FAQs
F.A.Q. - Chinese Programs for Children
- At what age should I introduce my child to Chinese?
- Our family does not speak Chinese; how does your program
assist a child like this?
- What are your teachers’ qualifications?
- What is the student/teacher ratio?
- Do you teach Simplified Chinese or Traditional Chinese?
Which one should I choose?
- My child has been learning Cantonese and traditional
Chinese; is it OK to switch to Simplified Chinese?
- Does your teacher speak English in class or only Chinese?
- Can you suggest any resources that I can use to support
my child’s learning at home?
- I missed the beginning of the school year; can I still
join the program?
- Do you offer trial classes? Can I take a tour of your
school?
- Will the students be given homework and exams?
- At what age should I introduce my child to Mandarin?
The earlier the better. iStar Chinese program is designed for students who are over
5 years old, and have no or very limited prior knowledge of Chinese language.
Research shows that exposing children to a second language at an early age simulates
the development of the critical thinking and problem-solving skills and, do better
throughout their education.
- 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. We will promote good communication between the school and parents.
- What are your teachers’ qualifications?
All teachers at iStar Chinese School are qualified Mandarin teachers from mainland
China, with extensive teaching experience. Many of them have experience living/working
/teaching in different cultures and fully understand the methodology of second language
teaching and learning.
- What is the students/teacher ratio?
We run small classes, roughly at 1:15.
- 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.
- My child has been learning Cantonese and traditional Chinese,
is it OK for him/her to switch to Mandarin?
Yes, many students in the U.S. from Hongkong and Taiwan families 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.
- 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.
- Can you suggest any resources that I can use to support my
child’s learning at home?
Each student will have a set of materials with a text book and two exercise books to
help them review the lesson. The students can also use our school library which has
over hundred attractive Chinese traditional stories. We also provide copies of
children’s picture books, CDs, DVDs and story books in class or after class for
sharing. If you would like to spend some extra dollars, you can also order books sold
on our website.
- 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.
- Do you offer trial classes? Can I take a tour of your school?
Yes, we offer free trial classes. You may contact the school by phone or email
to book a tour.
- Will the students be given homework and exams?
Yes, students will be given some homework 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 - Chinese Program for Adults/Business
- What is the size of your group class?
- What are your teachers’ qualifications?
- I am interested in learning Mandarin; how do I start?
- How often do you start a new session?
- Do you teach only conversational skills? Do you also
teach how to read and write?
- How do you support students’ learning outside of the
classroom?
- Do you offer classes at more advanced levels?
- How can I make up the lesson I missed?
- Do you have a class that is tailored to Cantonese speakers?
- Do you offer trial classes?
- What is the size of your group class?
The class is very small with a limit of 10 students per group.
- What are your teachers’ qualifications?
All instructors at iStar are not only native speakers but most with years of
experience working/teaching adult learners in different cultures.
- How often do you start a new session?
New sessions are planned and started every semester. Please contact us for details.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Can I make up the lessons I missed?
Yes, you may pay $35/hour to arrange a make-up the lesson 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.
- Do you have a program that is tailored to Cantonese-speakers?
Yes, we will have “Mandarin for Cantonese Speakers” program that has a strong focus
on pronunciation, correction and comparison between Mandarin and Cantonese. It is
exclusively designed for Cantonese speakers.
- Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, a trial class is only available upon request.
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F.A.Q. - Individual lessons /Small group classes
- How do I start private lessons at my home?
- Can I cancel and re-schedule my lessons?
- Can I use my own books and learning materials?
- Can you design a program to meet my specific needs?
- If I want to continue to a new session, how do I arrange
it?
- Do you provide an official receipt that I can submit
to my employer for reimbursement?
- Do you offer discounts for long-term learners?
- How do I start private lessons at my home?
To start private lessons, it is recommended to contact 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Can you design a program to meet my specific needs?
Yes, we can customize the lesson plans to address your specific needs.
- 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.
- Do you provide an official receipt that I can submit to my
employer for reimbursement?
Yes, we provide students with an official receipt.
- 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 a 5% discount off our regular
rate.
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