Sandy Suggests...
Where to Begin
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Target language: Mandarin (Simplified Chinese)
Create Touchstones
Sandy Suggests this strategy because...
creating target-language touchstones that get spread throughout your daily life - from your morning coffee to your laptop case at work to your evening yoga practice - helps enhance your brain's ability to think in your target language through repeated organic exposure to written vocabulary.
Target language: any language
Fluent•ish, the Podcast
Sandy Suggests this resource because...
we take you through everything from how to select which language to learn next to motivational mindset tips to the learning about the seven language skills and why they matter.
Target language: any language
Seven Skills Daily Study Strategy Tracker
Sandy Suggests this product because...
it teaches you how to create balance in your language learning approach that will keep you motivated and give you a way to see yourself progress.
Target language: any language
Seven Skills Daily Study Strategy Tracker
Sandy Suggests this resource because...
it is a free-with-sign-up, mini version of the book shown above.
Speaking
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Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Notebooks
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this product...
if you’re practicing bilingual public speaking or preparing a presentation. A Bilingual Boats notebook is a flexible tool: You can organize Chinese characters, Pinyin, and English side by side in whatever way best supports your delivery. That structure helps you rehearse with clarity and confidence.
Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Sheets Digital Download
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this product...
if you’re practicing bilingual public speaking or preparing a presentation. Bilingual Boats sheets are a flexible tool: You can organize Chinese characters, Pinyin, and English side by side in whatever way best supports your delivery. That structure helps you rehearse with clarity and confidence.
Target language: mandarin
Bitty Bao
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
- they carry bilingual board books and a wide range of wooden toys that encourage imaginative play and are designed to connect kids with Chinese culture
- play is a critical process for a child's development
- children often narrate their play, thereby exercising their speaking skills naturally
Target language: mandarin
Culture Tatertots
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
- the creator, Gwen, is on a mission to bring culture to playtime through interactive play kits and free printables
- play is a critical process for a child's development
- children often narrate their play, thereby exercising their speaking skills naturally
taret language: Mandarin and English
Do You Want to Play With Me? Bilingual Phrase Sheet
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
it includes one very powerful question: “Do you want to play together?”—in both English and Mandarin—plus vocabulary for common playground equipment like swings, slides, and more. Why? Because even basic words like these can help children feel seen, included, and welcome.
target language: any language
Fluent•ish S1E6 Assessment Guide
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
by completing this self-assessment, you will be able to recognise the smaller building blocks of these language skills, see and track your progress more clearly and over time (even when it’s subtle!), and get specific about where you can grow next.
target language: any language
Fluent•ish S1E6 Action Step
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
in concert with Part 1 of Fluent•ish, the Podcast’s episode 6 supporting materials, you will copy and paste the skills you identified in your assessment results as areas for improvement, describe your unique situation, and get actionable, custom-fit ideas to grow your speaking and pronunciation skill sets.
Target Language: any language
How to Play Pretend with Your Kids Cheat Sheet
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
it is a quick and easy guide that helps you build fun, nonviolent make-believe storylines on the spot - no swords, tasers, or “bad guys” required. When you build your imaginative playtime around target language vocabulary, this cheat sheet helps keep thing fun and pain-free for everyone. And of course, it's a great throw-together-an-improv-moment, ready-to-go resource for classroom teachers, too.
Target Language: Mandarin and English
M&E Dialogue Clarification Cheat Sheet Pack
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
it is designed to help you push through those “translation trouble” moments with confidence. This pack gives you a quick-reference guide with simple instructions in English, Simplified Chinese, and Pinyin that help you build the skill of asking for clarification and other helpful communication clues; you can keep your focus on conversation, not flipping through dictionaries.
Target language: Any Language
Nursery Rhyme Books
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
short poems are easy to recite back, and kids love doing it. When children echo the rhymes in these books, they’re practicing pronunciation, rhythm, and memory recall all at once. When text follows a rhythm and also rhymes, it can help form more connections to the material in a person's brain and make it easier to memorize and recite back later on. Incorporating nursery rhyme books into your reading rotation is a playful way to build speaking confidence.
