The document discusses challenges and opportunities in choosing instructional materials for teaching Chinese. It notes that material selection is important and can determine curriculum. Issues to consider include language variety, approach to literacy, and the role of literacy. When evaluating materials, it is important to consider diversity, bias, cultural appropriateness, and how well they align with program goals and standards. Guidelines recommend materials that are well-organized, encourage communication over grammar, integrate culture, and support different learning abilities and needs.

1. Choosing Instructional Materials: Challenge and Opportunity National Chinese Language Conference May 1, 2009 Carol Ann Dahlberg Concordia College, Moorhead, MN Jane Lu Chicago Public Schools/ Confucius Institute in Chicago

3. National K-12 Foreign Language Resource Center Chinese Curriculum Project http://www.nflrc.iastate.edu/Chinese/curriculum.htm Ohio’s K-4 Content-Enriched Mandarin Chinese Curriculum and Professional Development Modules http://www.ode.ohio.gov U.S. Curriculum Projects

14. Possible Guidelines for Use in Materials Selection

16. Languages and Children Goals Standards- and Performance-Based Compatible with program goals Careful Scope and Sequence Appropriate appropriate for intended audience.

17. Languages and Children Communication Organized by communication, rather than by grammar Use of English avoided/discouraged Oriented to activity and experience Approaches to literacy compatible with program goals Provide for meaningful, purposeful language use

18. Languages and Children Culture Integrated into program materials Presented from a global perspective Situations and language are culturally authentic, up to date Access to authentic songs, poems, games, literature

19. Languages and Children Subject Content, Thinking Skills Teaching grade-appropriate subject content, interdisciplinary content in Chinese Help to develop higher-order skills Opportunities for students to personalize language, culture, content learning

20. Languages and Children Bias Flexibility Physical Characteristics Budget

21. Languages and Children Support Materials Teacher’s manual with abundant suggestions Relevant, effective visual and audio materials Technology materials or activities

22. Suggested Guidelines for Districts Using:

25. Criteria for Understanding by Design Districts Are the materials well organized and teacher-friendly? Are outside experiences, including family involvement, part of the learning experience? Self & Campine

26. Searching For & Selecting Sound Teaching Materials Jane Lu, CPS / CIC

42. Questions?

43. Choosing Instructional Materials: Challenge and Opportunity Carol Ann Dahlberg (cadahlbe@cord.edu) Jane Lu (jylu@cps.k12.il.us)