Dana speaks Mandarin fluently and we’ve often been asked by friends and readers how we enthuse her in learning Chinese. It’s no secret really, we do it these 5 ways:
1. Through Travels
One of the key uses of language is for communication. Travelling helps children see the language come alive and when you are in a foreign country, they see first hand how useful the language is. For this reason alone, we’ve brought Dana to Taiwan twice for language immersion. She saw how we interacted with the local folks in Mandarin, how every sign board, every menu is printed in Chinese, and she even picked up conversational Mandarin phrases there. Taiwan as a destination is not expensive (with budget airlines and many good B&Bs) but the vast exposure it provides for children – Priceless.
Taiwan – best place for Chinese immersion! |
2. Through Songs
In learning a new language, one of the most effective ways for children (and adults) to pick up new vocabulary and pronunciation is through rhymes and songs. When Dana was younger, we bought this ‘Sing to Learn’ Chinese Children’s Song DVD (available at Mothercare and Popular Book store). Last year, we bought this ‘Streams of Praise’ Worship for Kids DVDs (available at Christian Book Stores), all of which she enjoyed immensely. Recently, Daddy purchased some 邓丽君 (Teresa Teng) oldies MP3 from iTunes and started listening to them on our car rides. Guess what? Dana can now belt out oldies like “月亮代表我的心”, ‘小城故事”, “千言萬語” and “夜來香” rather convincingly!
3. Through Conversations
My Chinese educated Mom would attempt to speak to Dana in a smattering of Singlish as she subscribes to the belief that if she spoke Mandarin, the grand-kids would not understand her. We begged to differ and insisted that my Mom speak to Dana in Mandarin so that she can grow up in a bilingual environment. Dana also interacts with Great Grandma in Mandarin. We have a spontaneous ‘Speak Mandarin Day‘ once a week where we attempt to converse entirely in Mandarin. This has proven to be quite hilarious as Daddy’s Mandarin is atrocious but the girl enjoys it and so we will persist. Whenever we dine out at Chinese restaurants, we encourage Dana to speak to the wait staff for any requests we may have (e.g. to ask for the bill, the menu or to thank them). This builds her confidence in using Mandarin with different people she meets.
Mandarin breaks down barriers between generations… |
4. Through Drama and Poetry
One of the most enjoyable holiday camps Dana has attended and continued to speak fondly about were those of the Chinese drama camps conducted by Apple Pie. Incorporating use of songs, drama techniques and poetry, these camps instill a love for Chinese without any stress or tears. It’s pure fun, laughter and creative exploration!
Who knows Chinese camps can be so fun and engaging? |
5. Through Books
All parents can create a language-rich environment filled with books and other reading materials for their kids in their own homes. When it comes to Chinese books, we turn to Flip For Joy 乐翻天! – a homegrown Singapore-based children’s online bookstore started by a Momtreprenuer. The owner, an ex JC Chinese language teacher, has very high expectations when it comes to educational resources so each title is meticulously hand picked and patiently reviewed to ensure they are fun, exciting and engaging for children.
For the upcoming June school holidays, I asked Flip For Joy 乐翻天! for some age-appropriate recommendations for Dana and she sent these over:
经典名著立体书:美人鱼
Watch the popular story of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs spring to life in these beautifully crafted pop-up books from Korea. The lovely illustrations, bright colours and pop-up pages promise a fascinating and engaging reading experience.
Getting them acquainted to well-loved tales in Chinese! |
Aren’t these 3D pop-ups beautiful? |
A collection of classic stories with colourful clay figurines make great companions as the little ones enjoy the many captivating tales that inculcate good values and wisdom. Hanyu pinyin included.
The Hanyu Pinyin guides children to read independently and we liked the values behind each story. |
One of the first things which attracted Dana to this series were the claymation! |
奇妙洞洞书:铁道探险队 *注音
Translated from a popular Italian series, these colourful and creative board books promise to stretch your child’s imagination and develop their fine motor skills. Hop onboard a train and go on an exciting railroad adventure exploring various countries and learning historical facts about them. Hanyu pinyin included.
Tactile elements add to the fun of reading Chinese books! |
A fun adventurous for little explorers! |
Exclusive Giveaway!
Visit http://www.flipforjoy.com.sg/bookstore.html for more great books! |
To spread some love for learning Chinese, the kind folks at Flip For Joy 乐翻天! is giving two lucky Princess Dana Diaries readers a copy of the 3D fairytale pop-up books which Dana enjoy. There are two titles to choose from: 美人鱼 or 白雪公主.