Target language: Any Language
Storybooks
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
stories spark conversation. After reading a storybook with a child, you and your kids can talk about the characters, retell the plot, or even role-play scenes. These short exchanges build confidence in speaking without feeling like a formal lesson. Moreover, talking about a story teaches children reading skills on a deeper level, as we outline in part six of our blog post "6 Awesome Ways to 'Stretch' Your Kids' Storybooks", citing the work of renowned educator, researcher and author, Adrienne Gear.
target language: any language
Story Extending Conversation Questions
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
these questions encourage your kids to think, imagine, and connect with stories on a whole new level. It’s not just about reading - it's about the conversations you have during or following a story to get kids thinking and get them speaking in their target language.
target language: mandarin
Study Chinese Gratitude Journal
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this product because...
these prompts aren’t just for the page - they can spark real conversations. By utilising the journal’s writing prompts as speaking prompts, families can share answers out loud, or learners can use the prompts as mini presentation topics. Speaking about gratitude helps language flow more naturally because you’re talking about something meaningful to you.
Target language: mandarin
Tortoise Tiles
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this product line because...
the Tortoise Tile Method is a system that delivers way more than just vocabulary study! We call these a flexible tool because Tortoise Tiles aren’t just for memorizing vocabulary. For one thing, you can readily turn them into speaking challenges too, with no extra prep. Pick a tile, open your phone’s stopwatch, and see how long you are able to talk about the topic. Or pick multiple tiles and start stringing together sentences that connect the vocabulary. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to stretch your speaking ability while reinforcing vocabulary.
Target language: Mandarin and English
Vegetables! Alphabet Banner Cards Digital Download
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this product...
so you can use the Alphabet Banner Cards to boost speaking skills by encouraging learners to say the vegetable names aloud in English and Mandarin. You can turn it into a game - call out a letter and have students say the corresponding vegetable, or have them practice pronunciation with the Pinyin guides. These silly vegetable characters make practicing sounds playful, interactive, and easy to remember.
target language: Mandarin and English
Welcome to my Classroom!
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this product because...
the worksheets are easily utilized for conversation partners, role-play, or guided speaking exercises. By speaking on a themed topic, students build confidence communicating in English or Mandarin.
Target language: any language
Your DIY Free Guide - Vocabulary Study System: The Tortoise Tile Method
For Speaking, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
you can customise it to target any language you are studying (including native-language vocabulary), and can easily create Speaking challenges for yourself.
Listening
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Target language: mandarin
Chinese Kids Songs
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this resource for...
• fun kids' songs in Mandarin written and performed by a dad in Singapore
• adorable home-made videos, useful topics, catchy tunes
• beginner Mandarin learners
target language: Mandarin
ChinesePod
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
- it houses the largest library of Chinese learning audio and video content available on the web
- dialogues presented are on general topics, more niche sub-topics, and topics not commonly discussed in typical textbooks or courses
- it provides critical real-world context
- there is a massive bank of levelled content
target language: any language
Fluent•ish S1E5 Assessment Guide
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
this companion resource will guide you through a quick, personal listening skills assessment to establish your current skill level across all the major sub-skills mentioned in the episode. We’ve converted the skill categories into 14 simple, self-rating prompts that help you tune in to your strengths and find areas to level up.
target language: any language
Fluent•ish S1E5 Action Step
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
you already know that strong listening skills are one of the key seven language skills - but how do you actually practice each one? This freebie’s customisable ChatGPT prompt helps you target specific listening sub-skills based on your current level and language of study.
target language: Mandarin, English, Japanese, French, and Spanish
"Friday Song" Translation Sheet
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
we partnered with @chinesekidssongs to bring you a translation of his wildly catchy “Friday Song”. With his permission, we’ve taken this simple, joyful Mandarin song and translated it into English, Japanese, French, and Spanish so you can sing along in multiple languages, whether you’re learning one or many.
target language: english, Spanish
Khan Academy Kids
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this resource for...
- programs to engage kids in core subjects like early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math, while encouraging creativity and building social-emotional skills
- original interactive activities, books, animated videos, games, and creative lessons developed in collaboration with learning experts at Standford
Target Language: any language
Language Learner Activity Guide: Leveraging Radio
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
this Language Learner Activity Guide offers 5 creative, gamify-able ways to use radio as a powerful, free listening tool, a website navigation hack, and a bonus specifically for Mandarin learners. Whether you're in a classroom, part of a study group, or learning solo, these five adaptable activities will help you strengthen comprehension and focus while immersing yourself in real-world spoken language.
