Chinese instructor and University of Maryland MCERT candidate Xue Qin displays a flashcard reading "That's OK," (as a response to "I'm sorry").  (Photo: Meg Brinckman)
Chinese instructor and University of Maryland MCERT candidate Xue Qin displays a flashcard reading “That’s OK,” (as a response to “I’m sorry”). (Photo: Meg Brinckman)

In a continuing effort to enrich the instruction of children at Amidon-Bowen, Assistant Principal Dwayne Ham arranged for Chinese Language instruction to be provided to 1st graders through the University of Maryland MCERT Program.

In the Center for Chinese Language Teacher Certification and Development at the College of Education at the University of Maryland, candidates spend a full year internship in the classroom gaining practical experience and helping to create new materials for instruction. The Program stimulates interest and sets national and international standards of excellence for Chinese language teacher preparation. It is open to student of various backgrounds and can lead to a Masters Degree or Chinese Language Certification only. The program also offers a five-year program for undergraduates leading to a Masters Degree with certification for teaching Chinese language.

In the fall semester Qi Zhao met with Ms. Bucknerā€™s 1st grade students Monday and Wednesday. She was then assigned to another school to complete her full year internship. Starting this January, Xue Qin is assigned to Amidon-Bowen for her second semester of the internship. The instruction is organized in fast-paced, 15-minute small group sessions, with lots of visual materials adapted for young learners. Ms. Qin plans to broaden the instruction to include participation in Chinese celebrations later in the year.

By Meg Brinckman, a longtime contributor to The Southwester on education issues.

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