Parents’ Guide to Choosing the Right Mandarin Classes in Singapore

怡璇从一年级开始上成竹到现在五年级！她的华文有明显得进步。她在会话上也比以前有信心！她很喜欢成竹的教导方式，也很喜欢去上课。谢谢成竹和余老师!

Yixuan has been attending Chengzhu since first grade, and now she is in fifth grade! Her Chinese has significantly improved. She is also more confident in conversations than before! She really likes Chengzhu’s teaching methods and enjoys attending classes. Thank you, Chengzhu and Teacher Yu!

– Yi Xuan’s Mother, P5

孩子非常喜歡來成竹上課，尤其可以和小朋友們和老師互動，探討新知識，增廣見聞, 也增加對華文濃厚的樂趣。

– Liu Ji Yin | Parent of Chua Yu Xiang, Primary 5

Ryan has been with Chengzhu since N1 and throughout these years Chengzhu never fails to captivate Ryan’s interest in Chinese. Coupled with a strong curriculum, Chengzhu has helped to develop and improve Ryan’s proficiency in speaking and writing Chinese.  

– Mrs Low | Parent of Ryan Low, Primary 6

The teacher’s communication has been good and we feel informed about our child’s progress. A slight more developmental feedback would be helpful although we appreciate the teacher’s remarks and encouragement.

– David, Primary 4

Our older son has been enrolled in Chengzhu since he was a preschooler and we believe that it is not just the curriculum, but more importantly, the passion and dedication from the teachers that has been driving our child’s love for the Chinese language and interest in learning.

– Cheryl Ong, Primary 1

我女儿的名字是惠恩。她从4岁开始就在成竹中心学习。她起初到成竹的时候是不懂得说和听华文的。上了成竹的课后，她喜欢上华文，并且会主动用华文与我们沟通。

惠恩8岁时开始上成竹的写作班。我们非常高兴看到她在老师们耐心细致的教导下写出优秀的作文。在每次学校考试中，她持续地获得了优秀的成绩。我们对她的进步感到非常满意，感谢老师们的教导和关怀！

– 惠恩的爸爸  霍先生

My daughter’s confidence in speaking and reading Mandarin [has] improved tremendously since she started learning at Chengzhu in K1. She enjoys the classes as it is fun with opportunities for her to play, dramatise the stories, and learn new words and sentences, allowing her to express herself with a much larger vocabulary. Liu Laoshi is able to identify her strengths and areas of improvement, provides regular feedback and challenges her to push her boundaries while ensuring her foundation in Chinese remains firm. We look forward to more classes with Chengzhu so she may grow to appreciate and love the language. 

– Wendy Pang | Parent of Anya Wong Ying En, Primary 2

刘老师的教导非常好，也对同学们都很有耐心。作文用的字都很友好的成语字来帮助学习。凯了的华文进步得很快，感谢刘老师这一年多的教导。希望成竹会举办更多有趣的活动让同学们都和有兴趣来学习华文。                              

– 凯了妈妈  Grace | Parent of Chairo Tan Kai Le, Primary 2

As the saying goes: “It takes a village to raise a child”. In my opinion, everyone needs a Chengzhu in their “village”. Chengzhu cultivates a holistic learning attitude towards understanding Chinese culture and language more deeply. My children’s love for Chinese culture and language developed during the years they have spent growing in Chengzhu. Attending classes at Chengzhu is their weekly highlight because they get to see their warm and friendly teachers! The teachers create a warm and safe learning environment. Their regular follow-up after each class helps parents support their child’s learning. The children not only enhance their vocabulary during Creative Writing, they also pick up new idioms and good phrases. Chengzhu lightens every parent’s load and is a dependable support you will need in your child’s growing years.                                                                                                                    

– Eunice Goh | Parent of Loy Hui Yu Annabeth, Primary 3

My daughter’s Chinese journey with Chengzhu started when she was 4 years-old. From the moment she started attending classes, it was evident that Chengzhu provided an exceptional learning environment that nurtured her love for the Chinese language, particularly in our English-speaking home environment.

Under the guidance of dedicated teachers, my daughter has not only grasped the lessons effectively but has also developed a strong command of spoken and written Chinese. Shuen Laoshi is very approachable and shows great passion in teaching. She also ensures parents are kept updated about my daughter’s Chinese progression.

Beyond academic progress, Chengzhu has instilled in my daughter a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and language. The immersive environment and engaging teaching methods have made learning enjoyable and meaningful for her.

