FAQs

F.A.Q. - Mandarin Programs for Children

  1. At what age should I introduce my child to Mandarin?
  2. Our family does not speak Mandarin; how does your program assist a child like this?
  3. What are your teachers’ qualifications?
  4. What is the student/teacher ratio?
  5. Do you teach Simplified Chinese or Traditional Chinese? Which one should I choose?
  6. My child has been learning Cantonese and traditional Chinese; is it OK to switch to Simplified Chinese?
  7. Does your teacher speak English in class or only Mandarin?
  8. Can you suggest any resources that I can use to support my child’s learning at home?
  9. I missed the beginning of the school year; can I still join the program?
  10. Do you have a downtown location that offers children’s programs?
  11. Do you offer trial classes? Can I take a tour of your school?
  12. Will the students be given homework and exams?
  1. At what age should I introduce my child to Mandarin?
    The earlier the better. 0-5 years old is the critical period for human for language development. Our “Parent & Tot” program introduces the language at 1.5 years old; a two-year-old can start at our pre-school full-time or part-time; our weekend “Early Years Learning in Mandarin” program starts as early as three years old.
  2. Our family does not speak Mandarin; how does your program assist a child like this?
    We specifically design a curriculum that effectively addresses the learning needs of children who do not have any background in Mandarin but want to learn it as a foreign language. The teachers can communicate in English and the learning materials are supported with a multi-media CD while the classroom activities are age-appropriate and fun. “Weekly Feedback Sheet” will be given to each student to ensure good communication between the school and parents. If a child needs extra help for homework and review, private tutoring is also available. A parents class is available at the same time if a parent wishes to encourage a child by learning the language themselves.
  3. What are your teachers’ qualifications?
    All teachers at Toronto Mandarin School are certified Mandarin teachers from mainland China, with at least 3 years experience teaching their students’ age group. Some of them have Ontario ECE/ECA certification and many of them have experience living/working/teaching in different cultures and fully understand the methodology of second language teaching and learning.
  4. What is the students/teacher ratio?
    We run small classes. 1:8 is for all Early Years Learning programs for children 2-5 years old; 16 students is the limit for children 6 years and up.
  5. Do you teach simplified Chinese or traditional Chinese? Which one should I choose?
    We teach only simplified Chinese and standard Mandarin, based on the language system of Mainland China. We recommend learning Simplified Mandarin because it is less complicated and easier to learn, commonly used and it is the official written Chinese recognized by the United Nations.
  6. My child has been learning Cantonese and traditional Chinese, is it OK for him/her to switch to Mandarin?
    Yes, many students at Toronto Mandarin School have successfully transferred, though it might take some time for some individuals. At the beginning of the transition, we emphasize listening and speaking skills in Mandarin and recognizing the simplified characters.
  7. Does the teacher speak English in class or only speak Mandarin?
    Teachers are encouraged to model for students and speak Mandarin in class, although sometimes English may be the supportive language at the beginning of the school term. The amount of English used is reduced as children progress along the school year.
  8. Can you suggest any resources that I can use to support my child’s learning at home?
    You can use our school library which has over 1,000 copies of children’s picture books, CDs, DVDs and story books. Some public libraries, such as “North York Central Library”, “Fairview Library” and “ Riverdale Library” also carry many children’s books, CDs and DVDs in Mandarin. If you would like to spend some extra dollars, try some of the online Chinese learning programs sold on the Internet.
  9. I missed the beginning of the school year; can I still join the program?
    Yes, you can join the class anytime during the school year as long as space is available in the original class or possibly a new class will be planned. Your tuition will be pro-rated.
  10. Do you have a downtown location that offers children’s programs?
    No, we do not operate children’s weekend classes in downtown at this time. However, small groups and affiliated programs offered at Mooredale House are available. Individual classes and small groups can also be arranged at our Bloor/Yonge training centre.
  11. Do you offer trial classes? Can I take a tour of your school?
    Yes, we offer free trial classes between “Oct and Jun” for all weekend children’s classes. You may contact the school by phone or email to book a tour.
  12. Will the students be given homework and exams?
    Yes, students will be given some homework each week to help them review and practice. The amount of homework and the format is determined by the student’s grade. A mid-term exam and a final exam is scheduled during the school year. Some teachers also give spelling tests or surprise quizzes. Report cards will be sent home at the end of school year.

