This document discusses a private school's foreign language program, focusing on its Mandarin Chinese courses. It offers an overview of the school's small size, strong community commitment, and freedom in teaching. The foreign language program starts in pre-K and offers French, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. Mandarin Chinese courses are offered from 3rd grade through high school, using project-based and immersive learning approaches. The program also includes performances, field trips to China, and a summer exchange program, but faces challenges in curriculum development, program sustainability, and addressing achievement gaps.

1. " First year , First teacher
v.s.
Diverse students, Diverse Expectations"
-Teaching Chinese at a Private School, Chicago.
1

2. 2
About The School & Its Foreign Language Program
Features of a Private School
1.Small School Size
2.Strong Community Commitment
3. More Freedom on Teaching
4.High Expectation on Students’ Learing outcome
(such as various showcases, various performance)
5.Student-Teacher Relationship
About Its Foreign Language Program
1.Start from pre-k to 12, select from French & Spanish
2.Intensive & Extensive Courses (K-12)
30 mins-Lower School
45 mins-Middle School
2-3 years-Upper School
3.Project Week-field trips with a world culture
4. Summer Exchange Program & International Students

3. First Year Mandarin Chinese
 Pre School: Immersion/Engaging
 3rd Grade: Language & Course Exploratory Courses
 5th Grade: 45 mins per day, Project-
based/Interdisciplinary/Advisory
 Upper School- (Spanish/French/Mandarin Chinese 1-5-AP)
 Project-week: Trip to China
 Summer Exchange Program & Chinese Exchange Students
3

4. 3rd Grade Showcase Performance
Rehearal Video
 “找朋友”
 http://vimeo.com/36561770
4

5. 6
5th Grade Project-based/Interdisciplinary learning

6. 8
Upper School-7 Students Mixed Grade Levels

7. 9
Challenges
 No Free Food Seminar-DCLT…
 No Buddy Teachers-small talks/complains…
 No “四菜一汤”…

8. 10
Chanllenges-Achievement Gap
Annual Fund Raising-How to involve in the school community

9. 11
Chanllenges
 Curriculum Development & Material Selection
 Program Development & Sustainability
 Summer Exchange Program
 Exchange Students