Elementary Mandarin Chinese

While challenging, the Chinese language is well worth the investment. This high school course requires the text (288 pages), workbook, and free digital audio and video files (directions for download or online viewing included). Each textbook chapter starts with conversation (written in Chinese, Pinyin, and English and accessible on digital files). The topics include situations from multiple Chinese speaking countries and include the topics of numbers, dates, and times; persons, places, and things; directions, travel, weather, and more. Listen to and watch native speakers in "real life" interactions. After each conversation, new and supplemental vocabulary, comprehension questions, teaching notes, and reading exercises follow. All grammar is explained in accessible terms. The Reading and Writing exercises are the only ones which require Chinese characters. All others use the Romanized Pinyin, so the course could simply be used to gain speaking and listening skills. If you want to emphasize character writing, you'll need to provide additional practice sheets (such as large grid graph paper). The nonreproducible workbook (190 pages) provides the lesson practice. Most workbook lessons contain two listening comprehension exercises, one translation exercise, one character practice sheet, and one reading and writing exercise. Please note: no answers are provided for either book. Class time should be three times per week, with an additional 2-3 hours of preparation and practice. This course is best implemented in high school with assistance of a native speaker, tutor, or some other method to reinforce correct pronunciation. Highly motivated middle school students, however, could potentially use this course at a much slower pace. ~ Ruth