We would also like to give a summary of our many classes and their teachers.  All non-language-learning classes will be taught in English:

Montessori Chinese Pre-K and K:
- 2 Montessori certified teachers

- Montessori Chinese Pre-K (3pm and 4pm) for ages 3-5

- Montessori Chinese K (1pm and 3pm) for ages 4-6, 2 different levels, 3 classes  

Computer Coding (计算机编程): 3pm for 3rd-5th graders, 4pm for 6th-8th graders

Teacher Mr. Sun, Wei compiled a detailed curriculum outline, along with his background information, at the following link:

http://bit.do/mlcccProgrammingClass

Fencing (击剑): 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, minimum age 8

Fencing is known as human speed chess because each move has a counter move.  It trains split second decision-making and accurate hand-eye coordination.

Coach Graham Draper is a Fencing Instructor with 19 years of experience with his studies starting at the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia. He captained Archmere Academy's Fencing Club before teaching at Lionville YMCA during his college years. Going on his 5th year of teaching, he is happy to be bringing fencing to the Main Line Chinese Culture Center.

The class emphasizes having fun while practicing discipline, acquiring strength and improving gross motor skills. This program uses a variety of games that promote strength, coordination, and tactical understanding. After the beginning several classes, the curriculum will cover foot technique, proper use and handling of the foil (foil is one type of sword), and includes mock bouts.

Coach will only recommend buying equipment if student is still interested after numerous classes. Starter set is about $90 and include sword, vest, mask, bag, etc. and lasts for many years but for needing taller vests as child grows.

MATHCOUNTS: 3pm, preferred age approximately 10 dependent on math aptitude

Mr. Tom Le has been teaching Mathcounts at MLCCC Weekend School for 4 years.    Last year, 4 of his MLCCC Mathcounts students placed in the local competition, and 3 of them advanced to the State competition including Kevin Wu who won 1st place at the State Competition.  Mr. Le is a responsible and fun teacher, and the first to emphasize that the students’ success are highly correlated with their own drive and work ethic outside of his class.  He is well-liked and respected by his students and his teaching goal is much more than enhancing the children’s math abilities:

- Build confidence in mathematics and problem solving.

- Get them to verbalize and articulate their thoughts in class.

- Use real-life examples whenever possible to illustrate concepts.

- Present material using varying approaches and contexts so that they can see patterns and make connections.

- Emphasize that they have to “cut through the clutter” and focus on answering the question at hand in an efficient manner.

SAT Prep: 1pm (one week Verbal, one week Math)

Our Mathcounts teacher, Mr. Tom Le, will bring the same enthusiasm and practicality to this class as he has done to the Mathcounts class.  He will teach both Verbal and Math, which ensures consistency between the classes and more complete understanding of the students’ characteristics.  It is imperative that students master the key concepts and strategies to ensure the highest possible SAT score.  While Verbal seems totally different from Math, they are similar in that both have their own sets of rules and it is the critical thinking ability under time pressure that is tested. Given the convergence of the SAT and ACT (where the SAT was revised to be more like the ACT), the class will draw upon ACT problems as well.  While Mr. Le is known in our community for his Mathcounts class, he has a strong writing background as well, having authored numerous executive summaries as well as in-depth technical narratives. According to Mr. Le, critical thinking and clarity of thought will pave a path to success regardless of one’s chosen vocation.

Chinese Calligraphy (中国书法): 2pm, 3pm, for adults or children aged 7 and up

Teacher Mr. Robert Hsu did the calligraphy demo at our New Year Gala and parents and visitors were amazed by his calligraphy skills.

Words from Mr. Hsu:

I have learned to write Chinese calligraphy for more than 40 years, I have also taught Chinese calligraphy for over 25 years; it is my hobby and my passion. Professionally, I have a Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience and I do research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Aside from being a researcher, I am a calligrapher; I write calligraphy frequently, teach classes, and host calligraphy workshops. I am able to teach Chinese calligraphy in both English and Chinese. I have designed classes that are suitable for both children and adults.

This class will focus mainly on regular script (楷書). In addition, this course will present the other styles of Chinese calligraphy, including running (行書), grass (i.e., cursive, 草書), seal (篆書), and clerical scripts (隸書). Moreover, seal carving, spring festival couplets (春聯), and other calligraphy related crafts too will be introduced in the classes, to spark interest in learning Chinese calligraphy.

I am looking forward, eagerly, to seeing everyone at MLCCC Chinese Weekend School. Together, let us enjoy the beauty of Chinese calligraphy.

English Writing: 2pm, 3pm

Ms. Debbie Frank is a certified English teacher in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut.  She has more than 30+ years of experience teaching in both public and private schools, including at the Agnes Irwin School, Radnor Middle School, Eastern College,etc.  She is currently teaching at Delaware County Community College and our MLCCC Weekend School and MLCCC English Writing Summer Camp.  She was nominated for a Gould Teaching Award in 2012 and has undergone teaching training at Princeton University and many other educational facilities.  She graduated from Temple University with a Master of Arts in English and a secondary education certification.  "Conducts her class with enthusiasm, respect, and intelligence", "has made me love English" are just some of the many positive feedback from her students.

Adults’ Chinese Folk Dance: 1pm

Children’s Chinese Folk Dance: 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, for ages 5 and up

Ms. Lu, Zhaomi will be our Weekend School Chinese folk dance teacher.  Below is a summary of her experiences.     

Chinese Martial Arts (武术): 2pm, 3pm, 4pm

Teacher Valentino Rudi has studied Chinese martial arts for over 20 years. He first studied Hun Quan (Hung Gar) as a child and later became a student of Tai Chi and Wushu under various teachers including Zhang Xichuan Shifu, Ma Yuen Shifu, Ma Chau Shifu, Chen Peng Fe, Bai Wenxiang Shifu and more…..

Valentino is a dedicated student of Zhao Changjun Shifu (赵长军－曾任陕西省武术总队总教练), who has promoted Valentino to Wushu Coach and calls Valentino “A young Shifu”. Under Zhao Changjun, Valentino has studied various Wushu forms both external and internal systems including, Shaolin Quan, Hu Quan, Gun Ze, Fan, whip chain. Guan Dao, Cha Quan, Funzi Quan, Pi Gua, Hsing I Quan, Ba Gua, Tai Chi and more including Jian and Ji ben gong (Foundation training).

Valentino has won a gold and bronze in Wushu competitions and has earned the title as a wushu judge for competition and testing with the approval of Zhao Changjun and Wu Bing (Jet Li’s Shifu)

舞蹈健美课 (Dance for Fitness) at 2pm and Ballroom Dancing at 3pm

Lin Jianmin 林坚闽 Laoshi’s Background/Experiences:

Years of competitive dancing in ballroom, including international standard (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep) and international Latin style dances (Samba, Cha-cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive). Competed in all ten dances and won all 1st places in a number of Am/Pro competitions in New York Opens. Performed in American style competitive dances, in both Smooth and Rhythm (Swing, Bolero and Mambo) divisions.

Teaching experience: instructor for Arthur Murray dance studio; coached collegiate ballroom; instructor for community center dance classes.