好好学习天天向上An E-Guide To Teaching

High school Mandarin Chinese

By: Fara Kaner

好好学习天天向上An E-Guide To Teaching

High school Mandarin Chinese

Written By: Fara Bethany KanerEdited By: Fara Bethany KanerCopyright © 2012 Ross School

Fara Kaner is a senior at the Ross School in East Hampton, NY. She has been studying Mandarin Chinese for six years, at Ross and various other institutions. She began high school in Chinese level two,has advanced to level six. During the summer of 2009 and 2010, she was offered a two-year government-funded grant to attend China Institute’s Summer Language Academy in New York City. In tenth grade she placed out of level three, and went directly to level four due to her summer studies.

The summer after tenth grade (2011), she participated in the Middlebury Monterey Language Academy’s one-month course, in which she was required to take a language pledge ensuring she would only speak the target language during her time there. In eleventh grade, she was the only student to be placed in level five, and therefore experienced the benefits of one-on-one learning with her The summer of 2012 was her most enlightening experience because she spent it studying Chinese in Shanghai, China for six intense weeks. There she learned immensely about Chinese culture and traditions.

This year she is attending her level six class, as well as, studying for the Chinese SAT2 and Advanced Placement exams. Over the course of her studies, she has experienced various types of foreign language teaching methods, and therefore has the ability to discern which are effective, and which are a waste of the student’s time.

She wrote this guide in order to inform teachers of the ways students most enjoy learning Chinese, and how to keep a classroom simultaneously informative and engaging. She understands that many students are turned away from studying this difficult language not out of lack of interest, but because they do not enjoy their class structure. In college she plans to further her acquisition of fluency in Mandarin, while continuing her investigation of efficient teaching techniques.

About The Author 5 Mission Statement 6 Introduction 7

Daily Class Structure 8

Materials 8 Examination Procedures 9 Level One- 10

Level One Syllabus:

Level Two- 17

Level Two Syllabus:

Level Three- 23

Level Three Syllabus

Level Four- 29

Level Four Syllabus:

Samples- 35

Sample Lesson Plan Sample Examination

Conclusion 40

Acknowledgments 41

About The Author

Fara Kaner is a senior at the Ross School in East Hampton, NY. She has been studying Mandarin Chinese for six years at Ross and various other institutions. She began high school in Chinese level two, and since then has advanced to level six. During the summers of 2009 and 2010, she was offered a government-funded grant to attend China Institute’s Summer Language Academy in New York City. In tenth grade she placed out of level three, and went directly to level four due to her summer studies.

The summer after tenth grade (2011), she participated in the Middlebury Monterey Language Academy’s one-month course, in which she was required to take a language pledge ensuring she would only speak the target language there. In eleventh grade, she was the only student to be placed in level five, and therefore experienced the benefits of one-to-one learning with her 老师 (teacher). The summer of 2012 was her most enlightening experience because she spent it studying Chinese in Shanghai, China for six intense weeks. There she learned immensely about Chinese culture and traditions.

This year she is attending her level six class, as well as, studying for the Chinese SAT II and Advanced Placement exams. Over the course of her studies, she has witnessed various types of foreign language teaching methods, and therefore has the ability to discern which are most effective, and which are a waste of the student and teacher’s time.

She wrote this guide in order to inform teachers of the ways students most enjoy learning Chinese, and how to keep a classroom simultaneously informative and engaging. She understands that many students are turned away from studying this difficult language not out of lack of interest, but because they do not like their class’ structure. In college she plans to further her acquisition of fluency in Mandarin, while continuing her investigation of efficient teaching techniques.

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Mission Statement

The purpose of this guide is to present a unique curriculum for teaching Mandarin Chinese to high school students. It is my mission to demonstrate the best methods and materials to use for becoming highly proficient in this language over the course of a high school career. A student’s encouragement to study the language stems from a structured and nurturing classroom environment, and therefore school’s must be informed how that type of setting is obtained.

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Introduction

The title of this guide is “好好学习天天向上,” which literally translates to “good good study day day up,” but students across China know the saying as words of inspiration for studying diligently, improving their skills, and striving to create bright futures for themselves. I chose this title because I thought it was appropriate given the content of this guide.

The book outlines the curricula for four levels of high school Mandarin Chinese. The courses range from beginner to advanced, and are meant to correspond with a student’s four years of high school. The schedule of these courses is designed to fit a typical school year, which has approximately 1741 days of study (ten months), providing the students have five 45-minute classes per week. The pace of the courses really depends on how well the students understand the material. However, this guide encourages teaching approximately one lesson per month. Most lessons have two parts or dialogues, so teachers should allot roughly two weeks for each half of the lesson. If a lesson only has one dialogue, then the teacher will have to determine how to split-up the information given, so as not to overwhelm his/her students with too much information all at once. Of course leeway will have to be given for months where school vacations occur.

