Why is it important for children to learn Chinese?
Speaking Chinese is becoming the most important business skill of the 21st century and the language is currently being taught in many secondary schools as a GCSE. In addition, exposure to the language at primary and preparatory level is beginning to reflect very positively in applications to these schools.
The Chinese Dragons Club
The Chinese Dragons Club teaches children Mandarin Chinese. The Club is an initiative launched by Dragons in Europe which enables young children to learn Chinese. The Club provides young children with the fundamental basics of Chinese language and culture. The Club is run by native Chinese teachers who combine basic learning with art, songs, games and competitions in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
The Chinese Dragons Club was first launched in June 2006 and since then our Chinese teachers have taught Chinese to more than 1000 children in over 75 schools.The Club, which first started in London schools, is now running nationwide in Bristol, Cambridge, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford and Sheffield.
When and Where?
The Club is held once a week according to the school's/ children's timelines. It is run as an extra-curricular activity in primary and preparatory schools countrywide. The Club can take place either during lunch or after school.
School Assembly Presentation
Presenting the Club during School Assembly is the best way to introduce children to the Chinese Dragons Club. Our presentations, which are completely free of charge, also provide the children with a basic but vital introduction to Chinese language and culture. They last for 15-20 minutes and it's a great start to the day! Book us now!
Chinese Teachers (Enhanced CRB Approval)
We currently have 32 native Chinese teachers running the Clubs in schools nationwide. All our teachers speak English fluently and have all been (Enhanced) CRB checked before going into the schools. Our Chinese teachers are polite, presentable, engaging and come with excellent references (available on request).
Teacher Training
All our teachers have to complete the Chinese Dragons Club training program. This full-day-session enables us to provide them with teaching material, teacher's notes, props and advice relating to most effective way to engage British children. It is also an ideal opportunity for us all to learn from other teachers' past experiences (good and bad!).
A great opportunity...
To equip young children with the basics of Chinese- after all, the earlier they begin, the easier it will be! Learning Chinese will unlock doors to high-flying careers and international success.Your child can learn tomorrow’s language today with the Chinese Dragons Club. Make sure you don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity. Please contact us for further information.
Download: Chinese Dragons Club - Mandarin Chinese for kids ((PDF, 67KB))
The 2008 Beijing Olympics
For two weeks this summer (starting on 8 August), the eyes of the world will be on China, as the fastest and fittest compete in the largest sporting event on the planet. The Beijing Olympics will be a feast of colour and excitement, bringing together every nation on earth.
What is "My Day in Beijing"?
To tie in with the Olympics, we’ve devised a 1-hour activity workshop to give children a taste of Chinese language and culture.
Why?
The children will enjoy a session of fun that’s truly different. And you’ll have the perfect opportunity to gauge interest in Mandarin Chinese. which is fast becoming one of the most important business skills of the 21st century.
The Workshop
My Day in Beijing is a fun-packed 1-hour session of sports, arts and crafts, and basic language teaching. (Plus the opportunity to taste basic Chinese food which will give children a real flavour for the country). The workshop will be hosted by an Enhanced-CRB approved teacher who will combine basic learning with sports, songs, art, games and competitions in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Cost
All workshops are charged at £90 per hour for up to 30 children. This is inclusive of all teaching, teaching materials, language sheets and 'give-aways'. Prices exclude VAT.
Recommended age groups
The workshop will be ideal for children of all ages but we would strongly recommend booking sessions for children of a similiar age..
Flexible
Best of all, we’re flexible. We can tailor the day to meet your school’s needs, and fit in with any of your current China/ sporting-related initiatives.
Contact
For all queries, please contact Marcus on 020 7738 8833 or email him direct on marcus@dragonsineurope.com
China 2008 at Polka Theatre
To coincide with the Beijing Olympics this year, Wimbledon-based children's theatre Polka is hosting a number of events focusing on China. The first of these is a story-writing competition for children of primary school age, called Writing the World. Over the next five years, Polka will be running this as an annual competition inspired by different parts of the world. This year, the focus in on China.
Polka have commissioned acclaimed children's author Jamila Gavin to write her own story about China which will be performed by professional actors on the main stage at Polka alongside the winning stories from each age group on Saturday 14 June at 4.30pm. Please note the deadline for entries is Friday 4 April.
Visit http://www.polkatheatre.com/writing.asp for more details on entering the competition, plus some top tips on writing a story from Jamila Gavin and resources to help you research China.
