Around the World in 8 Days - China (6/17/19)

Around the World in 8 Days - China (6/17/19)

This past year Dr. Henry and Dr. Cannizzo (district leadership in Goddard) asked us what we would do if we could "dream big". When someone asks me to dream big, the sky is the limit! My mind went in a million different directions and I decided that I would want to focus on cultural education, all-year-round. After weeks of planning, I decided to start with a culture academy for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders that would take them on a journey into as many countries as possible. Due to the fact that I take kids abroad the first two weeks of June, and this camp needed to take place in June, that left the last two weeks of June, Monday through Thursday. Around the World in 8 Days was born! As you read the blog this week you will travel along with 50 kids, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Inkelaar, Ms. Richards, and myself, to 8 different countries and regions of the world. Each day we will learn basic phrases in the language, complete an art activity, play a traditional children's game and explore the local cuisine. I hope you enjoy exploring with us!

Day 1 - China

We started the day at Eisenhower Middle School with a discussion about what they kids know about China. Kids mentioned leaders, fertility and population discussions, the Olympics, and types of music. We discussed the flag and learned several phrases in Chinese! We definitely have some language experts in the room!

After our opening discussion and language lesson, we learned about "slat books". Slat books were one of the first forms of book writing or record keeping in China. These books are traditionally made out of bamboo slats and tied together with vines in an accordion style. We didn't use bamboo or  vines, but the students used some of the most common Chinese symbols to create their own slat books from tongue depressors and string. They turned out amazing! It was a great way to incorporate art, history and language!

Our cuisine lesson for today was learning how to use chopsticks! We learned about the technical form and then had a challenge to see which group could sort and collect the items from their kit (legos, rice, fruit loops, and pieces of paper) using their skills. The kids were dedicated and had a blast! The rice was really difficult to pick up and it was great to see the various ideas that they had to help them!

Last but not least, we played a game called, "Hawks and Chicks". Hawks and chicks is very similar to tag, but involves a team. The hawk faces a single file line of around 6 chicks that are joined together at the shoulders. The goal of the hawk is to tag the final chick in the line, but the other chicks move back and forth to protect the chick. It was a lot of fun!

Thank you for reading and thank USD#265 for allowing me to culturally educate our youth!! #LearningNeverStops #EmpathyEducation #LoveMyJob #12MonthTeacher

Stay tuned for our adventure to Japan tomorrow!