School 4 celebrates Chinese culture

On March 14 at Oceanside School 4, the third grade hosted a China Celebration. The students had been studying China and its culture for several weeks. They learned about the Great Wall of China, the terracotta warriors, Mount Everest and many other interesting parts of the country’s landscape as well as its history.

The students prepared projects at home with their families on different parts of Chinese culture. Presentations of their projects were done in class. Students researched Chinese celebrations and the traditional clothing worn for these events. They also researched government and learned of China’s One Child policy. Children learned what sports are played there and what inventions were born in China.  

For part of the study, they learned what foods are most commonly eaten (seafood) and why rice is a staple food at most of their meals in parts of China. For part of this lesson, students were asked to try eating dinner with chopsticks one evening. Their experiences were also shared with their classes in a written response.  

Third grade teachers Mrs. Blanco, Mrs. Madden and Mrs. Rosario brought the closing of this topic to a spectacular ending. Parents, grandparents and even aunts and uncles of the students were invited to School 4 to hear the students sing about China under the direction of the music teacher, Mrs. Gruber. Children played instruments and held up photos. A slide show video was prepared by Mrs. Duignan with photos taken by the teachers of the students preparing for the celebration mixed with beautiful Chinese photos. The auditorium was decorated with dragon masks made in the art room under the direction of Miss Toy. Lanterns made by students were strung from the ceiling and banners were hung on the walls. On display were all the projects the third graders made. There were dioramas, posters and tri-fold boards on all sides of the auditorium.