Elementary Chinese Enrichment
This course serves as the first part of an introduction to Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin). The course aims at developing four basic skills, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and at building a solid foundation in preparation for more advanced studies.
Enduring Understanding
After successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Have the basic understanding of the Pinyin system so that they can pronounce some of sounds used in modern standard Chinese correctly; Some nursery rhymes, ancient poems and tongue twisters are provided to make Pinyin learning more enjoyable.
2. Understand and speak some simple Chinese sentences related to greetings, number counting, body parts and family members.
3. Recognize and read simple Chinese characters and have a primary understanding of the rules of Character writing, such as the basic strokes and stroke-order.
4. Obtain a preliminary understanding of Chinese culture through culture themed mini-projects.
Additional Resources Needed
Required Textbooks:
- Chinese Paradise - The Fun Way to Learn Chinese Volume 1 Student's Book (A and B)- with an accompanying CD
- Chinese Paradise - The Fun Way to Learn Chinese Volume 1 Workbook (A and B) with an accompanying CD
Chinese Mall link
Required Technology:
- Computer that meets the minimum system requirements listed on the Live Classroom page
- Internet connection (Broadband preferred)
- Headset with microphone combination
- E-mail account (recommended)
- Printer
- Scanner or access to a fax machine (Your school should have this available for you
- DVD Player (in PC or consumer player)
- Web camera for computer (recommended
- Writing tablet (recommended)- (Genius Mouse Pen 8x6 - $50; Bamboo [Small] Pen tablet with pen only - $70 - from Amazon.com)
Content Topics
Chinese phonetic system: Pronunciation & tones & writing system
Unit 2
Greetings
Unit 3
Numbers and Ages
Unit 4
Facial Organs and Physical Features
Philsophy
1. Integrate Chinese culture into learning and provide students with opportunities to explore.
2. Recognize diversity in the classroom and help students with different background reach their full potential.
3. Guide and encourage students to learn the language in meaningful ways.
4. Promote active communicating and solid language skills.
5. Pay special attention to pronunciation, sounds and tones which are crucial for communication.
Assessments
1. Attendance, regular practice/drills and classroom participation: 20%
2. Homework and mini-projects: 30%
3. Quizzes: 20%
4. Final Test (Open book): 30%