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In November, three Chinese events turned out to be successful, two in elementary school and one in Alfred University. On November 3rd, three teachers attended the 1st national conference on K-12 Chinese Immersion Program. They were given the opportunity to talk to a big audience on behalf of CIAU.
On November 8th, CIAU donated close to 300 Chinese books to two school libraries at North Syracuse. Three Chinese teachers carefully selected multiple books on Chinese culture for American students and teachers. “These books are great wealth for our teachers and students,” said Mr. Leakey, the principal of Gillette Road Middle School. “It’s a treasure for people who want to understand Chinese culture.”
Gift Books Exhibition in RRMS Library
Gift Books Exhibition in GRMS Library
In the beginning of December, students from Gillette Road Middle School and Roxboro Road Middle School learned the Chinese poem, “Jingyesi,” which was written by Libai during the Tan dynasty in China. The poem describes the writer’s battle with home sickness. Students practiced the pronunciation at first and most of them could sing the poem along with lyrics by the time the lessons ended.
Students singing with Kevin in class
From December 11th to December 22nd, Shang and Zhou dynasty, the content in 6th grade social studies, is introduced by Chinese teachers Yuanhuan (Beverly) He, Suping (Emma) Wang and Ping (Kevin) Wang in Gillette Road Middle School and Roxboro Road Middle School. Students learned how bronzewares were used, how early characters came and what Chinese feudalism is. The students were very curious and questions like: “Why don’t people use iron instead of bronze?” were asked during class. Students and teachers were particularly amazed by melodious Chime Bells (instruments made of bronze) performance by Jasmin. In the parking lot of Roxboro Road Middle School, a parent encountered Chinese teachers and expressed how her son returned home, spoke highly of lesson and showed her appreciation of teachers’ arduous work. It was a delight for teachers to receive positive feedback from the lessons.
Students’ mind-maps
On December 19th, the Winter Wonderland event was held at Allen Road Elementary School. The evening provided students, staff and parents a fantastic opportunity to learn about cultures around the globe. Being invited by Ms. Wheeler, ESL teacher, Ping (Kevin) Wang and his wife were excited to cooperate with another Chinese family in teaching Chinese culture. Suping (Emma) Wang and Yuanhuan (Beverly) He, mandarin teachers at North Syracuse Central School District, spared no efforts to help with Chinese characteristic stuff. We can see paper cuttings, Beijing opera, Chinese knots and fans on display table. Besides, every student has the opportunity to get a red envelope and take “Fu” home (“Fu” which means fortune). The event was an enormous success, more than 400 people took part in it and because of it, plenty of people know more about Chinese culture. At last, Ping (Kevin) Wang gave two Chinese books as presents to ESL classroom. Ms. Wheeler appreciates the gift a lot and speaks highly of the event.
