Have you ever wondered how we come up with our printable ideas at Lingo Buddies? While Pinterest offers endless inspiration, the real magic happens when I observe children at play and witness their learning in action.

As a former teacher, I’ve had firsthand experience guiding students through the process of learning a new language. Now, as a mom, I see things from a fresh perspective. This dual lens shapes the way I design our worksheets for learning Mandarin Chinese.

Let’s face it—many traditional worksheets rely on rote repetition, the classic “practice makes perfect” approach. But for children aged 3 to 8, this stage of exploration is about making sense of the world. The last thing I want is for their introduction to Mandarin to feel dull or disconnected. My goal is to bridge the gap between language learning and their everyday lives. It’s this connection—linking words to their world—that makes learning stick and fosters a lifelong love for Mandarin.

Ever heard of ‘Good Night Gorilla’ 晚安大猩猩? It’s one of those timeless classics that kids just can’t get enough of, and parents secretly love too! Picture this: a wordless book filled with expressive illustrations that practically beg you to make up your own story as you go along. It’s like a creative free-for-all every time you open it!

I swear, my kiddo and I have made a game out of finding all the hidden gems in those illustrations. You’ve got your flashlight, your moon, a sneaky little balloon…oh, and don’t forget about that mischievous gorilla and his zoo pals! Every night, it’s a new adventure.

Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to show your children how we can make the earth a better place.  The concept of environmental protection and recycling might seem foreign to younger children, but when you make it relatable, much like learning a second language, your children will grasp the concept very quickly.  So how do you make it relatable?  Lead by example is the best way to teach children.