Mandarin through Arts

Mandarin through Arts

Age Range: 5 and up

Class Time (EST): 11 am to 12pm

Class Days: Fridays

Instructor Name: Mei Mei Chang

Instructor Email: [email protected]

Instructor cell phone: 2025563988

Class Description

Class Description This class explores Chinese culture, arts, and language through engaging, real-life dialogues. Students will gain a well-rounded introduction to Mandarin Chinese while discovering the beauty of its cultural heritage. In addition, students will be introduced to the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi)—an internationally recognized standardized test that assesses Chinese language proficiency for non-native speakers. The class will provide foundational skills that align with beginner-level HSK content. Chinese Culture Students will explore the rich history, traditions, customs, and social norms that shape modern Chinese society. Chinese Arts The course introduces traditional Chinese arts such as calligraphy, brush painting, and cultural crafts, encouraging hands-on creativity and appreciation of visual expression. Chinese Language Emphasis will be placed on practical language skills, focusing on conversational Mandarin used in everyday life. Students will build vocabulary and sentence patterns through role-play, dialogue, and interactive activities.

Class Skills Development 

Class Skills Development By the end of the class, students will have: Developed basic conversational skills in Mandarin Chinese, including greetings, self-introduction, asking simple questions, and common daily expressions. Gained foundational knowledge of Chinese grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation aligned with beginner-level HSK standards. Built cultural awareness by exploring traditional Chinese customs, holidays, and social norms. Engaged in hands-on artistic activities, such as Chinese calligraphy, brush painting, and crafts, to deepen their understanding of Chinese aesthetics and culture. Improved listening and speaking skills through real-life dialogue practice, role-plays, and group interactions. Enhanced cross-cultural communication skills and appreciation for global diversity through exposure to the Chinese language and its cultural context.

Class Materials 

Class Materials Each student will need the following supplies: A notebook Pencils Markers Additional materials may be required for specific art projects throughout the course. I will email parents at least one week in advance with a list of any extra supplies needed.

Class Norms 

To create a respectful, engaging, and productive learning environment, students are expected to: Be Respectful: Listen actively, respect others' ideas and cultures, and use kind words at all times. Be Prepared: Bring all necessary materials to class and be ready to participate. Be Engaged: Stay focused, participate in discussions and activities, and try your best. Be Open-Minded: Embrace new experiences and be willing to learn about different cultural perspectives. Follow Directions: Listen to instructions the first time and follow classroom procedures. 

About the Instructor 

Mei Mei received her Master of Fine Arts in Photography from Ohio University in 2002. As a mixed-media and installation artist, Mei Mei explores various media to bridge her internal and external worlds. She is a lifelong student of the human psyche, fascinated by the mind's ability to focus on details great and small without limits. Using her internal symbols, she creates rich visual images that are both highly personal and accessible to all. Mei Mei has received numerous awards and residencies, including at the Vermont Studio Center, Great River Art Association, the ARCH Residency at Honfleur Gallery, the Montgomery College Artist Residency, and second place in the Contemporary South Exhibition. I have been teaching Mandarin Chinese for many years and enjoy incorporating art into my lessons. I believe that language learning is most meaningful when students are actively engaged with both the culture and the knowledge behind the language. By combining language, culture, and hands-on art activities, I aim to create an immersive and enjoyable learning experience for all students. Here is my website: meimeichang.website