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Learning Mandarin?

  1. #1
    Rocketdog is offline Registered User
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    Learning Mandarin?

    What's the best way of getting a pre-school kid to learn Mandarin in Hong Kong? (age two and a half).


  2. #2
    kashismum is offline Registered User
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    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.


  3. #3
    josoo is offline Registered User
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    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.


  4. #4
    Sage is offline Registered User
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    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.


  5. #5
    josoo is offline Registered User
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    Learning Mandarin

    I found mine through The Methodist Centre and it's around $50 per hour. I pay anywhere bewtween $5k-7k per month depending on the number of hours, as there are so many public holidays. It's worked out great so far. Good luck!


  6. #6
    Sage is offline Registered User
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    Thanks very much, joosoo! :)


  7. #7
    Rocketdog is offline Registered User
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    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


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