Course Syllabus for Chinese 1

Ms. Liu

Course Description

Chinese 1 is designed for first time learners to gain basic knowledge of the Chinese language, which includes Pinyin (a phonetic) system, character formation and simple sentence structures. Students will learn about 150-180 characters and basic grammar in order to engage in basic communications, namely basic listening, speaking, reading and writing. Application of computer technology will be introduced in Chinese language learning.

Cultural Studies: Twice a month (or every other Friday) a designated cultural study class will allow students to explore Chinese history, geography, culture and traditional and modern life in China. Movies, books, artifacts, paintbrush and other materials will be used to facilitate cultural understanding.

Course Objectives

At the end of the first year, students will be able to use numbers in daily life such as telling time, day, month, year and age. Students will be able to greet each other and introduce themselves as well as family members in Chinese. Students will also be able to express preference such as likes and dislikes for pets or activities. Students will be able to engage in simple conversation in Chinese with native speakers.

Description of how course develops learner profile habits

As an International Baccalaureate program school, Snowden is focusing on educating students to become individuals described in IB learner profile: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-taker, balanced and reflective. By taking language course students will discover their potentials in language learning and develop understanding of other cultures and others’ point of view through authentic learning materials.

Curriculum Covered & Time-line:

September 2020: Lesson 1-3 (general introduction about China, simple greetings and numbers 1-999)

October 2020: Lesson 4-5 (Who is he? Whose book is this? Nationalities)

November 2020: Lesson 6 (one’s family)

December 2020: Lesson 7 (Pets at home)

January 2021: Lesson 8 (I can speak a language/e.g. Chinese)

February 2021: Lesson 9 (sports: swimming, basketball and etc.)

March 2021: Lesson 10 (family members and friends)

April 2021: Lesson 11 (food and drinks)

May 2021: self-introduction and additional vocabulary

June 2021: Review, assessment and exam

Key questions:

1. How to count and write numbers from 1 to 99 in Chinese.

2. How to greet one another.

3. What to say when introducing oneself and family members.

4. How to state one’s nationality.

5. How to describe one’s pet.

6. How to tell one’s interests and hobbies.

Description of Major Assessments / Assignments (Learning Products)

Students are expected to complete the following assignments:

Daily assignment/worksheet and online assignment

Paragraph writing exercise and short essays

Quizzes

Speaking assessments including conversations using recording device

Mid-term exam

Final exam

Assessment and Grading Policy

Final grade computation:

1^st term: 20%;

2^nd term: 20%;

3^rd term: 20%;

4^th term: 20%

Mid-term: 10% and final exam: 10%

Each term grade consists of

a. 40% quiz average

at least 2-4 quizzes are given within a term/quarter. Quizzes may be given at the end of each lesson/unit, and may be retaken after school more than once before the end of the term. Sometimes a project will replace a quiz or test, and projects (written or verbal) will be assessed by rubrics.

b. 35% every worksheet/assignment, which varies in numbers for different level of classes. Worksheets are students’ obligations that they must do. Failing to hand in complete worksheet in 5 days will result in grade reduction. Worksheets/assignments may be completed in class or at home according to the teacher’s instructions. Incomplete worksheet/ assignment receives no credits. Every assignment will be corrected and returned to students in a timely manner. Neat handwriting of Chinese characters is required for all students.

c. 25% class participation including physical presence, digital class participation and note taking Students are expected to:

· Speak Chinese in a thoughtful manner.

· Listen to others with respect and appreciation.

· Present one’s own project with care.

Late Work Policy

Students have 5 days to complete a worksheet counting from the day when it’s assigned. On a 100 point scale, late work will lose 1 point per day. For example, a perfect score worksheet is five days late, it will be only credited for 95 points.

Required Materials: a composition notebook, a folder, pen or pencil and 150 index cards. Have textbook handy if any.

Key Course Texts: Ni Hao 1 An Introduction to Chinese by ChinaSoft

Expectations:

Students are expected to:

• respect teachers and peers.

• no use of electronic device during class unless instructed by the teacher for educational purpose.

• no food eating during class.

• participate in discussion and drill.

• bring notebook, textbook, worksheets, a pen or pencil to class.

• take notes and complete class work.

• hand in assignments on time.

• stay for extra help when needed.

Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in class.

Extra Help

Tuesdays and Thursday after school 2:15-3:15 or by appointment for other days

Online help is also available by arrangement depending how remote learning is carried out.

Availability for Parent contact

For any questions please email Ms. Liu at lliu@bostonpublicschools.org or call 617-635-9989 leave message. Individual conference may be arranged.

Must-visit site links:

Ms. Liu’s google class https://classroom.google.com/c/MjE5ODAwOTE0Mlpa

Google site https://sites.google.com/bostonpublicschools.org/snowdenchinese