Chinese Mandarin popular in Early Learning Languages Australia
CHILDREN as young as three are learning how to say much more than “ni hao” in Mandarin through a foreign language program at preschools.
Northern District Times
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CHILDREN as young as three are learning how to say much more than “ni hao” in Mandarin through a foreign language program at preschools.
Children at Meadowbank Multipurpose Learning Centre are among the latest to join the Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program, being rolled out by the Federal Government.
The centre already had several Mandarin-speaking teachers, who have introduced children to Chinese culture through oriental purses, decorations and a paint brush.
The teachers then introduced a playful foreign language program, called The Polygots, on tablet computers.
The program — named after its main characters — helps children learn to say words, count, and sing songs in the chosen language.
Children’s pronunciation can be checked by voice recognition.
Preschools can choose which language they offer.
This was an easy choice at Meadowbank, according to assistant educator Michael Savignano.
“We can see the Chinese population in this area increasing and we have Chinese families who have joined the centre since moving here recently,” he said.
The centre recently introduced the program.
Up to 15 children are participating, who have two chances each day to use the computers for a short time.
Mr Savignano said the toddlers were faring well.
“They pick it up quicker than we do,” he said. “Sometimes it feels like the children are teaching us.”
The centre will use the program throughout the year.
Parents may then choose for their child to continue learning Mandarin next year or try a new language.
They are also able to download the program at home.
Bennelong federal Liberal MP John Alexander was at the centre to see its progress.
The ELLA program was introduced in 2015 with the aim of encouraging more children to learn a second language.
The government says this will provide Australians with more work opportunities.
Mr Alexander was pleased more than 25 preschools were participating in the northern district.
Of these, 11 preschools have chosen Mandarin. Others have chosen Arabic, French, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.