Mandarin...

[LisaKinVA]

I don't know this language, have had very limited exposure to it, but dh feels like this is the direction we should go in.

 

My oldest is almost 11.5. It needs to be easy to implement. Is Rosetta Stone my best bet? Or is there something else? I love the *idea* of a tutor or on-line class. A tutor, though, is probably out of the question. I could SKYPE a tutor for Thai, but not mandarin (my aunt and uncle live in Thailand for 6 mos. out of the year).

 

Thank you...

[Embassy]

I don't know this language, have had very limited exposure to it, but dh feels like this is the direction we should go in.

 

My oldest is almost 11.5. It needs to be easy to implement. Is Rosetta Stone my best bet? Or is there something else? I love the *idea* of a tutor or on-line class. A tutor, though, is probably out of the question. I could SKYPE a tutor for Thai, but not mandarin (my aunt and uncle live in Thailand for 6 mos. out of the year).

 

Thank you...

 

No, I wouldn't go with Rosetta Stone. I did and wished I hadn't. After much research and reading I purchased My First Chinese Reader for my 2 boys along with Pinyin for Everyone (fount at betterchinese.com). It comes with a teacher's manual which is available in English and instructions so it isn't too difficult to implement. Everything is available on audio as well as CD-Rom activities so you don't have to be a native speaker to use the program. I also use Mandarin DVDS and YouTube videos to supplement. I haven't started using the program yet (just bought it last week), but I suspect it will fit us well.

 

I started with Muzzy in the early years - that was a mistake too. I tried using Rosetta Stone for 3 years and my kids didn't learn much. They didn't like it either.

[2cents]

I was just pondering this myself. We're already deep into Spanish but I noticed that Currclick was offering a Mandarin Webclass and I'm debating the wisdom of adding another language. Here is the link to their upcoming open house if you want to check it out:

http://videos.currclick.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=401&products_id=43792&it=1&filters=0_0_0_0_30463&manufacturers_id=401

[Allearia]

We are going to try this type of Skype Chinese tutor:

 

http://etuition.org/

 

I've talked to someone locally who has been very happy with the quality, and the price can't be beat. We will try to start this next week so maybe I'll post back after I have personal experience. They have a free trial lesson available.

[jennynd]

can u find a chinese school around. they usually run on Sunday by local /chinese who not necessay a teacher

[mammaofbean]

can u find a chinese school around. they usually run on Sunday by local /chinese who not necessay a teacher

 

 

even if the classes aren't right for you it may be a good place to find a tutor.

[LisaKinVA]

can u find a chinese school around. they usually run on Sunday by local /chinese who not necessay a teacher

 

The closest ones are over an hour's drive away... I think we may go with "Tell Me More," and then either Skype for high school, or do EPGY/Stanford online, which offers up to AP level. I expect there will be even more opportunities in a few years as well.

 

I can easilly find Korean and Thai...though. I could even get a Japanese tuotor... just not Chinese.

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

I think MIT has free open course ware for Mandarin:)

[DaffodilDreams]

Does your local library offer Mango Languages online? Ours does, and we really like it. Simple to use, user-friendly, decent job explaining cultural uses of language, good pronunciation tools (though Rosetta Stone does a better job of forcing correct tones in Mandarin - Mango has a voice comparison tool but does not score you either way). Oh, another good thing - Mango is free with your library card if your library offers that service. If they don't, maybe you can go chat with them and encourage them to look into it.

 

There's also an online language website that has java in the name/address, but I cannot for the life of me find it now. We tried it for awhile while we could still make use of the free levels (at a certain point, you must pay to advance in the lessons - I already own RS, so I didn't want to pay for another program). If it's still around, it's REALLY, really neat because you can submit your vocal recordings to be reviewed by native speakers. The account should certainly be watched by a parent because it has a social aspect (like FB but supposedly all people who share a common interest in learning a language) to it. I really enjoyed reviewing ESL recordings and providing feedback to the learners. It was a neat community. Just wish I could remember the website.

