North East ISD

Building on foundational Mandarin Chinese language skills, this 8-week course will help students enhance their ability to travel in China and converse with native Chinese speakers with confidence. You will learn vocabulary and phrases that are essential for various travel situations, from exploring famous landmarks to bargaining in markets. The course also dives into contemporary Chinese culture, offering insights into popular traditions, modern entertainment, and daily life in China. Through engaging activities, speaking and listening comprehension will be prioritized, while optional assignments will introduce students to reading and writing Chinese characters. Additionally, the course will feature an optional "9th class" at a local Chinese restaurant to immerse students in authentic cultural experiences.

By the end of the course, students will: 

• Acquire useful travel-related vocabulary and phrases for various situations in China.            • Gain an understanding of contemporary Chinese culture and traditions.

• Improve speaking and listening skills through class activities.                                                • Learn basic reading and writing of Chinese characters through optional homework. 

• Develop a deeper appreciation for Chinese cuisine, music, and other cultural practices.

About the Instructor: Mary Field is a dedicated Chinese language instructor with a wealth of experience in teaching students of different backgrounds and proficiency levels. She creates a supportive and interactive learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking risks with the language. She uses a variety of communication styles to emphasize real-life language use and cultural context to strengthen students' understanding and appreciation of Mandarin Chinese. After living in China for seven years, she started teaching Chinese in Texas in 2015. She founded the Chinese immersion program at the International School of San Antonio.