你好! Nǐ hǎo!
I’m Betty, and I’m so happy that you’re here. CHALK Academy is just me, my kids…and families that want to raise bilingual/multilingual children!
I love sharing ideas and resources that have helped us learn Chinese against the odds, and I hope they can bless your family, too!
How our language journey began
I’m a second-generation Chinese-American mom of a 5-year-old girl (老大 / lǎo dà) and 2-year-old boy (老二 / lǎo èr). I’ve been a pediatrician, medical writer, piano teacher, and tutor for various subjects, but my favorite role is being my children’s teacher.
I’m married to my best friend, a Korean-American guy, and we are raising our kids trilingual in a small town in California.
For the past few years, we have been attempting the one parent/caregiver one language (OPOL) approach: me – Chinese, nanny – Korean, dad/family language – English.
You may be surprised that none of us are fluent in our heritage languages.
One of my biggest childhood regrets was rejecting my Chinese heritage. My parents passed away in my 20s, and I forgot almost all Chinese that I had learned as a child.
Now as a parent, I appreciate culture and language and hope my kids can, too.
When my daughter was 2 years old, I began to learn Chinese with her. Since we live in a small, non-diverse town, the first year was extremely difficult. I also had trouble finding engaging Chinese resources.
About CHALK Academy
Frustrated by the boring options, CHALK Academy became the resource that I wish we had from the start. CHALK stands for Child-Led, Hands-on, Active Learning for Kids.
Before my daughter turned 5, I taught her over 1000 Chinese characters. She has been self-motivated to learn Chinese writing.
More importantly, my children speak Chinese and English comfortably together, and Chinese is our “heart” language.
We achieved these milestones by following my children’s interests, creating simple interactive activities, and immersing them in a prepared learning environment.
This website contains all of the details for your reference.
Child-led, multilingual learning at home and school
The website is organized into 5 main categories:
- Quick, easy, fun, and educational activities
- Free, interactive multilingual printables
- Resources such as our favorite books, videos, music, apps, and toys/games
- Our family’s journey – reflections about raising a trilingual family; updates about my children’s progress and challenges
- Teaching tips for parents and teachers
How to raise multilingual children
If this is your first time here, please review these guides on how to teach kids a second language at home:
- Tips on creating a multilingual learning environment
- How To Learn Chinese as a Busy Parent: 10+ Strategies (This post focuses on how I am learning Chinese)
- Teach kids how to read Chinese
- When and How to Introduce Chinese Characters to Kids?
- Memorize Chinese Characters with 5 Basic Tips
- 10 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Read
- Create a Print-Rich Environment with Labels that Promote Literacy
- When Should My Child Learn Hanyu Pinyin?
- How I Taught My Child 1000+ Chinese Characters as a Non-Fluent Speaker
For an overview of fun Chinese activities for kids, please review our How-To Guide!
In addition, check out the FAQs!
Let’s raise multilingual kids together!
I’d love to learn more about your parenting and teaching experience and welcome all feedback. This website is for supportive sharing among friends.
CHALK Academy community and encouragement
If you’d like to get in touch, feel free to leave a message in the comments section or contact me! Please me know if there are any printables, activities, or other advice you need. I read each and every message!
Due to high volume of inquiries, I may not be able to respond to everyone. However, I’ll try my best to find a solution for you email by direct email, detailed post, or through our Facebook group.
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CHALK Academy Bilingual Facebook Groups
For families want to teach their children Chinese in an encouraging environment, please join our Facebook groups!
Montessori-inspired Kids Learning Chinese is a global community of parents who are excited to share quality Montessori teaching tips, child-led activities, Chinese book recommendations, and other learning resources!
Christian families are also welcome to join our Facebook group, Christian Parents Raising Bilingual Children in English and Chinese who are looking for community support as well as Christian resources for kids!
Together, we can make Chinese language and culture a positive part of family life!
谢谢 (Xièxiè / THANK YOU)
For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – Philippians 4:13