Unit+1+Introduction

Unit 1 Introduction This thematic unit is designed for grade 2 (7 to 8 years old) students who had learned 1 year of Chinese (Chinese I at grade 1). Their ACTFL Proficiency level is Novice-Mid.

The unit theme is “Chinese 2 has a farm”, which covers the subjects and connections from Math, Geometry, Physical Science, Environmental Science and Life Science. The language learning is the main propose. Students will learn Chinese language from oral practice, visual reference, kinesthetic activities and use it in interpersonal conversations to gain the knowledge in a nature way.

The classroom activities and homework are designed with authentic Chinese culture and products. From food, animals, traditional toy to the shadow play, all materials and games are authentic and interesting. The variety of exciting learning processes will increase students’ motivation of learning and make them as lifetime learner. Students will learn from the eating habits of living forms to the natural sources. These 5 units are connected by students’ journals (or drawing journals). By the end of this unit, students will experience the “growing process” with first hand data from themselves and also the results of their works.

Through all activates in the classroom, students are encouraged to be creative and to speak about their thoughts by limited vocabularies. The classes provide great opportunity for each student to observe, to try, to talk, to sing, to act, to think and solve problem in order to record their thoughts about the subjects and contents. Teacher will provide rich visual reference and hands-on activities for all different kinds of intelligence for each student. Also teacher will offer extra help and study aid to special need students.

Overall, this unit is designed for 7 to 8 years old students in elementary school. The material of the topics and subjects in this theme met the New Jersey Curriculum Content Standards in both World language and other subjects such as Math and Science.