Classes: MS Chinese C and US Intermediate Chinese: Meeting Needs
Grades: Middle School & Upper School
Teachers: Ms. Runze Yang (MS) & Ms. Shanshan Xu (US)
Upper and Middle School students visited the Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center to celebrate and observe the traditions of the Lunar New Year. The goal of the trip was for students to experience the diversity of the Chinese diaspora community in person, as similar experiences have been restricted due to COVID in recent years. By connecting with elderly Chinese community members in person, students gained a better understanding of how Lunar New Year traditions are observed in different ways.
In addition to preparing snacks and beverages for the students, the seniors also performed three singing and dance performances. Following the performances, students had a chance to interview members of the community using the language skills they have been working on in class. These conversations covered topics such as the Lunar New Year, hobbies, favorite colors, heritage, and more.
Following the trip, students were asked to reflect on the following questions…
- What new ideas did you learn about the Lunar New Year base don your interviews?
- What did you learn about the background of the individual(s) you interviewed?
- What struck you most about interacting with seniors during your conversations?
I learned that everyone helps to cook the food, it isn’t cooked by one person.
The individuals I interviewed both go to Chinatown to watch the festivities but sometimes the fireworks are too loud for them.
The seniors were very enthusiastic and caring despite the language barrier.