welcome to the 小兔班 (xiao tu ban) page, the Pre-school at Huaxin Chinese Language School.
== My Background ==
My name is 談繼欣 (tan ji xin) and the kids call me “談教師” (tan lao shi). My assistant is my daughter, 談宗儀(tan zong yi) “TanJieJie” to the kids. In the classroom, I will greet them each morning by name (e.g. “Teresa, Zao!”) and will expect them to respond with either “Tan Lao Shi, Zao!” or
simply “Tan LaoShi, Hao!”. Since the children are most apt to follow their parents' example, I request that you use “TanLaoShi”, and “TanJieJie” in the classroom. I have been teaching at the Huaxin Chinese Language School teacher since 1996. I was a graduate of the GBCCA Chinese School as a child and it is a great pleasure and privilege to be back here teaching. I understand what it is like to learn Chinese as an American surrounded by an English speaking world. I especially remembering coming to Chinese School every Sunday as a child. I am a product of growing up Chinese in the US. You are welcome to look me up at www.vote4greer.org or www.HomesWithGreer.com
TanXiaoJie (TanJieJie) goes by the English name, Kayla Swiston. She is my daughter and has been helping me in my class since grade school. She currently studies Chinese at Newton North. My goal is to have each child enjoy learning Chinese, learn about the Chinese Culture and look forward to coming to Chinese School. (Be prepared to be involved!). If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to talk to me after class, during break or send me email at [email protected]. I can also be reached by phone during the week at (617) 308-6583. Class Objective
The 小兔班 is made up of students between the ages of 2 ½ and 4, with very diverse backgrounds. Most families do not speak Mandarin at home and English is their first language. The ultimate goal of the 小兔班 is to generate interest and to give exposure to everyone for the Chinese Language and Culture. Over the course of the year, we will be learning:
· Names of basic shapes
· Simple phrases
· Basic colors
· Counting to at least 10
· Family members
· Animals
· Major Chinese Holidays
· Children’s stories
· Exposure to simple common characters
· Elementary Songs and Nursery Rhymes
My goal for this class is to establish some routines (see schedule), use key phrases repetitively and learning through song, gestures/dancing and visual cues. Most importantly, I hope the kids will find that learning Chinese is fun and will build a good foundation for learning Chinese and the Chinese culture. Classroom Rules
1. Respect each other – students should greet the teacher and each other appropriately. “LaoShi Zhao”, “Xiao Pengyou, Zhao.” Please use the ante-room at the end of the hall for children who may need time to calm down.
2. Keep the classroom clean – students are expected to throw away their trash. The GBCCA is predominantly a volunteer run organization. Please try to leave the room as clean if not cleaner than upon arrival. It is imperative to only snack during snack time and to keep food at the table.
3. Everyone participates – If parents stay and then they must participate in the class activities in order to encourage reinforcement at home during the week. Socializing is encouraged as long as it doesn't distract from class. Weekly Class Schedule
Classwork – Each student will receive a 2 pocket folder. The weekly class plan and handouts will generally be available at the beginning of class. Over the course of the semester, we will be making flashcards and projects. The flashcards will be used regularly in class. Projects can be kept at home for re-enforcement at home. Folders with flashcards should be brought to class every week. Snack - A sheet will be passed around for “snack” signups. Our class is exempt from the $5 snack dues since our class has our own snack rotation for the interests of our younger members. Please make any food allergies known. Please keep snacks natural and low in sugars and sodium. Water with cups will be supplied. Class routine - At this age, I try to adapt to the children and class composition which often varies from year to year, but here is the basic structure for class:
< 9A Pre-class activity. Usually a coloring project. As the year progresses, this is a good time to finish “homework” or previous projects.
9:05 Attendance. We have a merit system. One star for being in attendance. Another star for greeting me properly with “Lao Shi Zhao!”. In the second semester, there will also be a star awarded for completed homework.
9:10 Singing and dancing
9:15 Review/ First Project break.
9:45 Game time.
9:50 Snack Time.
10:00 Clean-up (snacks must either be finished or packed up to be finished after class)
10:05 Story time.
10:15 Second Project break.
10:30 Games
10:45 We often finish with the Hokey Pokey. Clean up and put the tables away. Gather our projects and collect our folders. Class is dismissed at 10:50A. I'm looking forward to a great year!
