Success With Languages» love

Michael Jackson – Childhood, Genius

Hanifa — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 09:16:19 +0000

The story of Michael Jackson’s (his Muslim name is “Mikaeel”) childhood touches me most. I published news of his auction in Feb 2009. Then I wrote: “We all know how childhood will affect the way we carry ourselves during adulthood, but none more dramatic than this man’s stories. There is no other kid who has [...]

Prepared learning environment filled with love and dedication

Hanifa K. Cook — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:25:51 +0000

10 weeks ago, I was still in Australia enjoying summer vacation. When I arrived back home, I received a phone call from my daughter’s Mandarin tutor. She spoke to me in English with a very heavy Mandarin accent, “Hello! Is your daughter coming to register for this term’s new programme?” Instantly, I replied, “I am [...]

Best Tip: Build And Exercise Vocabulary Skills

Hanifa — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:06:58 +0000

Do you wish to build your vocabulary of foreign words in a matter of days or weeks? Here is a great tip. When I showed kids candies before class began, they would wait in great anticipation. To get them to speak their first Mandarin words, I said, “我要。” as I held a candy in front [...]

A Little Help From A Friend

Hanifa K. Cook — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:16:09 +0000

People who love children are usually intrigued by the new tricks that kids can do as they grow. At what age does the child learn to sit, walk, laugh or grip on an object? For me, there is nothing more fascinating and magical than the child who learns to speak before he goes to school.And [...]

The Love Of Silence

Hanifa K. Cook — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:57:37 +0000

Silence is golden and ignorance is bliss. How are we to understand the real meaning of silence if it were not for the presence of noise? This is a blog about silence. On a cold winter night, the fireplace in the family room at home would be the perfect place for sharing the quiet ambience [...]