Thursday, December 24, 2009
给家长和同学们的信
Dear Parents and students：
亲爱的家长和同学们：
As I finish teaching the last class for 2009, after I saw all the students off, I returned to the quiet classroom to write this letter to you. I would like to take this opportunity to look back on the teaching and learning that took place in the past four month. I would like to share my joy in the successes and ask for support in addressing my concerns. Let us work together to make our school a better learning environment in the New Year!
现在，我上完了2009年最后一节课。送走同学，回到安静的教室，开始写这封信。我想和大家一起来回顾这四个月的教学，分享我成功的快乐，也希望大家能帮我排解我的忧虑，争取明年把学校办得更好。
On May 27th, Shawn’s mother called me asking me to make a presentation on my Mandarin language teaching method. After my presentation, Shawn expressed interest in learning Mandarin using my teaching method incorporating the computer technology. My personal observation is that the traditional Mandarin teaching in the United States has come to an impasse. I believe teaching using computer technology is the only way to resolve this issue. I started exploring teaching Mandarin using computer technology over 3 years ago. So far, I have been able to come up with a basic and complete system. With the help from Shawn’s mother, I have started to give presentations to promote our school in Foster City which has a thriving Chinese community. My goal is to provide a more effective and fun way for my students to learn Mandarin.
今年五月二十七号，Shawn的妈妈打电话给我，说希望我去介绍我是怎么教中文的。我去了，Shawn很喜欢这种用电脑来学中文的方法。根据我的观察，美国的传统中文教学已经遇到了瓶颈。要解决这个难题，电脑教学是必走之路。我早在三年以前就在探索这条路了。如今，已基本形成了我的整个系统。在Shawn的妈妈的帮助下，我开始办讲演会，希望在华人较多的Foster City开班，让更多的同学用这种有趣，有用，有效的方法来学中文。
On August 31, our school started. Although our new school is small, but, it provide the students and parents in Foster City an alternative. Learning Mandarin does not have to be that boring! To a primary student, the computers’ multimedia presentation of the Chinese character, its meaning in English and its Mandarin pronunciation, as well as its ability to display Chinese characters and simultaneously pronounce the characters after the students input the Pin Yin; with a simple click of the mouse, the student can also chose to display the English translation, this dynamic method of learning is far more interesting and effective than the traditional “copy my character” way of learning, it stimulate the students in many ways at the same time, such as their sight, hearing, pronunciation, typing and memorization. We also use Power point and Blog to compose in Mandarin and the student are encouraged to present their writing in class to hone their writing and oral presentation skills. To the middle and high students, our school is conveniently located; the classes do not take up your precious weekends. I teach lessons which are highly relevant to the students’ lives and of interest to them. In class, the students get to do most of the talking. I only explain the key words and analyze the differences in Chinese and English. I have incorporated SAT II questions in our exercises to familiarize our students to exam taking. A key component of my teaching is to introduce Chinese culture to my students appropriate to their level. In September, we told the story of Chang Er flying to the moon and the story of mid-autumn festival. In October, we talked about the origin of Chong Yang festival. All of the stories are told through DVD and Power point, a much more vivid presentation than a mere oral storytelling. In the last 4 month, our success has been only possible through the hard work and efforts from the teacher, parents and students-my diligent teaching, parents’ effort to make sure students are on time and the attentiveness of the students in class and doing homework.
八月三十一号，学校开学了。新学校虽然很小，但它给Foster City的家长们和同学们一个不一样的选择。原来，学中文不是那么boring! 对小学生来说，电脑把中文的字形，字义和字音结合在一起，用声，光，电多媒体的方式呈现在我们面前。我们在键盘输入拼音，屏幕就会出现中文字，同时读出该字的发音。若将滑鼠移至近旁，还会出现英文解释。这样动态地学习，眼睛看，耳朵听，嘴巴读，手指打，脑子记，同时进行，比传统的画字要有趣味，有效率得多。我们还用power point 和blog来写作文并在课堂上讲演。这样既提高了同学们的写作水平，又加强了口头表达能力。对中学生和高中生来说，不用走老远，不用占周末的时间，就可以上高班的中文课。课文与同学们的生活息息相关，都是同学们感兴趣的话题。因此，课堂上以学生讲说为主。我只适当地讲解一些字词要点，剖析英汉的差异。我把SATII的试题加入课堂练习，让同学们逐渐熟悉适应考试的内容。由浅入深地介绍中华文化是我教学的重要部份。九月，我们讲了嫦娥奔月和中秋的故事。十月，我们讲了重阳节的由来。我是通过DVD和Power Point来介绍的。这要比口说和书本生动得多。四个月来，我认真地教学，家长们准时接送，同学们用心听讲并完成作业。老师，家长和同学三方的合作是成功的保证。
Although I am happy with our achievement, my biggest concern is that some students do little or no homework. Maybe some of you do not take learning Chinese seriously. It is common knowledge that Mandarin is one of the most challenging languages to learn. How difficult is Mandarin, you may ask? Let me give you an example: if a Mandarin speaker need to spend 4 years to study English to be able to pass TOFEL exam to master sufficient English to study in the US, then an English speaker must spend 12 years to pass HSK(Mandarin standard test) level 1 to study in China! In the trip to China Obama just took, he said that the US will send 10,000 youth to China to study. In the next decades, the US-China relation will reach historical heights; any relationship requires mastery of their language. Some of you may think that “I am not going to China; I don’t need to know Mandarin.” No one knows what the future might hold; I never thought I was coming to the United States. Similarly, some of you may end up in China, even if you could not imagine you might. Even if you do not go to China, knowing Chinese gives you a competitive edge. You may have to compete with the students from China in the hundreds and thousands. They are formidable competitors; they have good English and Chinese, good at math and science; have a broad knowledge base, highly motivated and disciplined; they are cheaper, too. All employers would love to hire them. Companies from the Silicon Valley are most proactive in lobbying H-1 visas to the congress. To them, the overseas students are vital to their survival. Those overseas students are not only your formidable competitor; they are also your models to learn from. Their Mandarin is excellent, of course, but, their English is good, too! It would be quite an achievement for you, my students, if your Chinese is half as good as their English. I urge all my students to spend 15 minutes each day on their Chinese homework. With persistence, much could be achieved! I am asking all parents to monitor and remind the students to do their home works. Thank you for your support and cooperation!
