Comparing Chinese Enrichment (Primary/Preschool)

[titank]

i3mum:

Anyone has any feedback about Eduplus at Ghim Moh & Tien Xia? Is it suitable/ good for kids in K1 & Nursery? I know Berries is a good choice, but more costly for me.

So far I think only Berries allow you to have a trial, other enrichment centre either you have to pay 1 month or 1 term.

[VooVoo]

hquek:

DS1 currently attending the chinese idiom holiday class - to set context: he's in K1.


Based on his feedback, lessons consist of reading the idioms from the book, copying out the words, and copying a 'zao ju'; and then reading a passage from another reader.

I was a bit dismayed that there is NO attempt at explaining what the idioms meant, or even what the ? the 'zao ju' means when they copy. Otherwise, I do like the book and cd they provide.

In comparison, DS1's SHHK lele class teachers bring materials to class (eg, when they were on food, teacher actually brought cooked rice and had a pretend makan session; on vegetable, each child got a stalk of some veg to bring home). They cover about 1 chinese idiom a week, but this is set in context of a story and my son could explain what the meaning is.

Perhaps they are a bit young to understand, that why the holiday class is conducted as such....I AM glad he's getting to recognise more words from the holiday class; but will probably hold back from other such classes if it's just paying so they have to read in class.

Thanks for your feedback. Almost signed up by K1 (next year) DS for the holiday idiom class. Based on your feedback, luckily I didn't 'coz it would probably put him off Chinese!

Was also sold on the regular Idioms class - they wanted him to attend twice a week intensive so that he can catch up on the 16 lessons that have already passed when I enquired on the registration... :!:

[titank]

Hi Voovoo,


Think only Yuquan have this 2 additional Chinese enrichment where other Chinese language school does not have it. Yes they also asking me to take up so as to complement the existing chinese enrichment centre.

成语识字Cool
中华字经》快速识字课程

Can anyone advise me by which primary level the student need to remember chinese idioms? Yuquan have the 200 Idioms & follow by the 800 Idioms. If no hurry then maybe would let DS take at a later stage. What is the point of knowing to read the idioms but do not understand their meaning.

[mummyloves]

titank:

Hi Voovoo,


Think only Yuquan have this 2 additional Chinese enrichment where other Chinese language school does not have it. Yes they also asking me to take up so as to complement the existing chinese enrichment centre.

成语识字Cool
中华字经》快速识字课程

Can anyone advise me by which primary level the student need to remember chinese idioms? Yuquan have the 200 Idioms & follow by the 800 Idioms. If no hurry then maybe would let DS take at a later stage. What is the point of knowing to read the idioms but do not understand their meaning.

My sons signed up for the cheng yu course. Our thoughts are that this will help them to learn the Chinese ways and at the same time know the CHinese Idioms. I remembered having to memorise 20 cheng yu per week during sec school and that was so painful. if they could pick up the cheng yu at a young age, would be good...

[VooVoo]

Agree that the cheng yu course is definitely useful and unique compared to the generic chinese enrichment...but I think my biggest question is how these classes are conducted - it is more important to generate interest and convey its meaning...


How the class is conducted is impt for me to have an idea when I shld send my DS in...if it is \"boring\" - a young child may be put off easily...

I remember learning cheng yu (when I was young) from watching the old taiwanese / chinese cry cry dramas...can relate the cheng yu used to what was going on on TV :oops:

[sesame246]

Hi,


Can anyone share their experience with Jiang Education for P5/6 higher Chinese? I heard the class size is quite big so I am not sure if it is effective.

Thanks in advance.

[Naviseal]

sian…Tien Hsia Bishan no more vacancy next year for P2 classes :x

[pikachu]

Anyone know which centre provides higher chinese enrichment for secondary one? Heard some centre also have topic discussion?

[outsider]

My son can speak fluent Mandarin but he cannot recognise the chinese characters well. I decided to try berries to see if it helps.


I attended one trial lesson at berries with my ds (N2). There were not many students in the class as it was the 9am session. The lesson was conducted in a fun and relaxed way. The children converse in English when they were talking to each other. However, I was very impressed with their abilities to recognise the chinese characters. The teacher show me a thick stack of card of chinese characters, the children were able to read them.

They looked happy too.

I would have let my son joined the class but he didnt want to. Guess have to teach him on my own.

[Atan]

I have seen Yuquan demonstration on the chinese breakfast show and how they train on idioms. It seemed to be basically reciting and 'learning by hard' method. Acc to the principal, kids would naturally remember in this way. Personally, I do not agree to such method as I would be put off if I am a kid myself. I am very sure that it would not suit my son.


During my school days, I often top the chinese subject and the only secret was reading and more reading which developed a keen interest in the language. Through reading, I believe one would naturally pick up the chinese idioms .