Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Recommended Resources Recommendation for Chinese Course?

Hi,

Looking for a fun, interactive Mandarin Chinese course for DS9. Looking at Powerspeak and Rosetta Stone. Might look into a local tutor, but for now, I'd like to find an actual course. Any suggestions?

Thank you!

We use Rosetta Stone. DS6 loves it and he can use it completely independent which frees me up! It's a definite plus.

Can you find a Chinese school in your area? Many of these schools operate several hours during weekends. It provides much better environment than going it alone.

I am a bit suspicious about the claim that kids can learn Mandarin with a software.

I'd second the Chinese School route.

Most of the PRC/Taiwan expats I work with do it with their kids. Mr W has been invited to join their kid's schools. Here in Dallas about 10-20% of the class is non-Chinese.

I agree with the Chinese School route, but recommend Powerspeak if you're going to use an online program. I've used both Powerspeak and Rosetta Stone and prefer Powerspeak because it offers game-based learning and (according to my language teachers) teaches better grammar/real-world language. There's a company called Toniks, which offers online language tutoring, but I haven't used their program.

Thank you - funny thing is that I signed him up for Powerspeak in January and he's using and enjoying it for just that reason (game-based learning). Thank you! I had forgotten I had even asked this question.