– Giselle’s Mother, Primary 1 Language Skills

Rachel has been with Chengzhu since 2017 and she has always enjoyed her learning experience at Chengzhu. The programmes have helped to build up her confidence in reading Chinese.

– Mrs Low | Parent of Low Rachel, Primary 1

My 9-year-old son started his journey with Chengzhu at the age of 5, when we enrolled him in the Chengzhu holiday programme. As we are an English-speaking family, we were delightfully surprised to hear our son independently read a simple Chinese storybook, for the very first time, after attending the 5-day holiday programme. Since then, we enrolled him in the Language Skills programme and have seen remarkable progress – his vocabulary has expanded significantly, his ability to comprehend, write and speak the language has also improved tremendously. 

We are truly grateful to the dedicated teachers, who exhibit genuine care and concern for each child, fostering a sense of trust and confidence between teacher, parent and student. The teachers create an atmosphere of encouragement and enthusiasm, which motivates the children to actively participate in class. The lessons are thoughtfully designed to incorporate various learning tools, such as games, drama and interactive exercises, to reinforce learning of the Chinese language.

The dedication, expertise, and passion of the teachers, combined with the well-designed curriculum and nurturing environment, have undoubtedly contributed to my son’s outstanding progress and top scores in primary school weighted assessments.

– Mrs Goh | Parent of Lionel Goh Changrui, Primary 3

My daughter has been attending Chengzhu for a second term. Unlike other enrichment classes where she was hesitant to attend, she was enthusiastic about attending Chengzhu every weekend such that the first thing she wanted to do when she wakes up was to go to [her] Chengzhu class. She warmed up easily to Lei Laoshi who is her teacher in charge and looks forward to attending her class every week. Lei Laoshi will also give us a summary of the lesson taught on the day. It was great to see my child learning so enthusiastically every week. Great job to Lei Laoshi and the team!       

– Janet

Our daughter Madeleine has blossomed ever since attending Chengzhu. She looks forward to her lessons every week and comes back singing the songs she’s learnt in class and loves showing off her artwork. Her teachers are dedicated and caring. They bring the curriculum to life every lesson and make learning fun and engaging for the children. As parents, we also appreciate the time taken to explain each lesson’s activities to us so we know what our children are doing in class. Chengzhu has given my daughter more confidence in Chinese by keeping her engaged in meaningful activities. This is the best foundation for learning and we’re very glad to have signed up for classes.

– Christina Low | Parent of Madeleine Low Meng Lian

My daughter loves her classes at Chengzhu. The teachers are engaging and do a fantastic job at building her love for the Chinese language and the culture and arts around it.

–   Geraldine Ng | Parent of Huang Hui Ai Charlotte Ayres

Thank you N1 Language Learners for helping Petra become more confident in speaking Mandarin. The class, being conducted in such a fun and interactive manner, with the use of songs and play acting, certainly frames Mandarin and the use of it in such a positive and fun setting, that the children just can’t help but want to be a part of. Thank you Zhang & Chen Laoshis for your unwavering efforts.

– Quan Rui Shan’s Father, Language Learners N1

Chengzhu teaching methods allow kids to learn through play, songs and stories. This methodology allows my boy to learn Mandarin in a fun and interactive way. Under the guidance of 林老师, my boy has become more fluent in Mandarin and has developed a love for the it!

– Michelle | Parent of Marvin, K2

威名has been with Chengzhu since pre-nursery level. He immensely enjoys the class and his Mandarin proficiency has since improved!

– 威名妈妈 | Parent of Kong Wei Ming Axel, Nursery 2

李恩has always been a very reserved child, and since attending Chengzhu, we’ve seen her slowly stepping out of her comfort zone and getting more confident. She especially likes 关老师，[and she] thoroughly enjoys and looks forward to her class every week. Thank you for being such an important part in my child’s development and I look forward to 李恩continuing progress.

– 李恩妈妈 | Parent of Lee En Alexandra Hope, Nursery 2

The Chengzhu Mandarin center at Rochester Mall is truly exceptional. The environment is safe and welcoming. The curriculum is fun and thoughtfully designed. The teachers are also wonderful as they are not only professional but genuinely caring, creating a nurturing environment that my little one adores. We are very happy with our experience here!

– Mr Chen

感谢朱老师和吕老师在教育我们的孩子时所付出的爱，对教学（中文）的热情和专业精神。我们非常感谢他们的耐心指导和支持。

– Angela

I am the grandmother of one of the students in the Mandarin PlayClub class. I have been attending with my grandchild since 29 March 2023.

