Chinese Reading Program

Subject: Chinese Reading Program Wed Jun 17, 2009 12:07 pm

I am effectively bi-lingual and I enjoy teaching.

Toying with the idea of quiting my current job and start a Chinese Reading club for todlers(3), young children (4-5). Maybe start with private tuitioning. Then expand into renting a classroom/venue.

Currently, I am also teaching a group of Myanmar nursing student conversational chinese topics related to hospital. I wrote the curriculum and teach them myself.

What do you all think about Chinese Reading thingy? And any ideas you want to suggest to make this operationable as a business?

Subject: Re: Chinese Reading Program Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:10 pm

Sound like a good idea for these young children.

However, I suggest you not quit the job just yet. I believe some testing should be done first.

First test your curriculum on the kids. Invite them to your house on a weekend, etc, then work with them. Watch how they respond to it.

You might want to invite their parents too. They will be the ones paying, so you will want their opinion on your curriculum.

In my opinion, it is not difficult to get the parents to spend on their child. I have seen 'kindergolf', golf for kids too young to appreciate the sport. But there were many children attending it.

Concerning services/goods that help the child, the parent will be willing to spend.

Don't forget your competition. Make sure you find a way to be different from them.

(A quick SWOT analysis and USP should help)

It is a viable business idea, but you must do the market test first.

Subject: Re: Chinese Reading Program Wed Jun 17, 2009 3:16 pm

Thanks. That's what I need to do now. Will plan.

Will use my own apartment to set up a classroom (after my tenant move out in Nov). Test it on my nieces and friend's kids first.

Have seen a friend started the English Reading Program - seems quite good;she started from home and now rent a place to run.

Subject: Re: Chinese Reading Program Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:15 pm

You can try testing it at kindergardens or childcare centres if they allow you. Although the kids parents would not always be around to observe you.

Subject: Re: Chinese Reading Program Fri Jun 19, 2009 6:37 pm

This my personal view. There many of these Mandarin program for kids - drama and story telling. I am sure those top notch private education centre are providing these kind of program for kids are they are well established and known by "kiasu" parents.
I find teaching and coaching the Myanmar nurses a better program. Go further provide those from Phillppine.
Start a Chinese reading club in your CC or RC and progress from there. Approach the Chairman and I am very sure he /she will be very happy to you to start the program for them.
Going full-time is good provided you have "money power" or establish yourself definitely better then 8 to 5.30 "prison"

Posts : 15 Reputation : 0 Join date : 2009-06-18

You might want to try to conduct in the RC. Rc provides a low cost place for your to try out. You can also practice simple business skills like accounting and sales and marketing.

If you need more details, feel free to send me a msg so that I can give you more details.

Subject: Re: Chinese Reading Program Sat Jun 20, 2009 2:05 pm

I agree with Sifu and Sunspore about testing the idea out at RCs and CCs.

Also, as Sifu has mentioned, there already is competition, so how are you going to differenciate your self from them? Anything special you have planned?