Key Babel Institute

  • Enroll in Our Chinese Lessons for Children

    Let your child learn Chinese in an interactive, comfortable student centered style. Watch them grow from YCT (Youth Chinese Test) level zero to four with actual conversation skills to boot!

    At Key Babel, communication is key.

    children in a classroom

Try Private Lessons for Children Learning Mandarin Chinese

Curious Chinese class for children

Curious Chinese

"I want to learn a foreign language.
Can I take Chinese?"
- The Active Child

The Curious Chinese class is designed for children that truly want to learna foreign language of some sort. They may have been introduced to a few languages or cultures that have piqued their interest.

Students in this class will be introduced to cultural traditions and customs and simple yet engaging dialogue.

Students will be encouraged to take charge of their learning as they decide whether or not to pursue Chinese to fluency. Parents of these students will not mind their child choosing another language after three consecutive months.

$249/mo for (8) 45-min classes

Inquire About This Class
Fun panda Chinese classes for children

Panda Chinese

"I want to learn Chinese!"

- Your Language Loving Child


The Panda Chinese class is designed for children that want to learnChinese Mandarin specifically. The child themselves has their own interest in something Chinese, pushing them to want to learn the language. Half of the course is tailored to the specific interests of the child.

Students in this class will learn particular vocabulary in line with fun pop culture and  entertainment or even personal hobbies. Their studies will give them more insight into the social sciences such as history, geography, and psychology. These students crave practical language skills.

$369/mo for (12) 45-min classes

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Chinese hobby classes for children

Chinese Hobby

"I want my child to learn Chinese Mandarin."

- An Ambitious Parent


The Chinese Hobby course is composed of much of the same curriculum from the Curious Chinese course. The difference in this courses is that a parent wants their child to learn Chinese as an additional skill for their repertoire. This class is tailored to make sure that every child learns how to build natural conversational skills without sacrificing the fun topics from Curious Chinese.


Students in this course likely have a few opportunities to show off their Chinese skills by speaking with extended family members or simply being able to interact with Chinese Mandarin speaking people in their environment.

$319/mo for (8) 60-min classes

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Intensive dragon Chinese classes for children

Dragon Chinese

"Learning Chinese would be a great opportunity for my child."

-A Planning Parent

The Dragon Chinese course incorporates many of the topics from the Panda Chinese course while still allowing students to progress based on parental goals for them. This class takes on more of an academic approach, encouraging well-rounded knowledge in diverse disciplines and public speaking skills for children to learn Chinese with a goal of future career endeavors or the opportunity to study abroad.


Parents that enroll their children in this course are usually looking forward to the children using the Chinese language for a future return on investment.


 $479/mo for (12) 60-min classes

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How Can I Sign My Child Up for Language Classes?

Every child learns differently when it comes to language learning in general. Some are much better with rote memorization than others; and some will not engage in wrote memorization at all. Some prefer to be as active as possible, taking their own notes of their own initiative; while others prefer to simply see the information presented to them, try it a few times and then swiftly move on to the next task. 


Click on the "Inquire About This Class" button for any class that you are interested in so that you can fill out information about your child that will help us better understand what type of class would be most beneficial for him or her. The form will ask you about your child's interests and perceived learning styles and addition to the regular enrollment information that any school would ask for.


After receiving your form, we will review the information and then contact you do discuss further details about classes as they pertain to your child specifically. We will only contact you with the information that you allow us to use by submission of the form. If the class in question is indeed going to be most beneficial for your child or children, then we will proceed to schedule times and dates for the lessons to occur.


How Often Should My Child Take Foreign Langauge Lessons

We highly recommend that every student takes at least two classes per week if they do not have an environment or community in which they can use the foreign language outside of class. Of course, you could just have one class a week, if that's truly all you can manage.


We understand that many children are quite active after school these days with the abundance of skills based opportunities available to them, and for those in home school schedules can become hectic for those that enjoy added travel to their lesson plans. Fortunately, at Key Babel Institute we are able to accommodate a variety of time and date flexibility due to the nature of our live virtual class structure.

Short Introduction to Exploring Chinese Dialects

Mandarin Chinese, also known as Putonghua, is the most widely spoken language in mainland China. It is also the language of instruction for Chinese lessons at Key Babel Institute. However, the country is home to numerous other dialects, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural significance. Learning a bit about these dialects can enhance your understanding of China’s rich linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

Cantonese (Yue 粤语)

  • Region: Predominantly spoken in Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macau.
  • Features: Known for its tonal complexity, Cantonese has nine tones compared to Mandarin's four. It is also widely used in Chinese diaspora communities around the world.
  • Cultural Significance: Cantonese is the language of many classic Chinese films, music, and cuisine, particularly dim sum.

