This 32-34 week program, divided into fall and spring semesters, features a 15-lesson curriculum adapted from Easy Steps to Chinese volume 1, supplemented with additional materials.

Students will learn the basic and compound strokes of Chinese characters, stroke order, radicals, character structure, new characters and vocabulary. Grammar is presented in formulaic patterns, allowing students to understand and master it through simulated real-life situations. Pinyin is introduced alongside Chinese characters in the initial stages, with systematic and scientific pronunciation learning and practice. The unit themes are broad, interesting, and relevant to teenagers' lives.

There is a strong emphasis on training students' listening and speaking skills. Listening exercises are incorporated into each lesson, enabling students to practice oral communication in authentic contexts and improve their communicative competence.

The program also includes a variety of engaging activities such as games, singing and dancing with ancient poems, learning about traditional Chinese festivals, and practicing calligraphy to stimulate students' enthusiasm for learning Chinese.

Taught by experienced Chinese teachers in small, interactive classes, the program cultivates students' interest in the Chinese language and ignites their passion for exploring diverse cultures.

This program comes with handouts, in-class exercises, in-class games, assignments, unit tests and unit assessments.

This course is designed for:

• 5th & 6th grade, around 10-11 years old;

• No Chinese background required.