Yesterday was our last day at The Affiliated Elementary School of Hunan University. Mr. Sayfie came back from Shanghai and told us about his great experience, describing Shanghai as the city from "The Jetsons." While many from our group are back in Miami or in another city in China, here are some thoughts from the children that remained:
Aloni....."I'm going to miss my friends, my host family and their table manners. It's so cool that you don't have to put the bones on the side of the plate, you can just put them on the table. I am a little nervous about packing by myself but Coach Pablo is coming over to help me."
Janna....."I would like to visit other parts of China. I'm going to miss the store, I wish Cushman had a store on campus to buy candy like this school does."
David......"I'm going to miss my host family and how kind they were to me. I enjoyed how they celebrated their holidays with fireworks."
Macenna......"I made a fool of myself in the morning exercises! It was hard to keep up with the teacher! English class with Senora Becker and Coach Pablo was soooooooooo easy, but they would never call on me when I raised my hand."
Arianna......"I'm proud of myself for trying jellyfish! I'm going to miss my classmates because they were kind, helpful, and nice."
Darius....."I had to say goodbye to my classmates. We took a lot of pictures and I took video of class, the school and morning exercises. I gave my teacher a bear and my classmates hugs."
Andres....."I did Mrs. Cabrera's Math homework in class. Then I had lunch with my host Jerry and his friend Mike. I had rice, beef, and some kind of vegetable...it was pretty good."
Cierra....."I like my teacher. She asked me to teach class today. I taught them words and definitions. Then I played with the kids. I'm going to miss my host family, they were so nice to me."
Duncan......"For lunch I had fried rice and a weird vegetable called....something weird they don't have in America. After lunch I played football with Darius, Aloni, Andres, and Ricardo."
Ricardo....."I got lots of presents in class like a few stuffed animals and a bag full of toys. I also liked the pictures they drew for me." (Ricardo's group of friends followed the bus yelling GOOD BYE as we drove off!)
Roarke......"I hope my cat is alright and everyone is OK. I had a great time throughout the trip. I would definately come back to China because of the people and the culture."
Ivy......."Everyone was sad today because we were leaving....I could see it in their eyes. After morning classes we went to a really good shop that was cheap. In the afternoon, we made dumplings, and I broke them...so I had to eat them with my hands."
Danica...."I was happy that my class gave me a heart that unfolded and they all signed it. I'll miss The Great Wall and the slide and the store on campus."
Ava......"I wish we could go back to The Great Wall. I loved the gondola ride up the mountain, the view was beautiful. And the slide coming down was so much fun."
Today is our day off before we leave. Most of us our doing last-minute shopping and packing. We are being picked up to go the airport at 7:00 am.
It was an emotional day here yesterday, we have met some incredible people that have shown us the ultimate sign of respect by opening the doors to their homes and welcoming us with open arms.
The places we've seen, the people we've met and spent time with have made this trip an unforgettable experience for everyone. We cannot wait to come home to share our pictures, and videos and experiences.
The best part about all of this is that we have formed a strong bond with a great school. This is just the beginning of something special as we have laid the foundation for joint projects between the two schools, as well as future trips and exchanges. We are lucky to have leaders at both schools that see the value of Global Education.
We hope that this friendship between Affiliated School of Hunan University and The Cushman School lasts for a very long time. We know that this is just the first chapter of many blogs to come in the future.....
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Start of the Last Week in Changsha
Our last week started with the usual school day. The students were happy to see each other after a weekend away with their host families. It was Cierra's 13th birthday and her host family planned a special day from Cierra and the rest of our students. It started with a party at a place that resembled The Miami Children's Museum. The place was reserved for our group only, and the children took part in the games and activities. Snacks and beverages were provided as American and Chinese students socialized had a great time together. Pictures are posted on the blog.
On Tuesday morning, Cierra's mother, Dr. Evelina Bestman gave a lecture on Child Psychology at the Hunan University. The Cushman family should feel proud that three members of our small group were asked to give lectures at one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
On Tuesday afternoon, we all attended the Embroidery Museum of Hunan Province in Changsha. We saw traditional embroidery, embroidery that dates back over 2000 years, and a unique stitch developed in the 19th century in Hunan Province that enables embroidery to resemble real paintings with life-like qualities. The detail in the art work was truly amazing. In the back of the museum, the children got to see women working on tapestries similar to the ones we saw in the museum. The women were open to pictures and questions, and Raleigh was surprised to hear that a single tapestry could take as long as a year to make!!