Target Language: any language
Nursery Rhyme Books
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
Nursery rhymes aren’t just fun - their rhythm and rhyme actually help children and language learners tune their ears to the sounds of language. Listening to these books read aloud (especially by native speakers in our Little Audio Library if you've purchased a Little Crab Educational Press book) develops both comprehension and sound awareness in whatever language(s) the book is presented in.
Target Language: any language
Storybooks
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
when kids or parents listen to storybooks read aloud, something special happens. Hearing a story activates imagination and strengthens listening comprehension. And with our Little Audio Library, you can hear the book we make narrated in both languages — even adjust the playback speed for pronunciation practice. Listening isn’t only passive; it’s an active skill-builder too.
target language: mandarin
Study Chinese Gratitude Journal
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this product because...
this journal isn’t built for listening, but you can readily turn it into a listening exercise. After reading the prompt and engaging your handwriting and composition skills to write out your answer, try reading your responses aloud and recording them, and then listen back to the recording a few days later. If you understand your past self without peeking at the text, that’s solid listening comprehension practice.
Target Language: Mandarin
Tortoise Tiles
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this product line because...
we’ve created a free value-add to help you exercise your listening skills when you purchase one of our pre-filled Tortoise Tile books or their digital download companions. You can tap Free Stuff in the menu above to find our Little Audio Library and hear each word in a selection of Tortoise Tiles books read aloud in Mandarin and English. The free audio track even leaves pauses between words, so you can test your listening by saying the translation before the next word is spoken then checking it against the book’s Word List. Don’t see the track for your book there yet? Subscribers to our email list get a notification whenever new tracks are added to our library.
target language: any language
TV Show Viewing Study Sheet for Any Language
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
if you have ever had to take a long pause between episodes or seasons of a show you’re enjoying in your target language and then forget what was going on or who someone was, this sheet makes it easy to pick up right where you left off - no more confusion, lost threads, or picky rewatching!
target language: Mandarin and English
Welcome to my Classroom!
For Listening, Sandy Suggests this product because...
by utilizing the worksheets for paired/group activities like role-play, learners practice hearing, repeating, and responding to school-related phrases in context, making listening practice interactive and memorable.
target language: any language
Activity Books
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
Activity Books make reading practice engaging and interactive. Activities like word searches, crosswords, and picture matching guide learners to connect words, characters, and meanings in context. Because the puzzles are playful, learners stay motivated while practicing comprehension and reinforcing what they’ve read. Each page offers a chance to notice patterns, spot details, and strengthen focus, making reading practice feel like solving a mystery instead of doing homework.
Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Notebooks
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this product because...
when you fill the Bilingual Boats with your notes, you’re also building reading practice. Each page becomes a customized reader filled with characters (ex. Simplified Chinese), pronunciation (ex. Pinyin), and your alphabet-based language (ex. English) that you selected. The act of rereading your own notes strengthens recognition. And, if you're using it as a translation notebook, using it reinforces reading the passages you're translating at the same time.
Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Sheets Digital Download
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this product because...
when you fill the Bilingual Boats with your notes, you’re also building reading practice. Each page becomes a customized reader filled with characters (ex. Simplified Chinese), pronunciation (ex. Pinyin), and your alphabet-based language (ex. English) that you selected. The act of rereading your own notes strengthens recognition. And, if you're using it as a translation notebook, using it reinforces reading the passages you're translating at the same time.
Target language: English, Spanish
Khan Academy Kids
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this resource for...
- programs to engage kids in core subjects like early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math, while encouraging creativity and building social-emotional skills
- original interactive activities, books, animated videos, games, and creative lessons developed in collaboration with learning experts at Standford
Target language: Mandarin and English
LCEP Nursery Rhyme Books
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this resource for...
With nursery rhyme books produced by Little Crab Educational Press, families can adjust the text to their level. You can show or hide the Pinyin lines depending on how much support you want. That flexibility means kids and parents can grow into the book, instead of outgrowing it too quickly. And as kids get older, these short poems create bite-sized reading challenges for new readers.