[nansk]

Kimmie, I think you mean livemocha.com :-)

[DaffodilDreams]

Kimmie, I think you mean livemocha.com :-)

 

Yes, that's it! Ha! I knew it had something to do w/coffee. : )

[Bostonian]

I think learning Chinese is too hard to make it worthwhile for non-Chinese . I have not tried to do so, but there is an interesting essay "Why Chinese Is So **** Hard" by David Moser, who has: http://pinyin.info/readings/texts/moser.html .

 

I'll encourage my children to learn Spanish or French.

[Embassy]

I think learning Chinese is too hard to make it worthwhile for non-Chinese . I have not tried to do so, but there is an interesting essay "Why Chinese Is So **** Hard" by David Moser, who has: http://pinyin.info/readings/texts/moser.html .

 

I'll encourage my children to learn Spanish or French.

 

What determines if something is worthwhile? Just because someone is not Chinese it doesn't mean that learning Spanish or French will be more beneficial. There are so many variables.

[Dmmetler]

For an accelerated learner, though, the fact that a language is harder to learn might be a benefit. If I thought I could find resources to teach it, I'd happily start my DD on Mandarin, simply because she loves languages-and a language with 3,000+ elements might really be something that she could dive into and take time to learn. She picks up other languages almost as easily as breathing (this is the kid who, at age 3, speaking only English and Spanish, was carrying on a detailed conversation with a lady at the park, who, I found out later, spoke only Italian. Dunno how she did it.) The single thing that makes me consider sending her back to school is that there's one private school that has a Mandarin immersion program that I think she'd love.

 

However, I think Koine Greek is about my practical limit as far as teaching a language I don't know.

[Bug's Mom]

We've been working on & off with My First Chinese Reader from Better Chinese and are very happy with it.

I've got a page of links on my blog that may be useful/entertaining: Mandarin links

[plansrme]

A tutor, though, is probably out of the question. I could SKYPE a tutor for Thai, but not mandarin (my aunt and uncle live in Thailand for 6 mos. out of the year).

 

Thank you...

 

I think another poster has noted that there are a lot of Chinese tutors available via Skype; they are often in China, so the price is far lower than the price of local tutors. We found our local tutor through a Chinese church that meets in our church. I e-mailed the pastor, and his wife found me someone in about a day. Other options might be local churches that have ESL classes for adults. I teach an ESL class at my church, and I am sure that I could hook you up with tutors for Russian, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), Korean, Spanish (with Mexican, Columbian or Peruvian accent) and whatever language they speak in Iran.

 

Another option might be the engineering or math department of a local college. We briefly had a Chinese student as a tutor, but she went back to China prematurely.

 

When I originally started looking for a tutor, I was very un-plugged-in to the international community. It was frustrating that I knew there had to be local Chinese speakers who would love to teach my kids, and I had no way to find them, short of walking up to Asian-looking ladies and asking if they knew anyone who would tutor my kids. Once I started e-mailing around, however, I actually found someone fairly quickly. Everyone to whom I talked was happy to help; no one was offended or looked at me weird. We have now had the same tutor for 3 years and are very happy with her.

 

Terri

[Ohdanigirl]

I think another poster has noted that there are a lot of Chinese tutors available via Skype; they are often in China, so the price is far lower than the price of local tutors.

Terri

 

I think this is a great idea. Of coarse I wouldn't know where to start. We are in Mexico, and I have only met two people (I remember) that were Chinese. My youngest would love to learn and I am currently looking into Sat Chinese schools in the US. We would have to drive there every week though, and just thinking about it gives me a headache. I think he would love the challenge and that it would be worth while. It just so happens that easy is boring to him, and he has actually picked up a few words somewhere.

 

Danielle

[Ohdanigirl]

We are going to try this type of Skype Chinese tutor:

 

http://etuition.org/

 

I've talked to someone locally who has been very happy with the quality, and the price can't be beat. We will try to start this next week so maybe I'll post back after I have personal experience. They have a free trial lesson available.

 

NM, this looks good. I will keep :bigear:.