在成功的快乐中，也有忧虑。最大的忧虑就是有些同学少做或不做作业。这可能与有些同学不重视中文有关。大家知道，中文是最难的语言之一。有多难?打个比方：如果当年你我花了四年时间考过了托福来美国留学，那同学们得花十二年才能考过HSK（汉语水平考试）一级，去大陆留学。此次欧巴马访中，提出今后赴华留学生要增至十万人。今后几十年，大陆和美国的交往会达到空前的规模。要交往，就要会对方的语言。同学们可以说，我不去大陆，用不着中文。去不去大陆，谁也不知道。我真没想到我会来美国，同样，同学们也许会没想到要去中国。就是不去中国，在这里如果你会中文，你就可以与其他人竞争，包括从大陆来的数十万留学生竞争。他们是可敬的对手。中英文都好，数理化好，知识面广，有上进心，守纪听话，薪水较低。哪个雇主会不喜欢？我们硅谷的公司去国会游说H-1签证最积极了。他们明白，没有留学生，就没有这些公司。留学生们既是可敬的对手，又是学习的榜样。他们的中文当然好，可是他们的英文也不错呀！同学们的中文能有他们英文的一半就不错了。希望同学们每天做十五分钟的作业，长年累月坚持下来，成绩一定是可观的。这点恳请家长们督促! 提醒同学们。谢谢你们的支持与配合！
I have bought 5 new notebook computers to be used in class. In the future, all students will not only read, speak, listen and write in class, they will also type. This is unique to our school. I will prepare bottled water for each student, please remember to close the bottle tight to avoid spilling on the keyboard.
为了教学的需要，我添置了五台全新的笔记本电脑。以后每堂课都要用电脑做练习。我们上课不仅有读，说，听，写，还有打。这是其它学校所没有的。我会为同学们准备瓶装水，喝好马上盖好，这样就不会泼到键盘上了。
After winter break, we would review the first 5 lessons. Tests will be conducted in the second week. Tests 100,200,300,400 would be on lesson 1-5 chants and teacher’s assignment on lesson 5. Tests 500,600,700 would be on the phrases and sentencing building from the 1st 5 lessons. SAT II 100, 200, 300, 400 students must review the drills and exercises of the 1st 5 lessons. 500, 600, 700 students must be familiar with the text of the lessons, must be able to write a story interpreting a series of pictures and write e-mails in Mandarin. In the following month, we will learn: lunar calendar, solar calendar, solar terms, Chinese zodiac signs, Chinese New Year, how does the Chinese celebrate New Year, Lantern Festival, how does the Chinese celebrate Lantern Festival? I would use Power Point, CD-ROM or DVD to assist in my teaching so that it would be more entertaining. In June, first week would be revision, second week exams. Prior to the AP exam in May, I will have additional classes for tutoring. In November, there will be SATII, I will also have additional classes for tutoring. Our school will have a booth at the 2010 Foster City Art and Wine Festival. I would appreciate any help from the students who can tend the booth with me. I would also greatly appreciate all of you to speak to any potential students about our school so that more people can benefit from computer aided learning of Mandarin!
过完年，我们就复习前五课。第二个星期考试。100,200,300,400考1-5课的Chant和第五课的Teacher"s Assignment. 500,600,700考前五课的大意重组和SATII. 100, 200, 300, 400的同学要复习前五课的Drill和Exercise. 500, 600, 700 的同学要熟读课文并做看图作文和email作文。接下来的一个月，我们要教的内容有：什么是阴历，阳历？什么是节气？什么是生肖？什么是农历新年？中国人怎么过年？什么是元宵节？中国人怎么过元宵节？我会用Power Point, CD-ROM 或DVD来讲，而不是仅仅用嘴巴讲。希望同学们会喜欢。六月的第一个星期复习，第二个星期考试。五月初有AP考试，我会另外在考前开辅导课。十一月有SATII考试，我也会另外在考前开辅导课。我会参加2010 年的Foster City Art and Wine Festival. 欢迎同学们来帮忙站台。也希望大家向朋友介绍我们的学校，让更多的同学来用电脑学中文。
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
祝大家圣诞，新年快乐！
Bo-Ji Mei
梅伯骥
亲爱的家长和同学们：
As I finish teaching the last class for 2009, after I saw all the students off, I returned to the quiet classroom to write this letter to you. I would like to take this opportunity to look back on the teaching and learning that took place in the past four month. I would like to share my joy in the successes and ask for support in addressing my concerns. Let us work together to make our school a better learning environment in the New Year!
现在，我上完了2009年最后一节课。送走同学，回到安静的教室，开始写这封信。我想和大家一起来回顾这四个月的教学，分享我成功的快乐，也希望大家能帮我排解我的忧虑，争取明年把学校办得更好。
On May 27th, Shawn’s mother called me asking me to make a presentation on my Mandarin language teaching method. After my presentation, Shawn expressed interest in learning Mandarin using my teaching method incorporating the computer technology. My personal observation is that the traditional Mandarin teaching in the United States has come to an impasse. I believe teaching using computer technology is the only way to resolve this issue. I started exploring teaching Mandarin using computer technology over 3 years ago. So far, I have been able to come up with a basic and complete system. With the help from Shawn’s mother, I have started to give presentations to promote our school in Foster City which has a thriving Chinese community. My goal is to provide a more effective and fun way for my students to learn Mandarin.
