Why do Kids Start to Learn Chinese before High School

by Crystal Zhu

December 5, 2022

Student writing into a notebook

Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world. By learning Chinese, you will be able to communicate with more people and have access to a broader range of cultural experiences.

Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language, which means that the tone in which a word is spoken can change its meaning. This can be challenging for English speakers, but it also allows for a more expressive and nuanced form of communication.

By starting to learn Mandarin at an earlier age, students will have more time to develop a feel for the tones and become more proficient in the language.

Many high schools offer Chinese as a language option, but it’s not realistic to get individual feedback on pronunciation in group classes. Some students find it’s hard to get a thorough understanding of the language if they haven’t learned any Mandarin before. By starting to learn Chinese before high school, the student will have a head start and may be able to move onto more advanced material in their high school classes.

Learning a new language can be challenging, but it also has many benefits. It can improve cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, and can also increase cultural awareness and empathy. By starting to learn Chinese at a younger age, a child will have more time to develop these skills,  to develop proficiency,  and to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. At KellynKai, we offer high quality one-to-one personalized Chinese lessons to students aged 8 and older. Prepare your child for an exciting educational journey by starting with our Beginner Chinese Program.