Gentle Reader,
One of the highlights of the teaching experience here is the performance of various fairy tales... all in English! This is really quite a monumental production, as the teachers become completely engaged in producing their fairy tales. This year we did Rumplestiltskin, Three Pigs, and Little Red Riding Hood. Scott and I had the groups in each of our classes perform for one another.
Our students carefully read the scripts together, with their Chinese-English dictionary accompanying them along the way. Then, they blocked the play. In addition, they decided on appropriate props and costumes, dividing the tasks among themselves. In an education system here which is extraordinarily competitive, I witnessed, once again, an astoundingly beautiful blend of competition and cooperation.
As an added bonus, one of Scott's students, Norma -- a high school teacher -- actually introduced Little Red Riding Hood script to her senior level English class. These students are under a great deal of pressure to perform well on the GauKow Exam, upon which their college careers depend. However, Norma, wanted to change the typical pattern of skill and drill (largely straight grammar work all year) began her year with her students with Little Red Riding Hood. I cannot express what a brave and noble decision this was on her part. The Guizhou Ministry of Education is behind this Summer Language Institute Program; however, it takes initiative, courage, and creativity to actually put the active teaching methods into practice. And so I applaud Norma, giving her a "bravo" standing ovation. We were invited to view her class performing "Little Red Riding Hood" in the courtyard. The students had an absolute blast... full engagement, without a doubt. Thank you, Norma!!! Today, you are my hero.
May you, like Norma, do something bold and creative today...
As Eleanor Roosevelt so wisely said, "Do something a little dangerous every day." Yes. Yes. Yes.
Namaste,
Marianne/Bailing
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