Academics > Accel. Language Programs > Chinese Language Academy
Lamar CISD Chinese Language Summer Academy
The goal of the Texas Startalk Chinese Language Summer Academy is to raise an awareness of and stimulate the interest in learning Chinese language and culture among middle and high school students. The theme of the academy is Your Space My Space. Through the materials and instruction, students use the Chinese language to explore their own space and compare with the spaces of Chinese young people in the spheres of life style, personal preferences, family structure, and school activities. The program theme also introduces animal characters of a panda and an American bald eagle that will lead the discussion of the two animal's habitats and how teenagers in China and the USA help to protect both endangered animals. Thus, students learn through exploration and comparison, that individual spaces of young people reflect the cultural and social uniqueness, as well as the similarly exciting energy, free spirit, and wild creativity, whether they are in Beijing, Taipei or Texas. The academy also provides one hour everyday for hands-on cultural experience, making arts and crafts, playing traditional games, cooking, and writing calligraphy with the teachers from the communities.
The Chinese Language Summer Academy is funded through grants made possible by the National Security Language Initiative from many different federal agencies. Homeland Security, the C.I.A., and the F.B.I. are just a few of these agencies supporting a national effort to promote the need of learning world languages. LCISD will partner with the Consortium of Texas Chinese Institute to provide a rich and fun summer academy.
At the end of the academy, students are able to:
- greet people properly
- introduce oneself/family/friends (name, age, nationality)
- provide personal information (e.g. telephone number)
- ask and respond simple questions
- express likes and dislikes
- describe daily routines
- understand the formations of 30 Chinese characters
- distinguish Pinyin (phonetic system) and Tones
- distinguish between traditional and simplified characters
- use short and memorized sentences in oral and written presentations
- appreciate Chinese culture and folk arts, such as calligraphy, puppet shows, and etc.
If you would like further information, please contact Courtney Hill at chill@lcisd.org or visit the web sites listed below.
(This is an introduction to Chinese and will not count as a high school credit. Students are introduced to the Chinese language and culture.)