What is Language Play?
This is an immersion school holiday programme where the teacher will endeavour to use Mandarin Chinese most of the time.
It’s a 3-day long holiday programme where the children have the chance to let their hair down, use their imagination to work with a Ni Hao Children’s Community teacher and other children and produce their own play using the Mandarin Chinese language (as well as some English and any other languages they may be fluent in). There is no limit to the children’s creativity – the play could be a Star Wars – Emoji – Minions mashup comedy (for example, in the January 2018 holidays, we had a play about pokemon). The play will be performed on Day 3 after pick up, so please be prepared to have the time to stay to watch your child as that will be important to them.
There will also be much needed “downtime” during the days, where the children can check out some of the bilingual books / have some teacher-led story time, play some Mandarin-based school yard type games outside, or even bring a board/card game from home to share – and learn how to play it using Mandarin Chinese ; )
Dates, times & costs
April 2018 school holidays: Tuesday 24, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 April. (There is nothing on Wednesday 25 April due to the ANZAC public holiday)
Children need to sign up for the entire 3-day week and the programme officially runs from 9am to 3pm. Drop off is available from 8:30am and pick up until 3:15pm. The cost per child per day is $50, totalling $150 for the 3-day week. This needs to be paid in advance. Depending on what the children plan, there may be an extra materials charge of up to $20 per child for the week – but we’ll try to reuse / make use of things from children’s homes as much as possible.
Location & items to bring
The programme will be held at Lifepoint Church, 61 Hopper Street, Mt Cook.
Children need to bring along their sunhat, sunscreen, water bottle, morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea snack each day. Children may also like to bring a card/board game to share, and while in “production” mode, may like to bring materials or dress ups etc from home.
Registration
Book online at our Enrolmy page. A minimum of 6 attendees is required before we can proceed.
Benefits for your child
Your child will further develop their own English and Mandarin Chinese skills, regardless of fluency level, as well as having
- creative play and production – your child will be able to use their imagination and creativity to think of ideas and plan the play, and then design/make and/or coordinate any props and costumes needed.
- speech, drama and public speaking – your child will be able to practise these skills and build their confidence in public speaking in English and Mandarin Chinese, or any other language they may already use. They are most welcome to include other languages in the play!
….and all in a relaxed, fun, pressure-free environment (the children are on holiday after all!) that encourages teamwork, respecting and supporting each other.
Ni Hao Children's Community Mandarin Chinese Language Education Programme 