Over the years, I’ve seen countless kids go through the ups and downs of learning Chinese. And when chatting with parents, one question that often comes up is: “Why doesn’t my child like learning Chinese?” This isn’t just a worry for one or two parents—it’s something many are dealing with.
There’s been a noticeable dip in students’ enthusiasm for learning their mother tongue, especially Chinese. It’s becoming clear that we need to pay more attention to the struggles kids face when it comes to reading and enjoying Chinese.
Why Are Kids Disinterested in Learning Chinese?
There’s no single reason why kids might not be interested in learning Chinese. It’s a mix of things, and the only way to make a real difference is to dig deeper and understand what’s going on. Once we get to the root of the problem, parents can take the right steps to help their kids get back on track.
The Language Environment: Too Much English?
In Singapore, English is everywhere. It’s the dominant language in school, at work, and in daily life. Almost all school subjects are taught in English, except for Chinese lessons. Signs and announcements in malls? In English. TV shows and pop songs? Also in English. With so much English around them, it’s no wonder that kids end up thinking that Chinese isn’t all that useful. Over time, this lack of exposure and practice can lead to them losing interest in reading Chinese. It’s like how we’d feel if we lived in an English-speaking environment for a while—our Chinese skills might drop, and we wouldn’t be as motivated to use it.
Teaching Methods Not Always Fun
Traditional Chinese teaching methods often focus heavily on memorizing words and grammar. While this approach might work for some, it can make learning feel like a tedious task. Picture a class where the teacher spends most of the time explaining words and grammar, while the kids are just writing and memorizing without any interaction or fun. It’s hard to get excited about learning like that, right? On top of that, if the material is too complicated or doesn’t connect to their everyday life, it can quickly turn kids off from Chinese altogether.
The Family Environment: A Quiet Influence
Parents play a huge role in a child’s learning journey, but sometimes the emphasis on English at home can make it harder for kids to get the practice they need with Chinese. Some parents feel that English is more practical and will benefit their child’s future, so they speak mostly English at home. This leaves kids with fewer opportunities to practice and express themselves in Chinese. Even if parents understand the importance of Chinese, they might not have enough Chinese books at home or might not set aside time for reading. Without a strong reading habit, it’s tough for kids to develop a genuine interest in the language.
What Can Parents Do?
If you’re a parent whose child isn’t that into learning Chinese, don’t worry—it’s completely normal, and you can definitely turn things around. A few simple changes can make a huge difference. Here are some tips on how to create the right environment at home, spark their interest, and work together with their school to keep things on track.
Create a “Chinese Space” at Home
Your home is the first place where kids learn, so why not make it a space filled with Chinese? Try speaking Chinese as much as possible, whether it’s for simple greetings, daily chats, or more meaningful conversations. Encourage your child to talk about what happened at school, share details about your day, or express thoughts and feelings in Chinese. This will help them get comfortable with the language in a relaxed, natural way.
You can also create a cozy reading corner with Chinese books that match your child’s age and level. Make reading time a family activity—maybe set aside some time each day for everyone to read together. On weekends or during the holidays, you can have fun with Chinese-themed activities like a story contest, poetry reading, or Chinese riddles to keep things light and enjoyable.
Make Learning Fun by Sparking Interest
The best way to get kids to enjoy Chinese is by making it fun. Find out what your child loves, and pick books that align with their interests. If they’re into animals, grab some Chinese picture books or science books about animals. If they’re into adventure, go for exciting novels or comics. When they’re reading things they actually enjoy, they’ll get more involved and find reading way more enjoyable.
These days, there’s also a ton of multimedia resources you can use. For example, watch Chinese versions of kids’ shows like “Peppa Pig”—they’re easy to understand and fun to watch. You could also introduce some interactive games like Chinese word puzzles, character-based games, or role-playing. These activities can make learning feel like a game, rather than a chore.
Team Up with the School
The school is a big part of your child’s Chinese learning, so staying involved is key. Keep in touch with your child’s Chinese teacher to stay updated on how they’re doing. Whether it’s in class performance, homework, or test results, working with the teacher will help you identify areas where your child may need extra support.
Joining school activities is another great way to show your child that you care about their Chinese learning. Attend things like parent-child reading events or cultural festivals—getting involved in these activities can motivate your child to take their Chinese studies more seriously. At home, you can also help them review what they’ve learned and even preview upcoming lessons to reinforce what they’re working on.
It’s clear that kids in Singapore are facing some challenges when it comes to learning Chinese, but here’s the good news: parents can absolutely make a difference. By creating a positive environment at home, making learning fun, and working alongside the school, you can help reignite your child’s passion for Chinese.
Change won’t happen overnight, but with patience and support, your child can build a stronger connection with Chinese. Every time you have a conversation in Chinese, every time you read together, and every school event you participate in, you’re helping your child grow. So let’s take action and give them the tools they need to succeed in Chinese. With a little effort, they’ll be flying high in the world of Chinese and making impressive progress!
