Testimonials from our parents
It is most rewarding for us when we hear from our parents how much their children love our program.
“Mandarin Seeds has made learning Chinese so fun. My daughter Zoe makes us play her "Chinese songs" constantly at home - running to the iPod as soon as we get home. What I like about this class is not just how fun they make learning Chinese, but the attention they pay to each student in every class -- making sure the children are saying the words, and pronouncing them correctly. The children are so proud to participate, and it's in a environment that seems fun and silly, but is in fact structured without them knowing it. I am so glad to have started Chinese on such a strong footing for my daughter - she loves it. Sarah and Winnie have really thought this through, and created a unique and effective program. I'm so glad I found you! And we are happy to continue growing with you.” -Carmel, mother of 22 months old daughter
“I also wanted to tell you how very much we have enjoyed the program. For one thing, Christina (teacher) really is terrific. For another, I was so impressed by the quality of the curriculum; it was very clear that Winnie and Sarah have put a tremendous amount of thought and work into this. The whole thing was just a wonderful experience for all of us.” - Jenny, mother of homeschoolers 3 and 5 years old
“This fall a group of us in Williamsburg banded together to have Mandarin immersion sessions led by Mandarin seeds. I know there are competing Mandarin lesson providers in the area now, but I've observed that the Mandarin Seeds teachers have been the most successful at engaging babies and toddlers, by incorporating songs and dance, pictorial diagrams, and quick arts and crafts projects. My mother, who is a native speaker and who accompanies my daughter to classes, has made the same observation, while at other programs children are often wandering distractedly around the room. My daughter's nanny, who is not a Mandarin speaker, says that she finds she learns more from Seeds than from other programs we've sampled.” - Julia P., mother of 2 years old daughter
“Mandarin Seeds! My son Beckett has taken two terms of classes now, and we love it. When he first started, he wasn't saying much even in English but now he keeps surprising me with words he knows in Mandarin. He really loves the songs, which are really catchy and fun, and we listen to the CDs at home all of the time. The class is really fun for even those who don't have a strong interest in Chinese, but if you think at some point you might want your child to learn the language (largest population in the world!) this would be a great foundation.” - Frances H., mother of 1 year old
“I signed up for Mandarin Seeds last year, Fall/Winter semester and it was great! I highly recommend it! My son enjoyed it so much that he would ask for the CD of the class music to be played at home and listen intently to it. My nanny, who is not chinese, also got to learn some words to use too with my son. We've been to a couple of other type of chinese classes run by other companies, and we enjoy this one so much better. Winnie and Sarah are wonderfully energetic and very dedicated to make sure that everyone in class is having fun, at the same time learning something.” - Jeannie C., mother of a 3 year old and 1 year old
“I now take a FANTASTIC class at Playgarden called Mandarin Seeds every Monday at 10 AM. The women who started it were trained in the Music Together curriculum/technique so it really is well done and the best Mandarin class I have been to in the city.” - Mali G., mother of a 2 year old
“Mandarin Seeds is amazing! My two year old daughter had no previous Mandarin exposure, but the teachers have always made her feel comfortable and kept her engaged. She now knows her animals, numbers and colors – and sings lots of Mandarin nursery rhymes to me which I don’t understand. I am very impressed“ - Anne R., mother of a 2 year old