When looking for Chinese or Korean classes for your child, you might be picturing a room with desks arranged in neat rows. However, the best language immersion opportunities could be through “extracurricular activities” that might surprise you.
Furthermore, with many programs closed due to the pandemic, distance learning via virtual classes can be a great options. This is especially helpful for families who normally don’t have local language learning opportunities.
I’m going to share a few non-traditional “language lessons” that my Chinese-Korean-American kids have tried. I will also suggest other classes on our wish list.
Classes that focus on Chinese and Korean speaking instead of reading and writing
If you can find extracurricular activities held in Chinese or Korean, you’re killing 2 birds with 1 stone. Hands up if you want to save time plus maximize the experience of speaking minority languages!
These non-academic classes focus on listening and speaking language skills rather than reading and writing.
Furthermore, unique hands-on experiences are one of the key steps to acquiring second languages. In order to keep up with the dominant language, new memories must be made in the minority language.
5 fun, non-academic Chinese and Korean classes for kids
Take a look through these non-academic Chinese and Korean classes, and explore 10+ ways to find a foreign language teacher for your child. You might discover more learning options for your child.
1. Music lessons in Chinese or Korean
Does your child play an instrument, or are you considering starting lessons?
Email your local colleges and check classified ads for bilingual teachers who offer private or group instrument lessons.
Instrument lessons
My daughter has been taking piano lessons from Chinese teachers who speak Mandarin fluently.
Previously, she took in-person lessons during which the piano teacher took notes in Chinese and gave my daughter a chance to read handwriting.
VIP Peilian is another resource for Mandarin-speaking families looking for various instrument lessons. We have not used them but other families have shared positive reviews.
Singing camps and children’s choirs
Learning language through Korean music and Chinese songs is fun at all ages! Check local churches and schools for opportunities to join Chinese or Korean children’s choirs.
For example, Stream of Praise offers Chinese worship opportunities at their various locations in California, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other locations.
Older kids may enjoy K-pop music theory classes by Olive Tree Education!
2. Arts and crafts in Chinese and Korean
Art studio
Bilin Academy 彼邻画社 is a online program that offers drawing lessons in Mandarin Chinese or English, which my son really enjoyed. My daughter loved their calligraphy class, and they also teach the popular Chinese game, Go!
For online Korean art lessons, some parents recommended Ju Art Paint And Draw!
Crafts and activities
If you can’t find a local art teacher who speaks Chinese or Korean, you can ask your teacher to explore our fun Hands-on Activities Library!
3. Dance lessons in Chinese and Korean
American metropolitan cities offer a variety of Chinese dance classes. Examples include:
- Melody Institute (Seattle, WA)
- Chinese Dance USA (Cupertino, CA)
- Silicon Valley Dance Academy (Cupertino and San Jose, CA)
- Phoenix Chinese Dance Academy (Phoenix, AZ)
- Chinese Dance Theater (Twin Cities, Minnesota)
Traditional Korean dance lessons can be found in Los Angeles and New York City, while Kpop studios are popping up all over the country due to growing popularity!
4. Sports camps in Chinese and Korean
Check if local Chinese and Korean immersion programs offer sports camps (eg, soccer, basketball, baseball) with bilingual coaches.
Martial arts are also an important part of Chinese and Korean culture.
Taekwondo is Korea’s traditional martial art that teaches self-defense. Through this sport, you can learn about Korean culture, count in Korean, and see if your local Taekwondo master will teach the class in Korean.
For Chinese learners, consider Kung Fu and Tai Chi classes! Examples include:
- All Star Kung Fu (Sunnyvale, CA)
- Silver Dragon Kung Fu (Daily City, CA)
5. Cooking lessons in Chinese and Korean
Once a month, we have been setting aside one Chinese lesson to make authentic Chinese food (eg, dumplings, garlic rice) with our teacher!
Cooking is an important practical life skill, and the multi-sensory experience naturally broadens vocabulary and comprehension.
At the same time, your child can learn about basic techniques, utensils, ingredients, nutrition, and kitchen safety.
Look for local schools or chefs who are willing teach cooking in Chinese or Korean.
Or you can ask your Chinese or Korean tutor if this is something you can do during weekly lessons!
Keep an open mind with non-academic Chinese and Korean classes
I hope some of these fun Chinese and Korean classes will be available in your area or virtually!
If you travel to Asia, look for programs that offer art, music, dance, sports, and cooking!
Remember to talk to teachers email or do a trial to confirm that they will use the target language consistently during class.
What if you can’t find any Chinese or Korean teachers in your area?
Thanks to modern technology, Chinese and Korean online tutoring programs could be great options for your family.
Online language tutors may offer more flexibility, especially those who live in small towns with limited cultural opportunities.
Has your child tried non-academic Chinese and Korean lessons? How was the experience?
Has your child enjoyed learning Chinese and Korean language and culture outside of traditional classrooms?
How did the class impact his or her minority language skills?
Please share your recommendation and experience in the comments below!
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- 20+ Ways to Get Your Child to Speak Chinese
- How to Find a Foreign Language Teacher for Your Child
- How I Taught My Child 1000+ Chinese Characters as a Non-Fluent Speaker
Korean resources for kids on Amazon!
Click here to see Korean books, music, and Hangul toys on Amazon!
Chinese resources for kids on Amazon!
Click here to see Chinese learning tools and cultural toys on Amazon!
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