Speciality highlight January 2026: Mandarin
1st grade:
Welcome back, first graders, to the second semester of your exciting Mandarin adventure! This term, we will continue exploring the beauty of the language through songs and poetry, immersing ourselves in the rhythm and meaning of ancient Chinese verses. We will dive into timeless classics like Goose, Goose, Goose, Mercy Farmers, and Quiet Night Thoughts, letting their words paint vivid pictures in our minds. Alongside poetry, we will sing lively tunes such as The Figure Song, making learning both fun and musical.
But that’s not all! This semester, we will embark on a journey into the art of Chinese writing, beginning with the essential strokes that form the backbone of every character. Step by step, we will build a strong foundation for learning to write Chinese characters with confidence in the future. Along the way, we will expand our vocabulary with exciting new words related to food and hobbies, giving you the tools to express yourselves in Mandarin with confidence. Get ready for a semester filled with discovery, creativity, and joy!
2nd & 3rd grade:
In this exciting stage of our journey, we will delve deeper into the beauty of ancient Chinese poetry, exploring the serene imagery of *Spring Dawn* and the breathtaking heights of *Climbing the Stork Tower*. Alongside these timeless verses, we will also learn new songs, enriching our connection to the rhythm and melody of the language.
Building on our foundation of basic strokes, students will continue to master essential Chinese number characters from one to ten. Second graders are extending their learning to write numbers from one to ninety-nine. Third graders are creating a Chinese calendar while learning the names of months and days of the week in Chinese. Throughout the unit, we will reinforce number concepts through hands-on practice with the Chinese abacus.
Additionally, we will expand our vocabulary, steadily growing a reservoir of words that will empower students to express themselves more fluently. Through engaging activities and immersive practice, we will bring the language to life, making each lesson a step toward deeper understanding and confidence in Mandarin.
4th grade / 5th grade:
After completing our big Chinese puppet show project, we are excited to begin a new learning adventure—exploring Chinese characters more deeply. Students will be learning additional basic characters and discovering how each character’s structure reflects Chinese ways of thinking and traditional wisdom.
At the same time, we will continue to build our speaking skills by learning new vocabulary and practicing simple sentences, gradually moving from familiar topics like food to everyday life experiences. We will also keep enjoying ancient Chinese poems—revisiting favorites while discovering new verses that carry the beauty and wisdom passed down through generations.
Middle School:
Group One has been learning vocabulary related to family members, facial features, and colors, and they’re now excited to put these words into practice by creating their own “My Family” books. It’s a fun and meaningful way for students to use what they’ve learned while expressing their creativity.
Group Two has been exploring food vocabulary, including dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This semester, we’ll continue expanding their food-related vocabulary and learn how to order and dine in a Chinese restaurant—an engaging way to connect language learning with real-life experiences.
Hopefully, we will have a fun and successful school year. Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns.
Mandarin Teacher
Cerina Wang
