Why does Chinese feel harder when students move from PYP to MYP?

For many non-native learners, PYP Chinese is more inquiry-based and flexible, while MYP becomes more structured and assessment-driven. In MYP, grammatical accuracy and formal writing matter more, so students who were “keeping up” in PYP can suddenly feel overwhelmed.

My child knows vocabulary but cannot build sentences. What does that mean?

This usually means the student is missing structure. They may recognise words but do not know how to combine them into correct sentence patterns. In MYP, the pace and accuracy expectations increase, so gaps in grammar and sentence building become more visible.

Why use structured textbooks for IB MYP Chinese?

Structured textbooks give clear progression in vocabulary and grammar. We align with what schools commonly use so students are not forced to learn a new system on top of schoolwork. This helps students rebuild structure and improve faster with less stress.

Which MYP Chinese textbooks do you use?

We commonly use Chinese Made Easy (3rd Edition), Easy Steps to Chinese (1st Edition), Easy Steps to Chinese (2nd Edition), and iChinese. The best choice depends on the student’s level, confidence, and goals.

Who is Chinese Made Easy (3rd Edition) best for in MYP?

Chinese Made Easy (3rd Edition) is best for students who need a modern, MYP-aligned structure. It is especially helpful for learners coming from a very open PYP learning style and needing clearer grammar and progression.

Who is Easy Steps to Chinese (1st Edition) best for?

Easy Steps to Chinese (1st Edition) is best for students who need to slow down and rebuild basics. The pacing is gentler, making it useful for strengthening foundations and reducing overwhelm.

Who is Easy Steps to Chinese (2nd Edition) best for?

Easy Steps to Chinese (2nd Edition) is best for confident students who want a level boost. It is harder, so we often use it to challenge students aiming for top results such as a Grade 7.

Who is iChinese best for?

iChinese is best for older beginners. We use it especially for students preparing for IB DP Chinese Ab Initio, where students need clear structure and efficient progress.

How do you support busy IB students without adding extra pressure?

We reinforce rather than overload. We follow school topics to make homework feel easier, slow down to fix grammar gaps, build clear sentences for writing and speaking, correct pronunciation gently (especially tones), and do targeted revision before assessments to avoid last-minute panic.

Do you offer relaxed, real-life Chinese practice as well?

Yes. When students have mental space, we add relaxed, real-life practice, often after homework, near the end of term, or before holidays. This supports confidence and practical language use beyond the classroom.

What is included in your trial lesson for IB Chinese tutoring?

The trial lesson is 1 hour. It includes a level assessment and a study plan so families have clear next steps and a structured path forward.

Do you teach online, in person, or both?

We offer both in-person lessons in Hong Kong and online lessons. Families can choose a flexible schedule depending on school workload and availability.

Do you offer both 1-to-1 and group IB Chinese classes?

Yes. We offer 1-to-1 IB Chinese tutoring and small group classes (typically 2 to 4 students). Both options can be arranged in person (HK) or online, depending on availability.

What IB exam zone is Hong Kong in?

Hong Kong is in IB Exam Zone B. Many international schools in Hong Kong follow the May examination session, with the school year typically starting in August and exams held in May.

How an IB Chinese Tutor Teaches MYP Students Using Structured Textbooks

Aileen Ting
6 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

IB MYP Chinese textbooks in our class, including Chinese Made Easy and Easy Steps to Chinese

The transition from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a big leap for many non-native students.

In PYP, lessons are inquiry-based, flexible, and fun. In MYP, the game changes: expectations become structured, with a heavy emphasis on grammatical accuracy and formal writing.

Many parents tell me:

"My child understands the vocabulary but just can’t put sentences together."

This usually means the student is overwhelmed by the pace. While some adjust quickly, others lose motivation as accuracy requirements rise. This is exactly where a patient, structured IB Chinese tutor can turn things around.

The Core Textbooks We Use (and Why)

We align with the textbooks schools use so students aren’t forced to learn a new system on top of their school workload.

Chinese Made Easy (3rd Edition)
- Best for: Students needing a modern, MYP-aligned structure.
- Why: It restores order for students coming from a very "open" PYP learning style.

Easy Steps to Chinese (1st Edition)
- Best for: Students who need to slow down and rebuild basics.
- Why: The pacing is gentle, making it perfect for strengthening foundations.

Easy Steps to Chinese (2nd Edition)
- Best for: Level boosters and confident students.
- Why: This edition is harder; we use it to challenge students aiming for a Grade 7.

iChinese
- Best for: Older beginners.
- Why: We use this specifically for students preparing for the IB DP Ab Initio.

