Our Mandarin curriculum.
Designed for TK–5 students, our Mandarin curriculum develops listening, speaking, reading, and writing through stories, conversation, and guided practice. Lessons follow a structured sequence, with activities and pacing adapted to children’s language experience and readiness.
A foundation that grows with your child.
TK–Grade 1
Textbook: Better Chinese — My First Chinese Words
Story-based learning that introduces familiar topics, useful vocabulary, and sentence patterns, with character recognition and early writing adapted to each stage.
Grades 2–5
Textbook: Better Chinese — My First Chinese Reader
Connected lessons develop conversation, reading comprehension, and writing, with opportunities to retell stories, explain ideas, and present projects.
Selected stories and activities from Jinan University’s Zhong Wen (中文) and Mei Zhou Chinese (美洲华语) add reading, writing practice and cultural connections.
Learning activities and pacing are adapted to children’s language experience and readiness.
From first words to meaningful use.
1. Listen and speak
Start with stories, songs, conversations, and vocabulary that children can use.
2. Recognize and read
Revisit familiar language through character recognition and guided reading.
3. Beyond the textbook
Students practice Mandarin through science, art, movement, music, and cultural projects. Each week’s activities build on the language introduced in lessons, giving children opportunities to explore, create, and share their ideas in Mandarin.
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Ask questions, conduct simple experiments, explore nature, and investigate how things work.
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Explore materials, colors, and forms while making artwork and talking about creative choices.
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Practice listening and cooperation through active games, movement challenges, and playful teamwork.
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Bring language to life through songs, role-play, storytelling, and opportunities to speak in front of others.
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Explore Chinese stories, traditions, and cultural themes through collaborative projects and sharing.
A balanced afternoon.
Children need a rhythm that makes room for focus, exploration, and rest. Our planned afternoon brings these together, with activities adapted to different ages.
Arrive & settle in
Transition from the school day, enjoy social time, and prepare for afternoon activities.
Mandarin core learning
Build language skills through stories, conversations, games, reading, and age-appropriate literacy instruction.
Enrichment & exploration
Extend weekly learning themes through hands-on projects, movement, creativity, and cultural discovery.
Support & play
Make time for homework support for older children, play-based choices for younger children, and a relaxed transition to pickup.
FAQ
More details are coming soon. Join our interest list for a finalized schedule, tuition details, and enrollment information.
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Qiwen is designed for children from TK through 5th grade, with learning activities adapted to age and level of Mandarin proficiency.
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We’re planning support for different Mandarin backgrounds. Contact us to discuss your child’s experience and program fit.
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Mandarin is the primary language for lessons, activities, and everyday routines. Brief English explanations are provided when needed to support understanding and participation.
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Our program will be held at the Pleasant Hill Community Center. We aim to open in the spring of 2027, but we’ll share final details with anyone who signs up for our interest list.
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Transportation arrangements are being explored. Details will be shared when confirmed.
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Join our interest list to be notified when enrollment information becomes available.