This guide is meant to aid language teachers in operating a successful Chinese class. It firstly states the daily class structure. These instructions should be followed regardless of level taught. Secondly, materials students are expected to bring to class each day, and examination procedures, are listed. Again these aspects of my program are unchanging for every class. Also enclosed in the guide is a syllabus for each of the four levels, which discuss requirements for attending each course, an overview of what the course has to offer, and a set of monthly goals students are expected to accomplish during its duration. While students should understand fully all of the given level’s information, the goals listed below only highlight the most useful aspects of each chapter. They are mainly based upon on how to

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properly handle oneself in a variety of hypothetical situations. The goals are also written as if addressing a student, asking about his/her ability to perform certain tasks.

Following the four syllabi is one sample lesson plan, and one sample examination. I have only included one sample lesson plan because I believe that all lessons for all levels should be taught using mainly the same schedule, as additionally emphasized in the “Daily Class Structure”, “Materials”, and “Examinations Procedures”. If students are introduced into a program of consistency and uniformity, then they are more likely to be less anxious about what to expect each month/year, and therefore have more time to focus on learning the target language. As for the sample examination (See “Examination Procedures”), it is based upon the first lesson of level one.

The language learning levels utilize the four textbooks: “Integrated Chinese Level One – Part One”, “Integrated Chinese Level One – Part Two”, “Integrated Chinese Level Two – Part One”, and “Integrated Chinese Level Two – Part Two”. Each textbook also has its own workbook for students to practice. These books I have found to be the most successful and accessible for learning Chinese. The use of additional engaging materials in the classroom is also encouraged.

My hope is that this guide will serve as a template for creating an inventive and creative language-learning environment.

1Based on the Ross School calendar, excluding their longest break called “M-Term”.

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Daily Class Structure:

1. Students are required to come to each class on time, with all materials, and fully prepared to move ahead with their studies.

2. Students will use Integrated Chinese textbooks as the basis for their daily studies.

3. Material will be taught in the order outlined by “Sample Lesson Plan”.

4. The accompanying workbook will be used mostly for homework.

5. Homework will be assigned each class.

6. At the beginning of each class the homework assigned the class before will be reviewed.

7. Every student is expected to know the material learned in class that day.

8. The last five minutes of each class will be dedicated to answering student’s questions.

Materials:

1. One binder for all handouts, quizzes, and tests with separate sections for each

2. One Notebook

3. Textbook and Workbook

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Examination Procedures

The examination procedures for each course are quite rigorous. Firstly, every dialogue’s vocabulary list should be divided into two parts. Therefore, each lesson should include two-four vocabulary quizzes (depending on if there is one or two dialogues). Because it should only take one week to learn each part of the given vocabulary list, quizzes should be administered every Friday. Secondly, on the Monday after the final quiz, there should be a test to determine the student’s overall knowledge of each individual lesson (see “Sample Examination”). The monthly tests should also be able to determine if a student has achieved all the goals for that particular month. Due to the school year being approximately ten months long, there should be a mid-term given at the end of January, and a final given at the end of June. Both of these cumulative tests will include material taken from the five lessons previously learned. The purpose of these cumulative tests are to help decide if a student is prepared enough to advance to the next level the following year. The grading system for all assignments, quizzes, and tests is as follows:1 - 3 = Failure (49% and below)4 - 6 = Pass (50% - 69%)7 - 9 = Average (70% - 89%)9 - 10 = Excellent (90% - 100%)All students are expected to have a final grade of at least a 4 in order to graduate to the next level. If not, then they will repeat the same level over again the next year. The final grade is not only based on examination grades, but also on consistency in homework, class participation, and other instances in which students can reveal their accomplishment of goals (class projects, etc.). My reasoning for initiating this type of challenging program, is that I believe the more you demand of students, the more likely they will be to rise to the occasion and succeed.

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一年级Level

111

Level One SyllabusRequirements:

No prior requirements are needed to participate in this course. All students need to do is attend with an open mind and a passion for learning challenging subjects.

Overview:

The purpose of this course is to begin a journey of studying Mandarin Chinese. This journey will be difficult and tedious, but in the end immensely rewarding. Students will be able to read, write, and understand basic Mandarin Chinese. The key to learning this language is to gain a strong foundation right from the get go, and Level One offers that opportunity. This class is the most significant of the four because it is when students decide if they are interested in continuing learning this difficult language. Therefore, it is imperative that it be exciting, enlightening, and encouraging.

Students will first learn the tones needed in order to speak Chinese. Then they will learn how to read the phonetic system of pronouncing Chinese characters called 汉语拼音 (Hanyu Pinyin), and basic vocabulary. After a few days of becoming acclimated with the language, they will use the textbook and workbook “Integrated Chinese Level One – Part One”. These tools will serve as a jumping off point for studying the target language. At the end of the course students will be able to successfully introduce themselves, ask questions about others, and make arrangements to meet people.

