I like to take a moment to share a journey that holds a special place in my heart – one that involves my work in language instruction and program design. Three years ago, I had the pleasure of working on the top-rated Netflix show WORD PARTY as the show’s Chinese Language and Culture Consultant.
When I started working with the team in Los Angelos a few years ago, the show was already making waves for its remarkable educational content for families with little ones. However, in 2020, the team aimed to embark on an ambitious venture. The program introduced a dual-language approach in Season 4, with the introduction of an adorable new character named Tilly, a Mandarin-speaking baby tortoise. Tilly is the youngest and smallest of the group, and her sunny disposition and captivating charm make her a favorite addition among the show’s fans.
Franny (cheetah), Bailey (elephant), Kip (wallaby), and Lulu (panda) are the original animal friends in Word Party. The show shares everyday words and life lessons in beautifully crafted stories and fun songs. With Tilly, the Mandarin-speaking tortoise joining in the dual language seasons, the fun doubles. So does the learning. In Season 4 and Season 5 Word Party introduces featured words in two languages- English and Mandarin. It’s early literacy and new language exposure for the little ones.
This initiative was more than just introducing a new language to our young viewers; it was also about building a cultural bridge and fostering connections between children and diverse communities. It sought to convey to children of Chinese heritage that their language, culture, and stories extend far beyond the confines of their homes and families, and to instill in them a sense of pride and belonging, a theme that has always been crucial in children’s programming.
As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage beyond the designated month of May, we acknowledge the power of representation in the media. In this regard, I also want to share that WORD PARTY is not alone in facilitating language and culture learning. Over the years, mainstream media has produced content highlighting Asian heritage.
Let’s take a look!
Shows like “Ni Hao, Kai-lan” (2008, 2009, and 2011) with 42 episodes, and “Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat” (2001-2002) with 40 episodes, introduced children to Mandarin and Chinese culture. In addition, animated movies like Disney’s “Mulan” (1998) and its action drama version (2020), and DreamWorks’ “Kung Fu Panda” series (2008. 2011. 2016, and 2024*) have beautifully portrayed various facets of Chinese culture and philosophy. Furthermore, the Netflix and Pearl Studio collaboration “Over the Moon” (2020) served as a brilliant exploration of Chinese mythology and traditions, centering around the enchanting Moon Fairy, Chang’e.
These shows have played a big role helping children connect with Chinese language and culture. In that same spirit, I want to invite you to join Tilly and her friends on their Mandarin learning adventures in WORD PARTY’s dual-language seasons. It is now streaming on Netflix.
My work in media and with language instruction has allowed me to witness firsthand the impact that thoughtful and diverse children’s programming and books can have on children. It’s wonderful to celebrate language and cultures together.
Take the learning beyond AAPI month. Pick a day and go to your child’s class and read a diverse children’s book for them. Go to your local library and provide them with a list of three diverse children’s picture books and request your youth section to purchase them for the library. If you want to make it even more exciting and interesting, you can invite Miss Panda for an author visit to your child’s school or class – you can send in an Author Visit request here.
Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep facilitating – every story matters, every culture is important, and every language is a gateway to a broader, more understanding community with empathy and curiosity.
*Miss Panda Chinese is a participant in the Amazon Associate program. With a qualified purchase, Miss Panda Chinese receives a small commission at no cost to you.
You May Also Want to Add More Meaningful Books to Your Children’s Reading:
100 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Children’s Picture Books are carefully curated here, a growing list.*
You May Also Want to Know How to Locate Shows in Mandarin:
With the help of advancing technology and corporates’ awareness of a global audience, you can take advantage of the options of multilingual language selection available to you in audio and subtitles on NETFLIX to watch shows in Mandarin with subtitles that fit your family’s needs.
In my family, we have watched Chinese dramas in Mandarin (audio) and have the subtitle set in English so everyone can enjoy and understand the meaning and follow the story. We also watch shows in Mandarin with subtitles in Chinese to have a Chinese language immersion experience. Make sure you put your child’s age into consideration and guide them through the edutainment time accordingly.
In the visual below you will learn how to follow 4 simple steps to filter the shows that have Mandarin audio available on Netflix.
You May Also Want to Read More About:
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Top Chinese and Multicultural Learning Resources
Introducing Little Bun: A Bilingual Storybook About Feelings
Chinese Animation for Kids
• Celebrating Mandarin with Tilly Baby Tortoise Netflix’s Word Party • Celebrating Mandarin with Tilly Baby Tortoise Netflix’s Word Party •