Beyond Words: How Mandarin is Boosting Oracy and Confidence in the Classroom

As educators and parents, we are hearing more and more about oracy. With the upcoming shifts in the National Curriculum, the ability to communicate, listen, and express ideas is taking centre stage from the Early Years through to Key Stage 2.

But how do we practically build these skills in a busy nursery or classroom? At MANDO SCHOOL, we believe the answer lies in the unique sounds and stories of Mandarin Chinese.

Why Mandarin?

Mandarin is a tonal language. This means that the pitch of a word changes its meaning. For a young learner, this isn't just "learning a language"- it is a high-level workout for the ears.

• Active Listening: To tell the difference between mā (mother) and mǎ (horse), children must listen with intent. This sharpens their auditory processing, a core pillar of the EYFS "Communication and Language" goal.

• Confidence in Speaking: Mandarin is often taught through repetition, songs, and performance. When a child masters a "tricky" sound or performs a short rhyme in front of their peers, their self-esteem soars.

Bringing it into the Classroom

You don’t need to be a fluent speaker to start integrating these benefits. Here are three simple, play-based strategies used in our sessions:

1. The "Tone Mirror" Game: Encourage children to mimic the "shape" of a sound using their hands. A high, flat hand for the first tone; a rising hand for the second. This connects physical movement to verbal communication.

2. Story-Led Learning: Use familiar tales with a Mandarin twist. For example, reading a story about a hungry panda helps children pick up nouns for fruit and snacks while engaging with the narrative flow.

3. Cultural Routine: Start the day with a "Nǐ hǎo" (Hello) song. Using a different language for a daily routine signals a transition time and encourages children to find their "public speaking voice" in a safe, fun way.

What the Leaders Say

"We’ve noticed that children who engage with Mandarin sessions are often more attentive during our standard phonics lessons. They seem more tuned into the subtle differences in sounds." - Nursery Manager, London.

Supporting Your School’s Journey

Whether you are a Headteacher looking to enrich your KS1/KS2 MFL offering or a Nursery Manager wanting to stand out with unique enrichment, we are here to help.

Learning Mandarin is more than just a future career skill; it is a tool for communication and inclusion today. It encourages children to be global citizens who are not afraid to try something new.

We offer interactive Mandarin classes for Early Years and primary schools, as well as online sessions.

Please contact enquiry@mandoschool.com for moreinformation