今年五月二十七号，Shawn的妈妈打电话给我，说希望我去介绍我是怎么教中文的。我去了，Shawn很喜欢这种用电脑来学中文的方法。根据我的观察，美国的传统中文教学已经遇到了瓶颈。要解决这个难题，电脑教学是必走之路。我早在三年以前就在探索这条路了。如今，已基本形成了我的整个系统。在Shawn的妈妈的帮助下，我开始办讲演会，希望在华人较多的Foster City开班，让更多的同学用这种有趣，有用，有效的方法来学中文。
On August 31, our school started. Although our new school is small, but, it provide the students and parents in Foster City an alternative. Learning Mandarin does not have to be that boring! To a primary student, the computers’ multimedia presentation of the Chinese character, its meaning in English and its Mandarin pronunciation, as well as its ability to display Chinese characters and simultaneously pronounce the characters after the students input the Pin Yin; with a simple click of the mouse, the student can also chose to display the English translation, this dynamic method of learning is far more interesting and effective than the traditional “copy my character” way of learning, it stimulate the students in many ways at the same time, such as their sight, hearing, pronunciation, typing and memorization. We also use Power point and Blog to compose in Mandarin and the student are encouraged to present their writing in class to hone their writing and oral presentation skills. To the middle and high students, our school is conveniently located; the classes do not take up your precious weekends. I teach lessons which are highly relevant to the students’ lives and of interest to them. In class, the students get to do most of the talking. I only explain the key words and analyze the differences in Chinese and English. I have incorporated SAT II questions in our exercises to familiarize our students to exam taking. A key component of my teaching is to introduce Chinese culture to my students appropriate to their level. In September, we told the story of Chang Er flying to the moon and the story of mid-autumn festival. In October, we talked about the origin of Chong Yang festival. All of the stories are told through DVD and Power point, a much more vivid presentation than a mere oral storytelling. In the last 4 month, our success has been only possible through the hard work and efforts from the teacher, parents and students-my diligent teaching, parents’ effort to make sure students are on time and the attentiveness of the students in class and doing homework.
八月三十一号，学校开学了。新学校虽然很小，但它给Foster City的家长们和同学们一个不一样的选择。原来，学中文不是那么boring! 对小学生来说，电脑把中文的字形，字义和字音结合在一起，用声，光，电多媒体的方式呈现在我们面前。我们在键盘输入拼音，屏幕就会出现中文字，同时读出该字的发音。若将滑鼠移至近旁，还会出现英文解释。这样动态地学习，眼睛看，耳朵听，嘴巴读，手指打，脑子记，同时进行，比传统的画字要有趣味，有效率得多。我们还用power point 和blog来写作文并在课堂上讲演。这样既提高了同学们的写作水平，又加强了口头表达能力。对中学生和高中生来说，不用走老远，不用占周末的时间，就可以上高班的中文课。课文与同学们的生活息息相关，都是同学们感兴趣的话题。因此，课堂上以学生讲说为主。我只适当地讲解一些字词要点，剖析英汉的差异。我把SATII的试题加入课堂练习，让同学们逐渐熟悉适应考试的内容。由浅入深地介绍中华文化是我教学的重要部份。九月，我们讲了嫦娥奔月和中秋的故事。十月，我们讲了重阳节的由来。我是通过DVD和Power Point来介绍的。这要比口说和书本生动得多。四个月来，我认真地教学，家长们准时接送，同学们用心听讲并完成作业。老师，家长和同学三方的合作是成功的保证。
Although I am happy with our achievement, my biggest concern is that some students do little or no homework. Maybe some of you do not take learning Chinese seriously. It is common knowledge that Mandarin is one of the most challenging languages to learn. How difficult is Mandarin, you may ask? Let me give you an example: if a Mandarin speaker need to spend 4 years to study English to be able to pass TOFEL exam to master sufficient English to study in the US, then an English speaker must spend 12 years to pass HSK(Mandarin standard test) level 1 to study in China! In the trip to China Obama just took, he said that the US will send 10,000 youth to China to study. In the next decades, the US-China relation will reach historical heights; any relationship requires mastery of their language. Some of you may think that “I am not going to China; I don’t need to know Mandarin.” No one knows what the future might hold; I never thought I was coming to the United States. Similarly, some of you may end up in China, even if you could not imagine you might. Even if you do not go to China, knowing Chinese gives you a competitive edge. You may have to compete with the students from China in the hundreds and thousands. They are formidable competitors; they have good English and Chinese, good at math and science; have a broad knowledge base, highly motivated and disciplined; they are cheaper, too. All employers would love to hire them. Companies from the Silicon Valley are most proactive in lobbying H-1 visas to the congress. To them, the overseas students are vital to their survival. Those overseas students are not only your formidable competitor; they are also your models to learn from. Their Mandarin is excellent, of course, but, their English is good, too! It would be quite an achievement for you, my students, if your Chinese is half as good as their English. I urge all my students to spend 15 minutes each day on their Chinese homework. With persistence, much could be achieved! I am asking all parents to monitor and remind the students to do their home works. Thank you for your support and cooperation!
在成功的快乐中，也有忧虑。最大的忧虑就是有些同学少做或不做作业。这可能与有些同学不重视中文有关。大家知道，中文是最难的语言之一。有多难?打个比方：如果当年你我花了四年时间考过了托福来美国留学，那同学们得花十二年才能考过HSK（汉语水平考试）一级，去大陆留学。此次欧巴马访中，提出今后赴华留学生要增至十万人。今后几十年，大陆和美国的交往会达到空前的规模。要交往，就要会对方的语言。同学们可以说，我不去大陆，用不着中文。去不去大陆，谁也不知道。我真没想到我会来美国，同样，同学们也许会没想到要去中国。就是不去中国，在这里如果你会中文，你就可以与其他人竞争，包括从大陆来的数十万留学生竞争。他们是可敬的对手。中英文都好，数理化好，知识面广，有上进心，守纪听话，薪水较低。哪个雇主会不喜欢？我们硅谷的公司去国会游说H-1签证最积极了。他们明白，没有留学生，就没有这些公司。留学生们既是可敬的对手，又是学习的榜样。他们的中文当然好，可是他们的英文也不错呀！同学们的中文能有他们英文的一半就不错了。希望同学们每天做十五分钟的作业，长年累月坚持下来，成绩一定是可观的。这点恳请家长们督促! 提醒同学们。谢谢你们的支持与配合！
I have bought 5 new notebook computers to be used in class. In the future, all students will not only read, speak, listen and write in class, they will also type. This is unique to our school. I will prepare bottled water for each student, please remember to close the bottle tight to avoid spilling on the keyboard.
