Westfield Students Learn About China

WESTFIELD, NJ - There were Chinese artifacts and martial arts, lessons in Mandarin and fine arts, and traditional Chinese games, as Franklin 2nd graders enjoyed a wide variety of activities on “China Day” on Feb. 21.

For the latter half of the day, the students rotated every 30 minutes between classrooms set up to promote learning of Chinese language, history, and culture. Parent volunteers were on hand to help with each activity. In one classroom, for example, students used fine brushes and ink to write Chinese characters while learning to speak common phrases in Mandarin. In another, a scavenger hunt was underway as 2nd graders searched for Chinese artifacts, on loan from the Morris Museum, with names beginning with each letter of the alphabet. Elsewhere, there was watercolor painting of the legendary Chinese dragon, basic lessons in the ancient art of Kung Fu, and fun with traditional Chinese games.

The study of China is part of a districtwide 2nd grade unit on cultural diversity. Class activities related to the unit vary at each school.

Photo #1 Caption: Franklin 2nd grader Graham Gallagher tries his hand at writing Chinese characters on Feb. 21, one of a wide range of activities offered during “China Day” as part of a cultural diversity unit.

Photo #2 Caption: Franklin 2nd graders enjoy traditional Chinese games during “China Day” on Feb. 21, one of many activities that offered the students the chance to learn about Chinese language, history, and culture.

Photo #3 Caption: Basic lessons in the ancient art of Kung Fu was one of many opportunities for Franklin 2nd graders to learn about Chinese language, history and culture during “China Day” on Feb. 21.

Photo #4 Caption: Chinese artifacts, on loan from the Morris Museum, gave Franklin 2nd graders the chance to learn about Chinese culture during “China Day” on Feb. 21. The study of China is part of a 2nd grade unit on cultural diversity.

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