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Goals: Month

LessonNumber

Reading Goals Writing Goals Speaking Goals Listening Goals

September

Pre-textbook introduction to Chinese

第一课:问好Lesson 1:Greetings

1.Learn to read Hanyu Pinyin

2.Begin to recognize simple Chinesecharacters

3.Correctly read a dialogue about greetings

4.Correctly read a dialogue about nationalities

1.Learn to write Hanyu Pinyin with tones

2.Able to write the characters given in Lesson 1

3.Use the given grammar rules to write simple sentences

1.Learn the difference between Chinese tones

2.Being able to appropriately greet someone (Stating your name and title, and asking the other person’s)

3.Asking about someone’s nationality

4.Correctly utilize the given grammar rules in a variety of sentences

1.Being able to hear the difference between tones

2.Understanding a dialogue about an introduction between two people

3.Understanding a dialogue about nationalities

October

第二课:家庭Lesson 2:Family

1.Recognize the characters for mother and father, sister, and brother

2.Be Able to read a dialogue about the introduction of one’s family

1. Able to write the characters for mother and father

2.Write a question using 谁 (who), and an answer using 的 (possessive)

1. List your family members using 有/没有 (to have/not have)

2.Ask about someone else’s family using the given grammar rules

1.Understandingtwo dialogues aboutfamily

2. Recognizing the difference between a question and answer when discussing family members

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November

第三课:时间Lesson 3:Dates and Time

1.Read the characters relating to this topic correctly

2.Distinguish the difference between天 (day)年 (year)

3.Be Able to read both dialogues

1. Be able to write all characters correctly

2.Make accurate sentences using dates

3.Translate time from its numerical value into Chinese characters

4,Know all grammar points

1.Learn the days of the week

2.Be able to tell someone when your birthday is

3.Ask someone how old they are and when is their birthday

1.Understand an invitation to a birthday party or dinner

2.Be certain you know why a person is accepting/rejecting your invitation

December

第四课:爱好Lesson 4:Hobbies

1.Recognize the characters for different hobbies (e.g. 大篮球 - play basketball)

2.Read carefully and understand the character in the textbook’s likes and dislikes

1.Memorize how to write the characters for 喜欢/不喜欢 (like/dislike)

2.Write sentences using the common word order: Sub. + Adv. + V. + Obj.

1.If your initial plan with a friend is rejected then make sentences using 那么 (then) to make a new suggestion

2.Use the modal verb 想 (want to) to express what you would like to do

1.listen to sentences regarding daily activities and be able to respond appropriately

January

第五课:看朋友Lesson 5:Visiting Friends

1.Read the first dialogue, and be able to answer true/false questions about it

2.Read the second dialogue and be able to translate it into English

1.Write your own experience about visiting a friend’s house.

2.Write sentences using the 了 (completion of an action) structure

1.While speaking to your friends, try to moderate the tone of your voice by using the verbs 一下 (once), and 一点儿 (a bit)

2.Tell someone where you were by using the preposition 在 (at,in,on)

3.tell a friend how nice their home looks

1.Understand workbook dialogue one, and answer the true/false questions appropriately

2.Listen to another person’s beverage choices and see how they differ from your own

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February

第六课:约时间Lesson 6:Making Appoint-ments

1.Understand the student’s purpose for calling her teacher in Dialogue 1

2. Recognize the character for 要 (want)

1.Write about what you like to do with certain people by using the sentence Structure:A 跟 (gen) B + V(O)

2.Write a schedule for your ideal day

1.Tell someone not to do something

2.Ask for a favor

3.Tell someone what they must do

4.Give directional complements

5.Make an appointment

1.listen to both Workbook Dialogues, and be able to answer the true/false and multiple choice questions

2.Listen to your friend’s schedule in order to determine the best time to meet

March

第七课:学中文Lesson 7:Studying Chinese

1.Recall how to recognize the characters for different dates,and apply that knowledge to this lesson.

2.Understand why the character 就 (used before a verb to suggest the quickness of an action) is essential in Chinese

1.write about a time when you helped a friend do his/her homework

2.Incorperate the character 就 when writing about an incident

3.Memorize how to write 太 (too) and 真 (really)

1.Write sentences using the structure:Verb + 得 (de) + complement

2.Be able to give your teacher a good explanation for why you were late to class

3.Ask questions using 怎么 (how come)

1.Listen to your friend’s frustrations about learning Chinese, and offer to help

2.Be able to translate for a friend who can only speak Chinese, but needs to tell the substitute teacher why he/she missed class

April

第八课:学校生活Lesson 8: School Life

1.Recognize the sentence structure:一边…一边…, which signifies the simultaneity of two actions

2.Be able to read signs stating: school, cafeteria, and dorm rooms

1.Write a diary entry about your school life

2.Write a formal letter

3. Know how to write the characters 早饭 (breakfast), 午饭 (lunch), 晚饭 (dinner)

1.Talk about your daily routine

2.Speak modestly about your experience learning Chinese

2.Ask a friend to go on an outing

1.listen to someone’s daily routine, and offer them advice on how to be less busy

2.Listen to someone else explain their school life, and compare it to your own.