Shanghainese (Wu 吴语)

  • Region: Commonly spoken in Shanghai and the surrounding areas of the Yangtze River Delta.
  • Features: Shanghainese has a different phonetic system and tones from Mandarin, making it quite distinct and challenging for Mandarin speakers.
  • Cultural Significance: Deciphering Shanghainese offers insights into the dynamic culture and history of Shanghai, one of China’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Hokkien (Min Nan 闽南语)

  • Region: Spoken in Fujian Province, Taiwan, and among overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia.
  • Features: Hokkien has multiple regional variations and is known for its rich vocabulary and ancient roots.
  • Cultural Significance: It plays a significant role in Taiwanese culture and is used in many traditional Chinese operas and folk songs.

Hakka (Kejia 客家语)

  • Region: Found in southern China, particularly in Guangdong, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces.
  • Features: Hakka has a distinctive tonal and phonetic structure, differing significantly from both Mandarin and Cantonese.
  • Cultural Significance: The Hakka people have a unique history and cultural practices, including distinctive architecture and folk customs.
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Benefits of Exposure to Chinese Dialects

Cultural Connection

Learning a Chinese dialect connects you deeply with the local culture and traditions of specific regions. It allows for a more nuanced understanding of regional histories, customs, and arts.

Career Advantages

Proficiency in Chinese dialects can open up unique professional opportunities. It is particularly beneficial for careers in international business, translation, and cultural exchange programs.

Enhanced Communication

For those living or working in areas where a particular dialect is spoken, learning the local dialect can facilitate better communication and build stronger relationships with native speakers.

Personal Enrichment

Exploring Chinese dialects enriches your personal language journey. It provides a deeper appreciation for China’s linguistic diversity and enhances your overall language proficiency.

Cognitive Flexibility

Learning multiple languages, including different dialects, enhances cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, multitasking, and memory. It broadens your linguistic skills and adaptability.

Immersive Classes

Enroll in our immersive language classes focused on Mandarin, the main dialect. These classes emphasize listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, helping you quickly adapt to the new sounds, tones and even the characters.

Cultural Activities

Participate in our cultural activities and events where only Mandarin is spoken. Learn about Chinese festivals, watch regional films, and listening to traditional music with us will enhance your learning experience.

Language Meetups

Join our exclusive language salons programs to practice with native and fluent speakers. Regular conversation practice will improve your pronunciation and understanding.

Digital Resources

Utilize the online resources we share, such as news websites, creative video channels, and local social media sites used by Chinese natives. These tools provide flexible and accessible learning options.

Community Engagement

Engage with our school community of Mandarin Chinese speakers. Building connections with other Chinese speakers and participating in community activities can provide real-world practice and cultural insights.

Accelerated Learning

Immersion programs like ours significantly speed up the language acquisition process. By surrounding yourself with the language, you’ll quickly become more comfortable and confident in using Chinese in everyday situations. This constant exposure helps reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation naturally.

Curious Chinese lessons for kids

Curious Chinese

Basic content rehearsed in subjects like natural science, math and social studies.

$249/mo for (8) 45-min classes

Inquire Now
Cute panda Chinese lessons for kids

Panda Chinese

A slightly academic method to incorporate interests into practical language skills.

$369/mo for (12) 45-min classes

Inquire Now
Chinese hobby lessons for kids

Chinese Hobby

Curious Chinese course content in method focusing on building natural conversational skills.

$319/mo for (8) 60-min classes

Inquire Now
Intensive dragon Chinese lessons for kids

Dragon Chinese

Academic approach to encourage well rounded knowledge and speaking skills.

$479/mo for (12) 60-min classes

Inquire Now

Key Babel Implements the Best Ways for Children to Learn Mandarin Chinese

Interactive Storytelling

Children learn best through stories that capture their imagination. Our Chinese classes incorporate engaging storytelling sessions that introduce new vocabulary and sentence structures in a fun and memorable way. Stories in book form and animation keep young learners captivated.


Hands-On Crafts

Online doesn't have to be so distant. Incorporating arts and crafts into our language lessons makes the learning tangible and creative. Children engage in projects such as making traditional Chinese paper lanterns, calligraphy, and more to provide cultural insight and vocabulary relevant to the task.

