With two adopted daughters from China (and another little one that we will bring home early in the year), I’m continually asked how I integrate my children’s Chinese heritage into our observant Jewish household where Hebrew is the second language. Baby Learns Chinese has been an amazing asset for my girls.
With over ten different products, the system allows young children to gain a basic grasp of the language. The system is comprised of DVD’s and flashcards. Baby Learns Chinese teaches children over 400 words in Mandarin (Putonghua) through the six DVD’s. As the series unfolds, children learn to read and speak the Chinese language. English subtitles help guide the parents. There is also a two disk DVD set for kids to learn how to pronounce Chinese words through an alphabet-based phonetics system (Pinyin). This is geared to slightly older children ages 4-12.
Baby Learns Chinese is the only Chinese language immersion program for young children, it’s the Hebrew Ulpan equivalent for the young kids to learn Chinese. Studies have shown that children are more open to learning languages at an early age, and Baby Learns Chinese is geared to educate young minds ages 0-6, but rest assured my 9 and 11 year olds both find it fun. The music and animation provide a rich experience and kids enjoy playing games with the flash cards.
Beyond our targeted group parents with adopted children from China, the program works for all families interested in developing their children’s potential and gaining a head start with Chinese. Chinese language learning has become the premiere language learning for our children.
The program was created by Yama Chan to teach her two young boys the language. According to Ms, Chan, “I created the program to teach children of native and non native speakers the language. Our program has had strong success in Hong Kong and we are excited to share the learning with parents in the US.” Ms. Chan currently serves on the Board of Governors of Bring Me a Book Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors of City Contemporary Dance Company in Hong Kong. She maintains residences in Hong Kong and Los Angeles.
Author Gina Raphael is the mother of three daughters Danielle 11, Sydney 9 and soon… Mia (age 1)
For more information www. Babylearnschinese.com
