. Knowing these twelve animals increases understand of Chinese culture and is a great way to connect with Chinese people.  

The daily class schedule is carefully paced to alternately challenge and ease young minds for maximum learning receptivity. The multi-day format gives the learner the opportunity to become familiar with the songs and activities and truly master the material over time. The small group gives each child individual attention. Most importantly, they'll be having so much fun, they won't even realize how much they're learning!

DAILY SCHEDULE
Songs and rhymes are in Mandarin Chinese; language of instruction is English.
> HELLO SONG
> TONES SONG
> ANIMAL
> GAME 
> WRITE THE CHARACTER - a handout is provided for printing ahead of time
> GOODBYE SONG
 
Note on music: I strive to provide a welcoming and loving environment for all learners in my class; I research the history and origins of all the songs I use and don't use any I find to have hidden or harmful messaging, associations, or history. My own original songs are written with diversity, inclusion, and love for all children in mind.

Teaching method: You'll notice I cap all of my classes at 5 learners — this way I can see all of the learners' screens at all times and they can all see each other for maximum group engagement. I also keep the class focused on my face, voice, and physical visual aids such as flannel pieces, magnetic cutouts, and books. Studies show kids in their formative years learn best through face-to-face interaction, so I don't use slides or virtual graphics that render my screen small and make the other learners' screens disappear. Learning in my class is centered on human-to-human connection, which creates a deeper, more permanent learning experience. Come see for yourself!