Look no further! In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of fun and effective methods to introduce Chinese to your kids creatively, fostering a love for language learning that will last a lifetime.
Gather some props like toys or puppets and weave captivating stories using simple Chinese phrases. Engage your child's imagination and enhance their listening skills by incorporating visual cues into the storytelling experience.
Encourage your child to participate by adding their ideas to the story, making it a collaborative and engaging activity.
Music is a fantastic tool for language learning! Discover catchy Chinese children’s songs and teach your kids the lyrics and dance moves. Encourage them to sing along and mimic the gestures, making learning Chinese both fun and interactive. Consider hosting a family karaoke session to make it even more enjoyable and memorable.
Explore traditional Chinese crafts like paper folding (origami), calligraphy, and lantern making with your kids. These hands-on projects not only teach them about Chinese culture but also reinforce their language skills through practical application. In the picture above, I had Kara play around and make her Chinese Face doll using beads and cut outs!
Allow your children to express their creativity as they create beautiful works of art inspired by Chinese traditions.
Introducing picture book stories into your child's Mandarin learning journey can infuse excitement and enjoyment into the process. With colorful illustrations and engaging narratives, picture books capture children's imaginations and make language learning feel like an adventure rather than a chore. By incorporating familiar characters and captivating plots, these stories help children associate Chinese words and phrases with context, aiding comprehension and retention.
Mandarin Prodigies offers a 5 Bilingual Books Bundle specifically designed to make Mandarin learning fun and accessible for young learners, providing a valuable resource for parents seeking to enrich their child's language education in an enjoyable way!
Get creative with q-tip painting to teach Chinese writing to your kids. This hands-on activity allows children to explore the strokes of Chinese characters while developing their fine motor skills and creativity.
It's a fun alternative to conventional worksheets and helps make writing Chinese characters enjoyable for young learners. Encourage your children to experiment with different colors and patterns as they create their own masterpieces!
Introducing play dough into your child's Chinese learning routine can transform language practice into a playful and hands-on experience. By shaping Chinese characters with play dough, children engage their senses and strengthen their fine motor skills while reinforcing language concepts.
Here’s Kara, having a blast playing with play dough while learning Chinese characters.
Encourage your child to sculpt characters, mimicking the strokes and shapes, and even adding different colors to represent tones or meanings. This tactile approach makes learning Chinese enjoyable and memorable, turning language practice into a creative exploration.
Kids learn more when they feel supported. My kids were fascinated by the idea of buying and selling. "Mummy, what would you like?" they ask me repeatedly. I found using our Fruits and veggies flashcards to be a great way to engage and practice Chinese learning. It's a win-win situation!
Setting up this shop from scratch using materials we had was a bit tricky; the roof fell apart a few times. Eventually, we managed to stick it together. It was a fun learning experience for the kids, and an enjoyable bonding moment for the family as well!
By incorporating these fun and interactive methods into your child's language learning journey, you can instill a love for Chinese language and culture from an early age.
Remember, creativity knows no bounds, and with the right approach, learning Chinese can be a joyous adventure for your little ones!
References:
https://edkidshome.com/chinese-writing-for-kids/
https://www.dimsumwarriors.com/blog/how-child-learn-chinese-creative/
]]>Embarking on the Mandarin journey as a busy parent might feel overwhelming, but fear not, teaching Chinese can be a joyous and straightforward experience as well!
Implementing these 10 tips gradually into your daily routine will not only nurture your child's language skills but also create a harmonious bilingual environment at home.
Begin your Mandarin journey with small, achievable language goals. Consistency is key. Focus on incorporating a handful of Chinese words or phrases into your daily interactions, making language learning an easily manageable part of your routine.
Transform your home into a Mandarin-rich environment. Introduce Chinese characters on walls, weave language into daily conversations, and let the melody of Chinese children’s songs fill your spaces. Make Mandarin a familiar and natural part of your child’s surroundings.
Turn routine activities into language-learning opportunities. Infuse Chinese phrases into mealtime discussions, bedtime routines, and playtime interactions. Regular repetition during daily tasks transforms them into language-rich experiences.
Harness the power of music. Children are drawn to melodies, making songs a potent learning tool. Explore Mandarin children’s songs with your child. Opt for tunes with catchy melodies and functional phrases. Albums like "Little Dragon Tales" and "I Can Sing in Mandarin" offer a delightful learning experience.
You can incorporate listening to music as much as possible in your daily routine, like in the car on the way home from daycare.
