Wu Jiaju,  a PhD student in the psychology program at the University of Iowa, has visited our classrooms in Wellman several times this school year, including last week.  

Mr. Wu is job shadowing Sally Hartman, a school psychologist from the Grant Wood Area Education Association.  Our students asked him many questions about his life in China and as a result, learned a great deal about Chinese culture.  We also played fruits and vegetables bingo games.

We hope to have Mr. Wu back again soon!

International Night

Mid-Prairie celebrated "International Night" November 12 at Washington Township.  More than 100 students and parents from around the district attended, and 8 to 10 exchange students from around the world!

It was a great night for learning about other countries and cultures, and for making new friends!

Five Little Monkeys

In November, WE kids read "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" in Chinese.  As you can see from the video, the students really enjoyed themselves and had a great time.

New Technology, New Opportunities

We have the opportunity here at Kalona elementary to use a large number of ipads for our educational units.  This can present a few challenges, but the benefits can far outweigh the negatives when you have a staff that works together to come up with great lessons and activities that use technology to support the teaching we do.  For example, in our Chinese class students put their knowledge of recently learned vocabulary to good use and created virtual rooms on an app.  Then, they presented their rooms to the class.  Students used the ipads to learn new words and practice them through a series of activities.  As a district we are working together to come up with ways that all classes and disciplines can put new technology to work in the classroom to give out students greater opportunities to learn in and beyond the class.  It just takes a little effort, and the rewards are truly great.

International Night

We all have to learn sometime

It doesn't matter if it is opening a door, using a pointer, or playing with chopsticks for each of us there was a first time.  Sometimes, it is easy to forget that (especially as we get up there in years).  One of the things I love most about teaching elementary school Chinese is that I get to see these first times.  It is really a lot of fun and helps keep me young.  The thing I like to remember is we all have time to have more first time experiences.

Do you remember the first time you used chopsticks?

When was the first time you had to get in front of a class to show something?

Studying Chinese out of school

It is hard for students to find time to study sometimes.  Whether it is extra curricular activities, time with family and friends, part time jobs, or just a rough day sometimes students don't take time to study.  But it doesn't take a much time to study.  You can do a lot in just 15 minutes if you do it right.  That is why we work of study skills so much in the first few weeks of our Chinese classes at the middle school.  It may be how to use flashcards one week, or online Chinese games the next.  The important thing is to build a habit of studying your Chinese so that you constantly work on it.  You will be amazed how much better you can get.  Speaking of opportunities to study Chinese, The University of Iowa is starting their next round of Community Chinese classes.  You can learn calligraphy, Tai Chi, or Chinese.  It is a great way to meet new people, practice speaking, or just have fun.  Find out class information here