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May

第九课:买东西Lesson 9:Shopping

1.Recognize the monetary value of different Chinese coins/bills

2. Know the difference between signs for clothes stores and signs for shoe stores

3.Understand descriptions for different articles of clothing

1. Write in detail (using the chapter’s grammar rules) about your favorite outfit including: prize, size, color, and why it is suitable for you

2.Memorize how to write the characters for primary colors

1.Be able to speak about your purchases

2.Ask a shopkeeper for a different size or color of an article of clothing

3.Tell your friend that what they are wearing is suitable/not suitable for them

1.Understand someone’s concern about how an article of clothing looks

2.Know when a sales clerk is telling you that an item is out for stock

June

第十课:交通Lesson 10:Transport-ation

1.Read different places on a map

2. Recognize the characters for different forms of transportation

1.Write a thank-you letter to someone for giving you a ride

2.Make sentences using the topic-comment structure

2.Learn to write the characters for different vacations (e.g. 寒假 - winter vacation)

1.Talk about which form of transportation you like best, and why

2.Ask someone to drive you somewhere

3.Describe your usual route to school using the sentence structure:先… 再… (first…,then…)

1.After hearing your friend’s suggestions for the best way to get to school, choose one

2.Accept an apology from someone who was late to pick you up

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二年级Level

217

Level Two Syllabus Requirements:

In order to attend this course, students have had to successfully completed Level One.

Overview:

In Level Two, students will discover how Chinese people discuss various universal activities, such as renting an apartment, or going on a date. The situations presented are especially important for young people to learn about. They will use the textbook and workbook “Integrated Chinese Level One – Part Two”. The objective of this course is to encourage students to continue on with their Chinese studies. Students will no longer read 汉语拼音 (Hanyu Pinyin), but instead only characters. The vocabulary and grammar is significantly harder in this lesson, thereby forcing the students to work hard in order to pass their exams.

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Goals: Month

LessonNumber

Reading Goals Writing Goals Speaking Goals Listening Goals

September

第十一课:谈天气Lesson 11:Talking about the Weather

1. Recognize the character for weather

2.Read the weather for different areas online

3.Read a daily schedule, and decipher what activities theperson does more than once a week

1.Write about different activities you like to do in different types of weather

2.Use the adverb 又(again) to describe something you have done more than once

3.Memorize how to write the characters for different types of weather

1.Describe a change in weather

2.Compare two place’s weather using the sentence structure:A + 比 + B + Adj.

3.Tell someone you think they should cancel their plans due to severe weather

1.Listen to the weather report, and decide what you are going to do for the day accordingly

2.Listen to your friend’s frustration about how the weather where he/she lives is so bad, and suggest a nicer place to move to

October

第十二课:吃饭Lesson 12:Dining

1.Be able to read the menu in a Chinese restaurant

2.Understand the difference between 刚 (denotes that an action took place in the recent past) and 刚才 (a noun that refers to the time shortly before the act of speaking)

1.Write sentences using resultative complements

2.Write about what type of food you like using reduplication of adjectives for emphasis

3.Write a review of a restaurant you really like

1.Ask the waiter not to put MSG in your food

2.Tell someone that your food is too spicy/sweet/sour

3.Ask someone to accompany you to the school cafeteria

1.Ask your friend about a particular restaurant, and listen to his/her review

2.Listen to your waiter when he tells you about the restaurant’s specials, and be able to translate them for your friend who does not speak Chinese

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November

第十三课:问路Lesson 13:Asking Directions

1.Be able to read the characters for differentU.S.A states

2.Understand the signs for different places around your school

1.Memorize how to write the characters for different direction and location words such as: 上边 (top), 下边 (bottom), 前边(top), 后边 (back)

2.Write directions for how to get from your school to your house

3.Use the particle 过 (particle to denote past experiences) to write about places you have already been to

1.Ask for and give directions

2.Talk about how close/far one place is from another

3.Tell someone where you are going

1.Draw a map from one place to another according to your friend’s directions

2.Listen to the list of places someone has already gone to, and suggest a new place

December

第十四课:生日晚会Lesson 14:Birthday Party

1.Be able to determine what different stores sell by reading their signs

2.Read the invitation to a party, and check your schedule to see if you can attend

1.Write an invitation to your birthday party

2.Know how to write the characters for different parts of the face

3.Create a travel schedule for your next trip

1.Invite someone to a party with you

2.Discuss with your classmates what type of presents you would like for your birthday

3.Thank someone for their gift

1.Listen to a friend’s description of a party you missed, and decide if it sounded fun or not

2.After hearing your someone suggest several different ideas for a New Year’s present, pick one

January

第十五课:看病Lesson 15:Seeing a Doctor

1.Read and understand a prescription for medicine

2.Read the labels on different medications to determine what they treat

1.Write about how symptoms of a cold are different and similar to those of allergies

2.Write to your friend telling him/her you are feeling better and will come back to school tomorrow

1,Tell your doctor why you feel sick

2.Ask your doctor how to recover

3.Tell your friend why it is important to see a doctor if you are sick

1.Listen to your doctor’s instructions about how to get better, and translate them into English for others to understand

