Developing Mandarin as a life-skill and essential communication tool
Research has shown that the early years is a critical phase for children to develop language skills, and our immersive ZhongHua Full Mandarin Immersion has been proven to cultivate in young children a genuine lifelong love for learning the Mandarin language.
Building on the success of our ZhongHua Full Mandarin Immersion programme at EtonHouse Zhong Hua campus, we introduced the popular ZhongHua Full Mandarin Immersion programme at EtonHouse Newton, Upper Bukit Timah, Vanda, and City Pre-School. Our unique ZhongHua Full Mandarin ImmersionProgramme for Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten 2 is an inquiry-based curriculum delivered entirely in Mandarin. Children are exposed to a considerable amount of time listening, speaking, and writing in Mandarin which is essential for any sustainable language development in the early years. Having such exclusive language exposure offers the children a focused Mandarin-speaking environment, which many do not have in their home environment. The curriculum delivery through the inquiry-based approach will make the experiences fun, engaging, and meaningful.
With extensive opportunities to communicate in Mandarin every single day, children are able to appreciate how useful and relevant the language is to their daily life. Over time, they are able to think and understand concepts in Mandarin.
Learning Mandarin through an Established Inquiry Approach
We believe that Mandarin is a life skill, not just a subject to be taught in isolation. That is why in EtonHouse, Mandarin is naturally acquired through meaningful experiences based on children’s interests.
The Mandarin environment is not intimidating to the children because at EtonHouse we emphasise on fostering a warm and nurturing relationship with children. At EtonHouse, languages are not taught in structured and formal classes conducted in isolation, but naturally acquired through our Inquire, Think, Learn Curriculum, which is inquiry-based and individualised. Therefore children learn at their own pace, while at the same time, being adequately challenged and inspired by their peers and the adults in the environment.
Children even develop a sound understanding of science, maths, arts, along with creative thinking and social competence, all while communicating in Mandarin!
Cultivating a genuine love for the language
On top of developing a life-long competence and interest in the language, our programme aims to develop an appreciation of the Chinese culture, as well as to nurture globally-focused and culturally competent children. Cultural immersion is, therefore, a critical part of our ZhongHua Full Mandarin Immersion and includes elements such as calligraphy, Chinese performing arts and inquiry projects on Chinese traditions, to name a few.
Programme Highlights
Native speaking educators
Inquiry-based curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach
Learning Mandarin by immersing in a Chinese environment and integrating the 100 Languages
Multi-cultural experiences with regular festive celebrations
Language Immersion
Programme Components
75% Inquiry-based experiences (Inquire.Think.Learn Curriculum) We emphasise Chinese culture and language through the Inquire.Think.Learn approach using current themes and the 100 languages. Some examples include:
Art (Shadow play, Chinese knotting, embroidery)
Performing Arts (Puppet show, Chinese musical instruments, Chinese opera, Traditional folk art, Crosstalk, Two-man act, etc)
Sports and Games (Traditional acrobatics, Bamboo dance, Kungfu).
25% Chinese Language Arts
Mandarin nursery rhymes, poems and stories are integrated into creative learning experiences. Depending on the year level, children can experience language arts such as:
Language Arts (Nursery Rhymes, Tongue twisters, Clapper talk, Reading and recitation of Chinese poetry)
Art (Traditional Chinese painting, Chinese calligraphy)
Performing Arts (Peking Opera, Comedic cross talk)
English Foundation Building
45 minutes of English for PN-N2 phonics once a week
The teachers’ thoughtful feedback and consistent guidance have supported Zayn’s learning by keeping us closely informed and engaged in his progress. The biggest positive change we’ve seen is his growing curiosity and confidence, nurtured through the inquiry-based approach. What we treasure most is the professionalism and warmth of the 215 family.
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Parents of Ayana, Upper Bukit Timah
At EtonHouse, the teachers have guided Anika, our fearless explorer, to channel her curiosity into confidence as she graduated and stepped into primary school. They have also embraced Ayana, encouraging her love for music, numbers, and letters while letting her joyful spirit shine. The biggest change we’ve seen is how both girls now approach every challenge with excitement and imagination.
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Parents of Xin An, Upper Bukit Timah
The teachers have been very supportive in guiding Xin An’s early learning journey by creating a nurturing and engaging environment. They encourage curiosity through inquiry-based experiences, gently fostering language, social, and motor skills. Their patience, warmth, care and consistent communication have helped Xin An grow tremendously in confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
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