Spotlight on China
Friday, October 6 will be China's mid-autumn festival. On this day of harvesting, the Chinese celebrate by eating moon cakes, taro, and water chestnuts. World Wise Schools joins in the fun with some new stories and old goodies.
New Stories
- Just how big is China? Matthew Scranton (Peace Corps Volunteer, China, 2005–present) helps students get their mind around the astounding size of the country and what it means to be a Peace Corps Volunteer in China.
- A cab ride. A moment of cross-cultural clarity. Thalia Kwok (Peace Corps Volunteer, China, 2005–present) simultaneously disorienting and heartwarming piece helps students understand and bridge the culture divide between China and the United States.
- China's rich history has collided with its rapid modernization to produce a unique blend of the old and new. Former Peace Corps Volunteer Riley Graebner (Peace Corps Volunteer, China, 2002–2003) tells his story in this slide show, "Out With the Old, In With the New." Take a look at a teacher guide for this slide show.
Oldies But Goodies
- "Running," excerpted from Peter Hessler's New York Times bestselling memoir "River Town," captures the country's charms and complexities. Also check out the lessons for "Running": "Confront Two Challenges," "How Cultures Differ," "How a Writer Conveys Descriptions With a Wallop," and "The Rigors of Learning a New Language."
- "The Legend of the Mid-Autumn Festival," as told by Kristy Balsanek, spins a familiar yarn with a distinctly Asian twist.
- Remember China Boxes from last year? If you don't, then imagine your students opening a package of Chinese chess, a McDonald's menu in Chinese, or Chinese teen magazines. Let your students touch China, rather than just reading about it.
- Learn more about what the Peace Corps is doing in China.
- Sign up to correspond with a Peace Corps Volunteer in China. Learn more about World Wise Schools' Correpsondence Match program.