Sing Your Way to Mandarin: Fun Songs for Kids to Learn

At M for Mandarin, we believe children learn best when they're having fun. That’s why we incorporate Mandarin children's songs into our lessons! These songs are a fantastic way for kids to pick up vocabulary, practice tones, and connect with Chinese culture—all while singing and playing along.

Why Songs Are Great for Kids Learning Mandarin?

• Easy to Remember
  Children’s songs are repetitive and use simple language, making it easy for kids to remember words like animals, numbers, and seasons.

• Fun Way to Practice Tones
  Mandarin's tones can be tricky, but songs make practicing them feel effortless. The melodies guide kids to use the correct tones without even realizing it!

• Builds a Love for Language
  Singing is fun and stress-free, which makes kids associate Mandarin with something enjoyable. This positive experience motivates them to keep learning.

• Cultural Connection
  Many songs reflect Chinese traditions and values, giving kids a fun way to connect with Chinese culture as they learn the language.

Here are some must-learn children’s songs with simple lyrics and cultural significance. These songs are perfect for young Mandarin learners, helping them build their vocabulary while enjoying the music.

1. 两只老虎 Liǎng Zhī Lǎohǔ – Two Tigers

A fun song that teaches numbers and animals with an easy-to-follow melody.
Vocabulary:

• 老虎 (lǎohǔ – tiger)

• 耳朵 (ěrduo – ears)

• 尾巴 (wěibā – tail)

  2. 小星星 Xiǎo Xīngxīng – Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

This classic tune is familiar in many languages, and its Chinese version is a great way to introduce children to the language.
Vocabulary:

• 星星 (xīngxīng – star)

• 一闪一闪 (yī shǎn yī shǎn – twinkle)

  3. 拔萝卜 Bá Luóbo – Pulling Up Carrots

A story-based song about teamwork, perfect for introducing action verbs and teamwork values.
Vocabulary:

• 萝卜 (luóbo – carrot)

• 拔 (bá – pull)

• 大 (dà – big)

  4. 找朋友 Zhǎo Péngyǒu – Looking for a Friend
  This interactive song is perfect for teaching kids how to find and bond with friends, emphasizing social skills and friendship.
  Vocabulary:

• 找 (zhǎo – find)

• 朋友 (péngyǒu – friend)

• 握握手 (wòwòshǒu – shake hands)

  5. 拍手歌 Pāishǒu Gē – Clap Your Hands
  An interactive song that teaches actions and body parts in a fun way. Kids can sing along while clapping their hands and stomping their feet!
  Vocabulary:

• 拍手 (pāishǒu – clap hands)

• 跺脚 (duòjiǎo – stomp feet)

How M for Mandarin Uses Songs in Our Lessons

At M for Mandarin, we make language learning through songs even more interactive and engaging:

• Sing-Alongs with Actions: As kids sing, they also perform actions like clapping, stomping, or pretending to be animals, helping them internalize the vocabulary through movement.

• Storytelling: Many songs tell fun, simple stories. We use these songs to build storytelling skills and enhance comprehension.

• Games and Activities: After singing, we turn the song’s vocabulary into games and interactive activities to further reinforce what the children have learned.

Are you ready to introduce your child to the joy of learning Mandarin through music? Join us at M for Mandarin and watch your child’s language skills flourish!