2.Listen to your friend’s concerns about visiting a doctor, and offer some helpful advice

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February

第十六课:约会Lesson 16:Dating

1.Read about different events going on in your neighborhood, and pick one you think your friend(s) would be most interested in going to

2.Read Dialogue II, and consider if you would call someone whose number you obtained indirectly

1.Write about what you think is a “perfect date” using the lesson’s grammar structures

2.Write a letter of apology to someone who you have no time to meet

1.Invite someone to go on a date

2.Accept or decline a date invitation

3.Be able to explain why you like a certain person

1.Listen to your friends suggestions to where to take someone on a date, and tell him/her why you think those suggestions are good or bad

2.Listen to another person’s schedule, and take it into consideration when trying to plan a meeting/gathering/party

March

第十七课:租房子Lesson 17:Renting an Apartment

1.Recognize the characters for different pieces of furniture

2.Be able to read signs for different types of residences (dorm, apartment, condo, house)

1.Make a list of pros and cons for you living conditions

2.Write an advertisement for selling your current home

3.Be able to write sentences using question pronouns with 都/也 (all or none) after them

1.Describe where you currently live

2.Describe your ideal house or apartment

3.Negotiate the price of rent with your landlord

1.Listen to your friends complaints about his/her living arrangements, and offer suggestions for how to make it better

2.Listen to a real estate agent’s description of a home, and see if it fits your criteria

April

第十八课:运动Lesson 18: Sports

1.Recognize the characters for different sports

3.Read about different types of sports, and determine which one you would most like to learn

1.Make a workout schedule

2.Compare different types of sports using the characters 容易 (easy) and 难 (hard)

1.Discuss the types of sports you like to play

2.Explain why it is important to exercise

3.Give explanations for why you do not like certain sports

1.Listen to your friend’s concern about having gained weight, and offer advice

2.Listen to your friend explain the rules of soccer, and compare them to the rules of American football

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May

第十九课:旅行Lesson 19:Travel

1.Make sure you can understand the information on your plane ticket

2.Be able to read about reviews for different places

1.Write an account of your favorite vacation

2.Make a list of places you have been

3.Write your own travel itinerary

1.Confirm your plane reservation over the phone

2.Compare airfares from different airline companies for a particular date with your travel agent

3.Ask your travel agent about any discounts

1.Listen to your travel agent’s advice about the best places to visit

2.Listen to various flight times for the day you want to travel, and pick one

June

第二十课:在机场Lesson 20:At the Airport

1.Be able to read signs at the airport

2.Recognize the characters for different family members

1.Write about actions that take place simultaneously using the sentence structure:V1 + 的时候 (at the time) + V2…

2.Write about what you would do if you had to wait at the airport

1.Be able to check in at a Chinese airport

2.Say goodbye to someone you are seeing off at the airport

3.Greet someone who has just arrived

1.Listen for flight delays and determine if they apply to you

2.Listen to the airport counter person about which gate in the airport to go to

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三年级Level

323

Level Three Syllabus Requirements:

In order to attend this course, students have had to successfully completed Level Two.

Overview:

Like Level Two, Level Three helps to create a transition from inexperienced Chinese speakers, to those who can converse with relative ease. Students will use the textbook and workbook “Integrated Chinese Level Two – Part One” for this level. It will prepare students to make the leap into their final year of high school Chinese classes. This class is solely about continuing education. Students are not expected to make any great breakthroughs with their proficiency during this year, but simply continue on with an acceptable amount of knowledge of Mandarin. Meaning, that they are still responsible for learning new material. This continues education will include an increase in skills in the four categories of goals listed below. Students will broaden their vocabulary, and improve their Chinese social skills, by learning about topics such as choosing courses, and living in a dorm. As students progress, it will become easier for them to grasp concepts in the target language more quickly, and be able to better understand native speakers. As always, the purpose of this class is to create an environment where incessant practice of these abilities, and others, is encouraged.

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Goals: Month

LessonNumber

Reading Goals Writing Goals Speaking Goals Listening Goals

September

第一课:开学Lesson 1:School

1.Know the characters for differentadjectives describing one’s environment

2.Recognize different classifiers for students(freshman, sophomore, etc.)

1.Write a letter to someone telling them how you have become accustomed (适应) to school life

2.Write sentences using the structure: 除了…以外…(in addition to)

1.Explain how to write your Chinese name

2.Compare living on and off campus

3.Offer to help someone move their residence

1.Listen to someone’s review of living on/off campus, and decide whether you would like it or not

2.See if you can guess the meaning of various names just by hearing how they are pronounced

October

第二课:宿舍Lesson 2:Dormitory

1.Be able to decipher a floor plan with Chinese characters

2.Know how to recognize the characters for different types of furniture

1.Write about your dream house using the lesson’s grammar points

2.Be able to write “existential sentences” (see grammar point 1)

1.Be able to describe the layout of your room

2.Explain the benefits anddisadvantages of where you live

1.If you go on a campus tour, listen to what the tour guide has to say, and ask questions about aspects he/she has not covered

