《声音》启明星专刊 VOICES for Daystar Academy VOICES Spring/Summer Edition 2019 | Page 21

ES SANLITUN CORNER
into Chinese Units of Inquiry (UOI), which are cross
curricular and based in Science and Social Studies
standards. For example, grade 3 students explored
ideas surrounding “Cultural Diffusion”, which led
them to visit the Beijing School of Opera, where they
learned about Chinese drama and were left with a deep
impression the richness and depth of Chinese cultural.
When the students returned to school, they created
informative posters to show their understanding and
love of Beijing Opera. The students were then divided
into groups to explore the different elements of Chinese
culture, to research China in the past and present, and
to search for and identify the imprints and impact of
Chinese culture around the world.
In calligraphy class in grades 3 and 4, the students
listen to instrumental Chinese music and practice the
calligraphy, which helps them to cultivate the inner
characteristics of being quiet, humble, and respectful
in Chinese culture through rituals and practices.
Outside of the Chinese language arts classrooms,
students also explore more deeply into other aspects
of the culture. In art classes, students have the
opportunity to learn about traditional Chinese art
forms such as making traditional lanterns and creating
colored ink paintings. In music class, students observe
and learn about Chinese dance and musical instruments.
And during recess, the teachers and the students play
traditional Chinese games. All of these experiences
bring the power of Chinese culture to life for students
and provide them with concrete examples in to which
they can connect.
Understanding Traditional Chinese Culture Festivals
through Cultural Experiences
We can learn many things in school, but to truly
understand them we must first experience them.
Participating in various school activities is an important
way for students to come into contact with and absorb
traditional Chinese culture. Daystar attaches great
importance to traditional cultural experiences in hopes
that students will develop a broad and open mind, that
respects Chinese tradition and as well as the cultural
diversity of the world through participating in these
experiences.
Throughout the year students experience events such as
the Dragon Boat Festival, made zongzi and told the story
of Quyuan; before the Mid-Autumn Festival, students
made moon cakes and heard the story of Chang’e
running to the moon; for the Spring Festival, students
experience an engaging array of activities including
writing spring couplets, watching the traditional Lion
Dance and learning how to make hand pulled noodles.
These rich and colorful experiences allow students to
personally experience the cultural. Not only do they
have a broader and more meaningful understanding of
the history of these traditions, but they also appreciate
Chinese culture in new ways.
Rooted in the diverse Sanlitun community, traditional
Chinese culture is not only present in the classrooms,
but is also evident in every corner of campus life.
Daystar’s learning journey is not only about acquiring
knowledge, but also about developing a well-rounded
child that understands and appreciates diverse cultures
and traditions!
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