为了教学的需要，我添置了五台全新的笔记本电脑。以后每堂课都要用电脑做练习。我们上课不仅有读，说，听，写，还有打。这是其它学校所没有的。我会为同学们准备瓶装水，喝好马上盖好，这样就不会泼到键盘上了。
After winter break, we would review the first 5 lessons. Tests will be conducted in the second week. Tests 100,200,300,400 would be on lesson 1-5 chants and teacher’s assignment on lesson 5. Tests 500,600,700 would be on the phrases and sentencing building from the 1st 5 lessons. SAT II 100, 200, 300, 400 students must review the drills and exercises of the 1st 5 lessons. 500, 600, 700 students must be familiar with the text of the lessons, must be able to write a story interpreting a series of pictures and write e-mails in Mandarin. In the following month, we will learn: lunar calendar, solar calendar, solar terms, Chinese zodiac signs, Chinese New Year, how does the Chinese celebrate New Year, Lantern Festival, how does the Chinese celebrate Lantern Festival? I would use Power Point, CD-ROM or DVD to assist in my teaching so that it would be more entertaining. In June, first week would be revision, second week exams. Prior to the AP exam in May, I will have additional classes for tutoring. In November, there will be SATII, I will also have additional classes for tutoring. Our school will have a booth at the 2010 Foster City Art and Wine Festival. I would appreciate any help from the students who can tend the booth with me. I would also greatly appreciate all of you to speak to any potential students about our school so that more people can benefit from computer aided learning of Mandarin!
过完年，我们就复习前五课。第二个星期考试。100,200,300,400考1-5课的Chant和第五课的Teacher"s Assignment. 500,600,700考前五课的大意重组和SATII. 100, 200, 300, 400的同学要复习前五课的Drill和Exercise. 500, 600, 700 的同学要熟读课文并做看图作文和email作文。接下来的一个月，我们要教的内容有：什么是阴历，阳历？什么是节气？什么是生肖？什么是农历新年？中国人怎么过年？什么是元宵节？中国人怎么过元宵节？我会用Power Point, CD-ROM 或DVD来讲，而不是仅仅用嘴巴讲。希望同学们会喜欢。六月的第一个星期复习，第二个星期考试。五月初有AP考试，我会另外在考前开辅导课。十一月有SATII考试，我也会另外在考前开辅导课。我会参加2010 年的Foster City Art and Wine Festival. 欢迎同学们来帮忙站台。也希望大家向朋友介绍我们的学校，让更多的同学来用电脑学中文。
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
祝大家圣诞，新年快乐！
Bo-Ji Mei
梅伯骥
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Letter to the Parents
Dear Parents,
I believe homework is important because it helps students make the most of their experience in class. I give homework because it is useful in reinforcing what has been learned in class, extends and generalizes concepts, provides practice time, teaches responsibility, and helps students develop positive study habits.
I expect students to do their best jobs on their homework. I expect homework to be neat, well-organized, not sloppy. I expect students complete all the homework, 100%, not even 90%.
I know that the students were very busy in the first month of a new semester, so I understand that the students had no time to do my homework. I think every student has a new school year resolution in his or her heart. My suggestion is that no matter how busy they are, please save 15 minutes to do my homework. It is not a ambitious scheme, but self-discipline requred to do 15 minutes everyday is considerable! Many students's enthusiasm will wane within a month. The 15 minutes gradually diminish. Little by little the 15 minutes fall to zero. One month later, they will be back to where they start from. However, the students who
keep on doing 15 minutes homework will be in advance that others can hardly catch up. The worst thing is that they will lose their sense of responsibility.
I strongly believe in the value that positive support plays in motivating students to develop good student habits. I will give students feedback, guidance, support, and praise. So, I give them model compositions, composition guide and compositions in World Journal on my blog. I save lots of time in class for them to speak and answer my questions. I publish Monthly Letter for our students to read. However, 15 minutes homework is the first thing of the first.
If there is a legitimate reason why a student is not able to finish homework, please send a note to me on the day the homework is due stating the reason it was not completed. I realize that things do come up during the year.
I feel that parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for their children. Therefore, I ask that parents make homework a top priority, provide necessary supplies and a quiet homework environment, set a daily homework time, provide praise and support, not let students avoid homework and contact me if they notice a problem. I really hope that parents who speak Chinese talk to your children in Chinese.
Have a nice Mid-Autumn Festival!
Teacher Mei
I believe homework is important because it helps students make the most of their experience in class. I give homework because it is useful in reinforcing what has been learned in class, extends and generalizes concepts, provides practice time, teaches responsibility, and helps students develop positive study habits.
I expect students to do their best jobs on their homework. I expect homework to be neat, well-organized, not sloppy. I expect students complete all the homework, 100%, not even 90%.
I know that the students were very busy in the first month of a new semester, so I understand that the students had no time to do my homework. I think every student has a new school year resolution in his or her heart. My suggestion is that no matter how busy they are, please save 15 minutes to do my homework. It is not a ambitious scheme, but self-discipline requred to do 15 minutes everyday is considerable! Many students's enthusiasm will wane within a month. The 15 minutes gradually diminish. Little by little the 15 minutes fall to zero. One month later, they will be back to where they start from. However, the students who
keep on doing 15 minutes homework will be in advance that others can hardly catch up. The worst thing is that they will lose their sense of responsibility.
I strongly believe in the value that positive support plays in motivating students to develop good student habits. I will give students feedback, guidance, support, and praise. So, I give them model compositions, composition guide and compositions in World Journal on my blog. I save lots of time in class for them to speak and answer my questions. I publish Monthly Letter for our students to read. However, 15 minutes homework is the first thing of the first.
If there is a legitimate reason why a student is not able to finish homework, please send a note to me on the day the homework is due stating the reason it was not completed. I realize that things do come up during the year.
I feel that parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for their children. Therefore, I ask that parents make homework a top priority, provide necessary supplies and a quiet homework environment, set a daily homework time, provide praise and support, not let students avoid homework and contact me if they notice a problem. I really hope that parents who speak Chinese talk to your children in Chinese.
Have a nice Mid-Autumn Festival!
Teacher Mei
Sunday, September 27, 2009
黄鹤楼送孟浩然之广陵 李白
黄鹤楼送孟浩然之广陵 李白
Seeing Meng Haoran off from Yellow crane Tower
故人西辞黄鹤楼，At Yellow Crane Tower my old friend says farewell.