To join the giveaway, simply follow the steps here:
This giveaway ends 27 May 2014. The winner will be picked at random and notified by email. Do check out their website and Facebook page for fascinating fresh flips!
Angie says
Would love to have Snow White! Thanks!
Angeline
[email protected]
Dorothea Chow says
We would love Snow White! Also love the tip about one day of mandarin a week and immersive travel experiences! Will def try to do that sometime.
Dorothea, [email protected]
Cen-Lin Ting says
Would love to win little mermaid. 😉
[email protected]
Ling Siew Ng says
Will consider bringing the kids to Taiwan someday.
Would love to get Snow White.
Ling Siew Ng says
Snow White for us. 🙂
Waiwai Leung says
Snow White!
Thanks!
mami(at)peipeihaohao(dot)com
mummyed says
They both look so interesting! I
Wouldn’t mind either 🙂
Mailmummyed(a)gmail.com
preciouz says
i love to win snow white
Teo Kiali says
I would like to win snow white
[email protected]
Teo KiaLi
evangelyn choon says
My gal would love to have 美人鱼.
[email protected]
Sweetheart Rachael says
Cynthia Lau
[email protected]
白雪公主
Mum's calling says
would love 美人鱼。
Karen
email: [email protected]
intheweehours says
Little Mermaid! Love the story.
Delphine
[email protected]
zhong says
hi,
would love to win the mermaid
joyce
[email protected]
thanks so much for hosting the giveaway
Monika C says
Monika C
[email protected]
The Little Mermaid
Taz & Piglet says
Angela Tan
My gal would love to have 美人鱼.
[email protected]
Min says
would like to read the little mermaid.
Ker Min
[email protected]
L Lee says
I would love to win Snow White!
thanks for hosting!
lyn lee
lilbluebottle (at) gmail
Vera Oh says
Diana
[email protected]
白雪公主
Huiyang says
Thanks for hosting this giveaway! Would love to win snow white 🙂
[email protected]
littledetour says
美人鱼, pls!
Meiyi
[email protected]
Debra says
The Little Mermaid!
We love Taiwan too and want to go back 🙂
Debra
[email protected]
Winnie @ Toddly Mummy says
I would love to win Snow White!!
Winnie Lee
[email protected]
Evelyn Hu says
We would love to win 美人鱼! The little mermaid is my little girl’s fave princess.. it would be splendid to read this is chinese!
Evelyn Hu
[email protected]
Carol Mei Mei says
Snow White pls
Carol Lim Mei Mei
[email protected]
Robert Sim says
Winning Little Mermaid will be nice. My #2 loves singing the song ‘Under the Sea’ from the Disney cartoon!
Robert Sim
[email protected]
Ser says
I will like to win “Little Mermaid”.
Serene Leow
[email protected]
mummybean says
美人鱼 for Meips please – one of her current favourite stories!
Mummybean
mysmallthings[at]gmail[dot]com
Sweetday says
Would like to win Little Mermaid. Thanks for hosting!
walk_of_life(at)live(dot)com
Lilium
Jingxian says
Jingxian
[email protected]
Snow White
Lynn Tey says
Snow White is lovely! Thanks!
Lynn
[email protected]
Mona Alimutomo says
Hi, hope to win 美人鱼 the little mermaid for my lil girl.
Mona
[email protected]
Shopaholic says
Would love to with 美人鱼.
Patricia Tan
[email protected]
Andrew Wong says
Would love the Snow White.
Andrew Wong
[email protected]
Yippee says
Snow White
Kylie Lim
[email protected]
ring-a-ding-a-ling says
白雪公主!thank you for giveaway! Huiling
Nhuiling(at)gmail(dot)com
Shanice Pek says
Hi, we would like to have 美人鱼 please. Thanks!
[email protected]
ashmika jain says
Hi,
My Girl would love to read her favourite Snow White..
ashmika jain
[email protected]
Thanks
Kum Ee says
Will like to win 美人鱼
[email protected]
Kum Ee
mich says
My girl would like Little Mermaid
Dawn says
Would like to win anyone!
[email protected]!
Thanks so much for blogging. Love your posts!
Dawn
Adeline Leo says
I agree with your #1 point! We just came back from Taiwan and during our one week there we watched how our 6yo progressively using more Chinese as the week went by to make conversations with the locals there.
My girl would love to have the 美人鱼 story. Thanks so much for hosting!
Adeline
[email protected]