Yinghua is proud to be part of both the Northeast Minneapolis community and the Twin Cities Chinese community.  Since moving here in 2009, we have been working to expand our neighborhood and cultural relationships related to both educational goals and community outreach goals.

EDUCATION OUTREACH

Evening Chinese classes for adults

“It’s not difficult—it’s just different!” It is never too late to start learning a foreign language and become an engaged global citizen. These classes are open to any member of the community, no prior language ex-perience necessary! This class is designed for students with little or no experience with Mandarin Chinese. The curriculum will be taught using the phonetic pinyin system in order to learn Mandarin sounds and tones. Class dates and times vary by season.  Check out the enrichment catalog for the current offering or email the enrichment coordinator for more information.

Mandarin immersion summer camps

Information about the 2011 STARTALK summer camp “From Abacus to Apps: Learning Chinese language and Culture through Math, Science and Technology” can be found here. The federal STARTALK Program supports efforts to expand and improve the teaching and learning of strategically important world languages. We have offered STARTALK-funded Chinese immersion summer camps for students since 2009.  The total immersion setting provides opportunities for students to learn key vocabulary and skills through activities in a fun, “hands-on,” camp environment. Activities focus on the children’s Chinese language practice process: interact with other students, express needs, and understand instructions. Students are divided by age group and prior language ability.  No prior foreign language experience is necessary!

Professional Development for immersion teachers

This year, STARTALK is also supporting a Teacher Training Program at Yinghua, as part of the STARTALK mission to foster engaging summer experiences that exemplify best practices in language education and in language teacher development, forming an extensive community of practice that seeks continuous improvement in such criteria as outcomes-driven program design, standards-based curriculum planning, learner-centered approaches, excellence in selection and development of materials, and meaningful assessment of outcomes. If you are a new or novice teacher of Chinese language, or new to Chinese language immersion teaching, click here for more details about our summer teacher training program.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Northeast Minneapolis Art Association (NEMAA)
Yinghua is proud to be a NEMAA member and contributor to the vibrant art scene in Northeast Minneapolis. As an annual Art-a-Whirl participant, Yinghua offers an afternoon full of Asian-inspired and family-friendly arts and crafts, as well as music and activities for children.

Northeast Park/Recreation Center
We are fortunate to have a such a valuable and mutally-beneficial relationship with our immediate neighbors at Northeast Park & Recreation Center. We share resources, programming and space by supporting one another in a shared effort to provide a safe, fun place for children and families to learn and play.

Northeast Parade
Yinghua Academy is very excited to take part each year in our neighborhood parade. Parents, students and staff work together to create costumes, props, floats and more–adding a lively and colorful cultural element to this summer celebration along the streets of our community.

Bottineau Neighborhood Association
Yinghua started its relationship with the BNA by getting involved in its annual spring clean-up to celebrate Earth Day. Our families joined in to help in clean up the Mississippi River and Northeast neighborhood after the long winter.  We look forward to expanding our efforts as environmental stewards.

Bethany Covenant Nursing Home
Honoring the elderly is an important aspect of Chinese culture and we are so happy to have formed this valuable and reciprocal partnership with Bethany. Our students have gardened with residents, enjoyed ice-cream and antique cars, and presented on Chinese cultural festivals.

Yinghua Academy has created and sustained so many other important partnerships through its educational and enrichment programming–from local and regional businesses and organizations to national and international associations: our school is truly fortunate to have fostered such rich and rewarding relationships.