Mandarin K — Heritage Language Class

Course Description

Mandarin K is designed for kindergarten-aged students from Mandarin-speaking families. Qualified students should have at least one Chinese-speaking parent or caregiver and regularly hear Mandarin at home.

Students are expected to understand basic, everyday spoken Mandarin. Fluent speaking, reading, and writing skills are not required.

Using 《马立平中文》幼儿园教材 (Ma Liping Chinese, Kindergarten Level), this class builds a strong foundation in:

• Mandarin listening and speaking

• Chinese character recognition

• Early reading

• Pre-writing skills

Class activities include story-reading, nursery rhymes, games, guided conversations, movement, and hands-on cultural activities appropriate for kindergarten learners.

Learning Goals

Aligned with the Ma Liping Chinese Kindergarten curriculum, students will:

• Strengthen their understanding of everyday spoken Mandarin.

• Build confidence in speaking Mandarin with teachers and classmates.

• Develop age-appropriate Mandarin vocabulary and sentence patterns.

• Recognize Chinese characters introduced in the kindergarten curriculum.

• Explore Chinese characters through pictures, stories, rhymes, and meaningful activities.

• Develop early reading readiness and an interest in Chinese books.

• Build fine-motor and pre-writing skills in preparation for writing Chinese characters.

• Participate in songs, movement activities, games, and guided conversations.

• Learn about Chinese traditions, celebrations, and culture.

• Develop positive learning habits that prepare them for the next level of the Ma Liping Chinese program.

Instructional Approach

The Ma Liping kindergarten curriculum introduces Mandarin Chinese characters through meaningful, engaging, and age-appropriate activities. Classroom instruction reinforces the textbook through visual materials, movement, storytelling, conversation, review games, and hands-on practice.

Families are encouraged to support their children through regular review and continued use of Mandarin each weekday at home.