Last week, 7 kids from 4 countries made their Chinese debut summer camp experience at Mandarin Inn – five days ago, they spoke different languages – and their Chinese levels varied too, from absolute beginners to those with some prior knowledge. Five days later, they could name the twelve zodiac animals in Chinese, identify colors while building with LEGO, cut out delicate paper-cuttings, paint Peking opera masks, and even act out stories from Journey to the West with shadow puppets. This week at Mandarin Inn, the children learned through laughter and grew through creation.
Mornings were for Chinese class. The children started with self-introductions, then built their color vocabulary through block play, learned the twelve zodiac animals, and picked up simple verbs for paper-cutting. They used “like / don’t like” to talk about their favorite animals, “red, black, blue, white” to describe their opera masks, and “fold, cut, place” to explain the paper-cutting process – every word they learned in the morning was put to use right away in the afternoon’s cultural workshops.
Listening to the teacher explain the rules of the zodiac game.
Folding paper – learning through hands-on fun
Ais proudly presented the flags of China and Kazakhstan
Afternoons were for cultural workshops. In paper-cutting class, little hands held scissors and turned red paper into lively zodiac designs. In mask painting, children used red, black, blue, and white to bring heroes and villains to life. In shadow puppet class, they crafted their own characters – and behind the screen, the Monkey King and the White Dragon Horse truly came to life. Through hands-on creation, the children experienced Chinese culture – every piece they made was a unique expression of themselves. And most importantly – they learned to introduce every single piece in Chinese.
Introducing their paper-cutting artwork in Chinese
Focused and creative – painting Peking opera masks with care
Introducing their mask colors in Chinese
Choosing their own shadow puppet characters to bring to life
Shadow puppet performance
On Thursday, we took the classroom to the city. Accompanied by their teachers, the children held their own tickets, rode the subway, and navigated their way to the exits – completing their adventure to the Shanghai History Museum with confidence. Inside the museum, they discovered Shanghai’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis over the past century. That day, the city was their classroom, and every step was a step of growth.
Off we go! Day 4 adventure starts right outside Mandarin Inn.
Tickets in hand – they tapped through the gates on their own.
Following the signs and finding the station exit.
Completing fun challenges at the Shanghai History Museum
Enjoying the view from the museum rooftop – a moment to remember.
During break time, the children played games in the classroom and ran wild in the yard – chasing each other, laughing, examining a pomelo they found, and crafting flying machines from twigs and leaves. In just a few days, they went from being strangers from different countries to inseparable friends. Different languages? No problem. Different cultures? No problem. Children’s friendship never needs a translator.
Game time in the classroom
The ramps beside the steps? Nature’s own slide – and they loved it!
Pomelos on the tree caught their attention – curious little explorers at work!
Pure joy in the yard – running, laughing, and having fun together.
Crafting flying machines from leaves and twigs – creativity in action.
Leisure time in the yard – relaxing, chatting, and enjoying the sunshine.
Friday’s Showcase was the highlight of their Chinese debut – they stood stood in front of their parents and introduced their paper-cuttings, opera masks, and shadow puppets – all in Chinese. They confidently gave self-introductions, named their zodiac animals, described the colors and characters of their masks, and shared the stories behind their paper-cut artworks. From being too shy to speak to presenting with confidence – all in just five days. The other two campers had left early for family trips, but they too carried home portfolios full of creations and memories. The proud smiles in the eyes of the parents in the audience were the greatest affirmation the children could have received.
This was the answer the children had written over five days – and the very scene Mandarin Inn always hopes to see. Week 1 came to a beautiful close – 7 kids, 4 countries, 5 days, and countless moments of laughter. The children went home with confident smiles and portfolios full of their creations; the parents left with peace of mind and words of gratitude. This is what Mandarin Inn Summer Camp is all about – happy kids, reassured parents, and culture shared through laughter.
Next week’s theme “My Chinese Story” is about to begin. A new week, new adventures – we’re waiting for you at Mandarin Inn! (End)
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Mandarin Inn, More Than Just a Language School
Located in the scenic heart of Shanghai’s former French Concession, Mandarin Inn is housed in a historic villa, offering not only an ideal place for studying Mandarin but also a chance to experience Shanghai’s rich history and culture. As the home of the APM Public Library and recognized by Ecovadis for corporate social responsibility, Mandarin Inn carries a dual mission of education and cultural heritage.
