Classroom Chinese Restaurant
Are you looking for a creative and interactive way to get your students speaking Chinese? Why not turn your classroom into a Chinese restaurant? This hands-on activity encourages students to practice food vocabulary, ordering phrases, and polite expressions—all while having fun!
1. Prepare the Menu (中文菜单 - Zhōngwén càidān)
Create a simple Chinese menu with pictures and pinyin to help students recognize dishes. Include:
Appetizers (开胃菜 - kāiwèi cài): 饺子 (jiǎozi - dumplings), 春卷 (chūnjuǎn - spring rolls)
Main Dishes (主菜 - zhǔ cài): 炒饭 (chǎofàn - fried rice), 面条 (miàntiáo - noodles), 宫保鸡丁 (gōngbǎo jīdīng - Kung Pao chicken)
Drinks (饮料 - yǐnliào): 茶 (chá - tea), 水 (shuǐ - water), 果汁 (guǒzhī - juice)
📌 Tip: Print out menus or display them on a board for easy reference.
2. Assign Roles
Divide students into:
Waiters (服务员 - fúwùyuán) – They take orders using phrases like:
"你想吃什么？" (Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?) – "What would you like to eat?"
"你要喝什么？" (Nǐ yào hē shénme?) – "What would you like to drink?"
Customers (客人 - kèrén) – They practice ordering:
"我要______。" (Wǒ yào ______.) – "I want ______."
"请给我______。" (Qǐng gěi wǒ ______.) – "Please give me ______."
3. Set Up the Restaurant
Arrange desks as tables.
Use play money (人民币 - rénmínbì) for transactions.
Add decorations like Chinese lanterns or posters to set the mood!
4. Practice Polite Phrases
Encourage students to use:
"谢谢" (Xièxiè) – "Thank you"
"不客气" (Bù kèqi) – "You’re welcome"
"好吃吗？" (Hǎochī ma?) – "Is it delicious?"
5. Extend the Learning
Have students write a short dialogue before role-playing.
Discuss Chinese dining customs (e.g., using chopsticks, sharing dishes).
Bring in real (or pretend) food for extra fun!
Why This Activity Works
Boosts Speaking Confidence – Students practice Mandarin in a low-pressure setting.
Reinforces Vocabulary – They remember words better through real-life scenarios.
Encourages Teamwork – Collaboration makes learning more engaging.
Ready to try it? Your students will love ordering "炒饭" and saying "请" like real Mandarin speakers! 🥢🍜
Have you ever set up a Chinese Restaurant in your classroom? Share your experiences or questions below.