 

Danielle

[Allearia]

I think learning Chinese is too hard to make it worthwhile for non-Chinese . I have not tried to do so, but there is an interesting essay "Why Chinese Is So **** Hard" by David Moser, who has: http://pinyin.info/readings/texts/moser.html .

 

I'll encourage my children to learn Spanish or French.

 

ooooh, this sounds like a dare! We're going to attempt Chinese and Spanish. I think Chinese as a completely unrelated language will be a way to really stretch our minds, and I'm hoping my children at least will be successful, maybe I'll be too old to learn the tones well.

[DaffodilDreams]

I think learning Chinese is too hard to make it worthwhile for non-Chinese . I have not tried to do so, but there is an interesting essay "Why Chinese Is So **** Hard" by David Moser, who has: http://pinyin.info/readings/texts/moser.html .

 

I'll encourage my children to learn Spanish or French.

 

I have to disagree. Perhaps it's difficult for some, but not all. Those with a knack for languages and people with musical gifts may actually pick it up quickly. I spent 1-1/2 years learning Mandarin via a private tutor (native speaker). After only 6 months, I knew enough to get by on my own in China. I could speak and understand it so well after a bit longer that the owner of the company I worked for at the time would switch to Taiwanese when he wanted to discuss something privately with his right hand person when I was sitting in on the meetings. The hotel staff, the drivers, the factory and office workers all enjoyed having me there because I took the time to learn the language and embrace the culture. I was the only employee in our US office to do so and because of that I advanced quickly. Learning Mandarin was not a waste of my time.

[Allearia]

I have to disagree. Perhaps it's difficult for some, but not all. Those with a knack for languages and people with musical gifts may actually pick it up quickly. I spent 1-1/2 years learning Mandarin via a private tutor (native speaker). After only 6 months, I knew enough to get by on my own in China. I could speak and understand it so well after a bit longer that the owner of the company I worked for at the time would switch to Taiwanese when he wanted to discuss something privately with his right hand person when I was sitting in on the meetings. The hotel staff, the drivers, the factory and office workers all enjoyed having me there because I took the time to learn the language and embrace the culture. I was the only employee in our US office to do so and because of that I advanced quickly. Learning Mandarin was not a waste of my time.

 

This is inspiring Kimmie! I wish I had that amount of time to devote... but I will definitely try to keep up with my kids. I'm glad to hear not all is lost for adult language learners.

[KAR120C]

I love the *idea* of a tutor or on-line class. A tutor, though, is probably out of the question.

Currclick has an online class starting soon, and while it's not *cheap* it doesn't sound like it's out of range, especially if you're comparing it to Rosetta Stone. There's a free open house next week....

 

We've not done Mandarin, but DS does Latin and Spanish online. They're very different classes, but each has been a really excellent approach.

Edited January 6, 2011 by KAR120C
neglected to proofread

[LisaKinVA]

Currclick has an online class starting soon, and while it's not *cheap* it doesn't sound like it's out of range, especially if you're comparing it to Rosetta Stone. There's a free open house next week....

 

We've not done Mandarin, but DS does Latin and Spanish online. They're very different classes, but each has been a really excellent approach.

 

We'll be looking at it... signed up for the newsletter. Thank you.

[MaMa2005]

I think learning Chinese is too hard to make it worthwhile for non-Chinese . I have not tried to do so, but there is an interesting essay "Why Chinese Is So **** Hard" by David Moser, who has: http://pinyin.info/readings/texts/moser.html .

 

I'll encourage my children to learn Spanish or French.

 

Well, gosh, DS is learning Mandarin, he is Chinese, but he is living in the United States. So does that mean that Mandarin is going to be too hard for him?

 

DS has taken Mandarin lessons for 6 months. At 4 months, we went to San Francisco and he was quite capable of making himself understood in Chinatown. Next week, we are starting Spanish, too. His Mandarin tutor says that he should not have a difficult time as the two languages are so unrelated.

 

DS is very accelerated and the languages are the only thing that he really has to set his mind to in order to master it.