烟花三月下杨州。In the mist and flowers of spring he goes down to Yangzhou.
孤帆远影碧空尽，Lonely sail, distant shadow, vanish in blue emptiness.
惟见长江天际流。All I see is the great river flowing into the far horizon.
Seeing Meng Haoran off from Yellow crane Tower
故人西辞黄鹤楼，At Yellow Crane Tower my old friend says farewell.
烟花三月下杨州。In the mist and flowers of spring he goes down to Yangzhou.
孤帆远影碧空尽，Lonely sail, distant shadow, vanish in blue emptiness.
惟见长江天际流。All I see is the great river flowing into the far horizon.
九月九日忆山东兄弟 王维
九月九日忆山东兄弟 王维
On the Double Ninth Day
独在异乡为异客， All alone in a foreign land.
每逢佳节倍思亲。 I am twice as homesick on this day.
遥知兄弟登高处， When brothers carry dogwood up the mountains,
遍插茱萸少一人。 Each of them has a branch- and my branch missing.
On the Double Ninth Day
独在异乡为异客， All alone in a foreign land.
每逢佳节倍思亲。 I am twice as homesick on this day.
遥知兄弟登高处， When brothers carry dogwood up the mountains,
遍插茱萸少一人。 Each of them has a branch- and my branch missing.
静夜思 李白
静夜思 李白
In the Quiet Night
床前明月光， So bright a gleam on the foot of my bed.
疑是地上霜。 Could there have been a frost already?
举头望明月， Lifting myself to look, I found that it was moonlight.
低头思故乡。 Sinking back again, I thought suddenly of home.
In the Quiet Night
床前明月光， So bright a gleam on the foot of my bed.
疑是地上霜。 Could there have been a frost already?
举头望明月， Lifting myself to look, I found that it was moonlight.
低头思故乡。 Sinking back again, I thought suddenly of home.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Preps for the New School Year
1. I have a new email address for the students in Foster City: compuchinese@yahoo.com
Every parent please send me an email by 8/30, and tell me you child's name and email, so that I can confirm your addresses. Every time when I email the students, I will make cc to the parents.
2. Every student must have pinyin input in the computer by 8/30. Please down load: www.google.com/ime/pinyin
Every student should have the character stroke order animation. If not, please use this website:
http://www.yellowbridge.com/chinese/character-stroke-order.php?searchChinese=1&zi=%E5%9C%8B
3. Every student of 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 must create his or her own blog by 8/30. You will write compositions in your blog, and then speak to the class. Please visit my blog on:
www.blogger.com
User's name: compuchinese@yahoo.com
Password: teachermei
Students of 100 and 200 should be ready to use power point to write compositions.
4. Please note that you install the IQChinese software, each product key will match each computer machine code. Therefore, when you register with "A computer", this product key can only be used in "A computer", and can not be used in "B computer". So, you have to decide which computer you want to register with by 8/30.
5. I will give every student a binder in the first class. You have to print many pages of each lesson. A printer is needed for frequent use. Please remember to put the homework into the binder and bring it to the class every time.
Every parent please send me an email by 8/30, and tell me you child's name and email, so that I can confirm your addresses. Every time when I email the students, I will make cc to the parents.
2. Every student must have pinyin input in the computer by 8/30. Please down load: www.google.com/ime/pinyin
Every student should have the character stroke order animation. If not, please use this website:
http://www.yellowbridge.com/chinese/character-stroke-order.php?searchChinese=1&zi=%E5%9C%8B
3. Every student of 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 must create his or her own blog by 8/30. You will write compositions in your blog, and then speak to the class. Please visit my blog on:
www.blogger.com
User's name: compuchinese@yahoo.com
Password: teachermei
Students of 100 and 200 should be ready to use power point to write compositions.
4. Please note that you install the IQChinese software, each product key will match each computer machine code. Therefore, when you register with "A computer", this product key can only be used in "A computer", and can not be used in "B computer". So, you have to decide which computer you want to register with by 8/30.
5. I will give every student a binder in the first class. You have to print many pages of each lesson. A printer is needed for frequent use. Please remember to put the homework into the binder and bring it to the class every time.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Letter to the Parents and Students
Letter to the Parents and Students
August 27, 2009
Dear Parents and Students,
August 31 is the first day of Compu Chinese School in 2009-2010 school year. This is a totally new Chinese school that offers an easy, enjoyable and effective learning experience for learners of Chinese as a foreign language.
Our program employs innovative teaching methodologies and computer applications to enhence language learning, as well as keep students motivated in and outside of the classroom. The CD-ROM gives students access to audio, visual, and tactile information about the language all at once. Chinese typing is systematically integrated into the program to facilitate the acquisition and retention of new vocabulary and to equip students with a skill that is becoming increasingly important in the internet era wherein more and more professional and personal correspondence are done electronically.
I'd like to briefly discuss my homework policy. I do not give a great deal of homework as the teachers do in China. However, I do not give a little of homework as the teachers do here. Generally speaking, students will have 15-20 minutes of homework every day, including the weekends. Please let me know if you find your child is regularly having more than 45 minutes every day, because this indicates that we need to talk.
The purpose of homework is two-fold: to reinforce what we have learned in class, and to teach responsibility. A child who has done his or her homework is prepared, in class, to hear explanations of what he or she has had trouble with at home. A child without his homework done loses twice-both in learning through reinforcement, and in listening to explanations in class. I am also trying to help students develop good habits for future years - punctuality, high attendance, persistence, neat, well organized work, and the most important: responsibility. So, when a child arrives in class without his homework done, it is my policy to send a "Homework Alert" for parents to sign in a week. This is my way of communicating the importance of homework to your child. If an unusual circumstance prevents your child from doing his homework ( sickness, injury, or other serious problem ), would you please send a note with your child in the next class, so that he can be excused for not doing his homework.
You can expect you and your child get my email for homework at the sametime. Please email me if you have any questions. I normally check my email daily, and this is often the quickest, and most efficient way to get in touch with me. I am available to meet with parents every day after the class. Unlike the other teachers, I sincerely welcome parents to attend my class and give me your suggestions for improvements.