Cultivate a love for Chinese through shared reading experiences. Choose bilingual or simple Chinese storybooks and engage your child in the narrative. Reading together not only builds vocabulary but also creates cherished bonding moments.
Here are some very helpful Mandarin learning books from Mandarin Prodigies to read with your kids.
Consider involving external resources like online tutors or local language exchange groups. This playful approach to learning introduces diverse voices and perspectives, making language acquisition an exciting adventure.
Build a sense of community to enhance the language-learning journey. Connect with other parents on a similar linguistic adventure. Share tips, resources, and experiences, turning the learning process into a joyful community affair
According to the book "Maximize Your Child’s Bilingual Ability" (a great read, by the way), the author found that for your child to become really good at a language, they need about 25 hours of exposure each week. This can come from you, a babysitter, school, classes, or other ways.
If you’re a parent who works full-time, you can speak Chinese to your child for 2 hours every weekday and 8 hours each day on the weekends. It's a way to make sure they get enough language practice
Designate specific time slots for Chinese conversations with your child. Whether discussing their day, interests, or challenges, consistent communication in Chinese nurtures speaking skills in a natural and comfortable manner.
Introduce tactile learning to enhance vocabulary retention. Allow your child to touch and feel objects as you describe them in Chinese. This hands-on approach transforms abstract words into tangible, intuitive concepts.
The image above shows Kara using a Montessori inspired method of learning writing. She is using Mandarin Prodigies’ Sandbox and "First 100 Chinese Words Flash Cards".
Instill a sense of purpose by explaining the importance of learning Chinese. Share personal stories and introduce Chinese literature, movies, and songs. Celebrate traditional Chinese festivals with hands-on activities, creating lasting memories infused with language
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, these 10 tips are tailored for you, a busy parent, providing a roadmap to make Mandarin a seamless part of your child's world. As you embark on this language adventure, remember that the journey itself is a joyous destination.
Here's to the harmonious blend of parenting and language enrichment! 🌟
References:
https://www.amazon.com/Maximize-Your-Childs-Bilingual-Ability/dp/4908629013
https://handsonchinesefun.com/2018/01/09/busy-parent-guide-to-teaching-chinese-2/
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Help your children to learn and experience this culture and festivals with some simple craft ( Find simple instructions ) and colorings.
Please Download it below.
Research has consistently shown that starting language learning from birth offers numerous advantages without hindering their overall language development. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of raising bilingual children and delve into practical strategies and activities to introduce Mandarin to your child from the early stages of life.
Language Development in Early Childhood
The early years of a child's life are a critical period for language development. Even before uttering their first words, babies are actively absorbing language from their environment. Their brains are like sponges, rapidly processing and storing information about the sounds, rhythms, and patterns of speech they hear. By introducing multiple languages during this sensitive period, you can capitalize on their innate ability to acquire language effortlessly.
Step 1: Surround Your Child with Mandarin
Language learning is deeply influenced by exposure. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to introduce Mandarin to your child is by creating an environment where the language is naturally integrated into daily life. If you or other family members speak Mandarin, try to use it regularly in conversations with your child. Simple phrases like "hello," "goodbye," and "thank you" can easily be introduced during everyday interactions.
If Mandarin is not a language spoken in your household, fear not; you can still expose your child to it through various resources. Consider enrolling them in Mandarin-speaking playgroups or language classes designed for young learners. There are also online resources that offer age-appropriate content for language exposure.
Consistency is key to language development, so try to maintain a regular exposure to Mandarin. The more your child hears the language, the more natural it will become for them to understand and communicate in it.
Step 2: Use Simple and Repetitive Phrases
When introducing any new language to young children, simplicity and repetition are essential. Children learn through repetition, and this approach helps them grasp basic vocabulary and sentence structures. Start with everyday phrases that are easy to remember and use, such as "How are you?" or "What is this?" As your child becomes more comfortable with these phrases, you can gradually introduce more complex language patterns.
During this process, it's crucial to be patient and supportive. Children will naturally experiment with language, and making mistakes is a normal part of their learning journey. Encourage them to express themselves in Mandarin without fear of judgment, and celebrate their progress and efforts along the way.
Step 3: Sing Mandarin Nursery Rhymes and Songs
Music is a universal language that transcends barriers and captures the hearts of children and adults alike. For language learning, singing Mandarin nursery rhymes and songs can be a powerful tool. The rhythmic and melodic nature of music helps children memorize words and phrases effortlessly.