[mammaofbean]

to op- i signed up for the better chinese free trial online which is books 1-2 of the first series, a fun book to go along with each one, a few exercises per book, a magical chinese character story to go with each (to help learn characters and stroke order) and a song or poem for each. they love it! they take chinese class on saturdays, but i really think i may sign upfor this also. they have all different levels, this is what we are using:

 

http://www.betterchinese.com/ProductDetail.aspx?CurriculumID=1&ProductID=89

[LisaKinVA]

This didn't appear to have an on-line class component, did it? I saw all of the materials, and it had teacher's guides... I guess I'm just unsure of how this would be different from Tell Me More (another at-home curriculum).

 

DS will be taking Secondary Latin 1 online with Veritas Press, so Mandarin would be his first Modern Foreign Language. I am expecting that he will take Mandarin at least through an "Advanced" Level (with a Tutor, or something in high school... take an SAT exam, if available or something). I'm *hoping* he will also take another modern foreign language (at least 2-3 years worth), but I'm not sure if I'll get my wish there! :D

[jennynd]

I don't think Chinese is hard.. well I am a Chinese :). But even I have hard time to teach my kids Chinese. We just don't have the envornment to speak Chinese (Hubby is white). Think I really need to get started.

I guess my suggestionn is find some Chinese Cartoon speaking Chinese. I heard that is the easiest way to get them started

[Ohdanigirl]

I don't think Chinese is hard.. well I am a Chinese :). But even I have hard time to teach my kids Chinese. We just don't have the envornment to speak Chinese (Hubby is white). Think I really need to get started.

I guess my suggestionn is find some Chinese Cartoon speaking Chinese. I heard that is the easiest way to get them started

 

Jennynd, any suggestions on titles we should look in to. Thanks.

 

Danielle

[Embassy]

Jennynd, any suggestions on titles we should look in to. Thanks.

 

Danielle

 

Not Jennynd, but here are the videos I have on my list.

 

 

1. http://www.56.com/u85/v_NTMxODg4NTg.htmlhttp://www.56.com/u85/v_NTMxODg4NTg.html Lion King in Mandarin

a. “大头儿子小头爸爸” (Big Head Son – 78 episodes)

2. “马丁的早晨” (Martin Morning – 52 episodes)

3. “机器猫” (Doraemon the Japanese robotic cat – 500 episodes!)

4. “喜羊羊与灰太狼” (Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf – 465 episodes!)

5. “拇指熊” (Thumb Bear – 11 episodes)

6. http://www.fanpop.com/external/7358 Chinese songs and video links

7. http://www.youtube.com/user/chinesesunflowers#p/u Chinese YouTube cartoons

8. http://www.flashempire.com lots of cartoons in Mandarin – like this one http://www.flashempire.com/theater/play.php?id=77993

Edited January 10, 2011 by Wehomeschool
Added links

[jennynd]

机器猫†(Doraemon the Japanese robotic cat – 500 episodes!)

 

this one is great.

[Bug's Mom]

Not Jennynd, but here are the videos I have on my list.

 

 

1. http://www.56.com/u85/v_NTMxODg4NTg.htmlhttp://www.56.com/u85/v_NTMxODg4NTg.html Lion King in Mandarin

a. “大头儿子小头爸爸†(Big Head Son – 78 episodes)

2. “马丁的早晨†(Martin Morning – 52 episodes)

3. “机器猫†(Doraemon the Japanese robotic cat – 500 episodes!)

4. “喜羊羊与灰太狼†(Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf – 465 episodes!)

5. “拇指熊†(Thumb Bear – 11 episodes)

6. http://www.fanpop.com/external/7358 Chinese songs and video links

7. http://www.youtube.com/user/chinesesunflowers#p/u Chinese YouTube cartoons

8. www.flashempire.com lots of cartoons in Mandarin – like this one http://www.flashempire.com/theater/play.php?id=77993

 

 

Thanks! My dd was thrilled to hear about the Lion King link, especially.

[LisaKinVA]

Family went to a local Chinese restaurant... where my younger son declared he was going to learn Mandarin. At which point a member of the Mandarin-speaking wait staff said, "My own children don't know Mandarin, they wanted to learn French." :lol:

 

I asked if she knew anyone around town that might teach Mandarin... and she promptly said, "no," but she did teach the children a few words (Thank you, and How are you?)