Now I have 150 monthly letter copies for elementary schools, and 60 copies for middle school students. Please see the attachments. You are welcome to get them this Sunday (August 30 ), 10:00-11:30, and bring your friends to my presentation.
Thanks for chosing Compu Chinese School and your cooperation in new school year.
Teacher Mei
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
2009 AP Chinese Free Response
You can download 2009 AP Chinese Free Response from:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap09_frq_chinese_language.pdf
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap09_frq_chinese_language.pdf
2008 AP Chinese Free Response
You can download 2008 AP Chinese Free Response from:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap08_chinese_lang_frq.pdf
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap08_chinese_lang_frq.pdf
2007 AP Chinese Free Response
You can download 2007 AP Chinese Free Response from:
http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/ap/students/china/ap07_chinese_frq.pdf
http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/ap/students/china/ap07_chinese_frq.pdf
2007 Released AP Chinese Exam
You can download 2007 Released AP Chinese Exam from:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/2007_Chinese_Released_Exam_FINAL.pdf
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/2007_Chinese_Released_Exam_FINAL.pdf
AP Chinese Course Description
You can download AP Chinese Course Description from:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap08_chinese_coursedesc.pdf
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap08_chinese_coursedesc.pdf
Academic Calendar
Compu Chinese School
Academic Calendar
Aug.31 First Day of School
Sep.7 Labor Day-No School
Nov.11 Veteran’s Day-No School
Nov.26-27 Thanksgiving Holiday-No School
Dec.21-Jan.1 Winter Break-No School
Jan.4 First Day After Break
Jan.18 Martin Luther King Day-No School
Feb.15 President’s Day-No School
Feb.16 Chinese New Year-No School
Apr.5-9 Spring Break-No School
May 31 Memorial Day-No School
Jun.11 Last Day of School
Academic Calendar
Aug.31 First Day of School
Sep.7 Labor Day-No School
Nov.11 Veteran’s Day-No School
Nov.26-27 Thanksgiving Holiday-No School
Dec.21-Jan.1 Winter Break-No School
Jan.4 First Day After Break
Jan.18 Martin Luther King Day-No School
Feb.15 President’s Day-No School
Feb.16 Chinese New Year-No School
Apr.5-9 Spring Break-No School
May 31 Memorial Day-No School
Jun.11 Last Day of School
Syllabus
Syllabus & Learning Goals
Volume Lesson Topic Learning Goal
Go100
Lesson 1 One Two Three Learn to count
Lesson 2 How Are You Learn the basic greetings
Lesson 3 Thank You. Learn to say: please, thanks, and sorry
Lesson 4 What Is Your Last Name? Learn to introduce oneself
Lesson 5 What Day Is It? Learn to say weeks, and months
Lesson 6 How Many People? Learn self-and-family introduction
Lesson 7 How Much? Learn to ask and answer the price
Lesson 8 What Time Is It? Learn to express ‘’time’’
Lesson 9 Making a Phone Call Learn how to conduct basic te
Lesson10 Hello Teacher Learn to use : teacher, student , classmate
Go200
Lesson 1 Going to school Learn the verbs：wear,take,say,see
Lesson 2 What I Have Learn to use the quantifiers
Lesson 3 What Kind Learn the adjectives and antonyms
Lesson 4 Look More & Listen More Learn the facial features
Lesson 5 What I Eat Learn the usage of three meals
Lesson 6 Walking & Driving Learn the traffic related phrases
Lesson 7 Playing Games Learn colors and use of double words
Lesson 8 The Four Seasons Learn the use of four seasons
Lesson 9 My Mother Learn the motherhood conception
Lesson10 My Father Learn the fatherhood conception
Go300
Lesson 1 My Family Learn to express family structure
Lesson 2 School Activities Learn to say the extracurricular activities
Lesson 3 Try Your Best Learn to express learning attitude
Lesson 4 I Am Sick Learn to describe illness
Lesson 5 Where Is My Home? Learn to say geography and directions
Lesson 6 My Mood Learn to describe your moods
Lesson 7 To See a Ball Game Learn to describe sports
Lesson 8 My Hobbies Learn to describe hobbies
Lesson 9 Television Programs Learn to discuss TV programs
Lesson10 The Weather Today The use of「著」and the metaphor
Go400
Lesson 1 My School Learn to describe school surroundings
Lesson 2 My School Lessons Learn to say the subjects, new semester
Lesson 3 Celebrating Birthday Learn the sentences in birthday celebration
Lesson 4 Keeping Pets Learn to look after pet
Lesson 5 My Vacation Learn the names of holidays
Lesson 6 Rooms at My Home Describe the rooms, functions
Lesson 7 I Use Chopsticks difference between Chinese and western tableware
Lesson 8 How to Go Learn to say transportation vehicles
Lesson 9 The Earth Keep the environment clean
Lesson10 Work Occupations and values
Go500
Lesson 1 My Name The different ways of naming between East and West
Lesson 2 My Classmates Learn to say different nationalities
Lesson 3 My Friends Learn the way of making friends
Lesson 4 My Favorite Book Describe the favorite book
Lesson 5 Let's Go to Market Describe Chinese dishes
Lesson 6 Who Does The Housework Understand Chinese hospitality
Lesson 7 Safety in The Kitchen Describe how to work in the kitchen
Lesson 8 My School Learn to introduce school life to new classmates
Lesson 9 Chinese New Year New Year celebration between Chinese and Americans
Lesson10 Interesting Chinese Characters The features of Chinese characters(I)
Go600
Lesson 1 Stories of Pictures Learn to describe the past
Lesson 2 My Idol Learn to describe a person, e.g. an idol
Lesson 3 Good Neighbors Learn to be a good neighbor
Lesson 4 Having a Fight Learn to describe the way people dress
Lesson 5 Campus Safety Campus safety and self-protection
Lesson 6 Which Continent Did You Come From? Learn to say the continents
Lesson 7 Yard Sale Learn to describe the issues on conservation
Lesson 8 Have Fun with Chinese Character The features of Chinese characte(II)
Lesson 9 Thankful Holidays The “gratitude-related” festivals
Lesson10 Something That Bothers Sunny Adolescence
Go700
Lesson 1 The Story of a Small Town Describe the community
Lesson 2 The History Test Describe the meaning of examination
Lesson 3 A Field Trip Things to know before the field trip
Lesson 4 The Retirement Life Personal choices and the retirement life
Lesson 5 The Exciting Election Describe election campaigns
Lesson 6 Learning from the Trip Describe pre-trip pack-up
Lesson 7 Dad Is Unemployed Face the plight with family
Lesson 8 The Exciting Olympics Sportsmanship and the importance of teamwork
Lesson 9 Confucius Describe the meaning of learning
Lesson10 The Dragon Boat Festival The three major Chinese festivals
Go800
Lesson 1 Fighting and Reconciliation Describe parent-child relationship
Lesson 2 The Death of the Rabbit Cope with the grief of pet’s death
Lesson 3 Grandma Bay Fee Down First aid knowledge
