Puxi G3: The Week of Chinese Culture

Every third graders experienced some traditional Chinese culture during the 6th week of school. This great event was held by the primary section of SHSID and there were different themes for each grade. The theme for third graders was Peking opera.

They watched the show that was given by some artists from the Peking Opera Troupe of Shanghai on March 26th. The host gave everyone a small lecture about 4 main characters in Peking opera.

Some artists showed how they changed costumes and painted their faces. Then they performed some well-known Peking opera shows. It was the very first time for most teachers and students to see such a show. Along with the show, these artists also played some games with the students. Some kids were asked to come to the stage to imitate the artists. Although these kids tried very hard, most of them were not able to act it out . However, they still enjoyed trying it. They also learn the important lesson that one minute of brilliant performance takes ten years of practice.

On Thursday, these third graders made their own Peking opera masks during Chinese class. They listened to their teachers about why and how artists painted their faces and they were very excited to see some examples such as Monkey King and Monster Cat from Journey to the West , one of the Chinese classics. They followed their teachers in singing an interesting song about Peking opera.

Then came the most exciting moment;it was their turn to make their own mask. Some students were very creative and they decided to make a new style mask. Some kids liked Guanyu, a Chinese hero, very much. They made an authentic mask painted in red. The red color represents justice.

March 29th was Chinese traditional dress day. Many students put on a Qipao that is a kind of dress of the Qing Dynasty. Some Chinese artists made sugar art for them during the afternoon. Students could not only watch the wonderful sugar art show, but also had a taste of a sweet dessert. They played the spinner game. What a wonderful day!

When the bell rang, the class was over and it was the end of the Week of Chinese culture. All the third graders are looking forward to having interesting activities like this next year.