Although preschoolers are exposed to Mandarin at a Chinese enrichment program, regular practice at home is still necessary to optimise their development. After all, preschoolers can strengthen their foundation and reinforce what they learn by receiving support for their Chinese language studies outside of regular enrichment programs.
Discover some doable strategies that complement the teachings at a Singapore Chinese language centre, allowing parents to help their young scholars learn outside of the classroom.
Integrate Chinese into Daily Activities
Learning doesn’t have to be restricted to a classroom. Incorporate Chinese into everyday routines to make it a natural part of your child’s environment. Using the language in regular activities reinforces vocabulary and structures without feeling like a lesson.
- Label Household Items: Use sticky notes to label daily items in Chinese characters. Seeing these characters consistently will help your child recognise words in a natural setting.
- Use Commands in Chinese: Simple instructions like “请坐下” (please sit) or “吃饭” (eat) can become part of your daily vocabulary.
- Discuss the Day in Chinese: At the end of the day, ask your child simple questions in Chinese about their day. It reinforces vocabulary and encourages them to think and respond in the language.
Use Digital Resources and Educational Apps
Many educational apps and digital resources can complement what children learn in a Chinese enrichment class. These resources often use games, stories, and songs that make language learning fun and interactive, making it suitable for preschoolers.
- Download Interactive Chinese Apps: There are apps created specifically for preschool-level Chinese learning. Apps like Pleco for beginners or WriteChinese help preschoolers practise characters, listening, and pronunciation.
- Utilise Online Storytelling Platforms: Platforms that provide animated Chinese stories or audiobooks, like Ximalaya, can help reinforce vocabulary and introduce new characters in an engaging format.
- Interactive Games for Vocabulary Building: Many apps offer basic vocabulary games in Chinese. It reiterates learning without being overly challenging, keeping your child motivated and entertained.
Encourage Interaction with Native Chinese Speakers
Immersion in a language-rich environment is one of the most effective ways for preschoolers to integrate a new language. Arranging opportunities for them to hear and practise the language in a natural context can be highly beneficial.
- Playdates with Mandarin-Speaking Peers: Find friends or groups in the area, perhaps through your Chinese language centre, where your child can engage with Mandarin-speaking peers.
- Attend Mandarin Storytelling Events: Many libraries and cultural centres hold Mandarin storytelling events. These sessions are a practical way for your child to hear the language used conversationally.
- Hire a Mandarin-Speaking Babysitter: Consider a babysitter who speaks Mandarin. This approach can provide regular opportunities for your child to hear and practise Mandarin in a casual, non-academic setting.
Incorporate Chinese into Reading and Music Time
Chinese enrichment classes for preschool emphasise reading and listening. Compliment this emphasis by reading books in Chinese or letting your children listen to Chinese music. Remember, repeated exposure to familiar words through stories and songs strengthens vocabulary.
- Read Bilingual Books Together: Select age-appropriate bilingual books. Reading these stories together lets you introduce Chinese vocabulary in context and gives your child a visual reference.
- Listen to Chinese Songs and Rhymes: Music is a powerful tool for language learning. Many preschoolers memorise song lyrics quickly, making learning phrases and vocabulary in Chinese much easier.
- Engage with Chinese Audiobooks: Audiobooks in Chinese can be valuable if your child enjoys listening to stories. They introduce new words and characters while keeping your child entertained.
Practice Writing and Drawing Characters
Introducing character writing can help preschoolers understand the structure of the language and improve recognition skills. Although Chinese tuition for preschool may cover basic character writing, practising at home enhances familiarity.
- Use Water Writing Practice Boards: These boards are ideal for preschoolers as they allow repetition without paper waste. It’s also a mess-free way to practise stroke order and handwriting.
- Draw Characters with Fingers or Brushes: Tracing characters with their fingers in sand or with brushes on paper can make writing more interactive for tactile learners.
- Create Simple Flashcards: Make flashcards with basic characters and their corresponding pictures. This visual aid can make character recognition easier for preschoolers.
Attend Cultural Events and Festivals
Cultural immersion can give meaning to language learning. Attending Chinese festivals or participating in cultural activities adds context to the language and reinforces vocabulary they may already know from a Chinese enrichment class for preschool.
- Celebrate Traditional Festivals: Join events for Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, or the Dragon Boat Festival. These events introduce your child to each occasion’s culture, customs, and vocabulary.
- Visit Cultural Exhibitions: Art galleries or museums with Chinese exhibits offer unique opportunities for your child to experience Chinese culture firsthand.
- Participate in Workshops at a Chinese Language Centre: These centres often host events or workshops around traditional Chinese arts and crafts, like calligraphy or painting, which can be engaging and educational.
Conclusion
Investing in your child’s Chinese language learning beyond their regular enrichment class significantly contributes to their linguistic development. You enhance the education they receive in their Chinese tuition for preschool by incorporating Chinese into daily routines, utilising digital tools, and offering cultural insights. Remember, this ongoing support can greatly enhance their self-assurance, transforming language acquisition into a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for your preschooler.
Contact Tien Hsia to watch your child discover the joy of Mandarin!
