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June in Motion: Growing Mandarin Through Action, Adventure & Independence
- Mandarin Bee
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
Confidence grows when children can do things for themselves.
Over the past few months, we've explored routines, feelings, weather, food and family.
This June, we are focusing on something children love: doing things by themselves.
Whether they are packing their bags, helping at home, riding a scooter or choosing what comes next, June is full of opportunities to introduce practical Mandarin that helps children become more independent.
And because these moments happen naturally throughout the day, Mandarin can become part of the action, not an extra activity.
👶 EARLY Mandarin (Age 0-5)
Young children learn best when they can move their bodies. Instead of focusing on objects, this month focuses on actions.
New Action Words
开 (kāi) — Open
关 (guān) — Close
推 (tuī) — Push
拉 (lā) — Pull
上 (shàng) — Up
下 (xià) — Down
快 (kuài) — Fast
慢 (màn) — Slow
You might say:
开门！(kāi mén!) — Open the door!
关门！(guān mén!) — Close the door!
慢慢走。(màn màn zǒu.) — Walk slowly.
快一点！(kuài yì diǎn!) — A little faster!
These words are easy to demonstrate and often become favourites because children can immediately act them out.
🎲 Week 1 Game: Fast or Slow?
Choose an action:
Walking
Clapping
Jumping
Then call out:
快！(kuài!) — Fast!
or
慢！(màn!) — Slow!
Watch children giggle as they switch speeds.
💛 Why it works: Children experience the meaning physically rather than memorising it.
👦 Mandarin EXPLORER (Age 6-12)
As children grow, they begin managing more of their own belongings and routines. This creates opportunities for practical language that feels useful.
Independence Phrases
整理一下。(zhěng lǐ yí xià.) — Tidy up.
收起来。(shōu qǐ lái.) — Put it away.
别忘了。(bié wàng le.) — Don't forget.
小心点。 (xiǎoxīn diǎn. ) — Be careful.
你自己来。(nǐ zì jǐ lái.) — Do it yourself.
These phrases support independence while introducing useful everyday vocabulary.
🎲 Week 2 Game: Secret Mission Cards
Write simple missions:
整理书桌 (zhěng lǐ shū zhuō) — Tidy your desk
收玩具 (shōu wán jù) — Put away the toys
开窗户 (kāi chuāng hù) — Open the window
Children complete the mission and report back for a little reward.
💛 Why it works: The language has a purpose, making it more memorable.
Like what you're seeing so far?
🚲 Outside Adventures
Whether it's a walk around the neighbourhood, a scooter ride, or a trip to the park, June is a great time to introduce directional language.
👶 EARLY Mandarin (Age 0-5)
前面 (qián miàn) — In front
后面 (hòu miàn) — Behind
这里 (zhè lǐ) — Here
那里 (nà lǐ) — There
Try:
看前面！(kàn qián miàn!) — Look ahead!
来这里！(lái zhè lǐ!) — Come here!
👦 Mandarin EXPLORER (Age 6-12)
左边 (zuǒ biān) — Left
右边 (yòu biān) — Right
直走。(zhí zǒu.) — Go straight.
转弯 (zhuǎn wān) — Turn
You might ask:
我们该走左边还是右边？(Wǒmen gāi zǒu zuǒbiān háishì yòubiān?) — Should we go left or right?
🎲 Week 3 Game: Family Navigator
Let your child become the guide. They use Mandarin directions to lead the family.
Even one phrase like: 左边！(zuǒ biān!) is a win.
💛 Why it works: Children love being in charge.
🏡 Helping at Home
Helping doesn't just build responsibility, it also creates natural opportunities for language.
👶 EARLY Mandarin (Age 0-5)
给 (gěi) — Give
帮 (bāng) — Help
送 (sòng) — Bring
👦 Mandarin EXPLORER (Age 6-12)
轮到你了。(lún dào nǐ le.) — It's your turn.
做得不错。(zuò de bú cuò.) — Nicely done.
做完了吗？(zuò wán le ma?) — Have you finished?
These phrases feel encouraging rather than instructional.
🎲 Week 4 Game: Family Helper Bingo
Create a simple bingo card with tasks:
Put away shoes
Water a plant
Set the table
Feed a pet
Use Mandarin phrases throughout the activity.
💛 Why it works: Children associate Mandarin with achievement and capability.
📘 Want all the Mandarin Bee phrases in one place?
If your child is enjoying these games, we’ve created a free Mandarin Bee Mandarin Moments at Mealtime guide to support your child's learning. Inside, you’ll find:
The key phrases shared in the blog post
Extra everyday vocabulary to build confidence naturally
Mandarin + pinyin + English for every phrase
Simple options for younger (0–5) and older (6–12) children
💛 Ready to start your Child’s Mandarin Journey? Register for our TRIAL Class
If you’d like Mandarin to become part of your child’s weekly routine, register for a TRIAL Class today!
The programs we offer:
EARLY Mandarin (For Age 0–5)
Mandarin EXPLORER (For Age 6–12)
📍 Mitcham & Templestowe
Designed for:
Busy families
Families where Mandarin is not their first language
Children to learn through play, routine, and confidence
Featuring:
✨ Small groups
✨ Supportive teachers
✨ No Mandarin background needed
📲 Stay Connected With Us
For simple tips, classroom moments, and updates on programs and workshops, follow us on social media: Instagram & Facebook
We share:
Easy Mandarin phrases for home use
Behind-the-scenes learning moments
Programme updates and reminders
💛 A Gentle Reminder for Parents
As children become more independent, it's tempting to focus on getting things done quickly.
But these everyday moments are some of the richest language opportunities you'll ever have.
You don't need long conversations, just a few useful words woven into real life. Over time, children begin to understand that Mandarin isn't just something they learn. It's something they use.
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