Electives

A Premium World Language Course
1 year
Available to Grades 6-8

This fun, interactive course for middle school students is filled with diverse, multimedia language activities. The instruction is equivalent to that found in the first semester of high school Chinese I. Students begin their introduction to Mandarin Chinese by focusing on the four key areas of world language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course represents an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices that reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Both Chinese characters and pinyin are presented together throughout the course, and specific character practices help students learn characters. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their language learning; become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases; comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns; participate in simple conversations and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts; analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Chinese-speaking countries; and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored.