Chinese Language Classes

"Chinese is one of the world's most important languages.  Our students must learn and understand the language in a cultural context, in order to succeed in today's global economy."

 -Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education

 

Why learn Chinese?

• “Chinese—not English—is the most widely spoken language of the world.”

• “The Chinese-speaking world is also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world today - a strategic location for many businesses in the 21st century.”

• “Chinese is one of the most important languages to know for the 21st century.”

• ”There are more than 1 billion people who speak Chinese. Take Chinese!”

• “One of the most important skills to have in the 21st century is a functional knowledge of the Chinese language and culture.”  -  — The Chinese Program, The Pennsylvania State University

• Children who learn a second language score higher on standardized tests

• Children who begin learning a second language are much more likely to speak that language like a native speaker

• Learning a second language is much easier for a child than an adult

Our Programs

 

Beginning Chinese for Adults

Class is designed for students who are learning Mandarin for the first time or speak some Mandarin. The basic Chinese four tones, radicals, writing strokes and characters are discussed.  Class will have an additional aim of introducing students to aspects of Chinese culture.  

Milestones

• Focus on verbal skills by basic introductions, family, colors, directions, days of the week, time and money, ordering food in a restaurant, transportation questions, and simple conversations

• Begin following instructions in Mandarin and learning to speak in complete sentences

• Carry out simple conversations about daily activities

• Recognize and write Chinese Characters

• Appreciate and become familiar with Chinese cultural activities

 

Afterschoolers' Chinese Language and Cultural Immersion Program

for students ages 6-10

Class is designed to develop active listening, speaking and an interest in the Chinese language and culture. Topics are real life situations relevant to this age group with role-play and discussion used to gain student involvement and interest.  The basic Chinese four tones, Pinyin, writing strokes and characters are introduced. Students will enjoy Chinese culture, paper folding, art and martial arts while learning the language.
Milestones

• Focus on verbal skills by introducing yourself by name, asking for food, days of the week, colors, telling people how old you are, asking for directions, etc  

• Begin following instructions in Mandarin and learning to speak in complete sentences

• Begin learning to read and write Chinese characters

• Reinforce learning through songs, crafts, and games

 

Parent and Child Chinese, for children ages 4-5

Looking for a way to experience the Chinese culture with your child? Then join us for a shortened version of the language and culture course designed for children ages three to six to take along with their parents. Class is conducted in the format of circle time and play group, aiming to expose young children and their parents to simple Chinese expressions and sounds through interactive songs, rhymes, and hands-on activities.                

Milestones

• Focus on verbal skills and some simple Chinese character recognition

• Learn numbers, greetings, colors, objects, animals, family members, and body parts

• Begin using complete sentences in Chinese to make simple requests and to reply

• Gain awareness of Chinese culture and enjoy a different language environment

• Reinforce learning through songs, games and individual work time

• Textbook - Monkey King Chinese

Tuition & Schedule  (8 Week Session)
Program	Day(s)	Time	Tuition
Beginning Chinese for Adults I	Mon/Wed	7:30-9:00 pm (3 hours/week)	$480
Beginning Chinese for Adults II	Mon/Wed	9:30-10:30 am  (3 hours/week)	$480
Travel Chinese	Tues/Thurs	7:30-9:00 pm (3 hours/week)	$480
After School Immersion Chinese	Tues/Thurs or Mon/Wed	4:00-5:00 pm (2 hours/week)	$320
After School Immersion Chinese	Tues/Thurs Mon/Wed	4:00-5:00 pm (4 hours/week)	$600
Parent and Child Chinese	Tues/Thurs	9:30-10:15am (1.5 hours/week)	$240

Tuition and Course Organization

*There is a non-refundable $35 registration fee for first-time students only. We'll acknowledge receipt and enrollment as soon as we receive it.

*Please note that textbook is also required for all adult classes, and for children's non-beginner's classes. We'll have copies available for purchase on the first day of class.

*Makeup classes: if a student cannot make the first class of an absolute beginners class, we provide a free half-hour make up class prior to the second class. Makeup classes after that are on a per-fee basis.

*Refund policy: Students have until the end of day on the first day of class to notify us of their decision to drop a class. There is a $10 administrative fee for cancellations, and also a fee to cover the cost of first day of instruction. Because we keep our classes small and registration lean (up to the first day of class), we cannot honor refunds after first day of class.