CLASSES FOR KIDS AGE 8 & UP
How are "Older Kids' Classes" different from the "Younger Kids' classes"?
Recognizing that our students' interests may change or become more focused after many years at Cricket Academy, we offer separate Culture and Language classes for the "older kids" (ages 8 and up). This series of classes provides continuing exposure to Chinese culture and language from the upper elementary through the middle school years. These classes also help to connect the Chinese experience to the diversity of modern American culture.
Culture and language classes are timed so that students taking both types of classes go from one to the next with no overlap or down-time.
CULTURE (8 years old and up)
The culture classes are designed to be taken in the following sequence:
- Culture for Older Kids I (COK I) : Chinese Arts and Games
- Culture for Older Kids II (COK II): Living in Multi-Cultural America, Part I
- Culture for Older Kids III (COK III): Munch, Bang, Ni hao! - More fun with Chinese Arts and Traditions
- Culture for Older Kids IV (COK IV): Living in Multi-Cultural America, Part II
- Culture for Older Kids V (COK V): Chinese History through Art and Activity
- Culture for Older Kids VI (COK VI) : Teen Life in China
- Learn about a number of Chinese cultural traditions, such as Tai Chi and acupuncture
Note: All Culture Classes may be taken independently or in conjunction with a Language Class.
Culture for Older Kids I (COK I): Chinese Arts and Games
| Times: | 9:30- 10:15am |
| For: | Eight to Ten Year Olds |
| Prerequisite: | None |
| Fall Course Fee: | $98.00 |
| Spring Course Fee: | $124.00 |
This 45-minute class offers an introduction to various Chinese cultural traditions. Topics that may be explored in this class include: Chinese calligraphy, the abacus, the Monkey King, Hua Mulan, shadow puppetry, Chinese martial arts, and the Chinese board games of Weiqi (Go) and Chinese chess.
Culture for Older Kids II (COK II):
Living in Multi-Cultural America, Part I
| Times: | 9:30-10:15am |
| For: | Nine to Twelve Year Olds |
| Prerequisite: | None |
| Fall Course Fee: | $98.00 |
| Spring Course Fee: | $124.00 |
This class offers an introduction to the American immigrant experience, Chinese-American history, and the challenges of living in a multi-cultural society. Students are invited to consider the way in which their families' ethnic heritages fit into their own personal identities.
Culture for Older Kids III (COK III):
Munch, Bang, Ni Hao!-More Fun with Chinese Arts and
Traditions
| Times: | 9:30- 10:15am |
| For: | Nine to Twelve Year Olds |
| Prerequisite: | None |
| Fall Course Fee: | $98.00 |
| Spring Course Fee: | $124.00 |
Among other projects, students will raise silk worms, learn the arts of Chinese silk painting and paper cutting, play in a Chinese percussion ensemble, and participate in activities designed to get to know and help out our sister school in Gansu Province.
Culture for Older Kids IV (COK IV):
Living in Multi-Cultural America II
| Times: | 9:30-10:15am |
| For: | Ten to Thirteen Year Olds |
| Prerequisite: | Completed Living in Multi-Cultural America-Part I is recommended |
| Fall Course Fee: | $98.00 |
| Spring Course Fee: | $124.00 |
This 45 minute class will give students a chance to expand their understanding of Chinese-American history and to consider the ways in which cross-cultural misunderstanding, stereotypes, and prejudice affect the lives of immigrants and racial and ethnic minorities. As a group and as individuals, students will also have the opportunity to work on strategies for becoming part of the solution to these social ills.
Culture for Older Kids V (COK V):
Chinese History through Art and Activity
| Times: | 9:30- 10:15am |
| For: | Eleven to Thirteen Year Olds |
| Prerequisite: | None |
| Fall Course Fee: | $98.00 |
| Spring Course Fee: | $124.00 |
Students will learn about Chinese history from the time of the first emperors in Imperial China through the revolutions and pro-democracy movements of the 20th century. Significant time points in Chinese history will be correlated with relevant arts and activities such as the claywork of the terra cotta warriors, Confucian philosophy and calligraphy, martial arts, Chinese cuisine, and the "ping-pong diplomacy" of the 1970s.
Culture for Older Kids VI (COK VI):
Teen Life in China
| Times: | 9:30- 10:15am |
| For: | Twelve to Fourteen Year Olds |
| Prerequisite: | None |
| Fall Course Fee: | $98.00 |
| Spring Course Fee: | $124.00 |
Students will gain an appreciation of modern Chinese popular culture through active discussion of such diverse topics as the Olympics, current music and slang, food, books, the environment and other topics selected by the class. This class will provide an opportunity to compare and contrast life in modern America with life in modern China, focusing on the teenage experience.
