Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Ni Hao, Kai-lan

We're a little behind our US friends as tonight was the first time that Ni Hao, Kai-lan was shown on Treehouse TV here in Canada. I set the VCR to tape it but since I was cooking supper at the time, watched the first episode while it was on. I must admit to enjoying it and trying out some of the Chinese words Kai-lan and her friends were teaching. I can now count to 2 (I think...even though they taught 1, 2 and 3) and I also learned the word for 'jump'...but I can't remember it! Languages are not my forte and I struggle to remember them. I'm sure Hannah will leave me in her dust when it comes to learning Chinese from this adorable little show!

Based on a Dora type idea with a Chinese-American little girl and her English and Chinese speaking animal friends, it was a fun, bright show that taught some really good lessons. Not only were some Chinese words taught throughout the show they also taught some good lessons on working together as a team and learning how to calm down when you're upset. Good lessons for pre-schoolers to learn in a fun environment.

As the premier show was based on dragon boat races they also taught the kids a little dance about dragons. Jumping up, crouching down, wiggling their seat and flapping their arms. I won't confess to doing that dance. Nope. Well...maybe just a little! I'll need to try it out with Hannah someday so it's never too early to learn.

Now....if I could just remember how to say the number 3 in Chinese we'd really be going places!

10 comments:

  1. I PVR'ed it. I want to copy it to DVD. Will make you a copy.

    Keep smilin!

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  2. Isn't that a great show?! Marie loves it (Rose is indifferent). My only complaint is that they need to put a vocabulary box in the corner with any Chinese words along with their phonetic pronunciation.

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  3. I have heard about his, but have yet to see it! Sheesh.... Glad you like it too. I will have to check my local listing.

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  4. Just admit it Catherine . . . you were dancing right along. Oh to be a fly on the wall! :) Glad you enjoyed the show. We only have very basic satellite and treehouse isn't included so unfortunately we don't get the show. I'll have to keep my eye open for it on DVD in the store.

    k

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  5. The only 3 phrases I really used in China were "Thank you" "Hello" Good-bye, and the big one was "Where is the bathroom?" LOL!!

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  6. three is san, with a long a sound like "sahn". I knownthis because my daughter and husband are relentless with the Chinese vocab around here. Yesterday in the grocery store, Bean kept shouting "eee gha chiou"(ok not proper spelling at all) , the word for "a ball" and then wanting me to endlessly repeat her Chinese name. We are without tv so I am anxiously awaiting the DVD's of this show because Jade is getting a bit old - ya know?
    Michal Dillon

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  7. ok.. not sure about sahn.. but today the counting was on again and Maddy was counting to three. I thought it sounded more like eee, rrr, sun 1,2,3 :0) I agree with m3 they need to put a vocab box in the corner or spell out the chinese words because I have a really hard time figuring out what they are saying exactly. Other than that.. Maddy is starting to like the show. She likes to "tickle" the sun awake :0)

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  8. Love the sidebar with the Tim's.
    I bought 4 this week and won once.
    Woo Hoo !!
    At this rate, I'll be driving that fancy smancy new car in no time
    ( although, I'll settle with a free cup of java).
    Andrea

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  9. I'll have to keep an eye out for this show when we get our tv. I missed it.

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