Panda Playgroups (accompanied by an adult)

Playgroups for our youngest children introduce Mandarin language and culture through nursery rhymes and exploring familiar objects, then progress to include age-appropriate craft projects, stories and movement as babies grow to toddlerhood. Adults attend and participate in our baby and toddler playgroups.

Baby Pandas (4-12 months)
Little Pandas Playgroup (12-24 months)
Toddler Pandas Playgroup (18-36 months)
On My Own Pandas (2-3 1/2 yrs)

Our program for young preschoolers and school-aged children is a drop-off program. Classes are filled with hands-on activities that introduce basic words and phrases. Children learn Chinese language and culture through music, movement, and crafts, and as they advance in their Mandarin learning, they engage in dramatic play, science, calligraphy, and group projects. Classes are small so students receive individual attention. Please note that the ages listed below are approximate; your child will be placed in a class thatís right for him or her based on level of experience with Mandarin as well as age.

On My Own Pandas Playgroup (2-3 ‡ years)
This 2-hour playgroup helps 2-3 ‡ year olds gradually transition to separation from their parent/adult when and if they are ready. Preschoolers will develop independent language skills and conversation. Children will enjoy circle time, art, stories, and active play in an immersive Mandarin setting.

Panda Buddies (drop-off class)

Panda Buddies 1 (3-5 years old) -- This 90-minute class is appropriate for beginners, introducing children to basic words and phrases.

Panda Buddies 2 (5-7 years old) -- This 90-minute class is similar to Panda Buddies, but introduces more challenging activities such as dramatic play and calligraphy. Beginners and more experienced Mandarin-speakers will enjoy this class.

Panda Buddies 2 Intermediate (5-7 years old) -- This 90-minute class is for students who can understand Mandarin and have some speaking fluency. Students learn from songs, story, crafts, science, and movement. Special attention is given to cultural activities, word recognition and conversational fluency.

Panda Buddies 2 Advanced (5-7 years old) -- This 90-minute class is for students 5 to 7 years old who can speak Mandarin fluently. Students learn from songs, story, crafts, science, and movement. Special attention is given to cultural activities, writing, and pinyin (the phonetic system for Mandarin that uses the western alphabet).

Panda Buddies 3 (7-9 years) -- This 90-minute class allows children to engage in more active dramatic play as well as introducing them to pinyin and expands their writing to include more challenging characters. Fun group projects and cultural activities are incorporated into the language-learning experience.