Learning Mandarin?
- Thread starter Rocketdog
- Start date
What language(s) has s/he been exposed to so far?
The short answer is 'exposure'. The long one depends on many factors.
We started exposing our daughter to some Mandarin (once a week) at 7 months. It was a regular playgroup environment. Now, at 2 1/2, she's at nursery with 50/50 English & Mandarin.
HTH.
The short answer is 'exposure'. The long one depends on many factors.
We started exposing our daughter to some Mandarin (once a week) at 7 months. It was a regular playgroup environment. Now, at 2 1/2, she's at nursery with 50/50 English & Mandarin.
HTH.
Learning Mandarin
I tried having classes for my daughter, twice a week, but she didn't like it at all. I've also tried Mandarin playgroups, but believe once/twice a week of 1.5 hour sessions doesn't really cut it.
After many many considerations we hired a Chinese nanny (originally from Beijing) to look after her. The nanny takes care of her, plays with her so it doesn't seem like a lesson. She takes to the language a lot easier now and the nanny spends 6-hours a day, five days a week, hanging out with her.
I am considering on either IFS or CIS for my daughter. I think the kids have to enjoy learning a new language and it has to be fun. You have to tailor something that suits your child.
My aim is for her to have a good understanding of Mandarin, before she gets put in an environment where they speak it. Then she'll learn a lot easier....
I recall having Chinese lessons at 8-years old and hated them. I never learnt how to read or write, even though my mother tried so hard with the tutor, and now realise what a major disadvantage it has been.
I tried having classes for my daughter, twice a week, but she didn't like it at all. I've also tried Mandarin playgroups, but believe once/twice a week of 1.5 hour sessions doesn't really cut it.
After many many considerations we hired a Chinese nanny (originally from Beijing) to look after her. The nanny takes care of her, plays with her so it doesn't seem like a lesson. She takes to the language a lot easier now and the nanny spends 6-hours a day, five days a week, hanging out with her.
I am considering on either IFS or CIS for my daughter. I think the kids have to enjoy learning a new language and it has to be fun. You have to tailor something that suits your child.
My aim is for her to have a good understanding of Mandarin, before she gets put in an environment where they speak it. Then she'll learn a lot easier....
I recall having Chinese lessons at 8-years old and hated them. I never learnt how to read or write, even though my mother tried so hard with the tutor, and now realise what a major disadvantage it has been.
Hi joosoo,
I totally agree with you about learning Chinese. I "tried" learning Mandarin from ages 6-12 too. I truly regret not sticking with it or trying harder!
I am currently looking for a Chinese nanny for my daughter and am interested in those from Beijing. How do I go about it? How did you find/hire yours? The only ones I heard of are from Taiwan.
I totally agree with you about learning Chinese. I "tried" learning Mandarin from ages 6-12 too. I truly regret not sticking with it or trying harder!
I am currently looking for a Chinese nanny for my daughter and am interested in those from Beijing. How do I go about it? How did you find/hire yours? The only ones I heard of are from Taiwan.
Thanks everyone for your suggestion.
Can I ask Josoo a few more questions.
What's the Methodist centre? -- excuse my ignorance, I'm only moving to Hong Kong in a few few weeks.
And I take it that the nanny only comes during the day time and is not live-in?
Is it possible to get a live-in helper/ nanny or whatever is the technical term?
cheers
Can I ask Josoo a few more questions.
What's the Methodist centre? -- excuse my ignorance, I'm only moving to Hong Kong in a few few weeks.
And I take it that the nanny only comes during the day time and is not live-in?
Is it possible to get a live-in helper/ nanny or whatever is the technical term?
cheers