The lessons are well and interestingly presented by the knowledgeable, patient and energetic teacher-in-charge and her assistant. The teachers convey the lessons through music, songs, action and hands-on work which are well liked by the kids.

There are various play stations for the kids to relax before they continue to have their snacks, reading books and storytelling by the teachers.

The most exciting and amazing final part of the lesson is the songs and actions which involve all the parents, grandparents, helpers and the kids participating and finishing on a happy note.

Finally, I would like to recommend this wonderful PlayClub class to any parent looking for an interesting and useful programme for his/her child.

– Irene Hee Ava | Parent of Ava Nargis Valliani

I’m happy sending my child to Chengzhu. She enjoys class a lot and her Chinese has got better. Teachers put a lot of effort into the class.

– Myra Gupta’s Mother | Parent of Myra

Chengzhu’s play-based approach through stories, drama, songs and crafts is aligned with our belief for our children to learn through play. Teachers are warm and approachable, and are always well prepared for the classes. 朱老师 interacts with the children well and always makes the effort to engage with them. Overall, we are pleased that Gemma enjoys the classes and have observed her development in the Mandarin language.

– Meow Ling | Parent of Chua Yun Jing Gemma

宝宝从八个月大就开始在成竹上课, 至今已有一年多。成竹的老师们非常有经验与孩子们互动, 也很花心思在准备教材, 从而增强了孩子们对华语的兴趣。我的宝宝非常喜欢到成竹上华语课。

– Nikki | Parent of Koh Ci Jing Dione

I am pleasantly surprised by how much my child enjoys and learns from the PlayNest lessons. He is very excited to go to class each time and leaves feeling satisfied.

Every segment of the lesson is meaningful and executed seamlessly. The segments all flow so well that before we know it, the lesson is coming to an end. The storytelling part is a great highlight of the lesson. My child is always very captivated by the dramatic storytelling.

Leading and teaching with songs and music accompaniment has helped make learning Mandarin so much easier and fun! After the lesson, we will even hum the songs while on our way back or even while at home.

Above all, the love and energy from the teachers are amazing! The teachers are teaching, singing and acting from their hearts. My child is very blessed.

Putting him in PlayNest is one of the best decisions I made for him. Thank you Chengzhu!

– Chew Wei Wei | Parent of Loh Khye Shyan

I highly recommend Chengzhu for their very engaging and professional teachers and programme structure. Both my children attend the school and they are always happy to go for classes. Their style of teaching keeps it fun and interesting for the kids whilst exposing them to the language. Great place!

– Cindy | Parent of Atavier Tan

Chengzhu provides a conducive environment for children to play and learn. Liu Laoshi and Zhu Laoshi are good teachers – they are creative in capturing children’s attention, energetic in engaging them, making learning fun. I believe my grandchild enjoys the sessions. Thank you.

– Zhiren’s Grandma | Grandmother of Zhiren

We are so glad that we chose Chengzhu PlayClub Independent to start our then two-and-a-half-year-old child’s first nursery adventure, under the care of Shi Lao Shi, Zhang Lao Shi, Lin Lao Shi, Guo Lao Shi and Lei Lao Shi. The energy, support and nurture the teachers provided to our child meant so much to us. I cannot thank the teachers enough! They really went above and beyond in the care they gave.

As parents, it’s important for us to feel our child is safe and supported in the arms of the teachers and that is precisely what Chengzhu PlayClub Independent delivered! Our little one thrived so well under their care; everything they did, they did with the utmost passion, love, care, and smiles; as if the child was their own.

If allowed, I would unreservedly choose for our child to grow and mature in Chengzhu PlayClub Independent or Nursery (if it was an option) for a further two years. We truly wish we had sent our child there earlier! As it was time for our child to move on to new pastures after turning three years of age, we could only feel blessed and grateful that he had the chance to grow and spend time in the wonderful environment Chengzhu PlayClub Independent has created.

– YIAN妈妈 | Parent of George

One of the best decisions we have made as parents has been to start all our three children at Chengzhu from when they were babies in PlayNest and to continue in the various enrichment programmes as they progressed. Our children not only possess a strong foundation in Mandarin, they have also learnt to appreciate the Chinese culture, adding on to their interest in learning the language.

– 凯义妈妈 | Parent of Emmanuel Joel

My son enjoys his lessons at Chengzhu very much. He often sings the songs he learns from school at home and his Chinese language abilities have improved. The teachers are very warm and engaging, and we deeply appreciate their love and nurturing attitude towards the students.

– Mrs Serene Leow | Parent of Liang Shan