Cornell Mandarin Language Program

The Cornell Mandarin language program is located at Cornell Elementary School, and is a part of Albany Children’s Center. This program serves children in kindergarten-fifth grade, providing high quality school-age care after the elementary school day.

This program is a wonderful Mandarin language immersion program designed specifically for Albany students and families. This program effectively teaches speaking, understanding, reading and writing Mandarin. It also brings the joy of the Chinese culture to life as well.

All students and teachers in the Cornell Mandarin program are required to speak Mandarin, or “Shuo Han Yu,” while in the classroom. Every day, each student attends a 45 minute Mandarin lesson in a small group. The class is divided into three groups; the lessons have been designed to integrate listening and speaking throughout the entire afternoon in addition to the 45-minute targeted small group learning time. The following textbooks and reading materials are utilized in our program: American Chinese Textbooks (Book 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5), Chinese Textbook (books 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5), Seventy Chinese Ancient Poems, World Journal, and Chinese Riddles.

The Cornell Mandarin program teaches the Chinese culture and celebrations as well. Together the students and teachers participate in the Solano Stroll, the YMCA Halloween Celebration, and the Solano Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration on a yearly basis. These activities allow children to learn about and to experience the Chinese culture in a meaningful and developmentally appropriate manner.