Fluency field trips immerse Chinese classes in culture, cuisine

Chinese classes in both Middle and Upper School ventured into nearby neighborhoods to practice their language skills through immersive trips to local restaurants and cultural sites. Upper School and 7th/8th Grade Chinese students recently traveled to Flushing, Queens, where they were encouraged to practice the language by speaking to shopkeepers in Chinese.

They stopped in Teso Life, Yige Book Store and Shakalaka Bakery to do scavenger hunting. When the group got hungry, they visited Qingmu Dessert Lab to try bubble tea, and hoo Loong Kan for delicious hot pot. “Beyond language, the students learned to build relationships with the Chinese community during the trip,” reflected Upper School Chinese teacher Harry Yang.

Students in the 6th grade Chinese class have been studying the Sichuan cuisine and its specialty of culture and history of trade between China and its western neighbors in the 15th century. A field trip to the O Mandarin restaurant afforded students the opportunity to learn how to serve tea, and order meals and converse with the wait staff in Chinese. “This was a unique and exciting experience for them,” said Ms. Dai. “They also learned the proper way to use chopsticks, which is an important aspect of Chinese dining,” added Ms. Dai. Students went behind the scenes to learn how soup dumplings are made. “The students watched with awe as the chef expertly prepared the dish – it was an intricate process,” said Ms. Dai. “And a delicious end result!”