The teachers continue to be amazed by the hospitality that the Chinese families have shown us and our students! They welcome us with open arms and receive us with fruit and frequently an offer to join them for the next meal. The students have been placed in beautiful homes. We have been blessed to have had such caring and hospitable families.
Wednesday afternoon was the Student Flea Market. At the market, classes set up their own tables and brought items from home to sell at the market. All the proceeds went to the earthquake relief fund. Our students bought many of the items, some as presents, most to keep for themselves (it should also be noted that by the end of the afternoon, Mr. Cosgrove had quite a collection of bows and arrows, plastic knives and even a pair of numb-chucks which he is 'looking after' for many of the boys in our group. These items may or may not make it back to Miami...) We were impressed by the Chinese students' ability to sell their items. Coach Pablo gave one of the Chinese students a CD to sell at his table. No more than 5 minutes later, the same student tried to sell the CD back to him, following him all around the market. He was very persistent and was finally successul in selling the CD back to Coach Pablo for 5 yuen! He then gave the CD to another student. Luckily, the second student did not try to sell the CD back to him. Likewise, Ricardo bought in to their sales techniques, buying little weapons at the gift shop for 10 yuen and selling them for 15 yuen!
On Tuesday morning, Cierra's mother, Dr. Evelina Bestman gave a lecture on Child Psychology at the Hunan University. The Cushman family should feel proud that three members of our small group were asked to give lectures at one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
On Tuesday afternoon, we all attended the Embroidery Museum of Hunan Province in Changsha. We saw traditional embroidery, embroidery that dates back over 2000 years, and a unique stitch developed in the 19th century in Hunan Province that enables embroidery to resemble real paintings with life-like qualities. The detail in the art work was truly amazing. In the back of the museum, the children got to see women working on tapestries similar to the ones we saw in the museum. The women were open to pictures and questions, and Raleigh was surprised to hear that a single tapestry could take as long as a year to make!!
The teachers continue to be amazed by the hospitality that the Chinese families have shown us and our students! They welcome us with open arms and receive us with fruit and frequently an offer to join them for the next meal. The students have been placed in beautiful homes. We have been blessed to have had such caring and hospitable families.
Wednesday afternoon was the Student Flea Market. At the market, classes set up their own tables and brought items from home to sell at the market. All the proceeds went to the earthquake relief fund. Our students bought many of the items, some as presents, most to keep for themselves (it should also be noted that by the end of the afternoon, Mr. Cosgrove had quite a collection of bows and arrows, plastic knives and even a pair of numb-chucks which he is 'looking after' for many of the boys in our group. These items may or may not make it back to Miami...) We were impressed by the Chinese students' ability to sell their items. Coach Pablo gave one of the Chinese students a CD to sell at his table. No more than 5 minutes later, the same student tried to sell the CD back to him, following him all around the market. He was very persistent and was finally successul in selling the CD back to Coach Pablo for 5 yuen! He then gave the CD to another student. Luckily, the second student did not try to sell the CD back to him. Likewise, Ricardo bought in to their sales techniques, buying little weapons at the gift shop for 10 yuen and selling them for 15 yuen!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Days 12 and 13 from Changsha
Thursday turned out to be a great day for everyone! The Young Pioneers Assembly was a "Spring Play" type performance that included student announcers, dancing, singing, a slideshow, and speeches by the Director of the school and Senora Becker. The front row seats were occupied by some of the prestigious members of Hunan University's faculty and administration, while the second and third rows were occupied by the Cushman family. We were proud to be their guests of honor! We were not told how many people attended the assembly, but it was standing-room only and even tourists from New Zealand attended the event.
Alana was one of the 3 hosts and was very composed and poised announcing all of the acts in English. It was impressive considering that she had only 1 day to prepare. The Chinese students, wearing colorful and unique costumes, impressed the large audience with their dancing and singing. Our students were equally as impressive singing their 3 songs in English, and as they started to sing the Chinese song, many mwmbwer of the audience joined in. We were proud to see the smiles on the Chinese people's faces as our children sang their song. Mr. Cosgrove reminded some of Beethoven with his skills on the piano. Soon after the assembly, he was asked to stay in China as the full time piano teacher...but he declined the offer.....stating that "the parking situation is much better at Cushman!" (There are 6 parking spots at this school, shared by faculty, staff and parents...and by the PE classes when they are not occupied) The Chinese were a bit disappointed but understood. We all received a great number of compliments regarding our children, and we were very proud of the way they represented our school and our country. They each introduced themselves and said what they liked to do when "they are in Miami." Senora Becker was surprised to find out that she was giving a speech, but when she went up to the podium, she spoke very well about the great friendship we have established between the 2 schools. In her words, "We are looking forward to a great long-term friendship between our schools."
