Comparing Chinese Enrichment (Primary/Preschool)

[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.

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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 .

[tamarind]

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 .

This is exactly how I used to learn Chinese too, reading and reading, no enrichment class needed. I often topped the class in Chinese too.

However, I believe that the Chinese teachers in primary schools during my time are very much better compared to now. I looked at my girl's P1 textbook and it was horrible. If the teacher only follow the textbook to teach, those kids who have not learned Chinese before P1, are going to have a very tough time. That's why in the other thread about Bilingualism, there are parents complaining that Chinese is difficult to learn. This is basically due to poor teachers.

I am glad that I sent my kids to a good enrichment class like Berries since they were 4 years old.

[KingRascal]

tamarind:

This is exactly how I used to learn Chinese too, reading and reading, no enrichment class needed. I often topped the class in Chinese too.


However, I believe that the Chinese teachers in primary schools during my time are very much better compared to now. I looked at my girl's P1 textbook and it was horrible. If the teacher only follow the textbook to teach, those kids who have not learned Chinese before P1, are going to have a very tough time. That's why in the other thread about Bilingualism, there are parents complaining that Chinese is difficult to learn. This is basically due to poor teachers.

I am glad that I sent my kids to a good enrichment class like Berries since they were 4 years old.

I completely agree with you guys too that it's all about reading and enjoying reading! I picked up my interest and command of words from novels, especially Wesley's series on scientific fictions and crimes!

I also agree that the quality of the teachers matters. My sending of DS to enrichment centre is also to cater for the development of the love for the language, not so much for the syllabus teaching.

[maisy]

Hi dear parents

This question is more for the "east-ers"i suppose…but non-easter who are aware of this centre , pls feel free to offer your views too…

How about the standard at The Children’s Art Threatre (basement of Kembangan Plaza) - any good?

I see a lot of students walking in & out in the centre’s Tshirt & long pants …but wonder if it is any good… Apparently the owners are "people known in the chinese media fraternity …"

Comments please…