UI Confucius Institute - Chinese New Year!

The University of Iowa Confucius Institute visited Washington Township on Friday, February 8, to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

This is the Year of the Snake, but two Mid-Prairie staff members bravely donned lion costumes in celebration of the new year at the all-school assembly.  They had a good time learning more about this most important annual celebration in the Chinese culture.

Rhyming the Days of the Week

Wellman second graders are reading and rhyming the days of the week in the following video.

The students are showing their comfort with Chinese.  I hope you enjoy listening and watching them!

Great start to Year of the Snake!!

A special thanks to all students, parents, and community members who came out to our Chinese New Year celebration on February 7th.  It was a great time with students making New Year's decorations, and everyone learning how to make Jiao zi (potstickers).

Thanks again,
Mid Prairie Chinese Teachers

Chinese Club!!!

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.