Target language: English and Mandarin
Reading Trackers
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this product line because...
these trackers are interactive and instructive, asking kids to track specific types of reading challenges through designing or colouring their tracker, building their tracker visually as they go, culminating in a reward for their perseverance. It’s a perfect way to bring joy and structure to your reading routine - whether you’re homeschooling, classroom teaching, or just trying to build a book-loving habit at home.
Target language: Any language
Sing-Along Books
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
these kinds of books aren’t just fun - their rhythm and rhyme actually help children tune their ears to the sounds of language. Listening to sing-along books read aloud develops both comprehension and sound awareness. Bilingual Bonus! Even if it's a monolingual book, you can utilize it to encourage bilingual learning by translating words, colours, objects, etc.
Target language: Any language
Storybooks
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
storybooks are for reading! Reading as a family plays a vital role in a child's development, and reading to a child can actually impact the reading skills of the adult spending that time with them. The more a child sees their trusted adults reading, the more statistically likely they are to become avid readers themselves. Teaching your child a love of books, talking with various sounds, asking them questions, and telling them stories are all ways you can help form a foundation for lifelong learning.
target language: any language
Story Extending Conversation Questions
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
these questions encourage your kids to think, imagine, and connect with stories on a whole new level. It’s not just about reading - it’s about active literacy and sparking curiosity, creativity, conversation and connection.
target language: mandarin
Study Chinese Gratitude Journal
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this product because...
There are approximately 1,000 Mandarin characters to read in this journal. Add to that all of the vocabulary you will utilise in your responses, and you’ll have even more to read - your own words in Chinese along with the structured text we provide. That makes this journal a growing resource for long-term reading practice and if you then also make note of how many words you needed to look up when you review on a given date, you can easily track your progress with reading, too.
Target language: Mandarin
Tortoise Tiles
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this product line because...
the Tortoise Tile Method is primarily a visual system, meaning it was designed to teach vocabulary through reading. You get to decide how you display your Tortoise Tiles - how to form the grid and group or randomise the tiles - informed by your decisions about how to engage with reading them. They are also ideal for speed-reading challenges. Practice scanning single words and short phrases quickly, building recognition skills and pacing without needing long passages. It keeps reading light, but active.
target language: mandarin and english
Vegetables! Alphabet Banner Cards Digital Download
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this product because...
the Vegetables Alphabet Banner Cards give learners a hands-on way to practice reading in English and Mandarin. Seeing the words every day, alongside fun vegetable characters, helps learners connect letters, characters, and Pinyin with meaning. Whether in a classroom, homeschool space, or at home, students develop reading fluency and comprehension while enjoying a colorful, engaging display.
Target language: Mandarin and English
Welcome to my Classroom!
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this product because...
it is a reading-based worksheet that helps learners by exposing them to common school-related phrases in English and Mandarin. With versions that blank out English, Pinyin, or Chinese characters, learners actively decode and engage their editing skills.
Target language: any language
Your DIY Free Guide - Vocabulary Study System: The Tortoise Tile Method
For Reading, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
the Tortoise Tile Method is primarily a visual system, meaning it was designed to teach vocabulary through reading. You get to decide how you display your Tortoise Tiles - how to form the grid and group or randomise the tiles - informed by your decisions about how to engage with reading them.
target language: any language
Activity Books
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
Activity Books are more than puzzles - they also build handwriting skills. Learners may encounter handwriting practice through guided tracing, fill-in-the-blank exercises, and early composition prompts. By putting pen to paper, they not only refine fine motor skills but also improve memory retention. Writing becomes a natural extension of the games, turning handwriting practice into a creative, confidence-building activity.
target language: Mandarin
An Introduction to Chinese Handwriting
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
it is designed to be your low-stress entry point into the art of writing Chinese by hand. It covers where to begin, common strokes, components of Simplified Chinese characters, and a review activity.
Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Notebooks
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this product because...
writing by hand slows you down in the best way. Designed with right and left handed people in mind, as you copy or compose in Mandarin, you get more time to notice details - stroke order, radicals, or subtle differences between characters. Over time, that careful practice deepens fluency, and your notes turn into a valuable record of progress.
Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Sheets Digital Download
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this product because...
writing by hand slows you down in the best way. Designed with right and left handed people in mind, as you copy or compose in Mandarin, you get more time to notice details - stroke order, radicals, or subtle differences between characters. Over time, that careful practice deepens fluency, and your notes turn into a valuable record of progress.
Target language: English and character-based languages
Interlined Handwriting & Character Practice Exercise Book Style Sheets
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this product because...
they provide interlined pages for English practice and large-scale guide boxes for character-writing practice to encourage learners to practice penmanship. Encouraging kids to draw or design something to go along with what they are writing helps build more context around their thoughts and ideas.
Target language: English and character-based languages
LCEP Exercise Books
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
our books are designed to make writing a daily habit. We provide interlined pages for English practice and large-scale guide boxes for character-writing practice to encourage learners to practice penmanship. Encouraging kids to draw or design something to go along with what they are writing helps build more context around their thoughts and ideas. This balance of open-ended composition and free-form artistic expression helps learners solidify handwriting skills, express ideas, and connect written language with creativity - all in one inviting resource.
Target language: Mandarin and English
LCEP Handwriting Practice Books
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
whether it’s English letters or Mandarin characters, guided tracing builds accuracy while the freehand practice spaces provided encourage confidence. Writing by hand has been proven to improve recall and sharpen fine motor skills, and our books transform that practice into a calming, meditative experience that can be done anywhere. They’re perfect for learners of all ages to strengthen handwriting while staying engaged.
Target language: any language
Nursery Rhyme Books
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
even though poetry doesn’t follow strict grammar rules, when kids chant rhymes, they’re practicing rhythm and structure without realizing it, so nursery rhyme books can help spark writing inspiration. The playful tone of each poem makes composing original rhymes feel approachable. Kids who play with rhyming start to see themselves as creators, not just learners.
target language: mandarin
Simple Conversation Translation Practice Bilingual Boats
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
these sheets come pre-filled with a straightforward conversation designed to help you practice translating Mandarin at two difficulty levels. BONUS SKILL! Use your completed sheets for speaking practice with a partner.
Target language: any language
Storybooks
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
learning the structures of storytelling through exposure to storybooks empowers kids to engage their own creativity: Composition skills are a natural follow-on from storytelling, and if a child engages with writing their own stories they are also exercising the handwriting element of the overall "Writing" language skill. Storybooks help show kids how to communicate their ideas in writing.
Target language: mandarin
Study Chinese Gratitude Journal
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this product because...
exercising the skill of writing is truly where the journal shines. With 52 weeks of prompts, you’ll practice both handwriting and composition. There are numerous and growing studies that tout the benefits of putting pen to paper for learning (rather than writing through the use of digital tools). Writing by hand slows you down enough to notice details in new characters, while composing full answers develops your ability to express ideas.
Target language: Mandarin
Tortoise Tiles
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this product line because...
while the primary goal of Tortoise Tiles isn’t to focus on handwriting, we do always recommend you prepare the tiles from our books by checking the stroke order for the vocabulary online, and then use the provided characters as a guide to write out the vocabulary on a large scale.
Target language: any language
Your DIY Free Guide - Vocabulary Study System: The Tortoise Tile Method
For Writing, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
if you’re using our DIY Free Guide to the Tortoise Tile Method, you would trace out your own computer-generated characters or would be using our guidebox templates to write the characters out by hand.
Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Notebooks
For Grammar, Sandy Suggests this product because...
each ‘boat’ gives you space to keep grammar notes right next to the character-based text you’re working with - along with tone marks if needed, definitions, or polished English translations. That way, everything stays connected and easy to reference.
Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Sheets Digital Download
For Grammar, Sandy Suggests this product because...
each ‘boat’ gives you space to keep grammar notes right next to the character-based text you’re working with - along with tone marks if needed, definitions, or polished English translations. That way, everything stays connected and easy to reference.
Target language: any language
Nursery Rhyme Books
For Grammar, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
when kids chant rhymes, they’re practicing grammar without realizing it. The repetition of subjects, verbs, and phrases in poems helps sentence patterns stick. That’s the beauty of rhyme - it makes structure memorable. And, if you mix a lot of traditional storybooks in with reading nursery rhyme books, you start to learn the contrast of conventional grammar structures vs. the artistic licence that can be explored through poetry.