Lesson 4 Dare to Say No The art of saying no; how to refuse
Lesson 5 In Pursuit of Brand Name Express yourself and speak it up
Lesson 6 Volunteer Service Social work: as a volunteer
Lesson 7 Good Grades Or Bad Grades The opinions toward grades, schools
Lesson 8 Table Manners Table manners
Lesson 9 Ghost Festivals in East and West Halloween / Ghost Festival
Lesson10 Chinese Characters are Fun Fun Chinese characters（會意字）：休、森、
Volume Lesson Topic Learning Goal
Go100
Lesson 1 One Two Three Learn to count
Lesson 2 How Are You Learn the basic greetings
Lesson 3 Thank You. Learn to say: please, thanks, and sorry
Lesson 4 What Is Your Last Name? Learn to introduce oneself
Lesson 5 What Day Is It? Learn to say weeks, and months
Lesson 6 How Many People? Learn self-and-family introduction
Lesson 7 How Much? Learn to ask and answer the price
Lesson 8 What Time Is It? Learn to express ‘’time’’
Lesson 9 Making a Phone Call Learn how to conduct basic te
Lesson10 Hello Teacher Learn to use : teacher, student , classmate
Go200
Lesson 1 Going to school Learn the verbs：wear,take,say,see
Lesson 2 What I Have Learn to use the quantifiers
Lesson 3 What Kind Learn the adjectives and antonyms
Lesson 4 Look More & Listen More Learn the facial features
Lesson 5 What I Eat Learn the usage of three meals
Lesson 6 Walking & Driving Learn the traffic related phrases
Lesson 7 Playing Games Learn colors and use of double words
Lesson 8 The Four Seasons Learn the use of four seasons
Lesson 9 My Mother Learn the motherhood conception
Lesson10 My Father Learn the fatherhood conception
Go300
Lesson 1 My Family Learn to express family structure
Lesson 2 School Activities Learn to say the extracurricular activities
Lesson 3 Try Your Best Learn to express learning attitude
Lesson 4 I Am Sick Learn to describe illness
Lesson 5 Where Is My Home? Learn to say geography and directions
Lesson 6 My Mood Learn to describe your moods
Lesson 7 To See a Ball Game Learn to describe sports
Lesson 8 My Hobbies Learn to describe hobbies
Lesson 9 Television Programs Learn to discuss TV programs
Lesson10 The Weather Today The use of「著」and the metaphor
Go400
Lesson 1 My School Learn to describe school surroundings
Lesson 2 My School Lessons Learn to say the subjects, new semester
Lesson 3 Celebrating Birthday Learn the sentences in birthday celebration
Lesson 4 Keeping Pets Learn to look after pet
Lesson 5 My Vacation Learn the names of holidays
Lesson 6 Rooms at My Home Describe the rooms, functions
Lesson 7 I Use Chopsticks difference between Chinese and western tableware
Lesson 8 How to Go Learn to say transportation vehicles
Lesson 9 The Earth Keep the environment clean
Lesson10 Work Occupations and values
Go500
Lesson 1 My Name The different ways of naming between East and West
Lesson 2 My Classmates Learn to say different nationalities
Lesson 3 My Friends Learn the way of making friends
Lesson 4 My Favorite Book Describe the favorite book
Lesson 5 Let's Go to Market Describe Chinese dishes
Lesson 6 Who Does The Housework Understand Chinese hospitality
Lesson 7 Safety in The Kitchen Describe how to work in the kitchen
Lesson 8 My School Learn to introduce school life to new classmates
Lesson 9 Chinese New Year New Year celebration between Chinese and Americans
Lesson10 Interesting Chinese Characters The features of Chinese characters(I)
Go600
Lesson 1 Stories of Pictures Learn to describe the past
Lesson 2 My Idol Learn to describe a person, e.g. an idol
Lesson 3 Good Neighbors Learn to be a good neighbor
Lesson 4 Having a Fight Learn to describe the way people dress
Lesson 5 Campus Safety Campus safety and self-protection
Lesson 6 Which Continent Did You Come From? Learn to say the continents
Lesson 7 Yard Sale Learn to describe the issues on conservation
Lesson 8 Have Fun with Chinese Character The features of Chinese characte(II)
Lesson 9 Thankful Holidays The “gratitude-related” festivals
Lesson10 Something That Bothers Sunny Adolescence
Go700
Lesson 1 The Story of a Small Town Describe the community
Lesson 2 The History Test Describe the meaning of examination
Lesson 3 A Field Trip Things to know before the field trip
Lesson 4 The Retirement Life Personal choices and the retirement life
Lesson 5 The Exciting Election Describe election campaigns
Lesson 6 Learning from the Trip Describe pre-trip pack-up
Lesson 7 Dad Is Unemployed Face the plight with family
Lesson 8 The Exciting Olympics Sportsmanship and the importance of teamwork
Lesson 9 Confucius Describe the meaning of learning
Lesson10 The Dragon Boat Festival The three major Chinese festivals
Go800
Lesson 1 Fighting and Reconciliation Describe parent-child relationship
Lesson 2 The Death of the Rabbit Cope with the grief of pet’s death
Lesson 3 Grandma Bay Fee Down First aid knowledge
Lesson 4 Dare to Say No The art of saying no; how to refuse
Lesson 5 In Pursuit of Brand Name Express yourself and speak it up
Lesson 6 Volunteer Service Social work: as a volunteer
Lesson 7 Good Grades Or Bad Grades The opinions toward grades, schools
Lesson 8 Table Manners Table manners
Lesson 9 Ghost Festivals in East and West Halloween / Ghost Festival
Lesson10 Chinese Characters are Fun Fun Chinese characters（會意字）：休、森、
Registration Form
CompuChinese School Registration Form
393 Vintage Park Dr., Suite 220, Foster City
Email: compuchinese@yahoo.com Phone: 650 595-3931
Name __________________ Gender: male___ female___
Home Phone ____________ Cell Phone ______________
Email __________________ Grade __________________
Address _______________________________________
_______________________________________
How Long in Chinese school? __________________________
Class
100___ 200___ 300___ 400___ 500___ 600___ 700___800___
Language used at home
Mandarin___ Cantonese___ English___
Parent’s Name ________________ Phone ____________
Email __________________________________________
Fee: $495 for 2009-2010 School Year ( including CD-ROM )
Payment can be made by installments: 1st half on Aug. 23, and
2nd half on Jan. 4, 2010. Payable to: Belmont Chinese School
393 Vintage Park Dr., Suite 220, Foster City
Email: compuchinese@yahoo.com Phone: 650 595-3931
Name __________________ Gender: male___ female___
Home Phone ____________ Cell Phone ______________
Email __________________ Grade __________________
Address _______________________________________
_______________________________________
How Long in Chinese school? __________________________
Class
100___ 200___ 300___ 400___ 500___ 600___ 700___800___
Language used at home
Mandarin___ Cantonese___ English___
Parent’s Name ________________ Phone ____________
Email __________________________________________
Fee: $495 for 2009-2010 School Year ( including CD-ROM )
Payment can be made by installments: 1st half on Aug. 23, and
2nd half on Jan. 4, 2010. Payable to: Belmont Chinese School
Class Schedule
CompuChinese Classes In Our Community!
