Chinese Opera Mask

Traditional Chinese Opera, or Xiqu, has existed in China for over one thousand years. This type of musical theatre, accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments, features unique exaggerated makeup and masks of different colors.

Fun fact:

The color of a character’s mask gives clues to the audience about who they are what qualities they have.

For today’s activity, you will create your own Chinese Opera mask and color a beautiful opera scene. Before you begin, grab some crayons or colored pencils, a pair of scissors to cut out your mask when you are done, and some string to tie it on your face.

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Ask a Bilingual Expert

Raising a bilingual child? On this page, our very own Director of Learning Design and Efficacy, Sophia Espinoza, addresses some of the most common questions, concerns, and curiosities around the benefits of bilingualism. Get the scoop below!

Benefits of Bilingualism (FAQs):

Any advice on managing two Spanish dialects in the household? Does this cause confusion for kids?

Now that our world is more interconnected than ever, there are plenty of families where each parent could be from a different country in Latin America, with distinctive dialects, vocabulary, slang, and culture. And that’s totally ok for kids to be exposed to. Their perspectives are broadened and they learn to communicate cross-culturally, it’s a thing to be celebrated. Sometimes kids may switch vocabulary when talking to different parents, which is absolutely fine. They’re not confused, if anything this shows their flexibility. They could have as many as five words for one item, three in Spanish two in English, giving them a stronger sense of language in general.

What do you recommend if I’m not completely fluent and my child’s school doesn’t have an immersion class?

I always encourage as much Spanish exposure as possible. Don’t worry about immersion classes availability or not being completely fluent as a parent. Use the Spanish you know, even if you may need to speak Spanglish. Try to find ways to fill the gaps in your language knowledge, through apps, books, and music. I recommend the Canticos Bilingual Preschool App, which gives kids exposure through stories, activities, and music, allowing them to learn in an authentic and engaging way.

Do you recommend teaching different subjects in different languages? For example, the solar system in English and the days of the week in Spanish?

Parents who live in an English-speaking country should remember that children will learn English; Their world is in English. However, it’s important to give kids as much education as possible in Spanish. Teaching them specific topic vocabulary that they wouldn't get in everyday conversation, or in Spanish class, is beneficial.

We speak Spanish and English in our home but my child almost always answers or talks back in English. How can I go about encouraging her to respond and speak more in Spanish?

Encourage your child to try again in Spanish without making them feel obligated. Frame it like a question to keep it low-pressure and provide them feedback that builds their confidence. Maintain consistency and use strategies that establish positive emotions around using Spanish.

Should I set aside time or create activities for each language or is it okay to mix them both together?

It’s important to provide authentic opportunities for children to speak both languages. Authentic learning opportunities allow kids to joyfully explore their new language.

Any advice for households where one parent speaks Spanish and the other English? Can this be confusing for children?

It’s fine if there are two, or even three languages spoken in the household; it provides kids with a foundation in each language.