China Day Programs
In the next 20 years there is little doubt that multicultural understanding will become
increasingly important for our students, so why not help them to learn about the cultures of
our neighbours?
The Chinese culture is one of the oldest and most fascinating cultures in the world. In order to
provide students with a better understanding of China, the Tourism Confucius Institute (TCI)
at Griffith University has designed a China Day Program for schools and invite you to join
us!
I. LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES
Chinese Language Experience
This is an attractive, simple and interesting Chinese lesson. Students are taught five to ten
sentences of everyday Chinese such as "Nice to meet you", "How are you", "Thanks" and
"Good bye", as well as introducing them to basic Chinese culture. The most active and
quickest learners may get souvenirs as rewards.
Calligraphy Competition
This is a demonstration and teaching of calligraphy, including the introduction of the
basic skills and their cultural background. Typical characters like "中秋", "福" will be
used for demonstration. The teachers or calligrapher will unveil the secrets of calligraphy
and encourage the students to participate in the activity. The teacher will select and
reward the top ten artists.
Message Wall
The students choose something they like and then learn the relevant Chinese character or
phrase. The teacher will explain the meanings of the character or phrase, and then write it
down on the message wall.
Word Puzzles
The teachers will prepare several boards to illustrate pictograms such as 好. The right
side, covered with a piece of paper, shows its version in modern Chinese, translation in
English and a picture demonstrating its meaning. Students will guess the meaning of the
pictogram in advance, and then remove the cover paper to check the answer. Rewards will
be presented to the students who get the correct answer.
II. HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES
Dumpling Making
Jiaozi or dumplings are a traditional and popular Chinese food. The TCI staff will prepare
the ingredients and utensils for cooking. The teacher will show students how to wrap and
boil the Jiaozi, resulting in a tasty snack that everyone can enjoy. There can also be a
lesson on Chinese cuisine before making the jiaozi. The lesson can be timed to coincide
with traditional Chinese festivals such as the Middle Autumn Festival, the Spring Festival,
the Lantern Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival and introduce typical foods such as
jiaozi, Yuanxiao, spring rolls and rice dumplings.
Kite Flying
Kite flying is a very popular spring activity in China. The TCI teachers will prepare all
the materials for kite-making, teach the students how to frame and tie the kite, and
decorate the kites in a traditional Chinese way. With luck the students will be able to fly
their kites on the playground!
Paper Cutting
Chinese paper-cutting has a history of more than 1500 years and represents cultural
values throughout China. Paper cutting is very popular for decoration, especially on
windows. The TCI staff will show how to do simple paper cutting that the students can
then take home.
Jianzi Kicking
Jianzi (known in English as a Chinese hacky sack or kinja) is a Chinese folk game and
typically has four feathers fixed into a rubber or plastic disc. Some handmade jianzis
make use of a washer or a coin with a hole in the center. The TCI staff will teach students
to make Jianzi and how to play it. The students can practice Jianzi-kicking and join a
competition with the top five players winning prizes.
Book Mark Making
The TCI teachers will show students how to make a Chinese book mark. Students can try
using Chinese brush pens to write or paint on the book mark. Each student can keep the
book mark for themselves. The most creative students will get rewards.
III. EXHIBITIONS & PERFORMANCES
Tourism Show
The TCI staff will organize a China tourism photo show and craft display to give a brief
introduction about tourist destinations and cultural events in China, especially in Jiangsu
province.
Traditional Chinese Performance
The TCI staff will organize a performance of dragon and lion dances, or Chinese folk
music, and perform together with the students, allowing them to have a taste of
traditional Chinese performing arts.
Karaoke in Chinese
The TCI teachers will encourage students to sing in Chinese and can hold a Chinese
Karaoke competition.
Chinese Dance
Teachers from the TCI will demonstrate some typical dances and help students learn
Chinese dances such as Yangge or fan dance.
Kung Fu
The TCI staff will organize a Chinese Kung Fu performance with an expert
demonstrating Chinese martial arts. Students will learn how to perform simple acts of Tai
Chi, Tai Chi sword and other styles.