Class Review 5/22

Things we did today:

• Important annoucement regarding the end-of-year quiz and parties.
• We continued the "Put the sentences in order" activity. Some students had trouble reading the given sentences; they probably have been relying on the pinyin on top of each character when reading textbook lessons. 
• Reviewed the Pinyin song
• Another activity that helped the students to better prepare for the final quiz. Some understood it quickly and jumped right into action; others had difficulty to follow the instructions and needed individual help from the teacher and TA.
• Last ten minutes or so, we played outside with snacks and games.
• Each student who submitted an entry for the school annual year book competiiton received a reward. The top three prize-winners will receive certificates and trophies from the school at the June 5th end-of-the-year party.

Class Review 5/15

After reviewing our pinyin song, we delved into today's lesson. We continued to learn more pinyin, specially the vowel sounds. Students earned several more points after they came up with many words that include those newly learned pinyin sounds.

To challenge the students, we asked each pair to use the pinyin cards and accurately lay out each line of the pinyin song. They were only given 60 seconds to form each line. Students that were not able to complete their line in time received help from the next pair of students. 

For the second half of class, students handed back the worksheets they worked on during the previous lesson. Last time students traced the first stroke of each character. This time, they were asked to trace the last line. Although this was must trickier, students did very well!

In the last five minutes of class, students were paired off and handed four strips of paper. Each strip contained one line of dialogue. Students were asked to make sense of the strips and place them in the logical order. They were then asked to perform in front of the class. Unfortunately we ran out of time so students will continue this activity during the next class.

As for homework, students should continue to review the pinyin song at home and complete the practice problems in the textbook!

Class Review 5/8

To celebrate Mother's Day and show their appreciation for their mothers, the students wrote messages to their mother's on the whiteboard at the beginning of class.

Since we have completed all the lessons in the textbook, we are now focused on learning pinyin. We began by learning the pinyin pronunciation of each letter of the alphabet and choreographing a hand motion to help students remember each sound. Students then took turns brainstorming characters and words that use that pinyin sound. As students were very fast thinkers, they won a lot of points and stickers!

To reinforce what was learned, we played a game. Pinyin cards were spread out on the floor. Students were free to roam around and dance until the music stops. The teacher then called out a pinyin sound; the last student to arrive at the correct pinyin card was eliminated.

We also learned a pinyin song and dance. After practicing a couple of times, students went up in groups to perform in front of the class. Students are encouraged to practice at home; here is a link to the video: http://youtu.be/PBO-65IPAis.

Near the end of class, students were given a worksheet that summarized all the characters they have learned this year. Students were asked to trace only the first stroke of each character. Without a doubt this was a tricky task, but students did very well!

Class Review 5/1

Today we began class with some games to review past lessons. Students were called up in pairs to write characters on the white board. Those who performed well received stickers! Next, we completed a couple of exercises from the textbook. As we have now completed all the lessons in the book, we are now focused reinforcing what they students have learned throughout the year. Before the first half of class was over, we played a game in which the teacher read a character and students must scramble to one of four pinyin accent marks. Those who went to the incorrect pinyin were eliminated for the round.

During the second half of class, students were asked to use their math skills. The teacher presented the students with a series of equations that the students had to solve in order to determine the character being spelled out.

Today the entries for the poster competition were due. Students had the opportunity to share their work with the class. The posters were creative and unique; every student's poster clearly explained what makes them happy, as this year's theme is "happiness". Students' illustrations were beautiful, and some even wrote a short poem to convey their thoughts!

Class Review 4/10

We began class by warming up to a couple of dances and songs from previous lessons. Students who remembered the songs were awarded stickers! Next we did some review of old characters. Students were invited up to the board to write a character shown on the flashcard. Those who correctly completed the character won a point for the entire class!

This lesson we learned five characters: 汽,车,可,爱, 玩. To reinforce the correct way to write these characters, we played several rounds of "Beat the Teacher". Furthermore, we played "Thief and Detective" so students can become quicker at recognizing the characters. We then read Lesson 22 from the textbook, which talked about students' favorite toys. In groups of three, students each took on the role of a character and read in front of the class. 

In the last ten minutes of class, students shared their favorite toys in front of the class. They described their toys and demonstrated how to play with them. Other students had opportunities to ask questions, such as where the student got the toy, why they like it, etc. 

Newstar Chinese School is hosting a Chinese composition competition. Today students were given a blank white poster paper. They were instructed to illustrate and write something regarding this year's theme: "happiness".  The posters are due by May 1st and hopefully all students will participate. We are looking forward to seeing the students' creativity!