Jim Stamatis, Senora Becker's husband, gave a lecture on "Product Placement" last night at Hunan University. Jim is the Director of Operations at NBC-Telemundo. The Communication Majors at the university packed the auditorium and asked thoughful questions afterwards.
This afternoon, we all attended The Hunan Provincial Museum. The main attraction was a 2,000 year old mummy. Danica, Janna, Ava, Sophia, Mr. Elliot, and Mr. Cosgrove were interviewed by the Hunan TV station, and will be on the news tonight discussing the museum. (The cameras followed our children everywhere)
Many of the children commented on the mummy's wrinkles but gave her credit for being so old!
It's the weekend and our children are off with their host families. The children continue to enjoy spending time with their host families.
The school will be locked up on Saturday and Sunday, so look for the next blog on Monday morning.
Have a great weekend from all of us in Changsha!!!
Alana was one of the 3 hosts and was very composed and poised announcing all of the acts in English. It was impressive considering that she had only 1 day to prepare. The Chinese students, wearing colorful and unique costumes, impressed the large audience with their dancing and singing. Our students were equally as impressive singing their 3 songs in English, and as they started to sing the Chinese song, many mwmbwer of the audience joined in. We were proud to see the smiles on the Chinese people's faces as our children sang their song. Mr. Cosgrove reminded some of Beethoven with his skills on the piano. Soon after the assembly, he was asked to stay in China as the full time piano teacher...but he declined the offer.....stating that "the parking situation is much better at Cushman!" (There are 6 parking spots at this school, shared by faculty, staff and parents...and by the PE classes when they are not occupied) The Chinese were a bit disappointed but understood. We all received a great number of compliments regarding our children, and we were very proud of the way they represented our school and our country. They each introduced themselves and said what they liked to do when "they are in Miami." Senora Becker was surprised to find out that she was giving a speech, but when she went up to the podium, she spoke very well about the great friendship we have established between the 2 schools. In her words, "We are looking forward to a great long-term friendship between our schools."
Jim Stamatis, Senora Becker's husband, gave a lecture on "Product Placement" last night at Hunan University. Jim is the Director of Operations at NBC-Telemundo. The Communication Majors at the university packed the auditorium and asked thoughful questions afterwards.
This afternoon, we all attended The Hunan Provincial Museum. The main attraction was a 2,000 year old mummy. Danica, Janna, Ava, Sophia, Mr. Elliot, and Mr. Cosgrove were interviewed by the Hunan TV station, and will be on the news tonight discussing the museum. (The cameras followed our children everywhere)
Many of the children commented on the mummy's wrinkles but gave her credit for being so old!
It's the weekend and our children are off with their host families. The children continue to enjoy spending time with their host families.
The school will be locked up on Saturday and Sunday, so look for the next blog on Monday morning.
Have a great weekend from all of us in Changsha!!!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Day 11 from Changsha
We started our Wednesday morning with a music rehearsal at the old and beautiful auditorium at Hunan University. The three-level auditorium, with a capacity to hold over 1,500 people, will have around 1,300 students, teachers, and parents in the audience for tomorrow afternoon's assembly. We are truly honored to have the opportunity to showcase Cushman students' capabilities. We are all confident that as usual, our Cushman students will rise to the occassion and perform with poise and confidence in front of the large crowd. Look for pictures and (hopefully) video in tomorrow's blog.
We broke for lunch at 11:30 am as we usually do and met back up at school at 2:30 pm. (The school day in China is a bit different as it begins at 8:00 am and but most of the students go home at 11:30 to eat lunch and return again at 2:30 pm when the afternoon session begins. Classes in the afternoon end at 4:30 pm).
The students and teachers spent the afternoon learning about Calligraphy and practicing the fine Chinese Art. The instructor taught us about the different types of Calligraphy and the fine techniques they require. The students, teachers, and parents all had the opportunity try on their own and had a great time painting Chinese characters!
After Calligraphy, as Miss Kagan went back to the office to pack up, she was greeted there by a rooster and a chicken. (Video to be uploaded) Miss Kagan, Mr. Cosgrove, and Coach Pablo decided to name the chickens "Chairman" and "Mao", but they are not telling their Chinese colleagues. We hear that chicken is on the menu for tomorrow, but, as yet, have not been able to confirm this.
