The point is, whether we like it or not, China is incredibly important to the future of mankind.

I think you'll find that in 10 years, a lot of children will learn Mandarin in school.

It's a very difference place China - the sun rises on a different day, and the culture is extremely old. In a way we're very unaware of it in the West, even though we're very aware of it.

We felt connected to it (ed China), and how it revealed itself to me was sort of up in the mountains; the semi-automonous regions to the south where the Dong and the Mao people live; in teh traffic, in teh gree tea, in the extraordinary landscapes, the foold, the insane neon, the industry - the crazy crazy industry.

... the pentatonic scale, and that in a way is why it (Journey to the West) works....

29 January 2009 Pitchfork - interview by Scott Plagenhoef

Praise for pre-school Chinese programme one year on, but the non-interactive approach is questioned.

Animation Insider worries about the pedagogy of Ni Hao Kai Lan. January 26 2009

Although Ni Hao, Kai-lan still has a tendency to feature characters who speak fluently in Chinese yet whose dialogue remains entirely untranslated, but only on occasion, the terminology that is translated ties well into the episode's central story. At first I thought this balance was a breakthrough in preschool television, refusing to baby its viewers and allowing them connect the dots on their own; but I'm starting to wonder if there's a limit to what you can offer a viewer to take in on his own, before he simply shuts out any information he deems as partially incomprehensible. Ni Hao, Kai-lan does a good job in blending the everyday with the multicultural, but the series frequently puts itself at risk of being too good for itself. The risk isn't always necessary, but when it is, children's television is usually better off for it.

How to create a modern K-12 Mandarin Chinese Language Program /Curriculum?

The Portland Public Schools K-12 Mandarin Chinese Language
Developing successful programs and curriculums for children learning Chinese is a challenge. Here is how Oregon do it.
For more see their website http://casls.uoregon.edu/ppsflagship/en/index.php

Program strives to create a sustainable and replicable model in Mandarin Chinese language instruction in the United States. Our goal is for all students to become bilingual and bi-literate while aspiring to achieve high-level academic performance and deeper cultural awareness.

The PPS K-12 Chinese program is structured on the total language learning approach incorporating three key elements:

Content-Based Instruction: Regular academic subjects such as math, science, social studies, are taught in Mandarin Chinese.

Explicit Language Instruction: Teaching language and literacy for communicative purposes.

Experiential Learning Practices: Students engage in real and meaningful life experiences requiring them to use their language and cultural skills (i.e. study abroad, summer immersion camp, etc).

Hemel Hempstead Chinese School for children receives national QiSS (Ofsted / DCSF) award

A Chinese school has received a national award for the quality of its teaching.
The Dacorum Chinese School Association in Hemel Hempstead, that teaches Mandarin from beginner's level to A level, was praised for the variety of learning it offers.

It organises Tai Chi classes and Chinese art activities, cultural events and trips.

The school has now received a Quality in Study Support (QiSS) award for its efforts, part of an initiative by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

The scheme praises and rewards activities offered to children and young people outside their normal lesson time.

The Chinese school, which boasts 60 students aged five to 75, received the award at County Hall, Hertford, in December.
24 December 2008

6 themes of understanding including Communication and Languages replaces the emphasis on individual subjects

The new approach ensures children have their imagination sparked in a way relevant to the real world. Children will not only do maths but know which sum to do in which situation. Context matters. Children already well versed in ICT will use the power of technology even more. The feel of the new curriculum will be one of a 'holistic education.'
8th December 2008

Hanban & American teachers learn from each other to create a sustainable supply of Chinese teachers for children

The shortage of teachers for children learning Mandarin Chinese is an issue. Hanban supplies teachers on exchange programmes but long term Chinese teachers living in the West need to be trained in Western pedagogy.

In Oak Creek, Wisconsin, local teachers are learning to take over from Hanban teachers having completed teacher training locally.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/35265114.html

Alice Boucher Elementary School offers Mandarin Chinese

Being bilingual will give children a better understanding of linguistics, give them a more worldly view in a changing international world and allow them to receive better jobs in the future, the panelists said.

"The benefits of immersion are great. Our immersion students usually do as well - but mostly better - than regular (education) students on standardized tests,"

About two dozen parents interested in enrolling their children in French, Spanish and the new Mandarin Chinese immersion programs attended the informational session Thursday at the Clifton Chenier Center.

Starting next year, Alice Boucher Elementary School will start offering Mandarin Chinese Immersion, which experts said could put children at a strong advantage in the future as China emerges as an economic leader.