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F.A.Q - Mandarin Program for Adults

  1. What is the size of your group class?
  2. What are your teachers’ qualifications?
  3. I am interested in learning Mandarin; how do I start?
  4. How often do you start a new session?
  5. Do you teach only conversational skills? Do you also teach how to read and write?
  6. How do you support students’ learning outside of the classroom?
  7. Do you offer classes at more advanced levels?
  8. How can I make up the lesson I missed?
  9. Do you have a class that is tailored to Cantonese speakers?
  10. Do you offer trial classes?
  11. Do you provide a certificate upon completion of the course?
  12. Do you offer special discounts for university students?
  1. What is the size of your group class?
    The class is very small with a limit of five students per group.
  2. What are your teachers’ qualifications?
    All instructors at Toronto Mandarin School are not only native speakers but most importantly they are certified Mandarin teacher who know how to teach. Many of our teachers have years of experience working/teaching adult learners in different cultures.
  3. How often do you start a new session?
    New sessions are planned and started every month. Check our Live Mandarin group lesson start date here.
  4. I am interested in learning Mandarin; how do I start?
    For new students, we recommend a placement assessment at our centre. You will meet with a teacher and discuss the choice of curriculum and further define your learning needs. This is free of charge. Simply phone or email us to book an appointment one week in advance.
  5. Do you teach only conversational skills? Do you also teach how to read and write?
    As a beginner learner, you want to focus on conversational skills and be able to speak and understand Mandarin. Gradually reading and writing will be introduced at more advanced levels. Some students will be given customized lessons and homework if they are interested in learning how to write Chinese characters.
  6. How do you support students’ learning outside of the classroom?
    Each student will have a set of materials with a book and multimedia CD or DVD to help them review the lessons. Teachers are also available on call to offer help. Students can come every Friday to “Mandarin Corner”, bringing in questions and homework and practise speaking with volunteers, other students and teachers.
  7. Do you offer classes at a more advanced level?
    Yes, we offer all levels of classes, including advanced level classes on weekends and in the evenings.
  8. Can I make up the lessons I missed?
    Yes, you may pay $40/hr to arrange a make-up lesson at our centre with your instructor, if you are registered with a group lesson. For private lessons, you always have the opportunity to re-schedule or cancel with 24 hours notice before your next class.
  9. Do you have a program that is tailored to Cantonese-speakers?
    Yes, our “Mandarin for Cantonese Speakers” program has a strong focus on pronunciation, correction and comparison between Mandarin and Cantonese. It is exclusively designed for Cantonese speakers.
  10. Do you offer trial classes?
    Yes, a trial class is only available before the 3rd lesson of a session.
  11. Do you provide a certificate upon completion of the course?
    Yes, we will provide a certificate upon successful completion of the course registered, if requested.
  12. Do you offer special discounts for university students?
    Yes, we offer 5% discount for tuition fees and no registration fee for university students.

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F.A.Q. - Individual lessons /Small group classes

  1. How do I start private lessons at my home?
  2. Can I choose a specific instructor?
  3. Can I cancel and re-schedule my lessons?
  4. Can I use my own books and learning materials?
  5. Can you design a program to meet my specific needs?
  6. If I want to continue to a new session, how do I arrange it?
  7. Do you provide an official receipt that I can submit to my employer for reimbursement?
  8. Do you offer discounts for long-term learners?
  1. How do I start private lessons at my home?
    To start private lessons, it is recommended to drop by our school office to get registered in person. You will meet with our program coordinator, who will assess your specific needs and discuss the curriculum.
  2. Can I choose a specific instructor?
    Yes, we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
  3. Can I cancel and re-schedule my lessons?
    Yes. You can cancel and re-schedule the lesson anytime if you give 24 hours notice to your instructor in advance.
  4. Can I use my own books and learning materials?
    Yes, you can. You just need to provide a copy to our instructor for preparation of the lessons.
  5. Can you design a program to meet my specific needs?
    Yes, we can customize the lesson plans to address your specific needs.
  6. If I want to continue to a new session, how do I arrange it?
    At your second-to-last class, please email the school administration requesting a new session of lessons and also inform the instructor that the class will be continued. Once we receive your request, we will respond by email about the details of payment and you can mail your payment to the school office.
  7. Do you provide an official receipt that I can submit to my employer for reimbursement?
    Yes, we provide students with an official receipt.
  8. Do you offer a discount for long-term learners?
    Yes, we do offer a discount for long-term learners. Students who have purchased 100 instructional hours and up will be rewarded with an 8% discount off our regular rate.