2.Listen to what others have to say about your living arrangements, and agree or disagree with their opinion

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November

第三课:在饭馆儿Lesson 3:At a Restaurant

1.Be able to recognize the characters for the four main types of Chinese cuisine

2.Read a menu carefully to determine which dishes you can and cannot eat

1.Be able to write a review of a restaurant using specific examples of how certain dishes tasted

2.Write about your favorite type of Chinese cuisine, and why you like it so much

1.Be able to order for everyone at your table

2.Tell the waiter about your personal preferences and ask him/her to make a recommendation

1.Pick a dish from choices your waiter gives you

2.Order according to your friends dietary preferences

December

第四课:买东西Lesson 4:Shopping

1.Recognize the sign for a sale going on

2.Understand how much of a discount you would receive on particular items

1.Write sentences using the structure: 非…不可 (If you do not do something, then their will be negative consequences)

2.Write about the benefits or disadvantages of buying name brand items

1.Describe your standards for clothing

2.Ask a sales clerk if the store has the item you are looking for

1.Before purchasing an item, listen to your friend’s opinion of it

2.Listen to your friend’s description of something they want to buy, and tell him/her if it is worth it or not

January

第五课:选课Lesson 5:Choosing Courses

1.Read the descriptions for different topics you can study, and decide which ones sound most interesting

2.Know how to read the signs for various types of colleges

1.Descibe your different school classes by using the grammar points

2.Write a schedule for your courses

1.Talk about courses you have taken, and are interested in taking in the future

2.State your major area of study, and why you chose it

1.Listen to other’s advice about what career path to choose, and decide if you agree with it

2.Listen to the choices your guidance counselor offers you for your future, and choose one

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February

第六课:男朋友女朋友Lesson 6:BoyfriendGirlfriend

1.Read a description of someone else, and decide whether or not they are compatible with you

2.Know the characters 性格 (personality)

1.Write a personal advertisement describing yourself

2.Write a love letter to someone special

1.Compare your interests with the person you like

2.State why you and your partner are compatible

1.Listen to your friend’s concerns about someone he/she likes, and offer specific advice pertaining to his/her particular worries

2.Listen to someone’s apology, and determine if it is 真心 (sincere)

March

第七课:电脑和网络Lesson 7:Computer and Network

1.Read emails in Chinese correctly

2.Know how toread the sign for “free internet access”

1.Describe different types of things you can do on your computer

2.Write an apology letter to someone

1.Politely ask someone if they are mad at you, and if so apologize

2. Defend why you do or do not like using the computer

3.Try to subtly change the subject in a conversation

1.Listen to your friend’s concern about you becoming addicted to technology, and agree of disagree with their position

2.Understand your friend’s criticisms of you

April

第八课:打工Lesson 8:Part-Time Job

1.Be able to read job advertisements

2.Review and understand your financial statements from the bank

1.Write a letter to a prospective boss expressing your interest in a job

2.Write a resume

1.Discuss the pros and cons of having a part-time job

2.Discuss the different types of scholarships available at your school

1.Listen to the different options your friends suggest for a job, and choose one you think you would be good at

2.If you find a job, be able to understand the terms and conditions your new boss explains to you about the position

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May

第九课:教育Lesson 9:Education

1.Know the characters for different types of activities

2.Read the dialogue carefully and understand the specific goals the character’s parents have in mind for her; then consider whether all parent’s aspirations for their children are the same or not

1.Write about your heritage (where your family is from).

2.Compare the pros and cons of having such a busy childhood

1.Talk about what type activities you participated in as a child

2.Discuss whether your parents ever pressured you in terms of your education

1.If you want to do an extracurricular activity, but are not sure what to choose, listen to your friends review of different ones and pick the one that you think will suit you best

June

第十课:中国地理Lesson 10:Geography of China

1.Be able to read a map with Chinese characters

2.Understand the descriptions of scenic spots throughout China

1.Know how to write the characters for China’s most popular cities

2.Write about a route you want to take to get from one place to another

1.Compare China and America’s topography

2.Learn to speak using 呢 (indicating a pause in speech)

1.Plan a trip to China with regards to the advice your friends give you

2.Listen to your travel agent’s suggestions about the best routes to take while traveling through a certain place, and pick the one you think is most scenic

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四年级Level

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Level Four Syllabus Requirements:

In order to attend this course, students have had to successfully completed Level Three.

Overview:

This level is the final step to achieving an education in high school Mandarin Chinese. Although this course is the most difficult of the four, it is also the most gratifying. Students will perfect skills that they have learned throughout the previous levels, while broadening their knowledge of Chinese vocabulary and sentence structures. Students will learn about issues that affect the modern world such as gender equality and environmental protection, by using the textbook and workbook “Integrated Chinese Level Two – Part Two”. By the end of the course, students should feel that if they were asked to move to China tomorrow, then they would be able to live there comfortably.

