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.