Target language: any language
Storybooks
For Grammar, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
the best way for anyone to learn grammar concepts (in their own native language or in a target language) is in context; storybooks often demonstrate simple sentence forms as a user-friend entry-point for being exposed to grammatical structures. So much of the grammar we learn in our own native language comes through natural exposure and becomes instinctive. If you are learning an additional language or helping a child learn one, storybooks are an easy way to gain that exposure.
Target language: Mandarin
Study Chinese Gratitude Journal
For Grammar, Sandy Suggests this product because...
each question in our Gratitude Journal models natural grammar structures in Mandarin. By observing the way prompts are phrased, and then writing your own varied answers, you’re practicing sentence building. It’s a low-pressure way to internalize grammar through practical usage.
Target language: Mandarin
Tortoise Tiles
For Grammar, Sandy Suggests this product line because...
while grammar isn’t the main focus of Tortoise Tiles, if you choose follow our instruction to code yours based on Parts of Speech, then you will be engaging with an added layer of meaning to the words in terms of grammar by highlighting to yourself whether the word is used as a verb, noun, etc. This prep work takes the vocabulary beyond site recognition into practical usage.
Target language: any language
Your DIY Free Guide - Vocabulary Study System: The Tortoise Tile Method
For Grammar, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
while grammar isn’t the main focus of Tortoise Tiles, we recommend you code yours based on Parts of Speech to engage with an added layer of meaning to the words in terms of grammar by highlighting to yourself whether the word is used as a verb, noun, etc.
Vocabulary
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Target language: Mandarin
Activity Books
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
with every puzzle or game, activity books actively expand vocabulary. From spotting synonyms to solving crosswords, instead of rote memorization, learners absorb vocabulary through repetition in fun contexts in a variety of activities. The result? New words stick, recall improves, and learners start recognizing vocabulary in real-world reading and conversation.
Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Notebooks
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this product because...
the more you write in the Boats, the more vocabulary you naturally retain. Because you’re not just copying words - you’re choosing context, examples, and translations that matter to you. That personal connection helps words stick.
Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Sheets Digital Download
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this product because...
the more you write in the Boats, the more vocabulary you naturally retain. Because you’re not just copying words - you’re choosing context, examples, and translations that matter to you. That personal connection helps words stick.
target language: Any language
Fluent•ish S1E7 Assessment Guide and Action Steps
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
before you try to level up your vocabulary, it helps to know where you’re starting from. This quick yet wide-ranging self-assessment will help you pinpoint your strengths and growth areas to get you studying smarter.
target language: Mandarin
Motivational Chéngyǔ Memory Game
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
it isn’t just a vocabulary drill. It’s an interactive learning tool that encourages players to research meanings, make connections, and flex their memory muscles - all while exploring expressions that promote perseverance, a growth mindset, and staying motivated.
Target language: any language
Nursery Rhyme Books
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
the vocabulary is woven into poems, so words are learned in a memorable, emotional context instead of through drills. That’s a great way to get vocabulary to stick. And the often whimsical nature of nursery rhymes and poetry presents opportunities for diverse vocabulary to be associated that wouldn't otherwise appear together in a less artistic, more structured context.
Target language: mandarin
Storybooks
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
they teach vocabulary by exposing children to words in context through the text, through illustrations, and, often, through repetition. Storybooks can also highlight richer and more diverse vocabulary than everyday conversation, and offer opportunities to expand on what a child is hearing or reading through discussing new words or going deeper with story-extending questions that engage critical thinking skills, inherently widening the scope of vocabulary used.
Target language: Mandarin
Study Chinese Gratitude Journal
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this product because...
at Little Crab we are huge advocates for building up your vocabulary if you are learning a language for pleasure, meaning building up your target-language knowledge of topics you care about. To express yourself, you have to reach for the right words - often the words you know need to be mixed with ones you haven’t used in a while, and sometimes with totally new ones.
