My daughter 2.7 years is very fluent in English and our native tongue. Her parents (o yea! its the adults) are keen to enroll her to learn third language...final decision is....Mandarin, but where? We are in South Auckland. I'm willing to drive her as far as East/Central Auckland as long as that's a good class and I will receive a positive feedbacks (and reasonable fee, of course). Whe I have googled LCF Fun Languages appeared in Central Auckland, did anyone has an experience with this class, how's that? Any other recommendations will be appreciated.
Second point, she's now in the preschool 2x/week but I feel that she's not learning much from there, I mean the staff don't challenge her with much harder stuff and activities eventhough from the start they already know she's advanced (do they think I'm a demanding parent?), but I remember on that preschool's philosophy that they provide activities and opportunities according to kids individual interests, needs, strengths and rates of development, something like that. But I don't see it happening according to the reports I have been receiving. Staff would just always tell me when I pick her up "she's been good, don't worry." Wow! is that it all the time? Anyway, if someone can recommend me a preschool in South Auckland which caters for gifted/highly able preschoolers, would be cool.
Re: Mandarin class, preschool for gifted/highly able kids at South Auckland
Author: LM
Date: 23-09-11 12:29
Hi Jinky,
We were in a similar situation, and found three options. The first was to hire a private tutor or child minder who speaks Mandarin. We opted not to go this route, but might in future. There are lots of Mandarin speaking students at Auckland University, who might like the extra cash!
The second was the LFC program, which teaches Mandarin on Saturdays for children 3+ (classes are given in Remua now). My children enjoy this program, and it's very play oriented, although realize there is only so much you can cover in 1 hour per week.
The third was online tutoring (like through Skype). We have used eChineseLearning for several weeks now, and have been impressed so far. The teachers are from Beijing, and it is live individualized classes (you can sign up for 1 to 5 lessons per week). They will work with 3-year-olds. My gifted 6-year-old enjoys learning this way, although my 4-year-old doesn't like having to sit still for the lesson, so your mileage may vary. They let you have a free lesson to see if it will work for you and your child. What's nice is that they are able to work on your schedule, and can progress at your child's pace rather than a generic pace.
Re: Mandarin class, preschool for gifted/highly able kids at South Auckland
Author: LM
Date: 23-09-11 12:39
Just to add, on the Mandarin topic -- the LFC fees vary depending on how many kids are enrolled, but are very reasonable (usually under $20 a lesson). The kids in the class are all from families with an interest in languages, so it's a nice group of people.
The eChineseLearning program also varies, but lessons are inexpensive (although you need to pay for 6 months+ in advance). You get more lessons depending on how long you are willing to commit to on contract, and they'll suggest you sign up for 2 years and get 3 lessons per week (but you can choose 6 months commitment for 1 lesson per week to try it out).
Re: Mandarin class, preschool for gifted/highly able kids at South Auckland
Author: LM
Date: 23-09-11 12:49
One more thing, on your second point. :) Have you considered teaching her at home, yourself? For our brood, we found they love the Singapore Mathematics curriculum, and have used the Preschool/Kindergartener textbooks as enrichment activities. They also liked the Hooked on Phonics program for reading instruction, and we do lots of hand-on science experiments. Maybe it's overkill, but as long as the kids are having fun, it doesn't seem like any harm to keep them engaged. :) Best of luck!
Hi,
Have you thought about enrolling your little one in a mandarin speaking preschool. I believe there is one in botany. I hear what you say about preschools and pushy parent syndrome. We have just decided preschool is for socialization skills and we belong to 3 homeschooling and extension sites from around the world and she just picks and chooses what she wants. I think the hardest times are when she goes through a mental growth spurt and actually one of our hardest times was 2.5 yrs as we didn't have any support. But now with small poppies and meeting other south Auckland parents it is easier as we share resources and then can have a moan about being one of those parents.
Hi, my children attend a Saturday class in botany called Peekahoo mandarin nest. If you are interested you should contact Corinne on 021321668. My kids also attend a mandarin play group in the city. I know there is another mandarin play group in manukau on great south road.
Ni hao Parents,
I am Maroussia from LCF Fun Languages Central Auckland. I can organise a free Mandarin trial lesson for your group or any other language. If you are interested contact me on:
maroussia@lcfclubs.co.nz or 09 845 6352 or 021 251 7435.
For the Northshore area contact Zoe on zoe@lcfclubs.co.nz.
Does anyone know of any mandarin playgroups on the north shore? We are non native speaking Mum and 3 year old both trying to learn Mandarin. Investigated the above information (thanks for the great posts!!) but wondering if any groups are a little more local.