As opposed to the other courses, this one requires an extra condition in order to graduate. Throughout the year, students must work on a project (in the target language) of their own regarding some aspect of their Chinese studies. This endeavor is meant to be a synthesis of the knowledge of the Chinese language that students have obtained over the years, and apply that knowledge towards a project that represents a culmination of their studies. Towards the end of the year, each student will have to present his or her project in Chinese to the other students in the language program. The guidelines of the assignment are extremely flexible, and can be established by each individual teacher. If a student wishes to continue studying the language in the future, then this will be a unique factor to include on his/her resume. Overall students are supposed to take joy from accomplishing such a great task.

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Goals: Month

LessonNumber

Reading Goals Writing Goals Speaking Goals Listening Goals

September

第十一课:中国的节日Lesson 11:Chinese Holidays

1.Be able to read the 对联 (rhyming couplets) people hang on the doors of their homeduring the holidays

2.Read and respond to a person’sletter of good wishes during the holiday season

3.Read labels for different types of special holiday foods

1.Write about your own family’s holiday traditions using the grammar points

2.Memorize the characters for different holidays

3.Be able to send someone a new year’s letter or phone text

1.Know the names for traditional Chinese holidays

2.Talk about what times of the year they occur in

3.Explain how Chinese holidays differ from American ones

4.Wish others a happy holidays

1.Understand the specific wishes someone bestows on you for the new year

2.Listen to someone’s description of a certain holiday food and identify what it is

October

第十二课:中国的变化Lesson 12:Changes in China

1.Read about how rapidly China is changing in the dialogue, and consider how it compares to the changes taking place in America

2.Be able to read signs indicating construction sites

1.Write about a time when you were totally surprised using the word 竟(然) (unexpectedly)

2.Make a list of changes you have noticed over the years in your hometown

1.Discuss how a large city’s characteristics differ from those of a small town

2.Describe a place that is most familiar to you

1.Listen to another person’s opinion of how your hometown has changed, and see if you agree of disagree

2.Listen to your friend’s concerns about you visiting a new place, and try to mitigate their worries by telling them specific precautions you will take to ensure their particular fears do not come true

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November

第十三课:旅游Lesson 13:Travel

1.Understand “Numerals in Idioms” (grammar point 2)

2.Be able to read a travel blog and understand the author’s opinion about certain places

1.Describe a certain places natural features (forests, rivers, etc.)

2.Be able to write entries for a blog

1.Tell a tour guide what type of tour you are looking for

2.Discuss amenities offered on different types of transportation

1.Listen to you tour guide about what specific costs will be covered in certain tour packages, and choose one according to your needs

2.Listen to your friend’s suggestions about the best type of transportation to take while traveling through China, and decide if you agree or not

December

第十四课:生活与健康Lesson 14:Life and Wellness

1.Be able to read signs for “no smoking”

2.Recognize signs for places where one can exercise

1.Write about how traditional Chinese exercises differ from Western exercises

2.Write about things that are obvious using 可见 (it is obvious that…)

1.Discuss different eating habits (good and bad)

2.Discuss lifestyle habits that could harm a person (smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.)

1.Listen to descriptions of various Chinese exercises, and choose one you think you might like to try

2.Listen to someone’s advice about what lifestyle changes you should make, and select which ones you think are actually possible to change

January

第十五课:男女平等Lesson 15:Gender Equality

1.Read the social changes that have recently taken place in China, and compare them to America’s changes

2.Be able to read a job contract, and determine whether the salary seems reasonable regardless of your gender

1.Write about the changes in women’s status in the 20th century

2.Write about your ideal work place

1.Discuss how you think couples should treat one another

2.Talk about the importance of gender equality in the workplace

1.Hear the results of a sports game and express your joy or frustration at the score

2.Hear how much your friends of the same gender typically earn when they work, and decide whether you think their salaries are fair or not

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February

第十六课:环境保护与节约能源Lesson 16:Environment-al Protection and Energy Conservatio-n

1.Know how read the characters for different types of energy sources

2.Read and understand writings about the importance of energy conservation

3.Be able to recognize signs for recycling

1.List environmentally friendly sources of energy

2.Write about what you do to contribute to keeping the earth healthy

1.Discuss the pros and cons of being environmentally friendly

2. Compare different types of energy sources

1.Listen to suggestions for innovative energy sources, and defend or refute the possibility of their use

2.Hear what your friends do to be environmentally conscious, and compare them to your own practices

March

第十七课:理财与投资Lesson 17:Money Management and Investing

1.Be able to understand your Chinese bank accountstatements, including theworth of your stocks

2.Be able to understand a listof services a particular bank offers

1.Describe your spending habits

2.Describe what you try to do to save money

1.Discuss whether you like to save money or spend it

2.State ways to invest money

1.See if you can understand someone’s description of the stock market and how it functions

2.Take advice from your banker about the best ways to invest money, and choose one you feel most comfortable with

April

第十八课:中国历史Lesson 18:Chinese History

1.Know the characters for different Chinese Dynasties

2.Be able to read timelines regarding Chinese history

1.Write sentences using the characters 之一 (one of)

