Third-graders spend week with Chinese counterparts

By Marie Amaya and Katie Currin, third grade teachers; Michelle Garcia, Lower School GIP coordinator; and Paula Martin, Lower School director

Poly’s Lower School community had the honor of hosting 20 third grade students, and four administrators from the Chaoyang Experimental Primary School in Beijing, China. They visited with our Poly third grade teachers and students to study the American school system and way of life in the United States. The Chaoyang visit was a unique opportunity for our third-graders to share their knowledge about the world around them and develop a bond with others that reflects their willingness to develop as global citizens.

The third grade teachers, Marie Amaya and Katie Currin, were excited to share their experiences this past summer on their educational tour of China. In preparation for the Chaoyang visit, the third-graders read non-fiction books about China, practiced their multiples of 6 using Chinese currency, participated on a walking tour of Chinatown, explored the Asia Pacific Museum, in addition to several other lessons.
 
Here are some of the activities we enjoyed with our Chinese buddies:
  • Skype session prior to their visit;
  • Welcome and farewell celebrations in Founders Hall;
  • “Snail mail” pen pal letter exchange prior to their visit;
  • American folk dance together;
  • Creation of geography brochures for the City of Pasadena and Beijing;
  • Math centers;
  • Upper School Chinese New Year Fair (Dragon dance, Chinese yo-yo games, calligraphy on red couplets and chopstick competition).
Additionally, this special week included many facets of a cultural exchange, including activities for all the students in PE, music, and art. We all enjoyed a week of appreciating our commonalities as well as our differences, learning about each other, and learning from each other. It was an amazing opportunity for our Lower School community!

Some student reflections:
"In math centers, my buddy had different strategies to solve math problems. I thought that was interesting." - Elliott R.
"I wish I had more time with my buddy." - Morgan R.
“I really liked doing the dance. I thought…it’s them and us. It’s a small world.” - Giuseppe D.
“I liked how we taught them some things and they taught us some things.” - Roy O.

We are very excited to further integrate Poly’s Global Initiatives Program through our rich cultural units of study. This partnership has provided a wonderful opportunity to promote greater intercultural understanding between our nations. View more photos from the visit.
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