2009-2010 School Year Schedule
Level 100: Mondays, 4:00-5:30
Level 200: Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30
Level 300: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30
Level 400: Thursdays, 6:00-7:30
Level 500: Fridays, 6:00-7:30
Level 600: Mondays, 6:00-7:30
Level 700: Tuesdays: 6:00-7:30
Level 800: Wednesdays: 6:00-7:30
393 Vintage Park Dr., Suite 220,
Foster City, CA 94404 (close to Costco)
电脑学中文—— 有趣！有效！有用！
Please contact Teacher Mei for more information:
Email: compuchinese@yahoo.com
Phone: 650 595-3931
2009-2010 School Year Schedule
Level 100: Mondays, 4:00-5:30
Level 200: Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30
Level 300: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30
Level 400: Thursdays, 6:00-7:30
Level 500: Fridays, 6:00-7:30
Level 600: Mondays, 6:00-7:30
Level 700: Tuesdays: 6:00-7:30
Level 800: Wednesdays: 6:00-7:30
393 Vintage Park Dr., Suite 220,
Foster City, CA 94404 (close to Costco)
电脑学中文—— 有趣！有效！有用！
Please contact Teacher Mei for more information:
Email: compuchinese@yahoo.com
Phone: 650 595-3931
Learn Chinese via Computer
Learn Chinese via Computer
Difficult to Learn: Mandarin Chinese is officially ranked as one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn. According to the National Virtual Translation Center, Chinese is a “Category 3 Language”, ranking it with Arabic and Japanese in difficulty. The key problems are: so many characters to remember, so many tones to pronounce, and so many strokes to remember and write.
Type-to-Learn is the solution:
Using the Pinyin input, this type-to-learn method lets you actually practice, learn, and review Chinese simultaneously. Textbooks can’t do that. Type-to-Learn Chinese is the quickest way to learn new Chinese characters and put them to use in sentences. Computer pronounces characters out-loud using a Chinese speaker's voice so you can sound like a native speaker too! This is a unique approach that enhances the learner’s word recognition, listening ability and reading ability simultaneously. It can greatly inspire the students’ motivation, increase the glossary, and adapt Chinese into daily life immediately.
Computer-aided-Homework:
Computer can extend the class to your home as if you have a tutor with you. You can listen to the computer, read after the computer, talk with the computer, write following the animations. Computer can correct you when you make errors, and give you a detailed report showing the time you use, # of errors you make, what errors you make, # of characters you type/minute, accuracy, and so on. So, the parents without any Chinese background still know how their kids are doing.
The texts are based on the daily life of the ABCs. The CD has both simplified & traditional versions, and can be used in PC and Mac.
电脑学中文
电脑学中文”利用多媒体的效果以激发学习兴趣，更结合了中文的字形，字义和字音，最后再由电脑打字的机制，将其融合至学习过程中。通过拼音，在键盘输入英文字母，接着就会跳出中文字，同时读出该字的发音。若将滑鼠移至近旁，还会出现英文解释。这样动态学习，眼睛看，耳朵听，嘴巴读，手指打，脑子记，同时进行，比传统的画字要有趣味，有效率得多。
课后作业也在电脑上完成。根据困难程度，分为四个部份。如果做错，第一，二次给警告，第三次显示正确答案。完成以后，可以打印出报告，详尽列出：花了多少时间，出过多少错误，是什么错误，平均每分钟打多少字，准确率是多少，一共打了多少字，多少句子，等等。学生可以对症下药，反复练习。家长不懂中文没关系，电脑可以当老师，但家长能及时了解学生的状况。
教材用的都是频率高，生活化的生字和句型。每个生字在练习里至少出现25次。句型在以後课文里反复出现，以达到温故知新的效果。简繁版本都有，PC和MAC都能用。
课后作业也在电脑上完成。根据困难程度，分为四个部份。如果做错，第一，二次给警告，第三次显示正确答案。完成以后，可以打印出报告，详尽列出：花了多少时间，出过多少错误，是什么错误，平均每分钟打多少字，准确率是多少，一共打了多少字，多少句子，等等。学生可以对症下药，反复练习。家长不懂中文没关系，电脑可以当老师，但家长能及时了解学生的状况。
教材用的都是频率高，生活化的生字和句型。每个生字在练习里至少出现25次。句型在以後课文里反复出现，以达到温故知新的效果。简繁版本都有，PC和MAC都能用。
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