Chinese Culture and Language Summer Program
for Students entering K – Grade 4
Join us for a hands-on summer Chinese culture and language program. Sidwell Summer, in conjunction with the Sidwell Chinese Studies program, will offer a two week program for students entering Kindergarten – 4th grade, on the DC campus, August 4-15, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
The Sidwell Summer Chinese Culture and Language Program is a summer opportunity for participants to explore Chinese culture and learn Chinese while engaging in a variety of hands-on activities. No prior Chinese language experience is necessary but all participants must be 5 years old to participate. Children may be grouped by language ability/prior exposure to Chinese and/or age.
The Program Coordinator, Eve Eaton, a Lower School 4th grade teacher, has taught the China theme within her Sidwell academic program. The staff includes Sidwell Friends Upper School students and graduates, many of whom have studied Chinese and visited China. Our language instructors are experienced teaching elementary-aged students.
Our theme for this summer is Olympics and Dragons and will include Opening and Closing Ceremonies. During the two-week session, children will experience Chinese language and culture through fun activities such as signing, arts and crafts (brush painting, calligraphy), cooking, Chinese language story time, Chinese dance, and sports and games. Participants will learn simple words and phrases as they engage in these activities. Program staff will speak Chinese and use hand gestures to help explain activities and everyday phrases will be part of the daily routine. Twice a week participants will go on field trips such as the National Zoo, Art Galleries, and local restaurants.
Chinese Culture and Language Program - Typical Day (Draft)
7:30 – 8:45 |
Early Risers program (additional fee) |
8:45 – 9:00 |
Arrival and Circle time |
9:00 – 9:15 |
Morning Exercise and Stretching/Dance |
9:15 – 10:00 |
Group 1: Language Instruction |
10:00 – 10:15 |
Snack time |
10:15 – 11:00 |
Group 1: Story time with arts and crafts |
11:00 – 11:45 |
Olympics Activities or Chinese Culture workshops |
11:45 – 12:15 |
Lunch |
12:15 – 1:00 |
Choice Activities: participants can choose from: Cooking, Tai Chi or other Martial Arts, Arts specialties |
1:00 – 1:45 |
Group 1: Language Instruction |
1:45 – 2:30 |
Group 1: Cultures |
2:30 – 3:00 |
Homebase – group games and good byes |
3:00 – 6:00 |
Camp til Six – additional fee |
Field trip days will modify schedule – language environment will continue during the trip.
