Don’t be surprised if your kids move on from playing Chinese whispers to mouthing Mandarin. Recognizing the growing economic influence of China, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to introduce Mandarin in schools starting with class VI from 2011-12 session.

The curriculum is nearly ready and the Board has already written to its affiliated schools giving them the option to take up the course. ‘‘China is the fastest growing economy in the world so we thought it would be beneficial for students to learn the language as it opens up a lot of opportunities,’’ said CBSE chairperson Vineet Joshi.

He said the Board would first introduce Mandarin in class VI and then in higher classes. ‘‘We are preparing the textbooks,’’ Joshi said.

CBSE already runs courses in 12 foreign languages.