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Kids in Preschool

Our Program

At Mandarin Schoolhouse, we specialize in teaching Mandarin Chinese through a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. Children learn through engaging activities such as art, music, movement, and storytelling—while rooted in Montessori principles that nurture the whole child. We place a strong emphasis on practical life skills and social-emotional development.

 

Our mission is to cultivate kind, confident, and curious individuals who are inspired to be lifelong learners.

Program Highlights

Small Group, Big Impact

  • A low 1:5 teacher-student ratio allows for individualized attention and meaningful relationships.

  • Children engage deeply in activities without being rushed through a rigid schedule.

  • Every child is seen, known, and loved for who they are—our approach nurtures the whole child.


Thematic, Child-Centered Curriculum

  • Learning themes evolve based on children's interests, creating relevant and meaningful experiences.

  • Themes are thoughtfully integrated across language arts, math, science, and cultural studies for a well-rounded education.


Bilingual Language & Literacy

  • Daily instruction is mainly in Mandarin Chinese to promote an immersive environment.

  • Multiple read-aloud sessions in both English and Mandarin Chinese throughout the day promote listening, comprehension, and vocabulary development.

  • Four- and five-year-olds receive individualized reading instruction, with focused exposure to phonics and Chinese characters.

  • Songs, music, and playful activities make language learning joyful and memorable.

 

Cultural Celebrations

  • We honor both Chinese and American holidays as part of our curriculum.

  • Chinese New Year is explored through a month-long study of traditions, stories like The Legend of Nian, and activities such as making dumplings and lanterns. 

  • We also celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other festivities that foster cultural appreciation and pride.


Morning Meeting

  • A daily teacher-led gathering where children greet one another, share thoughts, and build community.

  • We review the calendar, record the weather, sing songs, and introduce the day’s lesson—all while practicing listening, speaking, and social interaction skills.


Meals Provided

  • We serve a fresh, well-balanced lunch and healthy snacks each day.

  • Children and teachers dine together, practicing table manners and enjoying foods from a variety of cultures.


Food Exploration

  • Children cook, bake, or discover a new food together at least once a week.

  • Cooking is a multi-sensory learning experience that includes following directions, measuring, reading recipes, and tasting new foods.


Gardening

  • Our vegetable patch and cut flower beds offer a hands-on opportunity for children to connect with nature.

  • Kids plant, water, harvest, and often cook with—the fruits of their labor.

  • Garden-to-table favorites include basil pesto, rainbow tomato salad, kale chips, and lavender oat cookies.


Outdoor Play

  • We believe nature is the best teacher and that children learn so much through observing and exploring the world around them.

  • Outdoor time is full of imaginative, seasonal experiences—raking and jumping in leaves, building snowmen, making mud pies, and tasting juicy cherry tomatoes straight from the vine.


Practical Life Skills

  • Children learn to care for themselves (e.g., dressing, hygiene) and their environment (e.g., cleaning, organizing).

  • These foundational skills support independence and confidence.


Social-Emotional Learning

  • We create a caring community where children learn to express their feelings, resolve conflicts, and build kind friendships.

  • Children develop emotional awareness and practice tools to navigate social situations respectfully and thoughtfully.

Mixed-age classroom in a small, intimate setting. Up to five students at a time.

(201) 496-4712

©2025 by Mandarin Schoolhouse

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