Learning in Confucian culture: real-world connected theme for learners
Date of publication :2020-09-23 22:12

Key takeaways: 

  • learning is a lifelong process
  • learning through real-world connected topics
  • age-specific learning characteristics


Lifelong learning theory by Confucius


More than 2500 years ago, a theory of learning by Confucius was born: 学而时习之, 不亦说乎? (Xué ér shí xí zhī ,bù yì yuè hū ?) It means "to learn something and timely pratice it, isn't it a great pleasure of life? " Here " 时" / "timely" "time" has multiple senses according to Confucius:

---different moment of a day requires different learning methods. For example, Confucius recommended morning reciting to his students because morning is the moment of memory. In the morning, we tend to be better at declarative memory task, easily remember terms, names, dates, facts; in the afternoon, we better at semantic memory task, easily integrate new informations to the knowledge acquired before; in the evening, it is the moment of leisure and extensive reading

---different seasons of a year give various topics. For example, different seasons have different environmental conditions, different natural phenomena and corresponding human activities. Real-world connected topics would enhance learners' comprehension and engagement; 

---different period of life enables acquisition of different knowledge. For example, kids like sponges have great capacity of memory in terms of speed and storage, but their logic is yet sound enough; The older we are, the less we are in memorizing things, but better in analytic skills and logic. Therefore, each period  of life, we acquire different knowledge and  gain accumulated wisdom. 

It is acknowledged by modern researches that kids have wonderful memory for multilingual development, and theme-related educational method largely improves learning efficiency. Hahaha, Confucius was probably the first person who advocated theme-based education and age-adapted learning! 


The theme of Autumn

What is the hihilulu recommended topics for our young Chinese learners at this season? September 22nd is the autumnal equinox ( 秋分Qiūfēn) of 2020. We formly enter into the season of colors and fruitfulness!

Let's start our learning and practice through cartoons based on the theme of Autumn: 



Dance with Emmy & GooRoo and falling leaves, while counting various colors (颜色 Yánsè) of Autumn! Stop anywhere in this original song and use the colorful subtile to learn colors in Chinese.



Hold a small gathering with parents like Penelope's harvest party, learn to speak in Chinese: 秋天 (Qiūtiān/autumn), 水果 (Shuǐguǒ/fruit),  (yè/leaf) .....


Don't forget Confucius said: 

学而时习之, 不亦说乎? (Xué ér shí xí zhī ,bù yì yuè hū ?)

" to learn something and timely practice it, isn't it a great pleasure of life? ". 


 

💡  hihilulu Atelier®  opens Cartoon Story Time in Boston, USA. We will keep you posted about how it will roll out in other countries. Contact atelier@hihilulu.com for participation.  

Tags: ConfuciusChinese cartoonlearning and practicingclassic learning theory by Confuciustheme-based learninglifelong learning
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hihilulu is the first Chinese content streaming platform for kids, offering cartoons, interactive games and personalized services, helping children learn Chinese in a natural way. Through our Progressive Learning System®, we aim to create an immersive Chinese environment that helps young children and their parents everywhere succeed in learning this difficult language!