‘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 26th 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
