In Singapore, mastering Mandarin is more than just a skill; it’s a gateway to understanding a rich culture and language spoken by over a billion people worldwide. Although children predominantly experience an English learning environment in mainstream schools, parents can create opportunities to nurture a fluency in Mandarin to raise bilingual learners.

The New Age Parents interviewed the dedicated team at Chengzhu Mandarin Centre to understand how their unique approach and passion for teaching Mandarin have made them a leading provider of Chinese enrichment classes in Singapore for children from 6 months old to Primary 6.

1. EduDrama®: Learning Mandarin Through Experience

At the heart of Chengzhu’s success is their proprietary EduDrama® methodology, a learning approach established by their founder, Julia Gabriel. We asked the team how this method works and why it’s so effective.

“EduDrama® is about making language come alive,” explained Chengzhu. “We believe that children learn best when fully engaged and enjoying the process. Through drama, storytelling, and role play, we create a vibrant environment where Mandarin is not just learned but experienced. This immersive approach helps children absorb the language naturally and use it confidently in real-life situations.”

Imagine your child not just reciting vocabulary but embodying the language through the characters and stories they create. This is the magic of EduDrama® – it transforms learning into an adventure.

2. Gifted Educators: The Heart of Chengzhu

A method is only as effective as those who teach it. At Chengzhu, the educators skilfully leverage each child’s strengths, encouraging them to learn in a way that reflects their individuality. This approach fosters confidence and creates a well-rounded educational experience.

“Our teachers are skilled in a variety of traditional Chinese disciplines, including music, dance and performance,” the Chengzhu team shared. “But what truly sets them apart is their passion. They are not just teaching Mandarin; they are sharing their love for the language and culture with each child.”

One parent, Kaur Jasmin, who has a Kindergarten 2 daughter enrolled at Chengzhu, shared her thoughts: “Keerat enjoys Mandarin classes at Chengzhu and always looks forward to them. I’ve seen her confidence to speak Mandarin grow leaps and bounds. The teachers have been very supportive and instrumental in her love of the language and culture. I’m impressed with the commitment and passion that the staff at Chengzhu have in making Mandarin come alive for the children.”

3. A Holistic Approach to Chinese as a Culture

Language is more than words; it’s a reflection of culture, values, and history. At Chengzhu, this holistic understanding is integrated into every lesson.

“Our programmes go beyond language skills,” Chengzhu emphasised. “We focus on cultural concepts and context, which deepens students’ comprehension of Mandarin. Whether it’s through traditional Chinese dance, calligraphy, or storytelling, our students gain a rich understanding of Chinese culture that enhances their language learning.”

This holistic approach not only builds language skills but also instils a lifelong appreciation for Chinese culture – a gift that goes beyond the classroom.

4. Experiential Learning: The Key to Retention

Many of us remember the rote memorisation from our school days. Chengzhu takes a different approach, emphasising experiential learning to ensure that what children learn stays with them.

“When children learn through experience, the language sticks,” explained Chengzhu. “For example, when they practise calligraphy, they aren’t just writing characters, they’re connecting with the cultural significance behind them. This makes the learning experience much more memorable.”

Goh Chee Heng, a parent with two children, shared, “Both my children attend Chengzhu’s classes and enjoy themselves thoroughly. Their curriculum is interesting and able to arouse their interest in learning. From storytelling, role-playing, creative writing or reading, all these different spectrums of teaching allow my children to improve their pro¬ficiency in the language.”

Experiential learning at Chengzhu means your child will not just learn Mandarin; they’ll remember it, use it, and grow in confidence as they do.

5. Learning Through Positive Experiences: Building a Love for Mandarin

It’s no secret that a positive learning environment can make all the difference in a child’s educational journey. Chengzhu Mandarin Centre is committed to creating such an environment, where every child feels supported and encouraged.

Parents have noticed the difference. “My daughter was hesitant to use Mandarin,” said Elsie Chang, whose daughter attends Chengzhu. “But she can now understand and answer my questions when I speak to her in Mandarin. She also loves to share with us the songs from class – with actions included!”

Why Choose Chengzhu Mandarin Centre?

Chengzhu Mandarin Centre offers more than just Mandarin classes; it offers a complete language learning experience that is immersive, holistic, and, most importantly, fun.

With their unique EduDrama® approach, passionate educators, and focus on cultural context, Chengzhu ensures that your child will not only master Mandarin but also develop a deep love for the language, from their early months through to the PSLE.
For parents looking to give their children the best foundation in Mandarin from as early as 6 months to Primary 6, Chengzhu Mandarin Centre is the top choice in Singapore.

Ready to start your child’s Mandarin journey? Visit their website at chengzhu.edu.sg today to learn more.

Brought to you by Chengzhu Mandarin Centre.

By Julia Chan.

The New Age Parents – TNAP Awards 2024

Congratulations to Chengzhu Mandarin Centre for being the winner of TNAP Awards 2024 (Education) – Best Interactive Chinese Enrichment Programmes.

Find out who are the other winners of the TNAP Awards 2024 (Education) here!

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