Target language: Mandarin
Tortoise Tiles
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this product line because...
the original reason the Tortoise Tile Method was developed was for learning vocabulary with the goal of absorbing new words more quickly and deeply, remembering them longer, and recalling them faster. By combining the practice of multiple skills and involving your body in the process, using Tortoise Tiles creates multiple memory hooks that make vocabulary stick.
target language: mandarin and english
Vegetables! Alphabet Banner Cards Digital Download
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this product because...
these Alphabet Banner Cards are a fun and visual way to exercise vocabulary in both English and Mandarin. Each whimsical vegetable character is paired with its English name, Mandarin name, and Pinyin, helping learners notice patterns and reinforce word recognition. Lining them up in alphabetical order in a classroom, homeschool space, or bedroom makes learning playful, interactive, and memorable - and repetition strengthens long-term recall.
target language: Mandarin and English
Welcome to my Classroom!
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this product because...
it helps learners build vocabulary by exposing them to common school-related phrases in English and Mandarin. Whether filling in the blanks or using the worksheets as an answer key, students reinforce comprehension while learning new vocabulary in a structured and fun way.
Target language: any language
Your DIY Free Guide - Vocabulary Study System: The Tortoise Tile Method
For Vocabulary, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
the original reason the Tortoise Tile Method was developed was for learning vocabulary with the goal of absorbing new words more quickly and deeply, remembering them longer, and recalling them faster. By combining the practice of multiple skills and involving your body in the process, using Tortoise Tiles creates multiple memory hooks that make vocabulary stick.
Pronunciation
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Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Notebooks
For Pronunciation, Sandy Suggests this product because...
this notebook isn’t built specifically for pronunciation, but it still helps. You can mark tones or highlight tricky sounds right in your notes, then use them as cues during spoken practice.
Target language: character-based languages
Bilingual Boats Translation Sheets Digital Download
For Pronunciation, Sandy Suggests this product because...
these sheets aren't built specifically for pronunciation, but they still help: You can mark tones or highlight tricky sounds right in your notes, then use them as cues during spoken practice.
target language: any language
Fluent•ish S1E6 Assessment Guide
For Pronunciation, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
by completing this self-assessment, you will be able to recognise the smaller building blocks of these language skills, see and track your progress more clearly and over time (even when it’s subtle!), and get specific about where you can grow next.
target language: any language
Fluent•ish S1E6 Action Step
For Pronunciation, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
in concert with Part 1 of Fluent•ish, the Podcast’s episode 6 supporting materials, you will copy and paste the skills you identified in your assessment results as areas for improvement, describe your unique situation, and get actionable, custom-fit ideas to grow your speaking and pronunciation skill sets.
Target language: Mandarin and English
LCEP Nursery Rhyme Books
For Pronunciation, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
with the free pronunciation tutorial and recitation tracks in our Little Audio Library, kids and beginning learners can chant along with the rhymes in both English and Mandarin with native speakers. The sing-song rhythm makes it easier to catch tones, sounds, and pacing while having fun (a key ingredient for learning!). The tracks are presented in both podcast and video form, so they are also easy to pause and repeat to practice pronunciation on your own.
Target language: Mandarin and English
LCEP Storybooks
For Pronunciation, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
for the storybooks we make at Little Crab Educational Press, you have access to bilingual narration tracks in both Mandarin and English. This means you can check pronunciation in either language readily on our website (visit Free Stuff to access our Little Audio Library) in video or podcast form, or by watching the narration videos on YouTube. If you're working on your own pronunciation, you can pause these tracks to practice words and phrases for yourself.
Target language: Mandarin
Study Chinese Gratitude Journal
For Pronunciation, Sandy Suggests this product because...
This book isn’t designed for pronunciation, but you can easily add that layer yourself. Read your answers out loud, and consider recording them to practice tone and flow. It’s optional, but it makes your writing come alive. We are so proud to be able to offer our Guided Journal to you as a product that - with a tiny bit of extra prep - can benefit all seven language skills to keep you motivated and stave off boredom in your study strategy.
Target language: Mandarin
Tortoise Tiles
For Pronunciation, Sandy Suggests this product line because...
there is more to Tortoise Tiles than meets the eye! The back of the tiles is where you have space to write out the translation, but - critically - that’s also where you write out any target-language pronunciation notes you may need. You can also tap Free Stuff in our menu above to check the Little Audio Library to see if your book has an accompanying audio track for additional practice.
target language: mandarin and english
Vegetables! Alphabet Banner Cards Digital Download
For Pronunciation, Sandy Suggests this product because...
the banner cards are perfect for practicing pronunciation. Each vegetable comes with Pinyin for Mandarin and the English spelling, so learners can match sounds to characters and letters. Repeat the words daily, or use the display as a prompt for short pronunciation exercises, helping kids or beginners build accuracy and confidence in both languages while having fun with colorful visuals.
