There are so many things to consider when buying Chinese materials for your child:
- Chronological age
- Language age
- Interests and personality
- Laziness level of parent π
If you’re a lazy parent like me then I have just the thing for you: Sticker books!
The only thing you need to do is cut the sticker sheets out with a craft knife:
And read them to your child, of course. Personally I much prefer reading than thinking of what to say. Because thinking in Chinese π is TOO MUCH WORK.
Here’s what I like about this particular set.
#1. Cheap
TEN sticker books (24 pages each) cost less than $4 USD! IKR?! I think I paid more for each English sticker book when Little Man was a toddler.
#2. Covers a wide variety of topics and age range
Some books have age ranges on them 2-3 years, 3-4 years, 4-5 years, 5-6 years and others are based on topics like Science, Math, Logic, Language.
It goes from simple stories and vocabulary (animals, clothing, occupations) to more advanced concepts like food chains, telling time, character recognition and ζθ― (idioms).
#3. Vocabulary and comprehension
Overall they are a good fit for Little Man (age 5) and are great for Chinese language bonding time. It helps me realize the gaps in his vocabulary because sometimes he doesn’t understand when I read him the instructions. Actually I don’t know the meanings of half the idioms shown above so it’s educational for me as well. π
Dislikes:
The books don’t lay flat because of the binding. Most of the time I have to hold it flat for Little Man while he sticks the stickers on. GAH. Same problem with many English sticker books that I’ve bought from Amazon so it’s not just these ones.
Also I find it hard to believe a 2-year-old would have the fine motor dexterity to manipulate the teensy stickers. Use your parental judgement on that one!
Buy from:
Taobao link here. Like most items I buy from TB, the shipping costs more than the items.
Other sticker books I’m eyeing:
Hands-On Chinese Fun! 