Our Chinese colleagues here have welcomed us all with open arms. Walking around the school, we are usually greeted by the Chinese students with a loud "HELLO!" or "GOOD MORNING!" and a big smile as students are seemingly proud to showcase their English. It was a few students at first who were confident enough to say those English words out loud, but now we all get a thousand "HELLOS" wherever we go! It is really funny! We may look strange, but we think they like us!
We are looking forward to a great assembly tomorrow!
We broke for lunch at 11:30 am as we usually do and met back up at school at 2:30 pm. (The school day in China is a bit different as it begins at 8:00 am and but most of the students go home at 11:30 to eat lunch and return again at 2:30 pm when the afternoon session begins. Classes in the afternoon end at 4:30 pm).
The students and teachers spent the afternoon learning about Calligraphy and practicing the fine Chinese Art. The instructor taught us about the different types of Calligraphy and the fine techniques they require. The students, teachers, and parents all had the opportunity try on their own and had a great time painting Chinese characters!
After Calligraphy, as Miss Kagan went back to the office to pack up, she was greeted there by a rooster and a chicken. (Video to be uploaded) Miss Kagan, Mr. Cosgrove, and Coach Pablo decided to name the chickens "Chairman" and "Mao", but they are not telling their Chinese colleagues. We hear that chicken is on the menu for tomorrow, but, as yet, have not been able to confirm this.
Our Chinese colleagues here have welcomed us all with open arms. Walking around the school, we are usually greeted by the Chinese students with a loud "HELLO!" or "GOOD MORNING!" and a big smile as students are seemingly proud to showcase their English. It was a few students at first who were confident enough to say those English words out loud, but now we all get a thousand "HELLOS" wherever we go! It is really funny! We may look strange, but we think they like us!
We are looking forward to a great assembly tomorrow!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Day 10 from Changsha
Tuesday was our first full day at the Affiliated Elementary School of Hunan University. The Cushman students and teachers met at 8:00 am and started the day with a music rehearsal, practicing the three English songs and one Chinese song they will sing at the Young Pioneer Assembly on Thursday. The Assembly will take place in the Auditorium and the children are excited about performing in front of more than 1,000 students, faculty, and parents!
After rehearsal, the Cushman students went to class with their Chinese buddies and spent the rest of the morning together. Their schedules included classes in Chinese, Math, Art, and Spoken English (which Roarke said was "VERY easy!")
Meanwhile, Mr. Cosgrove, Ms. Kagan, Senora Becker and Coach Pablo visited the different classrooms our children had joined.
Senora Becker and Coach Pablo went to class with Rosie and had a great first grade Chinese lesson, focusing on the four different tones of the Chinese language. The classroom included around 45 other students, some of whom kept turning around to look at the "alien looking" people sitting in the back of the room. Senora Becker and Coach Pablo tried their best to ignore them, but their smiles and constant peace signs were hard to ignore. The class was so good and the teacher so animated that Mr. Cosgrove and Ms. Kagan will be joining the first grade class tomorrow.
In the afternoon, the children enjoyed a demonstration at Hunan University which included Martial Arts and Tai Ji. Afterwards, the experts taught Cushman students some basic moves which they will take back to Miami. Aloni then gave us his demonstration, which included swords and a routine worthy of his Blue Belt. The greatest surprise of the afternoon was that Norm Sanchez was an expert with nunchaku.
After rehearsal, the Cushman students went to class with their Chinese buddies and spent the rest of the morning together. Their schedules included classes in Chinese, Math, Art, and Spoken English (which Roarke said was "VERY easy!")
Meanwhile, Mr. Cosgrove, Ms. Kagan, Senora Becker and Coach Pablo visited the different classrooms our children had joined.
Senora Becker and Coach Pablo went to class with Rosie and had a great first grade Chinese lesson, focusing on the four different tones of the Chinese language. The classroom included around 45 other students, some of whom kept turning around to look at the "alien looking" people sitting in the back of the room. Senora Becker and Coach Pablo tried their best to ignore them, but their smiles and constant peace signs were hard to ignore. The class was so good and the teacher so animated that Mr. Cosgrove and Ms. Kagan will be joining the first grade class tomorrow.
In the afternoon, the children enjoyed a demonstration at Hunan University which included Martial Arts and Tai Ji. Afterwards, the experts taught Cushman students some basic moves which they will take back to Miami. Aloni then gave us his demonstration, which included swords and a routine worthy of his Blue Belt. The greatest surprise of the afternoon was that Norm Sanchez was an expert with nunchaku.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Days 8 and 9 from Changsha
Day 8 Sunday: By Sunday everyone was back in town. Many people met up at the University Hotel to share stories, but for the teachers, the most memorable part of this day was when Coach Pablo locked himself out of his apartment and Mr. Cosgrove and Coach Pablo had to take down the bars covering one of the windows to break back in!