Look for Mandarin children's songs that are catchy and easy to sing along with. Engage your child in interactive singing sessions, and if possible, incorporate gestures or movements that accompany the lyrics. This multisensory approach aids in language comprehension and retention, making the learning experience enjoyable and engaging for your child.
Moreover, singing together creates beautiful bonding moments between you and your child. These shared experiences not only foster language development but also strengthen your relationship.
Here are 5 Original Chinese Nursery Rhymes that me and my toddler sing together a lot! Among my child’s 5 favorite Chinese nursery rhymes, this has to be her favorite:
“一 二 三 四 五,上山打老虎,老虎打不到, 打到小松鼠” 这是一首童谣。”
This is a delightful Chinese nursery rhyme, brimming with numbers and animals. Whenever the Chinese words are sung aloud, she becomes happier and filled with energy!
Step 4: Read Mandarin Books
Reading is a gateway to imagination, knowledge, and language development. When you read Mandarin books to your child, you expose them to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and cultural elements. Start with age-appropriate picture books that have simple sentences and vibrant illustrations. Point to objects in the pictures and say their names in Mandarin, encouraging your child to do the same.
As your child grows older, progress to more complex storybooks and chapter books. Reading together not only enhances language skills but also cultivates a love for reading and learning in general. Create a cozy reading corner at home, where you can spend quality time exploring the wonders of Mandarin literature together.
Check out our wide selection of Bilingual books here. Mandarin Prodigies’ books have been carefully created and designed by a Montessori, homeschooling Chinese mum who understands how kids learn Chinese.
Embrace the joys and benefits of raising bilingual children. The process might have its challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable. To help you get started, we’ve curated this Mandarin Learning guidebook for toddlers from 0-3 years. Download your guidebook here.
As your child embarks on this wonderful Mandarin adventure, remember to be patient, supportive, and encouraging. Celebrate their progress, and most importantly, cherish the precious moments you spend together as they learn and grow in a world of language diversity. Happy learning!
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Did you know Full Version of the Workbook is coming soon?
Have you downloaded the sample of 10 pages out workbook ? As well as 6 pages of fun activities sheets? 这些你下载⏬了吗?
Stay tuned more details of these booklets are coming.
These work books are all based on our first 100 Chinese words flash cards. It is great for early learning & start the basic learning, set up a good foundation. 为孩子打好基础,从简单易懂的字开始。
Get your FREE Sample Pages below:
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There’s no better time than now to introduce your child to a second language!
In fact, starting at an early age has numerous benefits, both in the short and long term. Children's brains are highly receptive to learning new languages during the early years, and starting early can help them to develop a strong foundation for language acquisition.
By providing children with the opportunity to learn another language, you are opening up a world of possibilities and helping to shape their future for the better. Here are just a few of the advantages that come with bilingualism in childhood.
Research has shown that learning a second language enhances cognitive abilities and helps to keep the mind sharp. Children who are bilingual are better at solving problems, paying attention to details, and multitasking. This is because the brain has to constantly switch between languages, which exercises the mind and improves mental flexibility.
By learning another language, children can experience new cultures and gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives. This helps to develop an open-minded and culturally sensitive outlook and can foster respect and appreciation for diversity.
In today's globalized world, being bilingual is highly valued and can give children a competitive edge when it comes to future career prospects. Bilingual individuals are in demand in a variety of industries and are often sought after for their ability to communicate with people from different cultures
Learning a second language can be challenging, but the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a new language can be incredibly empowering. Bilingual children often have higher levels of confidence, as they are able to communicate with a wider range of people and participate in new experiences.
The goal of teaching a language to your child is not only to develop their problem-solving skills, but to empower them to communicate effectively and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
With a second language, your child can expand their connection to their community and make a positive impact by breaking down linguistic barriers and fostering meaningful connections with those around them. Learning a language is not only a personal growth opportunity but also a way to demonstrate care and generosity toward others, as well as opening doors for future opportunities.
Studies have shown that bilingualism can positively impact brain development, especially in the areas related to language processing and executive function. This means that children who are bilingual are more likely to have better problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and memory retention.
Did you know that being bilingual can have a positive impact on your child’s health? Recent research by York University discovered that speaking two languages can boost cognitive reserves, potentially delaying the onset of dementia. In addition, bilingual individuals who have had strokes tend to recover more quickly and completely.
Although these benefits may not be immediate, your child will thank you in the long run for introducing them to another language. In the meantime, being bilingual will help them form stronger relationships with a larger network of people, which can have a positive impact on their mental health through the development of meaningful friendships.
