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Challenge Foreign Language

Other Challenge Saturdays Programs:

Primary Challenge Math (Grades 3-4)

Challenge Math (Grades 5-6)

Challenge Primary Language Arts (Grades 3-4)

Challenge Language Arts (Grades 5-6)

Challenge Science (Grades 5-6)

Math Excursions: Geometry (Grades 7-8)

Challenge Photography (Grades 4-6)

Challenge Latin (Grades 4-6)

Challenge Leadership (Grades 4-6)

Offered for 5th-8th Graders

First reserved—first served!

Description
Challenge Foreign Language is a beginning course in Mandarin Chinese for students in grades 5-8 who have no previous knowledge of the language. Standard Mandarin is the official Chinese spoken language used by the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and Singapore. During the five class sessions students will participate in speaking, listening, reading and writing activities. Students will also learn about Chinese culture and traditions.

This class is a partnership between the Belin-Blank Center and The Confucius Institute at The University of Iowa. The Confucius Institute is a collaborative project between The University of Iowa and The Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban) and East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai.

Objectives
The Challenge Foreign Language program is designed to teach 5th-8th grade students beginning Mandarin Chinese language and Chinese culture. Students will receive direct instruction, and they will do independent work. During class time, students will be expected to follow instructions as they learn about Chinese language and culture. Occasionally, challenging assignments may be provided for home exploration. Of special note, attendance at and participation in every class is absolutely necessary when beginning the study of any language.

Instruction
The Challenge Foreign Language (Mandarin Chinese) program is designed to be an intensive mentorship program. We will provide native foreign language teachers as instructors. Click here to read more about our instructors.

Class Size
Expected class size is at least ten and no more than fourteen students per class. Therefore, the maximum student/teacher ratio is from 10:1 to 14:1.

Testing
Quizzes may be given periodically to help students maintain previously learned skills.

Text
All books and other class materials will be provided at no additional cost.

Dates for Fall
Challenge Foreign Language is a one-semester program with 3 1/2 hour classes (9AM to 12:30 PM) taking place on five Saturdays during the fall semester (see site schedule link). Challenge classes will not be offered during the spring semester.

Location
Challenge Foreign Language classes will be offered in (1) Iowa City, Iowa (The University of Iowa) and (2) in Des Moines, Iowa (Saydel High School).

Cost
Tuition is $340* for the semester’s five classes. This fee includes teacher salary, all of the costs for materials, and all curriculum development costs. The Belin-Blank Center underwrites the administrative costs, the cost of graduate assistance, and any assessments that may be coordinated by the Belin-Blank Center.

*This is a semester fee, and we do not pro-rate the fees. There are no refunds or discounts for classes students must miss.

Note
Financial aid is available for qualifying families.

Please send a healthy snack (fruit, juice, crackers) to class with your child to enjoy during a mid-morning break.

For more information, please contact:
Catherine Blando, Ed.S - catherine-blando@uiowa.edu or
Susan Assouline, Ph.D - susan-assouline@uiowa.edu
(800)336-6463