Sample Syllabus

Wenqing Zhang
Chinese Teacher, Tilton School
30 School Street Street, Tilton, NH 03276
(215)-301-1126
wzhang@tiltonschool.org

Chinese Level 1
Tilton School 2016 - 2017
Zhang Laoshi
30 School Street, Tilton
Cell Phone: (215)- 301-1126
E-mail: wzhang@tiltonschool.org

Classroom:
World Languages Dept. - Room #315
Google Classroom- Chinese Level 1

Extra-Help Opportunities:

Conference Periods in CAAacademic building third floor

Wednesdays and some weekends, 7:00 PM in West Knowles 2nd Floor Common Room
Tilton School email: wzhang@tiltonschool.org and Google Classroom (comments)
Other time by appointment

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Course Description: Chinese Level 1 (Full Year; 1 credit)

Conducted in Chinese, this course is designed for students who have just started Chinese
learning and have a strong curiosity towards Chinese culture. Through immersive and
interactive study of Chinese language and culture using games, videos, pictures,
dialogues, character writing and authentic communication with students who speak
Chinese as their first language, students in Chinese 1 will explore different themes such
as Self, Family, Food, and Traveling under the intercultural scope. At the end of
Chinese 1, students will be able to conduct presentational speaking and participate in
interpersonal communications with native Chinese speakers using simple language under
the four themes. Student will also be able to identify and write basic Chinese characters
with correct stroke order, understand the meaning of Pianpang, and utilize Pinyin for
pronunciation. The course prepares students to go forward with their Chinese language
learning in college. Finally, the course integrates the World Languages Department
enduring understandings into Chinese learning:
We believe value exists in all languages because
1. Language and its cultural context serve the human desire to communicate.
2. Learning about others cultures and languages challenges ones preconceptions of
how the world should be.
3. When learning a new language, tools such as circumlocution, aid in
communicating any idea in any other language.
4. Learning other languages helps us to understand the connections between them.
5. Learning a second language provides access to employment and it enhances and
facilitates education, travel, and social opportunities.

Sample Syllabus

Wenqing Zhang
Chinese Teacher, Tilton School
30 School Street Street, Tilton, NH 03276
(215)-301-1126
wzhang@tiltonschool.org

Textbook:
Chinese in Focus, Volume 1, Travelling in China, Zheng, Y. (2011, Shenzhen, Haitian
Publish)

Differentiated Instruction:
Through a range of learning activities and assessments using the four communication
skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) students will find both challenge and
support for their individual learning styles. Students will receive regular review and
feedback on their performances. The World Language Department also works in
partnership with the Learning Center to support students who need extended time or who
would benefit from review of class-work with a Learning Center tutor.
Students Grades are consisted of two parts: Academics Grade and Habits of Mind
Grade. They will be assessed in the following ways:

1. Formative Assessments:
Students will take part in formal and informal assessments, practicing and developing
their confidence with basic knowledge of the vocabulary, expressions, grammar,
literature, and culture themes presented in each unit. Regular feedback will be given to
support student learning. Formative assessments include, but are not limited to:

planned and impromptu oral presentations and dialogues

(TPR) total physical response activities
workbook
character writing practices
note-taking and board work
class discussions
announced and pop quizzes
homework checks

2. Summative Assessments:
Students can expect to complete a summative project and/or test at the end of each unit
lesson to assess for proficiency with and knowledge of the vocabulary, grammar,
literature, and culture as well as a deeper understanding of the targeted Enduring
Understandings. Summative assessments include but are not limited to:

Unit Tests (with reading, writing, listening and speaking components)

Quarterly Projects students must demonstrate proficient use of vocabulary, expressions,
and grammar from the quarter(s) of study in various practical communicative situations,

Sample Syllabus

Wenqing Zhang
Chinese Teacher, Tilton School
30 School Street Street, Tilton, NH 03276
(215)-301-1126
wzhang@tiltonschool.org

such as, daily conversations, information inquiry and presentation, opinion exchange,
self-oratory, story telling, note writing, etc.
End of the Year Final Exam/Project To Be Decided (with reading, writing, listening
and speaking components)

3. Habits of Mind:
Students will also receive a Habits of Mind grade that will reflect their ability to meet the
standards in regards to study skills and time management, attitude and orientation,
persistence and work ethic, classroom leadership and community focus.
I expect students to:
Be serious about learning Chinese
Speak Chinese during class (unless otherwise instructed)
Be respectful
Be prepared for class
Be on time
Complete homework on time
Seek extra help regularly
Follow the guidelines of behavior that are stated in the Tilton School Student
Handbook
Students can expect me to:
Speak Chinese during class
Be prepared for class
Be on time
Be respectful
Be prompt in returning corrected work
Give regular feedback on student performance
Be accessible and available for extra help

Quartly Roadmap:
Every quarter, Chinese Level 1 class looks into a theme. Every theme was developed
following the Backward Design method by Wiggins & McTighe (2000). Students enter
the quarter with essential questions, and work on solving the questions throughout the
quarter. Essential questions serve as guides for students to explore the most useful and
culturally relevant topics within each unit. Thus, students need to make inquiries into
essential questions stated at the beginning of each quarter in the following roadmap of
Level 1 class:

Sample Syllabus

Wenqing Zhang
Chinese Teacher, Tilton School
30 School Street Street, Tilton, NH 03276
(215)-301-1126
wzhang@tiltonschool.org