Have you heard of Chengzhu or “成竹”? The name comes from the Chinese idiom “胸有成竹” (to have an image of bamboo in one’s mind), which illustrates the confidence that good preparation can bring when taking on new challenges. It also means growing up tall and strong like bamboo.
Chengzhu Mandarin Centre, located in Rochester Mall, is a unique and holistic Chinese cultural environment established by Julia Gabriel Education, dedicated to helping children build their Mandarin language skills through stimulating, meaningful and joyful experiences.
Vera attended a trial class there recently and she thoroughly enjoyed it.
Here’s what she liked about it:
- there was a lot of movement incorporated into the 1.5hr class (especially when they were asked to “hide” under a table and the teacher had to call them out, as part of a dramatisation of a storybook they were exploring that day)
- that the story-teller teacher was loud and dramatic and funny
- that she could earn chops for reading aloud the Chinese words they were learning
- that she could play at the playground before and after her session.
What I liked about it:
- the traditional Chinese art displays that deck the walls and halls
- the play-before-you-work philosophy
- the environment – including the simple, spacious classrooms that were conducive for learning
- the teachers – most of them are native speakers from China and they spoke well, are easily understandable, and are good with children.
- the well-stocked and conducive library
- the pro-active attitude towards parental involvement – when the lesson ended, the lead teacher stepped out of the classroom (before the kids were dismissed) and briefed the parents on what the words and story that were taught, and also gave suggestions on how to reinforce the lesson at home, through play.
And here’s what Javier liked about it:
- that he could play (while waiting for the other kids to arrive and the class to start)
- and play!
Verdict:
Two thumbs up for the class. I really like the way they covered not just the listening and understanding aspect of the language, but also the experiential (through the drama), speech, and writing. It was a very holistic learning experience packed in 1.5 hours!
It was fun, there was lots of laughter, and it was obvious to me that the children enjoyed being there and enjoyed learning the language! I think that’s the best part. 
~~Giveaway ~~
Chengzhu Mandarin Centre is offering 1 trial session for each of the following programmes during the month of May, which is limited to 8 readers:
Adult Accompanied Programmes
1. PlayNest (6 – 8 months)
2. PlayClub (18 months – 3 1/2 years)
3. Bilingual PlayClub (18 months – 3 1/2 years) (combines English and Mandarin)
Preschool Programmes
1. Little Pandas (N1 to N2)
2. Language Learners (N1 to K2)
3. Cultural Arts (N1 to K2)
School Year Programmes
1. Language Skills (P1 to P3)
2. Creative Writing (P1 to P3)
To enter, just like our Facebook page (if you haven’t done so), and leave a comment here stating which class you would like to win, and the name of your child.
Hurry! Contest closes 30 April, 12 noon. The 8 winners will be picked and notified via email on the same day.
PS. There are a few classes scheduled at different timings each day, so not to worry, we can sort out preferred timings after the winners are announced.
Good luck and have fun!
***And here are the winners!***
Congrats, Angie, Carol, Cheryl, Joyce, Ooyyoan, Qiu Xian, Kathryn, and Marilyn! We’ll be in touch by email to arrange for the class. Hope your little ones enjoy it! And thanks for participating, everyone! 