In conclusion, teaching your child a second language has numerous benefits, and starting at an early age can help to maximize these advantages. Not only does it enhance cognitive abilities and cultural awareness, but it also prepares children for success in a multilingual world and gives them a competitive edge in their future careers.
Give your children a happier, brighter and healthier future by teaching them a second language!
Help your children learn Mandarin by seeing and hearing the words themselves with Mandarin Prodigies’ learning materials.
Mandarin flash cards Designed by a Montessori Mum for the Children to learn Chinese effectively.
It includes 50 premium and colorful flashcards which feature the first 100 Chinese characters. It’s a unique and effective dual language approach of teaching, ideal for children. These flashcards help parents bond, and increase Chinese conversation with children, building up their Chinese vocabulary in a fun & engaging way!
Multisensory learning techniques work well with young children, it will speed up their learning process, and that is just what Mandarin Prodigies provides.
These three books showcase simple sentences and bright illustrations, encouraging your child to learn basic Chinese. Your kids will surely enjoy these fun & interactive books!
References:
https://blog.rosettastone.com/7-benefits-of-second-language-learning-at-an-early-age/
https://www.parents.com/bilingual/benefits-of-learning-a-second-language-as-a-child/
As mum of three young children, we love to bring the culture alive through some fun and interactive activities that children will remember and love to do.
This FREE CNY activity sheet included, it is more than 10 pages :
These Chinese New Year activities are created by Kristin, it will help children to engage with the Chinese culture while have heaps of fun.
Please see your CNY moments on Facebook or IG, tag @mandarinprodigies, we love to see how children use the resources and how every one celebrate new year!
Please download this FREE resources below & Feel free to share this blog with your friends :
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These are some of my favourite quotes about mothers.
Being a mother of three children, I deeply and sincerely understand what it takes to be a mum. How much unconditional love and care that we pull out for our children, and not expecting any return.
I think the greatest gift and reward for a mum is to see our children flourish in their talents and gifts, influence and change the world around them and to be who they created to be!
I home-school my children Mandarin Chinese, for this special occasion, I created some craft to make easy flowers and badge with my girl.
Growing up I never had opportunities with my mum to do any craft or reading books together. My mum was so busy working and made living for us, which I am so grateful for her hard work and sacrifice. Now as a mum , I want to create this precious moments with my own daughter, doing something fun and meaningful things together.
The memory of what we creating is priceless.
Here are some simple process of making them:
1. Print them out on the thicker paper which will help flower stem to stand on its own. ( thicker than a normal print copy paper, if you don't have, you can use the cardboard to support flower stem)
2. Cut the flower, stem , vase shapes.
3. Let your children colour the vase.
4. glue the flowers, stem together and once done, glue the flower behind the vase.
5. Cut out the badge shapes and glue them together.
6. It is Teacher Appreciation Week as well, you can make this for your teacher too.
Happy Making & Creating these precious memories together!
Here are some photos of our making process:
I would love to see your flowers & badge for mother's day! Please share with us on Facebook or Instagram @mandarinprodigies to be featured.
Make yours & Download it for FREE.
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In different parts of China, people celebrate Chinese New Year slightly different. For example, I grew up in southern part of China Fujian. My parents don't make dumpling for Chinese New Year, we eat special noodle with lots of nice toppings on the first day of Chinese New Year. We need to finish the first bowl of noodle on the first day of CNY to have good luck and good year.
There are many other activities that we do together during Chinese New Year. Children receive red packets from many aunties and uncles and we have reunion family dinner which is big thing during the festival. We hang up new lanterns and write Chinese couplets in the house during this time too.
I really would love my children to experience the culture and atmosphere one day. We are not travelling anywhere overseas this year, I hope my children still can experience Chinese New Year celebration while we are living in Australia.
I created this easy Lantern Craft for my kids, using materials that you can easily find it at home. I created this pack for children to have some fun of learning and understand Lunar New Year. There will be some colorings of year of tiger, instructions on how to easy lanterns craft and new vocabularies.
Here are some photos of Kara and me, we did this set of activities together. We made a few lanterns and hang it around the house. She love it! Hope you will make yours too & share it with us. =)
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They don't have enough exposure to Chinese language. Every day there are in and out the house, seeing the signs are all in English. I really hope to create Chinese environment as much as I can at home. So they can see & read it.
As Christmas is approaching, I created this simple Christmas activities cards ( 16 activities in the printable ). I was a bit late to create them from first day of December. =) Well it is better late than never.
