Heritage Language Programs - Chinese
Lansing Chinese School
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Address: PO Box 248
Okemos , MI 48864
Contact: Dennie Hoopingarner
Principal
Email: hooping4@msu.edu
Telephone: 517-324-3889
Web address: lansingchineseschool.org
Languages taught: Mandarin
Grades:
- PreK-K
- 1-5/6
- 6/7-8
- 9-12
- Adults
Program Description
Purposes and goals of the program:
- To study the Chinese language
- To promote the understanding of Chinese culture
- To provide support for individuals and organizations that share a common interest in Chinese ethnic and cultural heritage
Type of program: Saturday academy
Program origin: The program was founded in 1986 by local Chinese parents.
Parents' expectations for the program: To maintain a linguistic and cultural link to their heritage country
Students
- First-generation immigrants: 100%
Countries of origin: China and Taiwan
Total student enrollment: 60
Identification of a heritage speaker: Students who have either been born abroad or have at least one parent who is a native speaker are identified as heritage speakers. In addition, a staff member will conduct a brief interview with each student.
Percentage of students who complete the program: 75%
Percentage of students who continue to study the heritage language after completing the program: 50%
Possible reasons for not completing the program: Lack of interest and competing activities
Students' attitudes toward the language varieties they speak: Very positive
Instructors
Number of staff in program: 10
Languages in which staff members are proficient: Mandarin. Each instructor is a native speaker.
Percentage of teaching staff holding a teacher's certificate or license in any given state: 0%
Professional development opportunities teachers have: Workshops and in-service meetings
Professional development opportunities teachers need: Path to certification
Instruction
Total student contact hours: 3 hours once a week (2 hours of language and 1 hour of culture)
Student grouping: Students are grouped by age and ability
Language Skills
Heritage Skills
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
Skills and levels of language proficiency students reach by the end of the program: Students are expected to be able to pass the SAT II Chinese exam.
Culture
- History
- Festivals
- Customs
- Traditions/beliefs
- Folktales
- Arts and crafts
- Dances
- Songs
- Social and cultural norms
- Cultural appropriateness
Kind of student identity the program fosters: A positive attitude toward heritage culture and language
Methodologies
Methodologies and instructional strategies used in the program: Communicative language teaching
Materials
Textbook: Children’s Chinese Reader (Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, ROC, 1994)
Technology used in the program: Computer programs that instruct students how to type in Chinese
Assessment
- Weekly quizzes
- Final exams
- Teacher's observations
Articulation
Local connections:
- Colleges
- Universities
Credit or recognition that would be ideal for your students to receive: High school credit
Parent connections with the program: The program develops connections with parents, because the school is run in a co-op format. Parents are expected to participate in school operations.
What the program has in place
Financial support:
- Tuition
- Parents
Who solicits funding for the program: The principal and board of directors solicit funds for the program.
Special Challenges and Comments
Special Challenges: Dwindling enrollment due to shrinking demographics
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