Jiale Zhongwen Chinese for Families classes aim to make the most of children’s receptiveness to language learning using an age appropriate methodology which is stimulating and includes both variety and repetition. Parents and grandparents are welcomed and encouraged to participate.
Classes are held at Gartrell Uniting Church, corner Alexandra Avenue and Prescott Terrace, Rose Park, Adelaide.
Beginners Class
In the beginners class, children learn a range of vocabulary, songs and simple question and answers. We generally cover the first 12 story books of the My First Chinese Words series as well as a variety of other stories and the children take part in interactive activities such as shopping games and mimes. Children are introduced to a range of picture based characters and given time to gradually absorb them through memory games and craft activities. Making glittery characters remains an all time favourite!
Continuers Class
The continuers class is conducted mostly in Mandarin. Children learn songs, rhymes and expand their repertoire of simple conversational questions and answers. We cover the remaining twenty four story books of the My First Chinese Words series as well as a variety of other stories and the children take part in games and interactive activities. Children are introduced to a wider range of characters and start to read and write sentences. By the end of the year they can read a simple reader produced in class. Most children benefit from spending two years in this class.
Advanced Classes: Level One and Level Two
The advanced classes are conducted in Mandarin with an emphasis on developing children’s ability to express themselves in Chinese through games and spontaneous interaction. Children move on from simply answering questions to developing more advanced spoken skills. At the end of the Level One 2011 class the students were excited to be videoed as they give an oral presentation introducing themselves in Chinese - we will do more of this in 2012! Children also continue to develop their literacy through sentence reading and writing as well as single character recognition. The text for the advanced classes is My First Chinese Reader.