2.Compare Chinese history with American history

1.State the different important Chinese Dynasties

2.Discuss various significant figures in Chinese history(e.g. Confucius)

1.Listen and compare how Chinese people describe their own history with foreigner’s views of Chinese history

2.See if you can answer your friend’s questions about Chinese history

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May

第十九课:面试Lesson 19:Interviewing for a Job

1.After reading this dialogue, understand the proper way to conduct yourself at an interview

2.Be able to understand basic information

1.Write about a time when you have been especially nervous

2.Describe how you would operate your own business, including what type of boss you would be

1.Describe indicators of nervousness

2.Explain China’s recent success in the business world

3.Congratulate someone on their accomplishments

1.Understand what specific achievement someone is congratulating you about

2.Understand the basic questions asked at an interview

June

第二十课:外国人在中国Lesson 20:Foreigners in China

1.Know the character 友谊 (friendship)

2.Read and understand an account of someone’s recent accomplishment(s)

1.Know how to write sentences using the word order rules given in the first grammar point

2.Write out your plan for a farewell party

1.Compare the atmosphere between a welcoming, and farewell party

2.Explain to your friends the importance of throwing a good party

1.Listen to your friend’s suggestions for what to have at a party and plan accordingly

2.Listen to what type of jobs your friends have had in the past, and see if any of them are similar to ones you have had

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SampleLesson

Planand

Examination35

Sample Lesson Plan

This is a chronological overview of how a typical lesson should be taught. Teachers should have several days to complete each step written below. As well as lesson guidelines, this lesson plan also reviews how daily classwork and homework should be distributed.

1. Present the learning objectives (goals) for the entire lesson.

2. Begin the first lesson by introducing Dialogue I’s vocabulary.

3. Review each vocabulary word individually for Dialogue I (I suggest using a PowerPoint presentation in order to match words with visual representations).

4. Explain the sentence structures of Dialogue I carefully (incorporate extra student-relatable examples not included in the textbook).

5. Have the students work with a partner to complete the section called Language Practices in the textbook. They should then take turns presenting their answers to the rest of the class.

6. Read Dialogue I.

7. Do Dialogue I workbook listening comprehension exercises together in class.

8. Assign other workbook activities for homework.

9. Feel free to use extra materials for additional class work, projects, and homework.

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10.After approximately two weeks, the class should begin learning Dialogue II (If applicable).

11.The same guidelines for Dialogue I should be applied to Dialogue II (If Applicable).

12. If there is not a dialogue II, then prolong the study of Dialogue I for the entire month.

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Sample Examination 一年级 Level One

九月考试 September Test 第一课: 问好 Lesson One: Greetings

名字 (name)__________ 日期 (date)__________

A) Match the following vocabulary words with their English meaning.

你 is 好 to call 请 surname 问 I 姓 You 我 Mr. 呢 teacher 叫 China什么 question

名字 also 小姐 person 先生 miss

是 student 老师 no

吗 please 不 and you? (qp)

学生 ask 也 good 人 what

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B) Translate these sentences into English.

1. 你叫什么名字?

______________________________________________________________ 2. 请问,你贵姓?

______________________________________________________________

3. 你是老师吗?

______________________________________________________________

4. 我不是美国人, 我是中国人.

______________________________________________________________

5. 我也是学生.

______________________________________________________________

C) Put the correct tones on this sentence.

1. Ni hao, wo shi Meiguo ren.

D) Write a few sentences introducing yourself.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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Conclusion

I had a singular goal for creating this e-guide: making Chinese a popular language to study. Throughout the years I have experienced immense happiness and frustration learning this language, but now that I myself am in my last year of high school, I realize how lucky I was that my school offered it.

Learning Chinese is crucial in our modern world, especially for American students, because the relationship between our two countries is strained at best. America and China rely on each other for a number of reasons; most important of these is keeping the world’s economy stable. Chinese families, who can afford to, often send their children to the states to learn English because they understand how vital it is for their futures. American students, however, do not find the need to learn Chinese as significant. This is because the majority of people are under the impression that our nations can converse solely through the use of translators. While this is true, it is much more effective to be able to understand a person’s words firsthand, rather than only getting a third individual’s interpretation of them. As they say, most things are in fact “lost in translation”.

In order for people to learn the language though, they need to have a demanding, yet inspiring, plan for achievement. This is where my e-guide comes into play. I believe that many students are turned away from studying this language not because they are disinterested in learning it, but because the classes they attend lack a certain level of appeal. My plan is unique in that it offers an innovative way to structure a language program. Although at first students might find this program challenging, they will learn over time how rewarding it is to become so advanced in such a short period of time.

While school is a place for learning, it is also for discovering one’s passions. If I for one had not been pushed to study Chinese, then I would not have known how much I truly like it. My hope is that if teachers follow the program laid out here, then other students will come to the same conclusion as myself.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to say a special thank you to my two mentors for this project, Heinzel Kunsmann and Margaret Downs-Gamble. I would also like to thank the Ross School for the opportunity to create this e-guide, and my parents for supporting me throughout its creation.

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