Target language: any language
Your DIY Free Guide - Vocabulary Study System: The Tortoise Tile Method
For Pronunciation, Sandy Suggests this resource because...
there is more to Tortoise Tiles than meets the eye! The back of the tiles is where you have space to write out the translation, but - critically - that’s also where you write out any target-language pronunciation notes you may need, like the Pinyin when you’re learning Mandarin, for example.
Creators We Recommend
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Target language: English
Abraham Piper
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- is an entrepreneur and artist interested in language offering factoids and debunking myths
- we recommended in Fluent•ish, the Podcast's Season 1 episode 6 on speaking and pronunciation
Target Language: any language
Adrienne Gear
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- is a renowned Canadian educator, researcher, speaker and author
- focuses on teaching reading to kids - encouraging enjoyment paired with true comprehension
target language: mandarin
Bilingual Baobao
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- is Selina, a British-born Chinese mom, documenting raising her son trilingually in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English
- creates real-life parenting videos modelling natural language that can be used as listening practice in class
- provides practical bilingual parenting tips teachers can share with families
target language: mandarin
Culture Tatertots
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- is Gwen, an American creator whose parents are from Taiwan
- develops hands-on cultural activity kits (like dumpling play dough sets) and bilingual resources to make Chinese language and culture fun and interactive for kids
- is excellent for bringing culture to life in the classroom
Target Language: Various
Griffin / Wordsatwork
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- makes videos about the idiosyncrasies of languages
- is very well researched and highlights useful language learner resources you may not have known about
Target language: Ojibwe
James Vukelich
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- is an Indigenous speaker and author
- shares teachings and vocabulary in Ojibwe
- we recommended in Fluent•ish, the Podcast's Season 1 episode 7 on vocabulary
target language: mandarin
Mama Baby Mandarin
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- is Jeanne, a Taiwanese-American mom learning Mandarin herself who creates Mandarin learning worksheets and resources for families
- is building a supportive bilingual community for families learning together
target language: mandarin
Mandarin Prodigies
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- is Kristin, a native Chinese speaker and author based in Australia, a Montessori-trained educator, and a mum who creates Chinese language resources for children in the form of handwriting products and more, inspired by Montessori methods
target language: mandarin
Mandarin Together Now
Sandy Suggests this creator-duo who...
- are Taiwanese-American mothers, Trista and YaoYao, sharing about bilingual parenting through a podcast, workshops, and other resources
- support for parents raising Mandarin-speaking children and provide exposure to Taiwanese culture
target language: mandarin
Mina Learns Chinese
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- is Katrina, a Chinese-American and Taiwanese mom of three based in San Francisco, California who founded Lychee Press to create Chinese bilingual children's books and stories that reflect Asian American families
- creates books that provide engaging classroom reading materials with strong linguistic and cultural elements
Target language: various
NativLang
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- language and culture researcher and artist
- creates animated, historical, linguistic tales
- we recommended in Fluent•ish, the Podcast's Season 1 Episode 3 on selecting a language
Target language: various
Professor Woody & Mr. Ford
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- is a linguist interested in language & culture
- speaks on etymology, accents, and much more
- we recommended in Fluent•ish, the Podcast's Season 1 Episode 4 on accents
target language: mandarin
Spot of Sunshine Chinese
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- is Sunny, a bilingual Taiwanese-American mom and creator, who shares tips and printables for raising multilingual kids
- offers a simple-to-use preschool curriculum for classrooms and homes
- offers a membership to show parents how to make Mandarin accessible in non-Mandarin-speaking environments
target language: general language learning
The Polyglot Fox
Sandy Suggests this creator who...
- focusses on practical application of language
- offers encouragement and perspective to open the minds of language learners facilitating confidence to actually use the language a person is learning
- is focussed on strategies for learning multiple languages, fostering the growth of the polyglot community in the world