Chinese language learning is more effective when it is done as a young child rather than as a teenager. An adult will take much longer to pick up Chinese tones and become fluent in the language than a child. Enrolling your child in these reputable online classes allows them to learn Mandarin at their own pace and convenience. Eliminating the need for commuting and rigid schedules, online classes offer flexibility that suits children’s and parents’ busy lives.
Online language classes are becoming increasingly popular, offering convenience and flexibility to language learners of all ages. Chinese, especially for kids, is one such language in high demand. Experts agree that starting young is the key to successful Mandarin learning.
Investing in your child’s Chinese language skills opens doors to unique opportunities and cultural enrichment. With the best online Chinese classes for kids in 2024, your child can embark on a dynamic and engaging journey toward Mandarin fluency, all from the comfort and convenience of home.
How can I help my child learn Chinese?
Parents have an essential role in our kids’ learning journey. Learning a new language can be challenging but enjoyable and rewarding with the appropriate attitude. We’ve compiled a few pointers to assist your child in learning Chinese.
- Start with the basics
Introduce your child to the basics of Chinese, such as pronunciation and commonly used phrases. Have them practice speaking Chinese with you. To help them pick up new words and phrases, you can use flashcards or any visual aids.
- Watch Chinese cartoons or shows together
Watching Chinese cartoons or animated movies is an effective way to help children learn fast because they will learn from something they like. - Sign up for a Chinese language course
Enrolling your child in a Chinese language course is an excellent way to help them learn the language. They will have structured lessons and guidance from a qualified teacher. Many schools and community centers offer elementary school-age classes or other youth development courses that might include learning Chinese.
- Read Chinese storybooks
Reading Chinese storybooks is a great way to help your child build their vocabulary and understanding of grammar. You can start with simple stories with attractive images. Encourage your child to read aloud and ask questions about the story.
- Use Chinese in daily life
Please encourage your child to use Chinese in their daily life. For example, they can label objects at home or practice ordering food at a Chinese restaurant. Using Chinese regularly will help your child become more comfortable and confident in the language.
Learning Chinese can be a fun and rewarding experience for your child. With your support, they will become confident and proficient in the language. Remember to be patient and encouraging, and make learning Chinese an enjoyable experience.
Levels of Learning Chinese For Kids
Starter Beginner Level
It is for kids who have never studied Chinese before and cannot read Chinese characters or Pinyin.
This level introduces Chinese characters in Pinyin and basic strokes. The students will learn basic daily vocabulary and short sentences such as greetings, self-introductions, ages, colors, numbers, animals, fruits, etc. They will use fun pictures, physical goods, and games to make class fun and practical.
Beginner/Elementary Level
At this level, kids can answer questions on essential daily topics using familiar words. Pinyin can be read, and the basic strokes of Chinese characters can be recognized.
They will teach your kids some simple nursery rhymes, and your kids can write elementary Chinese characters. At this level, your kids will learn simple words, short sentences, and simple dialogs to make sense of clothing, toys, household appliances, etc.
Elementary/Lower Intermediate Level
The level is for kids who can ask and answer simple questions with short sentences about familiar topics.
The topics your children will learn at this level include directions, time, seasons, likes and dislikes, and countries. Your kids will learn how to narrate a short story. Students will learn Chinese characters as well as nursery rhymes.
Lower Intermediate Level
Kids at this level can ask and answer simple questions on familiar issues with more concise answers.
Students at this level learn about the school, friends, classmates, basic opinions, etc. In this lesson, you will teach your children how to narrate. Nursery rhymes and Chinese characters will be learned.
Intermediate Level
Kids whose ability to narrate short stories and retell questions with a few long sentences reach this level. Even though your kids seem to move somewhat slowly, they can communicate clearly.
You will teach your children the basics of showing their feelings, school life, and hobbies at this level. In addition to teaching your kids basic knowledge and history of Chinese culture, they will also teach them idioms, simple poems, etc., to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese heritage and customs.
Upper-Intermediate Level
It is designed for children who can communicate fluently and spontaneously about familiar topics that pertain to their interests. You can have your kids read longer stories, folktales, etc.
