Drake will be starting Chinese school this month. I never thought I would be signing up my own child for Chinese school to be honest, as I hated it as a kid and swore up and down I would never make my child go. But truthfully now that I am older, I see the value in making sure my children understand a little more about their culture, especially as I am the last to be able to pass this on once my mother is gone. What I really hope that Drake gets out of Chinese school is the ability to converse a little with me, and to come to know and appreciate his heritage. My own Chinese is quite poor — I can neither read or write — and my conversational skills are limited at about a kindergarten level. I really have no idea how Drake will fare at Chinese school with my inability to really help him.

I have looked into some basic Chinese books for beginners that we can look at and learn together. Ni Hao Kai Lan has made him aware of Chinese and that words sound different in another language, and I hope he takes that curiosity and interest with him when he begins Chinese school.

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1) Mulan: A Story in Chinese and English –  Thanks to Disney, everyone knows the story of Fa Mulan. I like the idea of finding books with famous historical characters like Mulan to teach Drake his culture and how he is connected to the long history of the Chinese people.

2) First Animals: English and Chinese – There is no better way to Drake’s heart than a book about animals. Drake’s nickname in Chinese is Xiao Hu meaning Little Tiger, as he was born in the year of the tiger. So he already knows the Chinese words for tiger and always loves to hear other animals in Chinese.

3) Gordon & Li Li Count in Mandarin – This is a series for kids made to teach basic words with cute pandas. I think it will appeal to Drake and be easy enough that I might be able to help along.

4) The Pet Dragon: A Story About Adventure, Friendship, and Chinese Characters –  Chinese words are often picture symbols to represent the word they mean. This books seems to take that idea to create a story, while also showing characters and how they form.

5) My First Book of Mandarin Chinese Words –  A basic first words book done with Chinese words. Probably a good brush up book for me!

6) Chinese & English Nursery Rhymes –  This book looks interesting to me in that its songs and nursery rhymes but it also has a CD.  I wouldn’t mind listening along and learning some new songs with Drake

7) Kai-Lan’s Book of Words – When all else fails Kai Lan is always helpful to entice Drake to learn.

Will your little one be learning a second language? How will you be teaching them?