Songs and Rhymes

Music is a powerful tool for language learning. We use a variety of Chinese songs and rhymes to teach children pronunciation, rhythm, and basic vocabulary. Singing along to catchy tunes helps children internalize the language naturally with joy.


Language Immersion

Immersing children in the language from an early age is highly effective. Our natural approach method ensures that Mandarin is used as much as possible during lessons on both sides, helping children become comfortable with Chinese sounds and structure for natural fluency.

Games and Activities

Learning through play is essential for children. Our classes include a range of interactive games and activities that make learning Mandarin exciting. From Chinese character puzzles to role-playing games, these activities encourage active participation and reinforce language skills in a playful context.

Technology Integration

Modern technology offers many tools to enhance language learning. We use educational apps, interactive e-books, and online games that are designed specifically for younger learners and teens. These digital resources provide additional practice and make learning Mandarin accessible anytime, anywhere.

Group Activities

Learning in a group setting fosters social interaction and collaboration. Our group classes* encourage children to practice speaking with their peers, participating in group projects, and engaging in real conversations. This social aspect of learning helps build confidence and communication skills.

Understanding the culture behind the language enriches the learning experience. We introduce children to Chinese customs, festivals, and everyday life through videos, stories, and hands-on activities. Celebrating events like Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival makes learning meaningful and fun.

Parental Involvement

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child's language learning journey. We provide resources and suggestions for parents to help reinforce Mandarin at home, such as reading Chinese storybooks*, watching shared videos together and mimicking simple conversations.

Consistent Practice

Consistent practice is key in language acquisition. We keep students involved in short, scheduled practice sessions that keep the language fresh in children’s minds. Simple activities like labeling household items, journaling, or completing homework assignments can make a big difference in language retention.

Benefits of Children Learning Chinese Mandarin at Key Babel

#1 They Experience the Advantages of Exploring Linguistic Diversity

#4 Cultural Proficiency

Our immersion programs provide an opportunity to do a deep-dive in the understanding of Chinese culture, traditions, and social norms. By integrating cultural lessons into language learning, your child gains a holistic understanding of the language itself, which enhances communication and helps them build stronger connections with native speakers.

#2 Accelerated Learning

Our immersion programs significantly speed up the language acquisition process. By surrounding your child with the Chinese language, they’ll quickly become more comfortable and confident in using Chinese Mandarin in everyday situations. This constant exposure helps reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation naturally.

#5 Improved Listening and Speaking Skills

One of the key benefits of the language immersion programs at Key Babel is the improvement in listening and speaking abilities. Regular interaction with native and fluent speakers in real-life practice situations help the development of a natural accent, better intonation, and conversational fluency.

#3 Enhanced Retention

Learning through immersion at Key Babel means your child or children are continuously practicing and applying what they have learned or are currently learning. This hands-on approach ensures that new language skills are retained longer and more effectively compared to traditional learning methods. You'll see that their ability to infer kicks in faster as well.

#6 Contextual Learning

Our language programs emphasize learning foreign languages in context. This means children learn words and phrases as they are used in everyday life, making it easier to remember and apply them. Our contextual curriculum also helps children understand the nuances and subtleties of the language.

Consider our Group Classes for Children
Learn about Academic Group Lessons

Fall 2024: Begins August 5th

Key Babel Institute Language Lesson Poster
2021 FAC Term 1

2021 FAC Term 1

2021 Fall Academic Chinese Term 1

2020 FAC Term 1

2020 FAC Term 1

First month of Fall Academic Chinese term one

2020 FAC Term 1 Topics

2020 FAC Term 1 Topics

First session of Fall Academic Chinese course for ages 9-12

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chinese summer camp

我喜欢我自己！ I Like Me: ages 4-6

Join us in learning about ourselves in Chinese Mandarin. Children will learn to like their own facial features, fashion sense and hobbies!

There's no competition here. In this live virtual class, we'll cover a new topic each day with an art project. At the end of the week, we'll share our "All About Me" books with each other.


Class meets Monday to Friday at 9:30am PST for 45 minutes to an hour (until craft is completed). Enroll for the full week or just a couple of days.

little travel guide

小导游：Little Travel Guide ages 9+

Children in this class will explore famous sites to see in China and the US with a live teacher via zoom, learning to describe new places and things to do or what makes something special.


The curriculum is based on geography social studies. Students will take turns presenting their favorite places on the last days of camp using as much Chinese language as possible. 


Class meets Monday to Friday at 10:00am EST for 2 hours.

2 weeks in June, 2 weeks in July


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