COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this introductory course, students are introduced to the fundamentals of Mandarin with an integrated approach of listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course will help students build a solid foundation in the Chinese language by focusing on the Chinese phonetic system, stroke order, commonly used radicals, formation of characters, and high frequency words. Through stories, games, songs, videos, readings, role-plays and hands-on activities, students gain proficiency in a fun and natural way, while also building enthusiasm for learning a foreign language and exploring Chinese customs and traditions through festivals, calligraphy, arts and crafts and projects. This course also employs various technological tools to enhance students’ interest and learning.
Note: Mandarin 1A is the first semester of SMUHSD Chinese 1. Mandarin 1A is offered every other day. Students will accumulate to around 70 hours of Mandarin instruction every year.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Follow classroom commands
Be familiar with the Chinese phonetic symbols and tone marks
Understand the names of strokes and the rules of stroke orders
Apply the knowledge on commonly used radicals to analyze the formation of Chinese characters
Greet people culturally appropriately
Exchange information about numbers, dates, age, date of birth, and where one lives
Introduce oneself and family members including occupation
Tell and speak about time and dates
Talk about someone’s age and birthday
Talk about cuisines that one likes
UNIT BY UNIT OVERVIEW
September Introduction & Classroom Commands
Foundation: Pinyin, Basic Strokes
Moon Festival
October Foundation: Basic Chinese Radicals, Numbers & Basic Greeting
November Chapter 1.1 - Dialogue: Formal Greetings, Exchanging greetings
December Chapter 1.2 - Dialogue: Student/Teacher, Cities of origin, Nationalities
January Chapter 2.1 Dialogue: Looking at a family photo, describing family photo
February Chinese Zodiacs Legend & Lunar New Years: Celebrations & Traditions
March Chapter 2.2 Dialogue: Asking about someone’s family
April Chapter 3.1 Dialogue: Taking someone out to eat on their birthday
May Chapter 3.2 Dialogue: Inviting someone to dinner
June Yearly Review & Wrap up
GRADING INFORMATION
50% Classwork/Homework
50% Assessments
Types of assessments in World Language Game