LANGUAGE (8 years old and up)
Language classes are split into two tracks: Mandarin Immersion and Chinese Literacy (CLOK)
This class is designed for children who are interested in improving their skills in spoken
Mandarin, but not in learning to read and write the language. Students are expected
to make a commitment to do their best in class on Saturdays, but they do not receive
written homework assignments. Students who have taken Mandarin Immersion in the past
may re-enroll as the content changes from year to year.
Children who are ages 8 and up and who are NEW to Cricket should take Chinese
Literacy for Older Kids I (CLOK I).
The Chinese Literacy classes offer instruction in written and spoken Mandarin
for committed students ages 8 and up. We use the "Ni Hao" textbook series to introduce
students to the writing system and the "Tai Hao Le" software package for midweek oral
language practice at home. Weekly written homework is assigned in all the CLOK classes.
Notes:
- All Language Classes may be taken independently or in conjunction with one of the Culture for Older Kids (COK) classes.
- Do NOT include payment for books with tuition payment. Families will receive a bill for books on the first day of class.
- Parents with questions or concerns about which class would be most appropriate for their child(ren) can contact Carol Julin, Curriculum Director at .
MANDARIN IMMERSION
Mandarin Immersion for Older Kids I
| Times: | 10:15- 11:15am |
| For: | Eight Years Old and Up |
| Prerequisite: | Completed Cricket I-IV |
| Fall Course Fee: | $102.00 |
| Spring Course Fee: | $130.00 |
These 1 hour classes feature an environment where students can practice speaking and listening to Mandarin while engaging in various fun activities. No written homework. Students who have taken Mandarin Immersion in the past may sign up for it again as the content rotates from year to year specifically to accommodate students who re-enroll for multiple sessions.
CHINESE LITERACY (CLOK)
Chinese Literacy for Older Kids I (CLOK I) Introductory level class
| Times: | 10:15- 11:30am |
| For: | Eight to Twelve Year Olds |
| Prerequisite: | None |
| Fall Course Fee: | $111.00 |
| Spring Course Fee: | $138.00 |
These 1 hour 15 minute classes offer instruction in written and spoken Mandarin for serious students. Students will begin working through the "Ni Hao", Vol. 1 textbook and workbook, as well as the software package "Tai Hao Le".
Completed homework is expected at this level.
Additional (approximate) materials fee of ~$70 for "Ni Hao I" textbook, "Ni Hao I" workbook, and Chinese character workbook. "Tai Hao Le" software package:~$50. The "Ni Hao" books will be used for both CLOK I and II; the software and character books will be used throughout the CLOK class series. Do not include payment for books with tuition. Exact cost of books will be distributed on the first day of class.
Chinese Literacy for Older Kids II (CLOK II)
| Times: | 10:15- 11:30am |
| For: | Nine to Fourteen Year Olds |
| Prerequisite: | CLOK I |
| Fall Course Fee: | $111.00 |
| Spring Course Fee: | $138.00 |
Continuing instruction in written and spoken Mandarin for serious students who have completed CLOK I. Students will continue working through "Ni Hao", Vol. 1 textbook and workbook as well as other materials as listed in the CLOK I description.
Completed homework is expected at this level.
Additional (approximate) materials fee of $10 for a book of Chinese radicals. Do not include payment for books with tuition. Exact cost of books will be distributed on the first day of class.
Chinese Literacy for Older Kids III (CLOK III)
| Times: | 10:15- 11:30am |
| For: | Nine to Fourteen Year Olds |
| Prerequisite: | CLOKII |
| Fall Course Fee: | $111.00 |
| Spring Course Fee: | $138.00 |
Continuing instruction in written and spoken Mandarin for serious students who have completed CLOK II. Students will use Volume 2 of the "Ni Hao" textbook and workbook as well as the "Tai Hao Le" software package.
Completed homework is expected at this level.
Additional (approximate) materials fee of ~$70 for "Ni Hao II" textbook and "Ni Hao II" workbook. "Tai Hao Le" software package (if needed):~$50. Do not include payment for books with tuition. Exact cost of books will be distributed on the first day of class.
Chinese Literacy for Older Kids IV (CLOK IV)
[not offered this year]
Chinese Literacy for Older Kids V (CLOK V)
[not offered this year]