Supporting Busy Students Without Extra Pressure

IB students already juggle schoolwork, sports, and social lives. Our goal is to support their progress without adding stress.

In every IB Chinese class, we reinforce rather than overload. We focus on:

Following school topics so homework feels easier.
Slowing down to fix grammar gaps schools might miss.
Building clear sentences for confident writing and speaking.
Correcting pronunciation gently (especially tones).
Targeted revision before assessments to avoid last-minute panic.
Adding relaxed, real-life practice: When students have mental space, we bridge the gap between textbook exercises and authentic communication using digital tools.

The result? Steady progress, less anxiety, and practical language skills they can use beyond the classroom.

Digital Tools We Use (Quizlet, Anki, and Blooket)

Some MYP students learn best with short, repeatable practice. We use these tools to make vocabulary stick without the stress of a formal test.

Quizlet (My most-used tool): Fast to set up and great for reviewing daily vocabulary sets and sentence chunks before a writing task.
Anki (Best for memory): Ideal for older students who want higher grades. It uses "spaced repetition" to ensure vocabulary stays in long-term memory.
Blooket (Fun for younger MYP): A motivating game-style review we use to reward effort after finishing a hard textbook chapter.

School AI Tools and Digital Readers

School-Based AI Speaking Tools Many schools use platforms where students record sentences and a "bot" grades them.

The limitation: While good for drilling, students often tell me the AI marks them "wrong" even when they are understandable.
Our approach: We use these for drills, but we don't rely on them. A human tutor is better at explaining why a tone was wrong or how to fix it naturally.

Digital Reading (Mandarin Matrix) If a family doesn't want a tutor, digital reading is the best way to self-learn at home.

Top Pick: Mandarin Matrix is the platform most IB schools use. It offers "graded readers" that align with MYP themes (like "Identities").
Why we still prioritize textbooks: Digital readers are great for exposure, but textbooks provide the structure needed for exam accuracy. We view apps as a helpful "snack," while the textbook is the "main meal."

Transparent Pricing

We offer flexible options for families who want focused support without long-term contracts.

1-to-1 IB Chinese Tutor

Flexible schedule · In-person (HK) or online · All IB phases

Trial Lesson (1 Hour) Assess level & create a plan ...... HK$400
Single Lesson (Pay-as-you-go) Ongoing expert support ............ HK$600 / hour
10-Hour Package ..................... HK$5,000
20-Hour Package ..................... HK$9,000
30-Hour Package ..................... HK$12,000

Book a Trial Lesson

Group IB Chinese Class

Small groups (2–4 students) · In-person (HK) or online

Trial Package (10 Hours) ........ HK$2,500
Ongoing Package (20 Hours) ... HK$5,000

Schedule Your Group Class

FAQs: IB MYP Chinese & Schools

What is the difference between IB and MYP?

Think of the IB (International Baccalaureate) as the "umbrella" for the whole system. The MYP (Middle Years Programme) is just one phase under that umbrella.

IB: The full education framework from kindergarten to graduation.
MYP: The specific "middle school" phase (Years 7–11) sitting between Primary (PYP) and the Diploma (DP). It focuses on skill-building for the final exams.

What IB exam zone is Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is in IB Exam Zone B. Most international schools here follow the May Examination Session, so the school year starts in August and exams are held in May.

What is the best IB school in Hong Kong?

There is no single "best" school, only the best fit for your child’s personality.

For Academic Rigor: Schools like St. Paul’s Co-educational College (SPCC) and Diocesan Boys' School (DBS) are famous for high scores.
For Holistic Balance: German Swiss International School (GSIS) and Chinese International School (CIS) are highly regarded.
Advice: Choose the environment that fits your family's language goals.

Is ISF a good school in Hong Kong?

Yes, The Independent Schools Foundation Academy (ISF) is widely considered one of the best for bilingual education. Unlike schools where Chinese is just a subject, ISF emphasizes Putonghua heavily.

Note: The program is very demanding. Many families hire an IB Chinese tutor to ensure their child keeps up with the rigorous curriculum.

Bottom Line

The transition to MYP is challenging, but it does not mean your child is "behind."

With the right IB Chinese tutor, structured materials, and calm reinforcement, most students regain confidence and start producing clearer, more accurate Chinese.

Writer: Aileen Ting, Founder of Mandarin & Cantonese Tutor HK