Struggles Learning Chinese in Australia

Blew my top yesterday while trying to get Beth to complete her Chinese homework.

She literally had a meltdown: tears, tantrums, sitting on the floor wailing that she hated Chinese and didn't EVER want to go back to SG (where bilingualism is a must at school)...

Why is it so hard to teach my child her mother tongue in Australia??

Guess I already know. I don't even speak Chinese to her at home. And the learning environment at school is pro-monolingualism (pity Kevin Rudd's no longer the PM). They call other languages LOTE - Languages Other Than English! Latin is introduced only at Grade 3 and LOTE in Middle School. How to cultivate a love for language like that?

Was chatting with a couple of mums recently who are of Asian origin. My Japanese friend has initiated a home routine whereby her 8 yo gets up at 7 am every school morning and does 30 min of Jap language via Nintendo DS and textbooks that she specially orders from Japan.

My China friend makes her 8 yo do Chinese assignments everyday. That's on top of the Chinese homework that she already has to do. The daughter goes to the same Chinese school as Beth and has been getting top marks, despite dad being angmoh (the dad attends the Chinese class with her and pays separate fees as a mature student!).

I looked up Google today to track down a Nintendo DS game that might help. And found My Chinese Coach.

Could this be The Answer?