Our Online Teaching Approach: Engaging Mandarin Classes for Children Aged 2 to 12

At MANDO SCHOOL, we believe that learning Mandarin should be fun, interactive, and age-appropriate. Our online Mandarin classes are designed to engage children aged 2 to 12 years old through imaginative storytelling, playful movement, and interactive activities. Using Zoom as our teaching platform, we create a virtual classroom that brings Mandarin to life while ensuring safety and security through enhanced DBS-checked teachers.

Here’s how we tailor our teaching approach to each age group, along with the requirements needed for our online classes.

Our Teaching Platform: Zoom

We use Zoom, a user-friendly video conferencing platform, for all our online Mandarin classes. This allows us to create an interactive and engaging virtual classroom where children can see, hear, and participate in real-time with our native Mandarin-speaking teachers.

Why Zoom?

• Live Video Interaction: Children can see and interact with their teacher and classmates, enhancing participation and social learning.
• Screen Sharing and Visual Aids: Teachers can share storybooks, flashcards, and fun videos to make lessons more visually engaging.
• Breakout Rooms: Small group activities in breakout rooms encourage collaborative learning and personalised attention.
• Interactive Tools: Features like the virtual whiteboard, chat, and emoji reactions make learning more interactive and fun.

Safety and Security: Enhanced DBS-Checked Teachers

At Mando School, we prioritise the safety and well-being of every child. All our online classes are led by enhanced DBS-checked teachers who are:

• Experienced, Native Mandarin Speakers: Specially trained in teaching Mandarin to young children using fun, interactive methods.
• Safeguarding Trained: Our teachers are fully trained in safeguarding and child protection to ensure a safe and nurturing online learning environment.
• Engaging and Friendly: Our teachers create a positive and supportive atmosphere, encouraging every child to participate and enjoy learning Mandarin.

Age-Appropriate Teaching Approach

We understand that children learn best when the content and teaching style are suited to their developmental stage. That’s why we offer age-appropriate classes designed specifically for 2 to 5-year-olds, 5 to 7 year olds, and 8 to 12 year olds.

Ages 2 to 5: Imaginative Play and Story-Led Adventures

At this age, children learn best through imaginative play, movement, and sensory experiences. Our classes are designed to be playful and engaging, keeping little ones captivated and excited to learn.

Teaching Approach:

• Story-Led Adventures: Imaginative storytelling with lovable animal characters and exciting adventures.
• Movement and Role-Playing: Lots of movement activities, action rhymes, and role-playing to make learning fun and interactive.
• Songs and Music: Catchy Mandarin songs and rhymes to enhance memory retention.
• Visual Aids: Colourful stories, flashcards, and puppets to keep young learners engaged.

Example Learning Objectives:

• Recognise and say simple words like 妈妈 (māma - mummy), 爸爸 (bàba - daddy), and 你好 (nǐ hǎo - hello).
• Respond to greetings such as 你好 (nǐ hǎo - hello) and 再见 (zàijiàn - goodbye).
• Participate in movement activities and action rhymes to reinforce vocabulary.

Ages 5 to 7: Playful Interaction and Themed Vocabulary

Children in this age group are curious and eager to explore new ideas. Our classes focus on interactive storytelling, role-playing, and themed vocabulary to build a strong foundation in Mandarin.

Teaching Approach:

• Interactive Storytelling: Imaginative stories that encourage children to role-play and participate actively.
• Themed Vocabulary: Lessons based on fun themes like animals, colours, food, and hobbies.
• Conversational Phrases: Simple conversational sentences to build speaking confidence.
• Games and Quizzes: Fun games, group activities, and quizzes to reinforce learning.

Example Learning Objectives:

• Recognise and use themed words like colours (红色 hóngsè - red, 蓝色 lánsè - blue) and numbers (一 yī - one, 二 èr - two).
• Use basic sentences such as 我是… (wǒ shì… - I am…) and 我喜欢… (wǒ xǐhuān… - I like…).
• Sing along to Mandarin songs and participate in action rhymes to reinforce vocabulary.

Ages 8 to 12: Structured Learning and Cultural Exploration

Older children benefit from more structured learning and cultural exploration. Our classes focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while also exploring Chinese traditions and themes.

Teaching Approach:

• Themed Lessons and Conversations: Practical vocabulary for everyday conversations, school life, and cultural topics.
• Reading and Writing: Introduction to reading and writing basic Chinese characters.
• Listening Comprehension: Short dialogues and stories to improve listening skills.
• Cultural Exploration: Virtual cultural journeys to explore Chinese festivals, traditions, and stories.
• Group Discussions and Quizzes: Interactive challenges, group discussions, and fun quizzes.

Example Learning Objectives:

• Form short sentences for basic conversations, such as asking for names (你叫什么名字？nǐ jiào shénme míngzi? - What is your name?) and giving answers (我叫… wǒ jiào… - My name is…).
• Use adjectives to describe people or objects (e.g., 大 dà - big, 小 xiǎo - small).
• Recognise and write basic Chinese characters related to the lesson theme.

Requirements for Online Classes

To participate in our online Mandarin classes, you will need:

• Device: A laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone.
• Internet Access: A stable internet connection to ensure smooth video and audio quality.
• Zoom App: Our classes are conducted on Zoom, so you will need to download the app (available for free on all devices).
• Comfortable Learning Space: A quiet and comfortable space where your child can participate actively and engage in the class.

Why Choose Mando School’s Online Mandarin Classes?

• Age-Appropriate Learning: Tailored classes for 2 to 12-year-olds, ensuring developmentally appropriate content and teaching methods.
• Interactive and Fun: Story-led adventures, role-playing, games, songs, and cultural exploration keep children excited to learn.
• Qualified Teachers: Experienced, native Mandarin-speaking teachers who are enhanced DBS-checked and safeguarding trained.
• Flexible and Convenient: Learn from home with flexible scheduling options to fit busy family routines.
• Cultural Learning: Explore Chinese traditions, festivals, and stories, making Mandarin learning meaningful and enriching.

At MANDO SCHOOL, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and fun learning environment where children can thrive and develop a love for Mandarin. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to advance their Mandarin skills, our online classes provide the perfect blend of fun, learning, and cultural exploration.

Book a Trial Today!

Ready to start your child’s Mandarin adventure? Book a trial today and see how our playful, story-led approach can inspire a lifelong love of Mandarin learning!