You’ll teach your children ancient stories, Chinese proverbs, etc., at this level. You will help your children hone their reading and writing skills by adding new words to their vocabulary.
Advanced Level
Kids proficient in Chinese on various subjects should consider switching to this level. Children are capable of reading long and complex texts without much difficulty. Among the things your kids will learn at this level are famous writings and ancient poems.
Here are some of the best Chinese Classes for kids:
1. 8-week Mandarin Chinese beginner course
It is for kids who have never studied Chinese and cannot read Chinese characters or Pinyin. It introduces Chinese characters in Pinyin and basic strokes. The students will learn basic daily vocabulary and short sentences such as greetings, self-introductions, ages, colors, numbers, animals, fruits, etc. They will use fun pictures, physical goods, and games to make class fun and effective.
Playing tic-tac-toe games to reinforce memorizing Chinese numbers and colors, throwing a softball in the air and catching it while counting from 0-100, and learning colors in Chinese. Translating animal names into simple Chinese sentences, etc.
Ages: 8-12 year-olds
Duration: 45 minutes per class (Once per week over 8-weeks)
2. Panda Tree
It is an online language school that offers Spanish and Mandarin Chinese instruction for children aged two to seventeen. Mandarin Chinese courses are offered in around four different formats:
-Chinese for Preschoolers (2-6 year kid)
-Beginner Chinese (6-12)
-Intermediate Chinese (8-15)
-Advanced Placement (15-17)
Lessons are tailored to each student since they are one-to-one. Each tutor is natively fluent and has experience tutoring children. By reading the profiles of the tutors, you can decide what is best for your child. Along with tutoring, PandaTree also has a Kid Hub with learning videos, games, vocabulary practice and stories.
After every session, the tutor will email you about your child’s progress. You can also check a video recording of the lesson your child attended.
3. Preply
Every budget is catered for at preply. If you’re interested in learning Chinese, you’ll find more than 2,000 tutors to assist you.
The long list of tutors can be filtered by price per hour, specialization, and background. You can also look only at Chinese native speakers’ profiles and read reviews that previous students have left about them. Due to many tutors and their worldwide location, finding a tutor whenever you need one is easy.
Preply is an online platform allowing users to video chat, text message, and download study materials. A solid tutoring service with many options is Preply.
Ages: 4+
4. Dinolingo
Children will start learning Chinese for the first time after watching the animation-filled Chinese lessons with surprises and repetitions. DinoLingo’s Chinese learning lessons make learning Chinese for kids easy.
Children learning Chinese will benefit from their Chinese book collection. You can choose from hundreds of Chinese books for kids, ranging from Chinese alphabets to Chinese Mandarin for beginners, short stories, fairy tales, and basic picture books for beginners and advanced Chinese language learners.
Ages: 4+
5. Lingo bus
The Lingo Bus prepares students for today’s world, helping them become more confident speaking Chinese. The transdisciplinary themes that advance in sophistication with each level enhance students’ Chinese transfer knowledge and develop their critical thinking skills.
Among the most responsive to second language education are children aged 5 to 12. To satisfy the needs of these ages, it offers 100% immersive content. They use this immersion method and our online platform for one-on-one Chinese tutoring.
-It is designed for new beginners to intermediate-level speakers
-Build vocabulary, proper pronunciation, and typical sentence structures
-Lessons are associated with ACTFL and YCT standards
-Students can build conversational skills and listening comprehension.
Ages: 5 – 12 years
In conclusion, we provides a comprehensive overview of high-quality educational resources to help children learn Chinese effectively. It highlights various online platforms, mobile apps, and physical materials suitable for different age groups and proficiency levels.
The article emphasizes the importance of interactive and engaging content and beginner-friendly approaches to instill a love for the language and facilitate comprehension. It also considers factors such as affordability, teacher support, and user reviews when evaluating each course.
This article is a valuable resource for parents and educators seeking reputable Chinese learning materials for their children. Promoting the recommended courses can help families make informed decisions and provide their kids with the best language learning experience.
We hope you’re interested in exploring more Chinese language courses for kids. We have the best educational resources and materials to learn coding for children of all ages and proficiency levels. Browse our courses today and give your child the gift of increasing their skills.
