In the past 20 years, there have been over 60,000 adoptions from China; and the rate of Chinese, and foreign, adoptions is steadily growing. Many parents of these new multicultural families put a great deal of importance on exposing their children to their native culture at an early age -- from placing them in classes to learn their native language proficiently to instilling pride in their heritage with cultural lessons. Local families have found their way to Jabberü -- a foreign language and cultural education haven for children from ages one to ten. Mandarin is one of the most popular classes in all three of Jabberü's Washington, DC area locations.
"We have several children enrolled in our classes who have been adopted from China," says Rob Anderson, President of Jabberü. "These parents want to give a gift to their children -- a tie to their Chinese culture through language. They know that starting kids early in language is the best time to learn and to give them an educational advantage for the rest of their lives; and our method through interactive-engaging activities has been praised by parents for its effectiveness."
While recognizing the benefit of teaching their adopted child about their birth culture, most parents also see a more general purpose to introducing children to foreign languages and cultures at an early age. "I want my children to be better global citizens," says Emily of Montgomery County, MD, the mother of two daughters adopted from China. Emily's daughter Margaret -- age 6 -- has been enrolled in Mandarin classes at Jabberü since they opened their Gaithersburg center last year. "My experience at Jabberü has been tremendous. As soon as you arrive, they are speaking to the children in Mandarin. That's the only way to learn a language, in my opinion."
Jabberü is hosting a special "Year of the Rat" Chinese New Year Celebration open to all children (free-of-charge) ages five to ten on Friday, February 8 from 5 to 6. Jabberü's native Chinese instructors will lead the children through fun Chinese children's games and traditional hands-on crafts -- they'll also learn how to greet all of their new friends in Mandarin. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended for this free event -- please call 301.951.1101.
Jabberü offers quality foreign language education resources for children ages one to ten. The company owns and operates language learning centers in the Washington, DC area, contracts with schools to provide foreign language education and creates original books, CDs and other materials in foreign languages. The company's mission is to inspire a generation to be good global citizens through languages, communication and cultures. For more information on the company or to view its online store, please visit http://www.jabberu.com.