We used envelops and pegs to make a simple garland. We cut out each activity and stick on the beautiful paper to put inside the envelop. Kids put them on the garland.
Each day when they wake up , they get to open an envelop and look at an Christmas activity. The numbers on the envelop help them to count down to Christmas! WOOHOO~~~
It is great kid's Christmas activity at home written in Chinese & English, fill in the details and download the printable for FREE.
]]>I am home-schooling Chinese 中文 for my children . Love Montessori approach, so I am trying to create as much hands-on activities as possible for their Mandarin Chinese learning.
As Melbourne is in extended lock down, only go out within 5km. Kids’ well being are so important. This is inspired by the elder's child’s teacher, who do daily check in with them by ask them how they feel today OR they get to draw how they feel ?
This weather station and well-being check are written in English & simplified Chinese. It help children to see & learn Chinese as they do this activity.
I also used this to well-being check for my younger children who just turn 3 years old. A lots of toddlers don't know how to describe their feeling, the picture help us to know how they are by asking them to point to their feeling.
I love the idea, so I designed this feeling check & weather station. I always feel that weather affects our emotions. We just enter spring, which is much warmer & I love it, however, having strong hay fever symptoms really affects my emotions & well being.
It took me a couple of hours to design this, we only took about 5 minutes to put it together.
To make this Weather station and well-being board, all you will need below :
1. Cut out the arrows ( Tips: stick the arrows on another cardboard/thick paper if you can, so the arrow is not too thin. Otherwise young children will bend it), use the pin to go through the hole.
2. Stick the papers on the cardboard, and make two holes on the top for hanging the weather & feeling station.
3. Hang on the well, so children can see & play and learn some Chinese at the same time. Create your immersive Chinese environment at home.
Download your Free weather station & well-being check below.
I would love to see your photos of this activity, feel free to share and tag us @mandarinprodigies.
Have fun! =D
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According to research “1 music increase children’s sensory development. 2 Music can improve literacy and numeracy.“
From an early age, babies can hear the difference between different types of sounds. After just a few weeks, a baby is able to identify their mother’s voice from other people’s. Exposure to music enhances a child’s natural ability to decode sounds and words.
"By singing nursery rhymes to your child, you can help them to identify sound patterns and learn through repetition. In addition to that, music also helps children anticipate what is coming next in a poem or a song and they know how to put these patterns in a sequence. By mastering these skills, children build the base of literacy and numeracy.”
Learning Chinese through children songs, will increase and help your children’s literacy and numeracy. ❤️🙌
These are TOP FIVE CHINESE NURSERY RHYMES that is easy for children to follow and sing along.
Check it out actual reading & singing that my daughter Kara did on Instagram video :
1. 五指歌
2. 小白兔
3. 两只老虎
4. 一只小绵羊
5. 一闪一闪亮晶晶
If you like a copy of these lyrics (both in English & Chinese ) Chinese nursery rhymes, please download it via this form.
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7 Basic Chinese Character Stroke Rules
It is very important to practice correct stroke order. It will set up a good foundation for their future Chinese learning.
There are 7 basic Chinese stroke rules that you have to follow. For example, rule 1: write from top to bottom ( 从上到下); rule 2: write from left to right (从左到右)。
I taught my son to practise these basic strokes. He is beginner in writing Chinese Characters.
I love Montessori method, so children can learn it in multi-sensory way and have so much fun.
I chose to use a tray with some sugar on top to help him practise these strokes. He could hold stick or he could use hands to write it. (you can try sand, salt.. etc to put in the tray)
Because this is part of sensory play and learn experience. He is so happy to do it.
Gradually I will introduce Chinese writing grid( 田字格). My focus for a Chinese writing beginner is let him love the language. Let him have lots of fun and explore the language through multi-senses e.g. see, touch, listen and communicate it.
More importantly, parents you are their first teacher. If you know the language, it is great bonding moments with your children.
I love the moments like this when we sit down together and do it together.
If you are interested to get your copy of this useful resources and start helping your children to understand 28 basic Chinese Character Strokes and 7 basic Chinese stroke rules today.
Please fill in your details below, it will be sent to you soon.
Thank you!
Kristin Yu
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During this festival seasons, we see beautiful decoration everywhere. Do they know how to say them in Chinese? I certainly put my three children to the test, to my surprise, they know very little Christmas themed words in Chinese. For example, Santa Claus as 圣诞老人;Elf as 精灵;Gingerbread man 姜饼人.
Please fill in the details to download the printable for FREE & Start to Learn it with your kids, it is lots of fun =)
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