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F.A.Q - JINGBAOTM Mandarin/English Bilingual Preschool

  1. What is the youngest age to start the preschool?
    We accept students at age 2.5 years and up. Due to the popularity of the program and limited space, we suggest parents who are interested should ask to be put on the waiting list at your earliest convenience.
  2. Do you require kids to be toilet trained before starting?
    Yes, we do. However, our staff is willing to help parents with the training process and will deal with any accidents.
  3. How is the lunch/snack served?
    The lunch is catered by a licensed supplier that specializes in providing healthy, hot lunches for daycare centres. The snacks are prepared in the centre.
  4. What are the enrollment options for parents?
    Parents can choose full-day or half-day, and have a choice of days, depending on availability.
  5. What is the student/teacher ratio?
    The ratio for our preschool room is 8:1.
  6. What are the qualifications of the staff?
    All of our staff teachers are Ontario certified ECE/ECA teachers with experiences working with the age groups.
  7. How are the two languages taught in class?
    Our teachers speak both English and Mandarin and will guide the students with the same concepts and curriculum. Extra learning periods are provided to accommodate learning in both languages. We encourage interaction among peers and teachers in both languages on a daily basis to ensure the maximum exposure to the languages.
  8. We don't speak Mandarin at home; how successful will my child be in learning the new language (Mandarin)?
    Your child will be immersed in a Mandarin school environment. She/he can pick up the language more readily and easily than in any other environment settings.
  9. How can we support our child's learning at home?
    Give your child a lot of encouragement, show great interest in what she/he learns at school, and communicate with the teachers on a regular basis.
  10. Are there other locations for preschool programs in Toronto?
    We are currently working to open our new St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic School location in September, 2009 at Finch and McCowan.

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FAQ for Mandarin Immersion Summer Camp

  1. What types of activities are offered at the camp?
    The camp is structured in half-day academic learning (Mandarin lessons) and half-day fun activities for school-ages, including creative arts and crafts, pottery, story-telling, Chinese brush painting and calligraphy, sports and special guest etc. Field trip will be organized every two weeks. Preschool groups follows a full-day learning structure based on a themes.
  2. Is this a Mandarin-speaking only camp?
    All the activities and tasks are performed in Mandarin with themes that appeal to the participants’ age groups. The camp is geared towards both Chinese speaking and non-Chinese speaking children (in different class), welcoming children between the ages of 2.5 to 12 years old. Special program available for teens.
  3. What happens if my child does not speak any Mandarin?
    We offer customized program “Happy Mandarin” geared to non-Chinese speaking children.
  4. My child is only two years old and what is the youngest age to start?
    The youngest age to start at the camp is 2 yrs old.
  5. Can I register my child for only half a day? Can I register for three days a week?
    Yes, you may do so, but from an learning point of view, children enjoy the camp more when they are enrolled for full day program, because
    - the child will adjust to the new environment faster and easier
    - the child will have a greater opportunity to learn with a better repetition and re-enforcement
  6. Can I register my child for non-consecutive weeks?
    Yes, you can. However, we would recommend to do a consecutive weeks if possible for better learning experience.
  7. Are children grouped by age and level?
    Yes, children are grouped by age and as well as their knowledge and skills of the Mandarin language.
  8. Should I drive the child myself? Do you provide bus pick-up service?
    Yes. We do not provide a bus pick-up service. You will need to arrange it.
  9. What happens if I run late and cannot pick up my child on time?
    Daily camp program will finish at 4pm and after-camp care is available between 4pm-6pm @ $10 per week or $2/day. The school will be closed at 6:00pm (school regulation). Therefore, late pick-ups are unacceptable. $2 per minute charge will apply after 6pm.
  10. Does the camp offer snacks?
    No, you have to prepare the snack yourself and also pack a bottle of water along. No nut products please.
  11. What if I forget to give my child a snack?
    The staff will look for the best options available.
  12. How do I order lunch for my child? Can I order lunch on a daily basis?
    You will need to order lunch upon your registration of the camp. We would not suggest order on a daily basis due to the amount of work.
  13. What kind of equipment/school supplies should the child bring with him/her?
    Sport shoes are required not only for field trips, but also for playground and gym. Sun lotion, mosquito repellent, a hat and a rain jacket (depending on the weather) are also necessary. Toronto Mandarin School will not be responsible for the loss of personal belongings and strongly advises not to bring any electronic equipment or expensive personal belongings to school, such as video games, iPods or cell phones.
  14. What is the staff to camper ratio?
    Early Year Learning Group will be 1:8, and 5-7 yrs old will be 1:15 with an assistant; 8-12 yrs old group will be 1:20 with an assistant. Volunteers will assist with field trips. A camp manager will be present at the camp site all day to attend to all of your questions and concerns.
  15. How qualified is the teaching staff?
    All camp instructors are certified and experienced Mandarin teachers for children.
  16. My child suffers from allergies. How do I ensure he/she gets medical attention if needed?
    Any known allergies must be notified upon registration. The camp has a nut-free policy. Any allergic child should carry an Epipen with him/her. Most of our staff onsite have First Aid training and will tend to your child should such a situation arise.

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