Mandarin class for non chinese kids

[jbsing]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone can give me some up-to- date info on mandarin classes for non chinese kids.

We are new to Singapore and am looking for mandarin classes for our 4 and 6 yr old, who only speak English. Location peferably on Orchard rd area or East Coast. I think a class environment may be more fun for learning the language.

During my search, I came across names of some mandarin language schools (eg Julia Gabriel, Berries, Xuelin, Busy Bees) and when I looked into 2 of them, I got the feeling its was more for local kids who already had some knowledge of Mandarin. It seemed like the kids were classed according to age, rather than ability. I would think it's a struggle for non chinese kids to grasp the language when put into a class with kids of a certain mandarin ability. Will they eventually will pick up or just be clueless for a whole term?

Or should I go down the private tutor route to get them started? What should I ask of the tutor? Are they suppose to bring a coursebook and teach using that? Or is the role of a tutor just to help with mandarin homework and reinforce the mandarin taught at school since mum and dad are of no help?

Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[Jinki]

If you think that your kids learn better in a class environment then maybe you can enroll them in "Mandarin for beginners". If there is no suitable class then maybe you can opt for private tuition. There's pros and cons for both choice. Having private tuition could benefit your kids. Its a 1 to 1 teaching, going on your kids phase and its at your own home. You can set the criteria of the tutor that you want. Always opt for tutors that have interactive learning. Kids learn better that way(to my opinion since my kids love interactive learning). Most tuition centre in Singapore caters for local kids but you can try to search for tuition agency that have tutor specialize in international student. I have the name of the agency but I think its not allowed to be posted here.