Course Descriptions

“Chinese, 2nd Edition” by Jinan University

“Chinese” is a set of textbook developed by Jinan University in 1996, at the request of the Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs of the People’s Republic of China’s State Department. The 1st edition contains 48 books – 12 main textbooks, 24 exercise books (A&B), and 12 reference books for teachers.

The 2nd edition of “Chinese” incorporates comprehensive feedback from scholars, teachers, parents, and students. It contains 52 books. In addition to the original 48 books, it added a set of four books to teach the Chinese phonics system – Pinyin (one Pinyin textbook, two Pinyin practice books, and one Pinyin reference book).

Instead of 14 lessons in each textbook, the 2nd edition contains 12 lessons with lower levels of difficulty. The 12 lessons are grouped into 4 units. In addition to unit exercises, there is a comprehensive exercise, a glossary of new words, and a comparison chart for simplified and traditional characters. Book 1-6, along with their exercise booklets, have English notations.

For more information, go to the Chinese Textbook Introduction, Jinan University .

“Chinese” by Ma Liping

Director – Diana Wobus, Ed.D.

Ma Liping “Chinese” textbooks are tailored for students who already understand Mandarin Chinese. The first three years of the curriculum teach Chinese characters only. Pinyin, which is considered not as a phonic tool but as a way for students to learn new words on their own by using the dictionary, is introduced later.

The emphasis of the Ma Liping curriculum is on listening, speaking and reading comprehension. Most students are able to read Chinese text without the assistance of Pinyin.

Homework is an important part of the Ma Liping curriculum. Each Ma Liping textbook is accompanied by two weekly homework booklets, one summer homework booklet, a set of vocabulary cards, and a multi-media CD. Students are required to study Chinese on a daily basis, even during the summer. Most of their study time is spent on fun activities.

To learn more about Dr. Ma Liping and her philosophy, go to Sitanfu Chinese School .

Children’s Classes

• Chorus
• Dance
• Violin
• Keyboard
• Flute/Clarinet
• Crafts
• Clay
• Wushu
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Badminton
• Gymnastics
• Music for Babies
• Drawing
• SAT Math
• English Writing

Adult Classes

• Dance
• Yoga
• Keyboard
• Latin Dance
• Chorus
• Drawing
• Tai Chi
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Badminton
• Adult English