|WATCH| Week of September 22-26, 2014

In language, we read The Very Hungry Caterpillar in Mandarin and did retelling by stuffing the fruits inside the caterpillar. The students are learning to combine simple color or number words and fruit names into simple phrases. For example, This is a red apple. I have four red strawberries. 

Most students could understand the context more than they may be able to verbalize, which is perfectly on target. I encourage you to remind your child to say their fruit names in Mandarin as well as practice counting. Counting backwards is also another important skill to have. 

On Friday, we officially began a new program called the "Mandarin Buddies". This is when the first grade and Kindergarten Mandarin students come together with a purpose.  We set norms for the activities and decided on the basic greetings that any beginner Mandarin student needs to learn. Both classes came up with four questions; How are you? What is your name? How old are you? What is your dad/mom's name?

So it goes like this, while the music is playing, the students were to roam around the classroom. When the music stops, each student was to find another child who is holding a different color cube( they were given two colors). It took some practice (as always) but seeing little teachers in action was truly amazing. 

At the end of the activity, first graders shared their thoughts...

Keeler: This activity made me happy because I was able to help.

Kodi: It made me happy because I learned their names.

Madison: I am happy because I had fun teaching the little kids.  

So, that is what this is all about. We had a purpose in mind, and they made it happen. Building confidence in learners one day at a time. 

Thank you Jamie for reading Rani with a Chance of Meatballs / It's the Great Pumpkin

      You may find the Five Finger Song in your child's Mandarin Journal.


Five and Six year olds stepping out of their comfort zone to speak and teach Mandarin to complete strangers! So far my Kinder class has only had 15 days of instruction.

Please continue to send in paper towels, thanks to those who have!