Comparing Chinese Enrichment (Primary/Preschool)

[berriejam]

Which one is better in terms of teaching method? I am looking for chinese enrichment for my son for next year when he turns 4 and want to find a school that will aptly prepare him for P1 over the next few years. Any parents have experience in any of these school and care to share?

[ChiefKiasu]

The http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/enrichment/hua-language-centre comes to mind. It is acclaimed, and recognized as a very effective enrichment programme. Very good for Primary school preparation.


Tien Hsia is also another very popular franchise - but, hey... they spelt their own name wrong in hanyu pingyin

I tried Berries before, but somehow feel it is over-rated. Not sure it actually helps prepare the child for P1.

Here's a http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/enrichmentlist?op0=AND&filter0%5B%5D=36&filter1=&filter2= of others you may consider.

[jedamum]

My boy is in K2. He has been with berries for a year and I am happy with the progress. Now he speaks proper mandarin (tonation) and can communicate with my parents. Additionally, he looks forward to every lesson.


I have read that while berries tend to be more fun, Tien Hsia is more academic. Different parents like different teaching styles and the quality of teachers varies for different outlets. Personally I have no experience with Hua Language. You can call up for trial session and gauge your kids’ response and the curriculum/teaching style to see if it suits your expectations.

Important note is that no matter how good the enrichment is, there is a need for parents to be actively involved in revision to see the maximum results of the programme.

[berriejam]

Thanks for the information. When is a good age to start mandarin enrichment? Is 4 yr old too young?

[ChiefKiasu]

berriejam:

Thanks for the information. When is a good age to start mandarin enrichment? Is 4 yr old too young?

It's never too young to start enrichment courses, but 4yrs is a good age to start since most children would be able to take instructions from that age.

[jedamum]

berriejam:

Thanks for the information. When is a good age to start mandarin enrichment? Is 4 yr old too young?

4-5 yrs old is good. K2 is a bit late in my opinion.

[ChiefKiasu]

Yes… K2 is way too late.


I’m also in the market for some Chinese enrichment classes for my 2.5 yo daughter. Will probably check out Tien Hsia.

[AAs]

I am a mother of 2 girls, age 9 & 5.

I have tried both Tien Hsia & Berries. I think they are both good. I believe if the teachers are dedicated, kids will learn & enjoy. Currently, my 5-yr old is in Berries which she is enjoying as much as she was with Tien Hsia.
My older girl has been to another one, which I withdrew after 1 term, cos’ I feel that the teachers are "just doing their job" kind.

[berriejam]

side track a bit, since we want them to excel in mandarin, so do you think it’s better that they attend SAP school? Or are normal school’s CL just as good?

[ChiefKiasu]

SAP schools do Higher Chinese. Normal schools do… normal Chinese. So clearly SAP schools do Chinese at a higher level. Whether the children can handle that depends entirely on their parents’ ability to create the necessary environment at home.