Teaching Chinese at Home

[Brenda10]

tamarind:

Hi Brenda,
Thanks for sharing ! I looked through a copy of the comics in the library and it looks really exciting.

However, since I have already read all of the original novels by 金庸, nothing can compare with the originals. However, these comic books are certainly a very good introduction because I don't think any local primary school kids can read the original novels

Hi Tamarind

Yes, I agree is quite difficult for DD to read the original Novel at her current standard. As such the comics serve as the introduction and we plan to watch the 天龙八部电视剧 after completed the comics just like what we have done for 笑傲江湖电视剧 immediately after the series of comics.

This help DD to understand and remember the story better and I guess she will never forget 人物 like 岳不群，令孤冲，东方不败，任盈盈 etc

Also, she does write down words or phrase that she likes just like 笑意盎然，觊觎 etc.

Think now is really a best timing for us to read/watch all these 武侠故事 before she goes into secondary one next year.

[tamarind]

Hi Brenda,

Even secondary kids nowadays will find the original novels very difficult to read, especially those who study Chinese only by doing assessment books and reading model compositions. From your examples, the words in the comics are very challenging. Comic books are definitely a very good way to make a child understand the plot which is very complicated.

[Brenda10]

tamarind:

Hi Brenda,

Even secondary kids nowadays will find the original novels very difficult to read, especially those who study Chinese only by doing assessment books and reading model compositions. From your examples, the words in the comics are very challenging. Comic books are definitely a very good way to make a child understand the plot which is very complicated.

Hi Tamarind,

In fact, the words that used in the comics 天龙八部 are not easy to understand. As such, the comics are classified under NLB adult section

I personally find this story is much more complicating than other 金庸 novel.

However, with the help of 天龙八部电视剧, I think DD will able to know the story more in depth.

[pixiedust]

phtthp:

... Because the type of books which you expose your child to read subconsciously ... pass down character moulding values unconsciously....diversify your child's attention somewhr else more meaningful (still can be Chinese novels / comics). example: instead of destroy life - prolong life, preserve life. Because life is so precious, so vulnerable, so short temporary on earth ! Sorry, no offence. Just that i dun want your child's mind think of killing.

:goodpost: I agree with phtthp. Besides fighting and killing, I don't agree with exposing children to themes of revenge, castration, rape regardless if the bad guys come to a sorry end or not. Especially when the children are at the age of growing into teens and adults. Brenda, no offence intended too, just my 2cents worth.

[tamarind]

There is nothing about rape in the set of comic books that brenda mentioned.

As for revenge, this is the main theme of kungfu panda and many parents still bring their kids to watch the movie. Castration is implied but never described in 笑傲江湖，and it is definitely not the main theme, it is very briefly mentioned in words that kids may not even understand. Note that there are revenge and seduction scenes in 三国, 水浒传 and even 西游记.

[tamarind]

I was crazy about 天龙八部 when I read it in secondary school, could only understand about 80% of the words, but I got so hooked. I would have loved the comics too back then.

Brenda10:

tamarind:

Hi Brenda,
Even secondary kids nowadays will find the original novels very difficult to read, especially those who study Chinese only by doing assessment books and reading model compositions. From your examples, the words in the comics are very challenging. Comic books are definitely a very good way to make a child understand the plot which is very complicated.

Hi Tamarind,

In fact, the words that used in the comics 天龙八部 are not easy to understand. As such, the comics are classified under NLB adult section

I personally find this story is much more complicating than other 金庸 novel.

However, with the help of 天龙八部电视剧, I think DD will able to know the story more in depth.

[Brenda10]

Hi, some update of the 2nd order that I have experience with Peeka.


After the down payment, Peeka notified me that the item was out of stock and request me to change to other item and so happen I have just placed the 3rd order and not yet make the down payment, as such I request them to off set the amount with the 3rd order and they done it instantly by transfer the items in 3rd order to 2nd order and cancel the 3rd order.

[tamarind]

Brenda10:

Hi, some update of the 2nd order that I have experience with Peeka.


After the down payment, Peeka notified me that the item was out of stock and request me to change to other item and so happen I have just placed the 3rd order and not yet make the down payment, as such I request them to off set the amount with the 3rd order and they done it instantly by transfer the items in 3rd order to 2nd order and cancel the 3rd order.

Hi Brenda,
Thanks for the update.

I have also asked peeka to change the shipping method for me before. I chose the 7 day shipping at first then later realized that the books may be very heavy and requested that peeka changed to economy shipping before the books were received in China. They readily changed for me.

[Brenda10]

tamarind:

Brenda10:

Hi, some update of the 2nd order that I have experience with Peeka.


After the down payment, Peeka notified me that the item was out of stock and request me to change to other item and so happen I have just placed the 3rd order and not yet make the down payment, as such I request them to off set the amount with the 3rd order and they done it instantly by transfer the items in 3rd order to 2nd order and cancel the 3rd order.

Hi Brenda,
Thanks for the update.

I have also asked peeka to change the shipping method for me before. I chose the 7 day shipping at first then later realized that the books may be very heavy and requested that peeka changed to economy shipping before the books were received in China. They readily changed for me.

Hi Tamarind,

Recd their mail that the \"replaced\" items have arrived at their Receiving Centre in China this morning and also a follow up mail this afternoon to inform me that it is on the way to Singapore.

Estimate arrive date will be 13 Nov 11.

They are really efficient!!!

[MyMooMoo]

tamarind:

MyMooMoo:

Hi Tamarind,


Can I teach DS who is 25 months old this month to read 基础汉字 500 ? If not, what do you suggest that I can teach him for chinese. Im very poor in my language. Therefore, it would be the last thing that I want DS to be like me. TIA:)

Hi MyMooMoo,
It depends on whether your child is ready to recognize words. Every child is different, you should progress at a pace that suits your child.

It is fine for you to try. The first few pages of 基础汉字 book 1 is very easy, check my blog:
http://tamarindvillage.blogspot.com/2009/12/basic-chinese-500.html

Remember that you should not read every word to your DS. You should read only the new words and let him try to recall words that you have taught before. On the first page, point to 山, and read the word. On the next page, point to 高, and read 高, but don't read 山, ask your DS to read it. If he can read 山, that means he is ready. If he is not paying attention, then you should probably start when he is 3 or 4 years old. It is no advisable to make a 2 year old child learn to read if he is not ready.

At your DS age I advise you to let him watch Chinese cartoons like 喜羊羊 or Chinese versions of Disney DVDs which are excellent for developing listening comprehension in Chinese. Limit the cartoons to less than 1 hour a day. Young kids learn very quickly by simply watching and listening.

Hi Tamarind,
Thanks sooooo much for advising. I think i was too worried that he will be like me. I will get the 基础汉字 to standby. I have started Peter and Jane. Err... but he gets bored after a few pages. He only knows Jane, Peter and dog.. hehehe ... Guess i better put aside 1st before he have negative perception towards that book.