From April 21st to 27th, Shanghai High School International Division held a grand Chinese Culture Week event for G4-5 students. This activity served as a bridge connecting the ancient and modern worlds, guiding students through the galaxy of a thousand-year-old civilization and exploring the mysteries of Chinese culture.

G4: The Joy of Tea

The 4th grade students embarked on a fascinating journey into the world of tea culture, following the fragrance of tea to uncover its mysteries. Through learning, tasting, and exploring different types of tea, they unlocked the unique secrets hidden within this cultural tradition.

Smell the Tea

On Tuesday, students gained an initial understanding of the origins and history of tea. They explored ancient texts, from Lu Yu's famous statement to the ancient stories in the Shennong. The fragrance of tea traveled through the millennia as students traced the origins of tea drinking in China and revealed the mysterious process of tea making. Each step in the process encapsulated the wisdom passed down through generations, showcasing the craftsmanship and persistence of Chinese artisans.

After learning about different types of tea, students became tea connoisseurs, carefully distinguishing and savoring the unique flavors of each type. They also read many moving legends related to tea. Based on their own learning and reflections, they created a map of Chinese tea, showcasing their personal understanding of tea culture.

Taste the Tea Around the Stove

On Wednesday, students first watched a video about tea drinking during the Tang and Song dynasties. As the students observed the differences in tea preparation across these two dynasties, they pondered the historical and cultural messages embedded in these practices. Teachers also became tea specialists, pouring famous Chinese teas like Tieguanyin and Longjing for the students. In addition, tea snacks, such as sweet green bean cake, were also served. Students used their keen senses to savor the unique flavors of different teas, experiencing the rich blend of tea aroma and culture. In the coming days, parents will visit the campus to teach tea brewing techniques and explain the tea ceremony etiquette, creating a wonderful opportunity for home-school collaboration in cultural learning.

Spread the Culture of Tea

On Friday, through a precious ancient tomb mural, students seemed to open a door to history. The mural vividly depicted scenes of ancient tea preparation, and through abundant historical materials, the students learned about how Chinese tea spread to the world. Tea traveled via foreign trade to Japan, the Arab world, and even Europe. Students were surprised to find that the word "tea" is pronounced similarly in different languages, stemming from the Fujian dialect or evolving through the tea trade. Many students, drawing from geography lessons on the Silk Road, deepened their understanding of the close relationship between the spread of tea and the Silk Road, recognizing that this ancient route was not just a trade pathway but also a cultural exchange route.

As the activity ended, students put their thoughts into writing on "tea leaves," each one filled with insights and reflections. These leaves, full of wisdom and passion, gathered to form lush “tea trees.” The fragrance of tea, spanning over a thousand years, took root in the students' hearts, continuing the legacy of Eastern civilization.

Design the Tea Brand

This week's art class was also unique. Students became brand designers, pouring their understanding and creativity of tea culture into their designs. Some incorporated traditional cloud patterns with modern lines to create a lively tea logo, while others drew inspiration from green mountain landscapes. Some designs were influenced by Lu Yu's The Classic of Tea, while others incorporated the legendary Tea Horse Road into their brand stories. This creative journey, filled with the aroma of tea, not only honed the students' hands-on skills but also gave new life to tea culture through innovation and heritage.

G5: The Spirit of a Prosperous Era

The vast and timeless China, with its thousand-year-old cultural lineage, shines brightly in history. The 5th grade students explored the theme 'The Spirit of a Prosperous Era,' gaining an understanding of the profound and expansive nature of Chinese culture.

Knowledge competition

On Tuesday, the history quiz competition served as a dialogue across time and space, helping students gain an understanding of a thousand years of history. Divided into groups, students competed in the quiz, and when a group answered the final question, the room erupted in thunderous applause and cheers, creating a lively, knowledge-filled atmosphere. This competition not only allowed students to feel the pulse of the prosperous Han and Tang dynasties but also highlighted the importance of teamwork.

Appreciating Chinese Classical Music

If the knowledge competition was an intense mental challenge, then the appreciation of traditional Chinese music was a soul-soothing auditory feast. Students first learned about ancient Chinese instruments like the guzheng, pipa, and erhu. Each instrument seemed to tell a unique Eastern story. When Western and Chinese musical elements blended, students marveled at the magical fusion. During the Chinese song appreciation session, the atmosphere became even more vibrant. Songs like 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix' and 'The Uncommon Characters' revealed the cultural codes hidden within the music and allowed ancient melodies to take root in their young hearts.

Script writing

On Wednesday, Students in S Level conducted an unconventional historical figure interview. Through engaging conversations with these “historical figures,” students experienced a dialogue spanning over a thousand years. Students in H Level wrote scripts for a historical play, organized a professional team, and held script discussions, carefully planning for the upcoming filming. In this activity, students fully unleashed their imagination and creativity, and we look forward to their original works!

Bronze Tripods

On Friday, students entered the mysterious world of bronze artifacts. The teacher guided them through the Shang and Zhou dynasties, explaining how bronze vessels evolved from sacrificial tools to practical implements, recounting the stories behind each piece. The majestic items gave students a sense of the ancient craftsmanship and the cultural significance behind these national treasures. The session concluded with a hands-on activity where students shaped their own bronze tripods. This activity combined historical knowledge with practical experience, allowing students to appreciate the unique charm of bronze artifacts and igniting their passion for traditional Chinese culture.

This cultural journey allowed the 4th graders to touch the warmth of traditional culture amidst the fragrance of tea, while the 5th graders marveled at the brilliance of a Prosperous Era. This event not only enriched the students' knowledge but also planted a seed of love for traditional culture in their hearts. We believe that students will write their own brilliant chapters in life.

Written by Cathy Cao
Proofread by Judah Kuhn

Pictures/Video by Minxuan Cao, G4-5 Teachers

Edited by Cong Luo

Reviewed by Luting Lu, Cong Luo