To help you students read independently, they will need to be trained. The Mandarin Independent Reading Mat guides students through a structured reading routine during independent practice. It walks students through four steps to build comprehension and vocabulary as they read.

Simplified Chinese Independent Reading Strategy Reading Mat

Traditional Chinese Independent Reading Strategy Reading Mat

Step 1: 听录音，看图片 — Listen to the audio and look at the pictures.
Students use images and audio to build context before reading the text.

Step 2: 听录音，看汉字 — Listen to the audio and look at the characters.
Students follow along with the text while listening, for both fiction and non-fiction books.

Step 3: 自己读，说一说 — Read on your own and talk about it.
Students read independently and summarize the story (beginning, middle, and end for fiction; key information for non-fiction).

Step 4: 听问题，找答案 — Listen to the questions and find the answers.
Students complete the comprehension quiz. Answering correctly earns more rewards and helps them track their own progress.

Once students finish their assigned tasks, they can choose a book they enjoy from the Library (books without a blue outline are not teacher-assigned). Encourage students to answer quiz questions carefully — correct answers earn more coins and show their growth.