STARTALK immerses students, teachers in Chinese culture
Program sponsored by the Bryant’s U.S. China Institute gives middle and high school students, as well as teachers, opportunity to visit China.
Peter and Matthew Keenan, twin brothers from LaSalle Academy in Providence, had plenty of stories to share about their summer vacation when they returned to school last week for their senior years. For the third summer in a row, they took part in Bryant’s STARTALK language and culture program sponsored by Bryant's U.S.-China Institute.
This July, after attending the two-week session that featured language classes, cultural activities, and guest speakers, the Keenan brothers were part of a group of 16 students and teachers who took part in the ultimate field trip – a two-week visit to China.
Matthew says his favorite part of the trip was touring the Forbidden City in Beijing. “I was able to immerse myself in the history and culture of China by exploring the various temples and buildings there,” he says. “I felt as if I had stepped back in time many centuries. What an experience!”
Peter will never forget the grandeur of the Great Wall. “The ten tower, nearly vertical climb was treacherous but very worth it because of the spectacular views,” he says. “It felt amazing to be standing on one of the Eight Wonders of the World.”
(Photo on the left) Matthew Keenan in the Forbidden City. (Center photo) (L-R) Matthew and Peter Keenan on the Great Wall. (Photo on the right) Peter Keenan interacting with Chinese students.
The Keenan brothers, who both plan to apply to Bryant, sounded well beyond their years when analyzing the potential opportunities in China, the world’s most populous country. “Since many companies are now located n China, having knowledge of the Chinese language and culture will definitely be a plus for me when I enter the business world,” says Matthew.
“China represents a vast market with great potential for growth in the 21st century,” adds Peter. “I am convinced that broadening my understanding of China’s culture will enrich me as a person.”
Cultural immersion
Beyond the conversations with their friends, there is little doubt that the conversations at the Kennans’ dinner table were also fascinating. Mathew and Peter’s mother, Holly-Anne, a first-grade teacher at the Anna M. McCabe Elementary School in Smithfield, took part in the teacher program last year and returned this year to lead a session in the teacher program.
Holly-Anne and Bethany Marchetti, a fifth grade teacher a the McCabe school who also took part in the three-week STARTALK teacher program last year, spoke about a program called “East Meets West” that they created for their students. They taught the students lessons about language, geography, history, and art.
The inspiration behind the afterschool program was the trip the teachers took to China last summer. “It was an invaluable experience we could bring back to our classes,” says Holly-Anne.
In June, the teachers and their students organized an event for family, friends, and the community to show them what the children learned. Students greeted the guests in Chinese, staffed stations on calligraphy, the Chinese flag, and the revered Chinese thinker Confucius; and played Chinese games. The highlight of the day was a performance featuring the first graders singing and the fifth graders performing a Chinese dance.
At the finale event in June, students (photo on the left) showcased Chinese jump rope, (center photo) gave a geography lesson on China, and (photo on the right) created Chinese flags as Smithfield Schools Superintendent Robert O’Brien looks on.
“The students were confident and poised,” says Holly-Anne. “We were very proud of them.”
“Our goal was to expose them to the Chinese culture and inspire them to want to continue their learning,” adds Marchetti.
Smithfield Schools Superintendent Robert O’Brien says a program like this would not be possible with the support of Bryant.
This collaboration will continue with the establishment of two Confucius Classrooms, which under the direction of Bryant’s Confucius Institute, will develop and conduct Chinese language and cultural curricula. Two of the first three classrooms in the area will be located at the William Windsor Elementary School in Smithfield and Smithfield High School.
Lifelong learning
While the 69 students in this year’s STARTALK program were learning about China, an equally dedicated group of 39 teachers from around New England took part in a three-week program designed to help them create lesson plans about China. The curriculum included workshops, seminars, and expert guest speakers on Chinese culture.
Barbara Berleth, an enrichment teacher at Central Elementary School in Lincoln, says her interest in China began when she had trouble acquiring suitable information to teach her second through fifth graders. She can now share stories from visiting China with her students.
“I will take back to my classroom, school, and community a vast amount of information that I learned and experienced, as well as a desire to learn more,” says Berleth.
During the two week STARTALK program, (photo on the left) students watched a presentation of the Chinese Sword, (center photo) read literature on Chinese culture, and (photo on right) and learned basic martial arts.
Rosemary Hunter, principal at the Greenwood Elementary School in Warwick, says the program was one of the best forms of professional development she has encountered.
“I am prepared to initiate within my own learning community introductory classes and activities in Chinese history, geography, culture, and language,” says Hunter, who also visited China. “In addition, I have the resources and support I need through Bryant’s U.S.-China Institute to offer continuing education and more advanced studies as the demand and interest grows.”
Rosie Sosnowski, a teacher in the modern world languages department at Portsmouth High School, says she looks forward to bringing her firsthand knowledge of China and the language into her classes.
“This program made me realize how integral a part China has always played, and continues to play, in the world,” she says.
This fall,Bryant's U.S.-China Institute will offer Chinese language classes for young learners (K-12), as well as adults. Registration deadline is Monday,September 14.