[Ohdanigirl]

Thanks!

[SwordedHip]

Not Jennynd, but here are the videos I have on my list.

 

 

1. http://www.56.com/u85/v_NTMxODg4NTg.htmlhttp://www.56.com/u85/v_NTMxODg4NTg.html Lion King in Mandarin

a. “大头儿子小头爸爸†(Big Head Son – 78 episodes)

2. “马丁的早晨†(Martin Morning – 52 episodes)

3. “机器猫†(Doraemon the Japanese robotic cat – 500 episodes!)

4. “喜羊羊与灰太狼†(Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf – 465 episodes!)

5. “拇指熊†(Thumb Bear – 11 episodes)

6. http://www.fanpop.com/external/7358 Chinese songs and video links

7. http://www.youtube.com/user/chinesesunflowers#p/u Chinese YouTube cartoons

8. http://www.flashempire.com lots of cartoons in Mandarin – like this one http://www.flashempire.com/theater/play.php?id=77993

 

Thank you so much. I am constantly on the look out for this kind of stuff for my children. However, I am having problems downloading any of the above links - we want to watch them in the car on our DVD player. Any suggestions on how to do this or if this even possible? TIA

[Dmmetler]

Do you have a Confucius institute at a university anywhere close? My homeschool group is working with the one I've linked here to offer their program to our children.

 

 

http://www.memphis.edu/cium/

[dietmom]

my son was motivated to learn mandarin on his own--it was the language of choice for him this year. We got the Rosetta Stone version and it was dry and unengaging for him completely--even though he really wanted to learn it. I could see right away it was not working but he kept plugging on until about 10 lessons in--and we switched back to spanish it was so frustrating!

[Embassy]

my son was motivated to learn mandarin on his own--it was the language of choice for him this year. We got the Rosetta Stone version and it was dry and unengaging for him completely--even though he really wanted to learn it. I could see right away it was not working but he kept plugging on until about 10 lessons in--and we switched back to spanish it was so frustrating!

 

I hear you. We tried Rosetta Stone Mandarin for 3 school years before I finally gave up on it. Better Chinese is better:001_smile:

[Embassy]

Thank you so much. I am constantly on the look out for this kind of stuff for my children. However, I am having problems downloading any of the above links - we want to watch them in the car on our DVD player. Any suggestions on how to do this or if this even possible? TIA

 

Sorry. I have no idea. We just watch them online.

[LND1218]

Lisa,

I know this is an older thread, but I know someone who is near you teaching Mandarin Chinese next fall who is very inexpensive.

[Laura Corin]

The closest ones are over an hour's drive away... I think we may go with "Tell Me More," and then either Skype for high school, or do EPGY/Stanford online, which offers up to AP level. I expect there will be even more opportunities in a few years as well.

 

I can easilly find Korean and Thai...though. I could even get a Japanese tuotor... just not Chinese.

 

The tones are crucial: say it wrong and 'mother' turns into 'hemp', 'horse' or 'to scold'. They are not a minor matter. I would recommend getting a Skype tutor at the beginning (if you can't find a live one locally) to bash through the tones with you.

 

Laura

[Jill]

Thank you so much. I am constantly on the look out for this kind of stuff for my children. However, I am having problems downloading any of the above links - we want to watch them in the car on our DVD player. Any suggestions on how to do this or if this even possible? TIA

On Windows you can use the youtube downloader to grab flash vids and then FLV player to play back the files. I haven't checked them out for my Mac yet but we have various computer systems here so we are using the aforementioned.

[LisaKinVA]

Just an update on the Mandarin thing... I went ahead and purchased the Tell Me More course through the co-op purchase. I also was alerted to a Mandarin course (new, as far as I can tell), now being offered at our church one day a week for ages 7- middle school. The price is pretty good, too. I have to double check schedule things (maybe change a VP on-line class or two), and then I'll have the "best" of both worlds... a course they can work through with a native speaker, and some reinforcement work at home to play with. :D