Many parents overlook tuition in Chinese, especially native Chinese. They expect their kids to pick up the language easily, especially if they use it at home. However, a child’s fluency in Chinese is rooted in their ability and willingness to learn the language, not the background. Fortunately, there are several ways for parents to tell if a child needs Chinese tuition. To Learn more about how we can help your child excel in Chinese. Visit us!
A Child’s Engagement With the Language
If the household speaks Chinese often, parents can observe the child to see if they are improving in the language or if they are stagnating. If the child is attending Chinese classes and has regular exposure to the language at home, there should be an improvement in their vocabulary or fluency. If, over time there is no change, you should consider Chinese tuition.
Difficulties with Specific Concepts
Encourage your child to share the difficulties they face in Chinese learning, just like with all the other subjects. Chinese learning is not easy, especially for a child who hasn’t been exposed to the language from early childhood. Unfortunately, Chinese learning is limited to a few lessons a week, and the kids also have the burden of other subjects.
The time set aside may not be sufficient for a child to make much progress in the Chinese language. So, getting a Chinese tutor is a solution. When possible, enroll your child in Chinese tuition early so that he can progress along every level with no difficulties.
Lack of Confidence
Learning a new language can be equally exciting and frightening for a child. Some kids approach the lessons with the desire to learn Chinese, but their fear of failure makes it difficult for them to grasp some concepts. Some people may justify it with them being slow to learn the language, yet the problem is their confidence. Personalized lessons may help boost their confidence in reading and speaking Chinese.
Difficulties with Regular Chinese Classes
Some children find it difficult to concentrate or understand lessons in a class with many children. This may stem from their lack of confidence or difficulty in concentrating in the presence of many students. The teacher may also be moving too fast for the child, and if other students don’t have a problem with it, they may be left behind or “forgotten” as the class moves on with the syllabus. In this case, personalized learning is the solution.
The Child’s Attitude Towards the Language
A parent doesn’t have to look at a child’s performance before deciding they need Chinese tuition. Sometimes a child gives hints in their attitude towards Chinese. For example, if the parent is fluent in Chinese and speaks it often but the child responds in English, it is a sign that something is wrong.
The child may have trouble speaking Chinese, they don’t know how to respond, or they are worried about saying the wrong thing. Despite this, the child may not initiate an interest in Chinese tuition but may be grateful if the parent brings it up first.
Some parents request for tuition in Chinese because they feel the Child needs it. Often, this is true. However, there may be instances when parents hire a Chinese tutor because they don’t have the time to monitor the child. All these are valid reasons to give the child additional support, especially since Chinese is examinable and it will affect their overall performance.