How Should Kids Learn Chinese?
Did you know that .... when it comes to learning a foreign
language, the younger one, starts the better. Indeed, some studies show
that learning a second language at early age increases fluency and the
development of a native accent. These benefits are critical especially
when learning Chinese. But what’s the proper way for kids to learn
Mandarin?
Children learn languages differently from adults
“Combining lessons with a fun activity is the best way to get kids
engaged with a language,” says teacher Eric Mei from Mandarin House.
“Kids have short attention spans. You need to use toys, pictures, games
and competition to keep them engaged. If not, you will lose them,” he
continues. That way, children can combine all these inputs to create
words and understand the rhythm and structure of sentences.
Kids
learn better when using graphic or animated teaching methods. Their
language skills improve when they learn by doing things by themselves
and – especially – by playing.
What options do parents have? Outside China,
parents are beginning to enroll their kids in Mandarin immersion
programs, hiring Chinese tutors and nannies, and buying Mandarin
cartoons or video games. They see Chinese as the language of the future
and want to help their kids prepare.
But what if you are in China? Kids are constantly receiving Chinese
inputs, but parents can help their progress by taking advantage of a
wide range of options.
The most immersive option is to put kids into a local Chinese school.
In fact, some schools offer a two-way immersion program combining
Chinese and English education. However, some parents think that a local school is too much and decide
to enroll their kids for after-class lessons combined with activities in
Chinese.
Parents should consider cultural activities, but a more effective
option is enrolling kids in Chinese-language sport activities. That way,
they are in contact with native Chinese kids and get Chinese
instruction while playing.
The most popular option for expats living in China (or abroad) is to
enroll their kids in a Chinese summer camp. This allows students to
learn in an immersive Chinese, but also very international environment.
This kind of experience combines Chinese lessons with activities and
excursions.
Normally, summer camps also offer home stays or residence
accommodations with Chinese monitors, so that kids practice Chinese all
the time.
“Whatever a method you choose for [your] kids, it has to be fun,”
says Eric Mei. “You can’t impose a rigid timetable or dry memorization.
They learn at their own pace, so you have to follow their rhythm.”
Share with us your opinion about this? When did you start learning Chinese? When would you like to have started with the language?
More
and more parents are sending their kids to summer camps in China or
even moving to this country to give them a first-hand 
