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2025 Story Cup Competition

A fun, creative storytelling competition open to the public and our current students! This is a celebration of imagination, expression, and language fluency a chance for students to show their storytelling talent, creativity, and confidence while sharing their unique voice. Whether you’re playful or poetic, this is your stage to shine! 

  • 2 Levels

    Intermediate & Advanced

  • 3-5 Minute Stories

    Video duration

  • 2 Rounds

    12/1 First Submission
    12/13 -14 Finals

  • Training Lessons

    Free of charge once registered

    Prizes | Fame | Bragging Rights

    $200
    First Prize
    $100
    Second Prize
    $50
    Third Prize
    Finalists
    Fame & Recognition

    Note: Prizes are per level. 10 finalist videos will be showcased on our site for ultimate bragging rights. Finalists will receive a special 30% scholarship on next semester's courses.

    What you are going to learn

    About the Competition

    The Motherly Notes Story Cup is a joyful and creative storytelling event where students bring stories to life using their voices and imagination. Participants narrate short videos in Mandarin Chinese, adding their own expressions, interpretations, and humor. Open to both Motherly Notes students and the public, this competition celebrates language learning through fun, performance, and creativity. It’s not just about speaking Chinese, it’s about telling stories that connect hearts, spark laughter, and showcase each student’s personality.

    Key Points:

    • 2 Levels of Challenge - Level 1 & 2 (Age 5-18)
    • Two Rounds of Competition
    • Prizes: $200 First, $100 Second, $50 Third
    • Submissions Due: 12/1/2025 by midnight PT
    • Finalists Announced: 12/7/2025
    • Live Finale: 12/13-14 in assigned slots

    Levels and Requirements

    Level 1 Video

    Level 1 of the Motherly Notes Story Cup Competition is designed for beginner to intermediate Mandarin speakers who are ready to bring stories to life with expression and creativity. Students will watch a short video and retell the story in their own words using complete sentences, clear pronunciation, and emotional storytelling. This level focuses on developing confidence, fluency, and expressive tone while demonstrating a solid grasp of conversational Chinese.

    Level 2 Video

    Level 2 of the Motherly Notes Story Cup Competition is designed for advanced Mandarin speakers ready to showcase expressive, fluent, and sophisticated storytelling. Participants will narrate the story video in their own words, demonstrating rich vocabulary, natural flow, and confident tone. This level highlights not only fluency but also cultural depth. Students must creatively incorporate at least five idioms (成語) into their narration, using them appropriately within context to enhance their storytelling.

    About

    Motherly Notes has been honored with multiple recognitions from University of Pennsylvania programs for educational innovation and social impact. The school’s founder, Julie Liu, has led the initiative to build interactive online Mandarin classes which earned awards such as the Wharton Innovation Award, The Startup Challenge and the Jacobs Foundation Award for Social Impact. 

    These accolades reflect the school’s research-driven approach, its commitment to bilingual fluency, and its role in redesigning how children learn Chinese in a joyful, high-impact environment.

    School Reviews

    "My child used to cry when he had to study Chinese and now he signs on everyday without my nagging!"
    Chen Family
    "Daily online group classes really got her into the habit of listening to the natives chat, speak, joke, and now she is laughing and chatting with the group."
    Kate family