Inspiring Life-long Learning for Over 25 Years
Learning Mandarin is not only about mastering a language, but also about understanding a way of life, appreciating a cultural tradition, and enjoying a delicacy. . .
De Qiu Kong, Da Vinci Waldorf School Mandarin Teacher
Grades 1-8 are discovering the beauty of the Mandarin language and Chinese traditions with Mrs. Kong. Mrs. Kong grew up in China, and was a teacher there for 2 decades before she came to teach in America. She has been teaching here for 10 years. Her background knowledge is invaluable as she teaches students to make dumplings, play games she loved as a child, and sing old familiar songs. Mrs. Kong turns learning a language into a rich, immersive experience and we enjoy going on this cultural journey with her.
So what is learning Mandarin at a Waldorf school like?
Experiencing the Culture Through Food
Some days are an opportunity to try different kinds of tea. It's a magical thing to watch a flower bloom in water, and partake in the ceremonial aspects of tea time. In February, the children made enough dumplings for the whole school to share on Lunar New Year. Another fun day was learning to roll seaweed rice rolls, yum!
Speaking Mandarin During Games and Activities
Our students have been learning to talk about their emotions, describe their clothing, and even shop for items in "Mrs. Kong's store". They practice writing too, and apply their knowledge while having fun with games.
The children learn to play Gobang, checkers, shuttlecock kicking, rubber band jumping and other traditional Chinese games while speaking in Mandarin.
Participating in Holidays and Special Events
Mrs. Kong taught the children 剪纸 jiǎn zhǐ (Chinese paper-cutting) and they decorated the school for Lunar New Year. The children also learned how to make lanterns and dragon puppets.
Our middle school students learned about the Peking Opera, which combines instrumental music, vocal performance, mime, martial arts, dance and acrobatics. The students learned to sing in Mandarin and recite poetry, which they performed for the students. They also learned martial arts and made their own opera masks.
It's amazing to think that our students are really getting a taste of Chinese culture, and they can read, write and speak Mandarin. They can even sing in Mandarin! Here they are, singing "Jingle Bells" at our winter concert.
Are you still thinking about those dumplings I mentioned? They were so delicious, and you can make your own because Mrs. Kong had her dumpling recipe published in a magazine! You can find it here-
