Chinese Preschool or Chinese Enrichment Class; Which is Better?

chinese enrichment classes for students

Have you been trying to teach your kids Chinese at home? If yes, you will agree that it is somewhat challenging. Many parents know the value of teaching their kids their mother tongue, but they do not just have the time or proper resources to teach their kids.

If you are in this boat, you should consider sending your kid to a Chinese enrichment class or a Chinese preschool.

Needless to say, both options are great, but to narrow down the one that best suits the needs of your child, you have to learn as much as you can about them.

This article sheds light on some key things about Chinese enrichment centre classes and Chinese preschools.

A sneak peek at what Chinese enrichment centres has to offer

Enrichment centres are geared towards enhancing or improving the Chinese speaking skill of your kid.

So, if the school your child attends teaches Chinese or you wish to help your child become proficient in specific areas like brush calligraphy, you should consider sending him to a Chinese enrichment class.

Besides helping your little one become proficient at speaking Chinese, Chinese enrichment classes can also help him foster a love for the language. They do this through fun and exciting activities like interactive games, songs, and so on.

Unlike Chinese preschool immersion programs where kids are taught in large groups, Chinese enrichment classes usually have a small class size. This means that each child will get a little extra attention from teachers.

That said, you need to keep in mind that Chinese enrichment centres, especially the popular ones, have a long waiting list. So, there is a huge possibility that your kid won’t get a spot right away.

Why choose Chinese preschools

The most effective way to teach a kid a new language is by using it every day.

As you likely know, language is like a muscle, the more you use it, the better you will become at it.

The problem is that many families in Singapore don’t speak Chinese at home. So kids don’t have any opportunity to seamlessly learn their mother tongue.

Chinese immersion preschool can help kids in homes where Chinese isn’t spoken regularlyto become fluent Chinese speaker.

Chinese immersion preschools are very effective because they incorporate Chinese into their curriculum. So kids get to see how Chinese is used in real-life settings.

Like Chinese enrichment classes, Chinese preschool can also help kids develop a love for the language and stir a deeper appreciation for the culture.

Chinese immersion preschool can help prepare kids for the rigors of school and life at large.

If you feel Chinese enrichment centres will not be able to address your kid’s needs, Chinese immersion preschool may be your next best option.

Summary

At the end of the day, you will be the one to choose between an enrichment class and a Chinese pre-school.

Even if both of them can help your kid become proficient in speaking Chinese, it is wise that you consider the needs of your child, your budget, and a few other factors before making a final decision.