STARTALK Summer Camp

University of New Hampshire
2013 STARTALK Chinese Language Summer Camp

June 22 through July 6, 2013

*Application Deadline: May 15, 2013*

Update: Startalk has reached capacity for 2013. We will accept applications through May 15th to be added to our waitlist.

Description

The University of New Hampshire’s 2013 STARTALK Chinese Language Summer Camp is a non-residential program sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Experienced language teachers will lead the camp's cultural and linguistic activities. Thirty-two students, in grades 5 (upcoming 6th grade) through 11 (upcoming 12th), will be divided into two groups (novice and intermediate) according to their Chinese language preparation. Students will develop basic Mandarin Chinese language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) with a focus on simple and healthful Chinese cooking. In addition to intensive language/cooking lessons, students will participate in daily cultural activities that will reinforce language learning and a greater appreciation of Chinese cooking. This year the program will open each morning with 30 minutes of martial arts on the lawn for the physical and mental health benefits of this ancient form of Chinese martial arts. The camp will focus on healthful Chinese cooking. Other cultural activities may include Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, kite making and flying, martial arts, Chinese music such as the pipa, and erhu, ping-pong, and a field trip to Boston's Chinatown to do grocery shopping. Students will need to cook their own lunch most of the time through guided instructions.

Level 1 - Novice

The UNH level one class will teach basic Chinese characters related to food and cooking for daily use with an activity-based curriculum. It is our intent that after this summer camp, the beginner students will have built a solid foundation for future learning in Chinese cooking. The students will gain firsthand knowledge about Chinese language and culture through food and cooking and continue to learn Chinese after the summer camp in various ways. Students will be able to conduct basic conversations related to food and cooking, do simple grocery shopping in Chinese. All students will be given appropriate Chinese names, and an understanding of family life and culture.

Level 2 - Intermediate

The UNH level two class students already will possess a basic knowledge of Chinese. They will carry out more conversation practices, and study characters to gain greater language skills.