Our Mandarin classes for children have been researched and developed for children who are both native and non-native Chinese speakers. Currently, the majority of children who attend our classes are non-native speakers. Our Mandarin Stars community is diverse and we welcome children from all cultural backgrounds.
Ni hao!
Mandarin Stars was intrigued by an informative discussion on how a monolinguist attitude may damage our nation, following a study conducted on language and its impact on tourism.
Mandarin Stars are keen to provide resources and support outside of the classroom, to fully promote their bilingual learning. One way that we do this is by recommending resources which will assist parents in encouraging their children’s language development.
We highly recommend Ingrid Piller’s radio exerpt on ABC radio’s PM show, “Push for multi-lingual mindset”:
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2010/s2831700.htm
Of particular interest is Ingrid Pillar’s emphasis on how attitudes are the driving factor for incorporating multilinguism into our lives. The focus on every-day usage of Mandarin, and the integration of language into our lives, are important features underlying Mandarin Stars classes!
Xie xie!
Dawna and the Mandarin Stars Team!
Mandarin Stars provides fun and inspiring Mandarin Chinese lessons for children age 1 to 12 years. Our Mandarin program for children is designed for children from all nationalities and our program is specifically designed for non-native learners. To find out more and to read about what our parents and the wider community think of us- please visit www.mandarinstars.com.au
Ni hao!
What a great Easter we all had! It was a great chance to really rest up and take stock of the new enrolments we have seen this year. Over the holidays- I received a really lovely email that I would like to share with you. It is from Cielo- mum to Juliana who joined Mandarin Stars at our Newtown branch about a year ago.. here is what she had to say:
‘First of all I want to let you know that Juliana has enjoyed her time immensely at Mandarin Stars. She has learned a lot and uses the pinyin words daily eg. words for apple, grapes, airplane, house and her most favourite colour “pink” etc. She is also watching her DVDs in Mandarin- “Hello Kitty” , “Dora” etc. She usually finds words that are used in the class being used in the DVDs. To be honest with you, my husband and I were a little skeptical at the beginning in starting Juliana with Mandarin at such an early age (she had just turned 2 years) thinking that she might not be able to sit long enough and have the attention span to learn or let alone pick up anything, but to our surprise she learned something from the very first day she attended. Even if we had to drive quite a fair distance I felt that it was all worth it seeing my child grasp what I as an adult find difficult which is learning and interacting in a different language. The teachers have been all wonderful and Juliana looks forward each Monday to go to her class. We have met many wonderful friends in the classes who will never forget and have taken countless pictures to keep in our memories. The highlight for my daughter last year was being able to celebrate her surprise 3rdBirthday along with her teachers and friends at Mandarin Stars. She was even lost for words when everyone sang “Happy Birthday” in Mandarin. The teacher/s Juliana has are excellent and I commend you in taking such high quality teachers who children love and adore. It saddens me that in 2 lessons Juliana will have to finally say good-bye to Mandarin Stars as we prepare for the next chapter in our lives which is a new baby. Juliana often boasts that she will be a Jie Jie (big sister) soon. You don’t know how wonderful it is to hear your 3 year old use Mandarin daily. We are also hoping that our new baby will experience going to Mandarin Stars in the future. Again Dawna, Thanks to Mandarin Stars- my child has grown to love Mandarin and learn more about her Chinese heritage. May your school prosper more and teach many other children the joy of learning Mandarin.’
Cielo (Mum to Juliana) March 2010
I would like to say a big Xie Xie to Cielo for allowing us to share her comments with you. I would also like to say an even bigger Xie Xie to our teachers for their hard work- well done!
Have a great week!
Dawna.
Mandarin Stars provides fun and inspiring Mandarin Chinese lessons for children age 1 to 12 years. Our Mandarin program for children is designed for children from all nationalities and our program is specifically designed for non-native learners. To find out more and to read about what our parents and the wider community think of us- please visit www.mandarinstars.com.au
