Let’s be real, most children love watching animation in their free time. With its simple plot and stimulating visuals, animation often becomes one of the most popular entertainment media for kids. 

But, do you know that animation can also be a great medium to learn Chinese language? 

This method allows children to have fun while understanding a new language. So, how exactly do children learn from animated series and which title can you choose for your children? Let’s learn more about how children learn from Chinese animated series through this article! 

Nowadays, many resources have included animations as part of study materials to help children understand Chinese. Although other mediums such as textbooks and Chinese worksheets are still used greatly, Chinese animated series gain popularity as learning resources for the following reasons. 

Natural Approach

Chinese animated series are often perfect for children who wish to learn casual Mandarin. Most of these animations focus greatly on day-to-day activities for children, such as interacting with family members and friends. Therefore, the Chinese vocabulary used for these animations are often kept simple and natural. It may also include a more informal approach compared to official textbooks. This way, children can pick up language more naturally. 

Minimal Pressure

Unlike structured learning at school or Chinese tuitions, Chinese animated series are often seen as entertaining media. With its fun approach, most children feel less pressured while learning through Chinese animated series. Oftentimes, children can even cultivate more interest and love toward Chinese through animated series. 

Targeted for Children

Most Chinese animated series are created specifically for younger audiences. Therefore, these stories are often more engaging and simple to understand. With its plots, Chinese animated series don’t only serve as a perfect medium for children to learn language, but can also help children develop other skills and emotional intelligence.

Nowadays, there are plenty of Chinese animated series you can choose for your children. Ranging from pure educational videos on YouTube or entertaining Chinese cartoons on TV, finding the best title to help your children learn Chinese may sometimes be overwhelming. Here are a few popular Chinese animated series that you can consider adding to your children’s Chinese learning journey! 

Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf (喜羊羊与灰太狼)

This animation is one of the most popular series to many generations of viewers. With over 2000 episodes, this animated series is used by many to teach their children Chinese language for daily usage. With its comedy and thrilling moments, this story explores the unlikely friendship between goat and wolves. 

Clever Tiger (巧虎)

Originating from Japan, this series has been translated into Chinese and can be a perfect start for children who just begin learning Mandarin. Targeted mainly for pre-schoolers, this animation integrates simple storylines with fun nursery rhymes, dances, and games to encourage children to actively participate while watching the show. Through this educational series, children can learn more about letters, numbers, colors, and even valuable life lessons. 

Big Head Son and Small Head Father (大头儿子和小头爸爸)

This animation is another popular title in China due to its relatable story. Revolving around a son and his parents, this animated series perfectly portrayed family interactions through its episodes. As it is targeted to younger audiences, this animated series mainly discusses life lessons such as taking responsibility, showing love, and understanding. 

Journey to the West (西游记)

This animated series gains its popularity due to it being an adaptation of a classical tale originating from China. Unlike other animations that focus on daily activities, Journey to the West involves thrilling adventures with mythical creatures. This animated series is not only perfect to help children learn more about Chinese language, but can also cultivate interest for Chinese literature and cultures. 

Big Ear Tutu (大耳朵图图)

Just like its name, this animated series focuses on a character with big ears named Tutu. Dedicated for pre-schoolers, the story is designed to be beginner friendly, meaning that it is mainly composed from easy Chinese vocabulary. Aside from its easy-to-understand sentence structure, Big Ear Tutu also offers valuable lessons about friendship, understanding, and resilience. 

Despite plenty of Chinese animated series to choose from, there are a few things that parents should pay attention to when introducing cartoons as part of children’s learning material. Here are a few tips that you might want to consider if you’ve chosen to include Chinese animated series for your children’s learning journey. 

Understand the Target Market

Although the numbers of animated series keep increasing over the years, not every one of them can be suitable for your children. One major thing you need to consider is your children’s age, which may impact your animated series selection greatly. For young children who have just learned Mandarin, you should consider finding animated series with simple plot progression. To ensure that you’re picking the right animated series for your children, you can also try watching an episode or two and assess the story based on your children’s age and ability. 

Include Chinese and English Subtitle

Younger audiences may struggle with understanding fully voiced Chinese animated series if they’re not familiar with Mandarin. Therefore, integrating Chinese and English subtitles is often suggested, especially if your children have just started learning Mandarin. Aside from learning new vocabulary, Chinese animated series can also be the perfect medium for children who wish to learn to read Chinese characters. 

Ask Children Their Opinion

Although watching Chinese animated series alone can be a great start for children to develop their Chinese skills, you can actually take this step further by asking children about their opinion. Asking children about their opinion will not only encourage them to convey their thoughts, but can also help you measure how far your children understand Chinese animated series. When discussing Chinese animated series, you can also add extra information for your children to learn, such as discussing commonly Chinese customs portrayed in the media. 

Aside from Chinese animated series, there are other fun learning activities that can help your children to improve their Chinese skills greatly. From learning through Chinese books to using flashcards, each skill can be practiced daily with the right method. 

In Elitekid, we provide different activities through our theme-based curriculum to help children cultivate interest and joy in learning Mandarin. Learn more about how we can help your children learn Mandarin effectively by visiting our website. 

Contact Us

WhatsApp: 

8831 8578 (Janice) for 4-8 yo

8884 9619 (Vanny) for 9-12 yo

Instagram: @elitekidchinese

Email: contact@elitekid.com.sg