Mandarin Bee

Mandarin learning doesn’t need to happen during a formal lesson. Children can practise language while tidying up, helping someone, playing a game, getting ready for Halloween or talking about something they have done. This October, we’ll turn these familiar moments into Mandarin through four simple games that encourage children to take action, help others, use their imagination and reflect on what they’ve learnt. For younger children, that might mean learning a word or responding to a simple...

Children are naturally observant and constantly noticing things: What is big or small, fast or slow, smooth or rough, and which things they like best. This September, we’ll turn those everyday observations into Mandarin through four simple games that encourage children to describe, compare and explain what they see. For younger children, that might mean using one describing word. For older children, we’ll go a step further by combining descriptions, making comparisons and explaining opinions....

Over the past few months, we've discovered that Mandarin doesn't need to happen during a lesson. It can happen in little moments while getting dressed, observing the weather, having a meal together, and more. By now, your child has heard many familiar words and phrases woven naturally into everyday life. This month, instead of focusing on learning new vocabulary, we're helping children use Mandarin to connect with the people around them. Because language isn't just about knowing words. It's...