Learn Chinese While Singing Student Workbooks 1-3 (《边唱边学》学生用书1-3集) are on the market now

‘Incorporating songs into Chinese language teaching is challenging but very rewarding because students will be motivated to learn’

‘Well-chosen songs that clearly illustrate prescribed topics are an important part of an effective teaching and learning program’

 

Learn Chinese While Singing Student Workbook 1-3 met their readers for the first time in Sydney on 26^th June, 2014. Around 60 teachers and guests attended our Book Launch on the day. As I said in an interview with SBS Radio, Learn Chinese While Singing is not only a book title, but also a belief – a new way of teaching Chinese. My experience of incorporating songs into Chinese language teaching has assured me that songs are excellent texts for teaching a language. Apart from being able to practise speaking (singing) and listening skills, lyrics of a song can be used for reading and writing purposes. Worksheets and tasks can be designed and produced for students to develop their reading and writing skills. Moreover, songs can be used for developing students’ grammatical capacity, intercultural understanding, and higher-order and critical thinking skills. For example:

1.      “大象，大象，你的鼻子怎么那么长”(The elephant, the elephant, how come your nose is so long - Book Two, Song 3). From this short text, a similar grammatical structure can be used for “你的头发怎么那么长”，“你怎么那么聪明”，“她怎么那么骄傲”.

 

2.      “爸爸不在家，我请客人先坐下，再去倒杯茶” (Dad was not home. I invited the guest to sit down, and then went to pour a cup of tea - Book Two, Song 8). This is part of Chinese traditional culture emphasising politeness and manners. Students can develop their intercultural understanding by reflecting on their practice in their own cultures.

 

 

 

3.      “小孩子乖乖，把门开开，快点开开，我要进来” (Little boy, be good. Open the door quickly. I want to come in - Book One, Song 4). For young primary children, this can be an opportunity to develop their critical thinking skills. Teachers may ask them: “Do you think you should open the door? Why not? Why yes?” Through this exercise and discussion, young children will have a chance to explore different answers and justifications.

In fact, Learn Chinese While Singing consists of three parts: videos of songs for teaching, music for recording students’ singing, and workbooks for students to develop their reading and writing skills. Teachers (or parents) are encouraged to use all three parts to engage their students (or children). All the videos and music can be accessed through the links on the left- hand side of this blog. Alternatively, teachers simply need to type in “Learn Chinese While Singing, Book 1(2 or 3)” or “边唱边学, Book 1 (2 or 3)” on YouTube, which will direct them to the videos. If you are interested in purchasing the workbooks, please contact:

1.     China Books (Sydney), (02) 92801885

Or

2.     China Books (Melbourne), (03) 96638822

Or

3.     learnchinesewhilesinging@gmail.com