Clayton Chinese classes took a field trip to Lulu’s in celebration of the Chinese New Year.  On Feb. 4, the authentic Chinese restaurant housed several high school and middle school scholars interested in Chinese language and culture.

At the restaurant, students observed how the Chinese celebrate their New Year through a wide variety of hands-on activities.

Some of the activities included calligraphy, making decorations with paper cutting, origami, making dumplings, practicing tai chi, learning to use chopsticks, and observing a kung fu master’s display of martial arts.

In addition, students put on a talent show with Chinese songs and music.  The entire day was packed full with comprehensive activities to enhance the Chinese learning experience.

“The students learned the activities from each other and had a chance to talk to students from different grade levels,” Chinese teacher Hongling Zhang said.  “It’s a celebration of the Chinese new year as well as the community learning.”

Another part students were able to enjoy was the lack of paper work that often turns students off from the idea of out of classroom work.

However, many of the higher-level students set up stations for others to experience and get a signature to confirm they completed the activity.

“It worked out really well and the students loved the activities,” Zhang said.  “The food was fantastic, of course, and I would like to continue to do this in the future, with some variations.”

The field trip proved successful in educating students about the culture of China and allowing them to enjoy themselves while learning.

“Going to Lulu’s Chinese restaurant really showed me a lot about the Chinese culture and people who are descended from the culture,” Chinese scholar Max Redeker said.  “This opportunity to go to Lulu’s motivated me to learn more about the Chinese culture, and I plan on expanding my knowledge of their culture.”

Fellow student Lily Niswonger echoed Redeker’s positive reflection.  She took what she learned such as origami from the day and shared it with family and friends.

“After the field trip, I folded another flower for my mom and dad, and I taught my friends and younger sister how to write and say the word ‘rabbit’ in Chinese,” Niswonger said.  “Overall from my cultural experience, I had a really great time and I learned a lot about Chinese culture.”

The trip to Lulu’s fueled junior Jonathan Shumway’s interest for Chinese customs.

“The field trip experience enhanced my understanding of Chinese ethnic culture and tradition,” Shumway said.  “Due to this experience, I plan on celebrating Chinese holidays more regularly so I can appreciate Chinese cuisine and the Chinese way of life that has been practiced for thousands of years.”