PYP Materials for Your IB Chinese Class
- Aileen Ting
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
In IB PYP schools, Chinese is taught through inquiry and themes—not a single textbook. While this sparks curiosity, it often leaves gaps in reading and writing foundations.
As Chinese tutors, our job isn't just to help with homework; it is to bring the right supplemental materials to build the structure your child is missing at school.
Below is a showcase of the specific toolkits we use for different types of learners.
The "Core Books" We Use for Foundations
Some children feel overwhelmed by the open-ended nature of PYP. They need clarity. We select the right book based on the child's level and learning style, and then we upgrade it by adding our own digital resources (songs, videos, and games) to match the lessons.
The 3 Key Series We Use:
Chinese Treasure: This is favored by younger, hands-on students. It is organized by themes and filled with arts, crafts, and culture. We use it to let children cut out flashcards, color, and explore traditional stories and songs without the pressure of a rigid textbook.
Easy Steps to Chinese for Kids: Published by Beijing Language and Culture University, this series is excellent for children who need a confidence boost. It is similar to Chinese Made Easy but is slightly easier and gentler, making it perfect for students who need a slower pace to feel successful.
Chinese Made Easy for Kids: This is one of the most popular series in Hong Kong international schools. It provides a robust standard for listening and speaking.
How we add value: These books are good, but they are just books. We bring them to life by finding the exact videos, songs, and digital games that match each chapter, so your child isn't just reading—they are engaging.
Our Resources for "Smart but Bored" Students
If a child is capable but thinks Mandarin is "babyish," standard textbooks won't work. We bring real-interest materials into the lesson to flip the switch on motivation.
The Custom Content We Create & Use:
Pop-Culture Themes: We build lessons around topics they already love (e.g., Pokémon characters or Minecraft vocabulary).
Simplified Classics: We use adapted versions of stories like Journey to the West.
The Goal: We ensure the material is interesting enough to motivate but not so hard that it becomes frustrating. When we make Mandarin feel relevant, students stop resisting and start engaging.
The "Hands-On" Kit for Active Learners
For children who cannot sit still, worksheets are ineffective. We bring a "movement kit" to the lesson.
What We Use in Class:
Arts & Crafts: We integrate cutting, pasting, and coloring while speaking Chinese instructions.
Rhythm & Song: We use specific songs and simple dances to fix tone issues physically.
Toy-Based Learning: We utilize your child’s own LEGO, cars, or dolls as learning props (e.g., "Put the car on the chair").
Recommended Graded Readers (And Why We Don't Sell Them)
Stories are the fastest way to improve literacy. However, most parents make the mistake of buying expensive box sets but not suitable for school or the learner.
Our Top Picks for Hong Kong Students:
Odonata (Red Dragonfly): We use this for systematic character building.
Sagebooks (Basic Chinese 500): Our top choice for fast character recognition.
Better Chinese (My First Chinese Words): Perfect for beginner-friendly storytelling.
Rainbow Dragon & Little Fox: We use these for students who need audio support alongside visuals.
We recommend: Borrow from your school library, teachers or just get a sampel to test out first to ensuring you that is suitable for your kids.
Digital Tools We Use for Gamification
We use technology to make repetition addictive rather than boring. These aren't just distractions; they are vocabulary drills disguised as games.
Tools We Use During Lessons:
Blooket & Gimkit: We create competitive vocabulary battles to test retention.
Quizlet & Wordwall: We use these for quick matching and flashcard reviews.
The Reality for Parents
If you ask your child, "What did you learn in Chinese today?" and the answer is usually "Nothing," "We just played," or "I don't know," you are not alone.
Inquiry-based learning can sometimes feel invisible to parents. You know they are "inquiring," but you can't see the results.
We want to change that. We bring the structure, the books, and the clear goals that turn "playing" into proven progress you can actually see.
Find Your Child’s Perfect Learning Mix
Every child needs a different balance of structure and fun. In a trial lesson, we don't just teach—we test different materials to see what makes your child click.
Book a trial lesson to identify your child's learning style.
Want to learn with a friend? Learn more about our IB Chinese group classes.
Check our lesson format & prices for transparent lesson fees.
FAQ – IB PYP Chinese Classes Materials & Methods
How is PYP Chinese different from IB Chinese in secondary school?
PYP Chinese focuses on inquiry, themes, and exploration, while IB Chinese is more structured and assessment-driven. In PYP, children may discuss topics broadly, but IB Chinese later expects stronger reading accuracy, character knowledge, and exam-style skills.
How often should a PYP student practise Chinese outside school?
Short, regular practice works best. For most PYP students, 10–20 minutes a day of reading, listening, or speaking is more effective than one long weekly session.
Is writing Chinese characters necessary at the PYP level?
Writing is helpful but doesn’t need to be heavy. At PYP level, we focus on recognition, basic stroke order, and meaning, rather than long dictations. This builds readiness without overwhelming the child.
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Can private tutoring align with my child’s school Unit of Inquiry?
Yes. We often link vocabulary and reading practice to the current Unit of Inquiry while still using structured materials to reinforce characters and sentence patterns that may not be repeated enough in class.
Do parents need to buy textbooks for private tuition?
We use free digital materials during lessons. For physical materials, we may print samples first to test your child’s interest. If a child really enjoys a book or activity, we can discuss buying it later.
Written by Aileen Ting, founder of Mandarin & Cantonese Tutor HK
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