Day 9 - Monday: Today was the first day of school and what a welcome had been prepared for us! Replete with third grade tango dancers and the school band, we were honoured at the official flag raising ceremony and many gifts were exchanged between our two schools. Our students were assigned to different classes although by the time the ceremony was over, there was only about 45 minutes left until lunch. Every afternoon, special activities have been arranged for us. Today we were taken to a beautiful temple close to the school which was the original site of the primary school (which, along with the university, dates back over 1,000 years). From this temple, we hiked up the Yellow Mountain, through beautiful grounds, to an ancient Buddhist Temple on the top of the hill. The peace and tranquility was enjoyed by everyone and we were fortunate enough to arrive just in time to hear the monks start their evening rituals; the music was enchanting and for several people, this was one of their favorite things that they had seen so far. The children left with their host familes while the parents were invited to stay to enjoy a vegetarian meal made by the monks. Many of the dishes were designed to look and taste like meat and had we not been told beforehand, many of us would not have been able to tell the difference
Day 9 - Monday: Today was the first day of school and what a welcome had been prepared for us! Replete with third grade tango dancers and the school band, we were honoured at the official flag raising ceremony and many gifts were exchanged between our two schools. Our students were assigned to different classes although by the time the ceremony was over, there was only about 45 minutes left until lunch. Every afternoon, special activities have been arranged for us. Today we were taken to a beautiful temple close to the school which was the original site of the primary school (which, along with the university, dates back over 1,000 years). From this temple, we hiked up the Yellow Mountain, through beautiful grounds, to an ancient Buddhist Temple on the top of the hill. The peace and tranquility was enjoyed by everyone and we were fortunate enough to arrive just in time to hear the monks start their evening rituals; the music was enchanting and for several people, this was one of their favorite things that they had seen so far. The children left with their host familes while the parents were invited to stay to enjoy a vegetarian meal made by the monks. Many of the dishes were designed to look and taste like meat and had we not been told beforehand, many of us would not have been able to tell the difference
Day 4 from Beijing
Hello Cushman! We are finally back in the world of electronic communication having been hiking through the mysterious and beautiful (and exceedingly rainy) mountains of western Hunan Province. We know you must be wondering what we have been up to for the past few days so here is a brief recap.
Day 4 Temple of Heaven: Today we had the most perfect weather imaginable, about 75 degrees fahrenheit and a rare blue Beijing Sky. It was only fitting, therefore, that we visited one of the most beautiful buildings in the whole of China; The Temple of Heaven, where the emperors used to go and pray to the gods twice a year. The temple is set in extensive, tranquil grounds filled with Beijing residents enjoying the beautiful holiday weather.
In the afternoon we flew to Changsha, a three hour plane ride. The welcome awaiting us was overwhelming! The host families had made every type of banner imaginable, flowers were presented to the adults and everything was caught on film by several local TV crews. Our children were very excited to finally spend time with their Chinese families. As this is a very important national holiday here, (October 1st being the Chinese equivalent to July 4th) many of the host families had planned spectacular trips for Cushman students. Many of us went to different corners of the province and had many exciting adventures to share when we met up again several days later. While most people involved with the exchange were out and about in Hunan Province, those who had remained behind met up on Friday for a Cushman style bowling party with both Chinese and American students taking part. Doctor Lutton has decided that our students need to practice their bowling skills though!
Day 4 Temple of Heaven: Today we had the most perfect weather imaginable, about 75 degrees fahrenheit and a rare blue Beijing Sky. It was only fitting, therefore, that we visited one of the most beautiful buildings in the whole of China; The Temple of Heaven, where the emperors used to go and pray to the gods twice a year. The temple is set in extensive, tranquil grounds filled with Beijing residents enjoying the beautiful holiday weather.
In the afternoon we flew to Changsha, a three hour plane ride. The welcome awaiting us was overwhelming! The host families had made every type of banner imaginable, flowers were presented to the adults and everything was caught on film by several local TV crews. Our children were very excited to finally spend time with their Chinese families. As this is a very important national holiday here, (October 1st being the Chinese equivalent to July 4th) many of the host families had planned spectacular trips for Cushman students. Many of us went to different corners of the province and had many exciting adventures to share when we met up again several days later. While most people involved with the exchange were out and about in Hunan Province, those who had remained behind met up on Friday for a Cushman style bowling party with both Chinese and American students taking part. Doctor Lutton has decided that our students need to practice their bowling skills though!
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