Jefferson Elementary Preschoolers Learn About American, Chinese Alligators
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
WINONA LAKE – Secondary students at Warsaw Schools aren’t the only ones learning Chinese this year.
Students at Jefferson Elementary School also are learning about the language and culture.
Principal Dennis Duncan traveled to China during spring break in April. While there, he made a connection with Jefferson’s sister school, Taizhoe Shi Baiyun Primary School.
The school has 1,500 students in first through sixth grade, and the building is four stories high, Duncan said. The city is so big, all 1,500 students can walk to school.
The goal, he said, is to create distance-learning opportunities between the two schools. Another goal for the school this year is to have thematic units through the school year for students focused on Asian culture.
Another trip for parents and students to China is being planned for spring break in April.
Duncan said they are applying for a grant with the hope to bring a full-time Chinese instructor to Jefferson.
On Tuesdays after school, Jefferson offers a Chinese Club with Chunyau Zhao.
Beginnings Preschool at Jefferson recently studied the alligator in China and in America. They learned the differences and similarities of the alligators. Students created a papier-maché alligator.
Student Logan Wagley said it was 40 pounds. Nate Seiss, student, said alligators are long and nocturnal.
Their eyes are red and blue when they see light, Wagley said, and their backs are bony plates. In America, alligators can be found in two states, including Florida.
Dr. Shu-Chun Tseng, who teaches Mandarin Chinese at the high school and middle schools, did translations for the students on the alligator and other material.
This is the first year Warsaw Community Schools has offered Chinese classes at the high school and middle schools.
