Learning Chinese (Primary/Preschool)

[tamarind]

[quote]
If you must make your child memorize something, it is far better to let him memorize the 笑猫日记 series of books since these books are far superior to model compositions which are paid by parents to be published.[/quote]Well, I was being sarcastic, can't you tell ?

I have edited that before anyone else misunderstands.

[tamarind]

For other parents, I recommend using the 大鼻子李教授新体验作文 series of books that I mentioned earlier.


This series of 6 books from P1 to P6 includes a model composition in each chapter, not for the purpose of memorizing, but for the purpose of teaching the techniques of creative writing. Kids who can read very well should be able to use these book to learn independently.

I have scanned a few pages from these books, anyone who is interested can PM me and I can share the files with you.

[Chenonceau]

tamarind:

[quote]
If you must make your child memorize something, it is far better to let him memorize the 笑猫日记 series of books since these books are far superior to model compositions which are paid by parents to be published.

Well, I was being sarcastic, can't you tell ?

I have edited that before anyone else misunderstands.[/quote]No. I can't tell.

Generally, I respect your views and state where I concur with them. I also think you make an important contribution to this forum. I have myself benefited greatly from your sharing. Where I don't entirely agree, I simply put down what I sincerely think with reasoned logic. I try not to write things designed to hurt another using an artifice of emotion such as sarcasm. I am puzzled but do still respect your need or choice to be sarcastic.

And I hope that despite this we might still one day share friendly dialogue (sans sarcasm) on this forum.

[tamarind]

Gosh. I cannot imagine how anyone can be hurt by a little sarcasm like that.

I have seen a lot worst in this forum.

I guess I am being insensitive to parents who must make their kids memorize things which are not unnecessary, instead of trying to understand what are the more effective methods of learning Chinese.

Just to clarify to other parents, I do think that the 笑猫日记 series of books are far superior to model compositions which are paid by parents to be published. There are a total of 13 books in this series, each chapter is packed with good phrases and vocabulary, and most importantly, the content is interesting to kids. These books are widely read by upper primary kids in China, and the level of difficulty is definitely higher than our P6 syllabus.

[Chenonceau]

tamarind:

Gosh. I cannot imagine how anyone can be hurt by a little sarcasm like that.

You misunderstand. Sarcasm is designed as a verbal strike. It is a verbal strategy meant to hurt. Whether it actually does hurt or not is entirely a different issue.

I am puzzled by your need to use sarcasm... not hurt. Notice that I didn't even see the sarcasm. I merely thought that you had perhaps changed your position as the thread developed (or would advise memorizing under certain conditions) and asked to clarify.

No, I am not hurt. I still do sincerely think you make valuable contribution to this forum, and still greatly rely on your recommendations of reading material and such else. And continue to hope that we can have friendly dialogue (sans sarcasm)... I apologise if I have written anything that spurs you to the use of sarcasm. Normally I use sarcasm only when I am upset. So, if I have upset you, then I am quite quite sorry indeed.

[lee2004]

chinese word is difference with english word, right?


How to remember and understand chinese words faster?

plz check

http://shuowen.supfree.net/

and other website about chinese learning :

http://edumall.sg
http://xuele.edumall.sg
http://www.lead.com.sg

help you understand english words.

[Passerby]

Hi Chenonceau


Just wanted to let you know that I have always enjoyed reading all your posts, they come across as very well balanced & well thought through. Your POV are always well put and argued, without being strident or abrasive, and they come across as very mature views, without being the "end all & be all", always appreciating that everyone has different considerations & priorities.

Most of all you are truly a very gracious lady, whom many have lots to learn from, myself included. I do hope to continue having the privilege of reading your POV on the varied subjects that you have an interest in. Thank you.

[cimman]

I think memorization strategy is definitely a useful strategy to have if you’re able to motivate your child to work on it. For the short term, it is very effective in meeting it’s objectives.


In the long term, nothing beats reading voraciously, of course.

Chenonceau’s strategy is not just memory work without understanding the passages, but memorization with understanding of the phrases. With a sufficient vocabulary base developed through memorization and understanding, the child should progress to self reading at the later stages.

To motivate a child to memorize consistently on a daily basis is not easy, in fact, it’s downright difficult. To be able to do so successfully, is a testament to her perseverance and her motivation techniques.

A lot of people view memorization as bad. In fact, there are a number of brain training programs that does just that. Memorization increases the number of synapes in the brain and this improves intelligence and focus. It gives the brain a good workout.

I remember when I was in Secondary school, I had to memorize Shakespeare for literature even though it’s meaning was Greek to me. However, through memorization, I finally understood it’s meaning.
So memorization for languages does have it’s place.

Something out of topic, but have you noticed movies where caucasion actors speaks Mandarin ? from their accent and the way they run through their words, you’ll know they don’t know a word of what they’re mouthing, and yet, they managed to memorize the script. Yet, in the movies, they are often protrayed as a foreigner who is an expert in the Chinese language. That always cracks me up. Now that’s memorization without understanding.

[Vevey]

Passerby:

Hi Chenonceau


Just wanted to let you know that I have always enjoyed reading all your posts, they come across as very well balanced & well thought through. Your POV are always well put and argued, without being strident or abrasive, and they come across as very mature views, without being the \"end all & be all\", always appreciating that everyone has different considerations & priorities.

Most of all you are truly a very gracious lady, whom many have lots to learn from, myself included. I do hope to continue having the privilege of reading your POV on the varied subjects that you have an interest in. Thank you.

Yes, I 2nd that, even though I had ONLY chanced upon Chenonceau's posts in the other 2 threads abt motivation & disappointment in kids etc only 1-2 hr ago. I'm her instant fan! :lol:

Let's continue to share & learn from each other here!

[laughingcat]

Hi Chenonceau and Tamarind,


I must applaud to both of you. :rahrah: This is the kind of healthy debates that most parents would like to see in the forum. It is definitely useful for everyone to share different views. :grphug: :goodpost:

I am deeply appreciative your sharing and I would like to see both of you to share more as well, and not withholding your thoughts and views.

Agreed that there are 2 sides of the coins. There is no such thing as 1 method fixed for all. Some works for short term and while some works for long term. Likewise some method work for immediate effect and while some method only shows result after long term.

So a big cheers to both Lao Da for your great sharings. :celebrate: