We have reviewed more about the characters we have learned so far. There are a total of 50 of them, including then numbers. You can review them more so that you are ready for the character quiz on 12/19.


Here is the link to the Chinese character video on ted.  Chinese Easy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=troxvPRmZm8

Also, please finish your presentation on SiChuan by next class so that your group can present on it.

zai jian,

gao laoshi

Today we learned 32 Chinese characters in one setting and most of you have grasped them all. Great job! here is the link to the video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=troxvPRmZm8
Please take a look at it to review the materials.

You have two classes time to prepare for the presentation on Sichuan province.  Just like before, please include :  1)introduction of the place in general 2) 5 most famous sightseeing places 3) 5 most famous food items.

再见

Thank you all for doing the research on Beijing. The two teams which made presentation did a great job. The rest of two teams can make it next class.

For the next two classes, you can prepare research on Yun Nan province. Please work with your group and present on the following topics:

1. General geographical information about  Yun Nan: where is it? what are some special characteristics about this area, such as population, size, weather, transportation system, history, specific events that took place in Yun nan.

 2.Name at least five most famous sightseeing in Yunnan.  Provide brief introduction

3.Find five famous dishes/cuisines in Yun Nan.  Provide brief introduction.

Today, during class, we got to do some research on the Chinese trivia. We have also learned a song:  the song we learned: wo de peng you zai na li. 

Also, starting next class, we are going to " visit" China by following a couple of famous chef as they explore China to find delicacies. In order to help you to get a better understanding about China and Chinese culture, you need to do a research project on each of the places the TV series covers.  Next class, I am going to divide this class into four small groups, so you can work and collaborate with each other in doing the presentation. You can use word document, but I strongly encourage you to do it in ppt because it helps you to present well. You have two classes' time to finish your research and presentation.

So, today's homework is to start your initial research about Beijing. You don't need to present anything yet, but I will you encourage you to start looking for the following information:

 1. General geographical information about  Beijing: where is it? what are some special characteristics about Beijing, such as population, size, weather, transportation system, history, specific events that took place in Beijing.

 2.Name at least five most famous sightseeing in Beijing.  Provide brief introduction

3.Find five famous dishes/cuisines in Beijing.  Provide brief introduction.

Here is a sample of ppt presentation for your reference,  provided by a group of students from Quarter1, 方明玄。　





zai jian

Thanks everyone who brought in party food for us to enjoy together. We had a great quarter one together. Hope you will have a great first quarter.

thanks


gao laoshi

Today we had our first cookout. It seems like everyone enjoyed the scallion pancake. Please make an effort to make the dish at home for your family and see how it turns out.

zai jian

We have started the session on Chinese education system. During class, we watched " Please vote for me". It is a very though provoking film and we can discuss them further later.  Next class, like I promised, we can start cooking our first food item: cong you bing( Scallion Pancake). 

zai jian

Next Day 5, we are going to do our first Chinese cooking: Scallion Pancake. Afterwards, we will head back to our classroom so that you can present your research.

We have finished our Culinary journey. Next topic we are going to explore is Chinese school system.  We will start by lettign your finding out the answers for the following questions. Please feel free to use internet, or interview one of the international students on campus:
1. What are the divisions of the Chinese schools, such as elementary school, middle school etc...
2. What are the subjects that a student learn at school. You can use Middle School as an example.
3. How are the testing system go in China?
4. Please list a typical schedule of a Chinese student and an American student( like yours). Please explain the major differences.

zai jian

You all did a great job with the presentation on Taiwan and Canton. Next class, we are going to finish the Chinese culinary adventure documentary. There is no assigned homework today.

zai jian

During class, we watched the journey into Yunnan and Kashgar.  It is a great that we have been able to combine research as well as movie viewing together.  Next class, we are going to talk about Canton( Guang Dong) and Taiwan. Just as before, you need to research on the two places and present on the local characterisitics, and pick up 5 interesting sightseeing and food items to present on.

Also, please print out the Chinese character practice sheet here. The link is here: Chinese Practice Sheet

zai jian

Today you all did great presentations on Yunnan and Kashgar. We also watched clips of the documentary about Yunnan.

Attached is a vocabulary list we have learned so far. Please save it on your computer and review them often. Flashcard is a good idea too. We are going to review them during next class so that you are prepared for the quiz the following class. That is your homework today.

Here is the link: Vocabuarly

On Tuesday we're going to continue to watch Chinese cuisine 3rd episode on Yunan. Then we shall learn Chinese on how to identify family members.

You homework is to do research on one of the two places the movie covers: Yun Nan and Kashkar. You need to answer the following questions. Prepare to present it during class next time:

1. Where is yun Nan/Kashkar and what are some special characteristics of the area?
2. Name 5 of the most famous places/sightseeing in Yun Nan/Kashkar. Provide brief descriptions.
3. Name 5 of the most unique food/dish items you can find in Yun Nan/Kashkar . Provide brief descriptions


zai jian

I will be traveling to Bryn Mawr with the 9th grade field trip. Your Friday's study session will be on 2nd session of the Exploring China: a culinary adventure.Here is the link: 2nd Episode
 Before you watch it though, you need to do a research project on the regions that the film is covering: Si Chuan Province.

Just like the last class, you need to do research on Si Chuan to find out the following questions:
1. Where is Si Chuan and what are some special characteristics of the area?
2. Name 5 of the most famous places/sightseeing in Si Chuan province. Provide brief descriptions.
3. Name 5 of the most unique food/dish items you can find in Si Chuan. Provide brief descriptions

You need to bring your findings to come into class to share with your small groups and then present in front of the class.

Then your sub teacher will show you the video once your finish your presentations.

zai jian

We have continued to review the song we learned: wo de peng you zai na li.  Please keep practice the writing so that you are well prepared for the quiz next class.

Also, you need to do a research project on Beijing.  We watched a segment of the documentary about Chinese cuisine. Please include the following information on your ppt or paper:
1. General geographical information about  Beijing: where is it? what are some special charateristics about Beijing?
2.Name at least five most famous sightseeing in Beijing.  Provide brief introduction
3.Find five famous dishes/cuisines in Beijing.  Provide breif introduction.

zai jian

Today during class, we reviewed more numbers and countings. We also talked about a traditional Chinese holiday which is today, called Mid-Autum Festival. We watched clips about Chinese moon festival and different kinds of moon cakes.

Homework assignments:
1. Continue to practice writing the song " wo de peng you zai na li". Here is the pdf file where you can print out the practice grid. Print

2. Spend a few minuets tonight and observe the moon. Think about its size, its brightness and the shape of the shadows. Do you think you can see a Rabbit shape?

zai jian

We had a great class today.  We learned the Chinese song " Where is my friend" as well as numbers. Next class, we are going to have a quiz on the numbers in Chinese character. So, please review them ahead fo time.

here is the link to the song " wo de peng you zai na li"   
Please listen to it several more times until you can sing it out without looking at the lyrics.

zai jian

Today we reviewed greeting with our names. Then we continued to learn how to count from 1-10. For all of you who didn't quiet get it or missed the class, please use use this as a reference to review numbers and their Chinese characters. We shall continue to review and learn them until you can grasp them. So, today's homework to spend 10-20 minuets to recite numbers and practice writing them. Also, practice writing your names as well so that you can come into the classroom and write your names on the board.  xie xie !

1  yi    一
2  er   二
3  san  三
4  si     四
5 wu   五
6 liu    六
7 qi    七
8 ba    八
9 jiu   九
10 shi  十 

Welcome to the Chinese K class. You all has done a great job with your first two classes. Now you all have gotten a Chinese name and learned how to pronounce and write them. Great job!

Today's homework:
1. Continue to write your Chinese names. Write 10 times for both the characters and the PinYin. Please turn in the sheet next class.
2. Research: what are some of the most popoular Chinese last names? Name out 10 of them.

zai jian!

Today we made Wonton. Here is the receipe if you care to make them at home. Also, the receipe of Spring Roll is attached as well. Please remember that you can buy the wraps for both at the Chinese groceray store.

                                                        Chinese Spring Roll

Ingredients:

1 package egg roll wrappers (4 1/2" by 5 1/2")

Filling:

·         1 pound fresh pork/chicken 

·         1 medium onion (sliced)

·         2 stalks celery, cut diagonally

·         1/2 pound Chinese cabbage, chopped

·         1/2 bean sprout

·         2 green onions, diced

·         1 pound fresh bean sprouts

Pork Seasoning:

·         1 teaspoon soy sauce

·         1 teaspoon oyster sauce

·         salt and pepper to taste

·         a bit (less than 1 teaspoon) cornstarch

·         Preparation:

Mix seasoning ingredients together. Cut the meat into thin strips, add the seasonings and marinate the meet for between 10 and 15 minutes.

While the meat is marinating, prepare the vegetables.

Heat the wok over medium-high to high heat. Add the oil for stir-frying. When the oil is ready, add the celery and onion and stir-fry.

Taste and add salt and sugar if desired. Remove from the wok. Add the pork to the wok and cook until well done (place cover on wok). Remove. Clean the wok and stir-fry separately the vegetables. Check the seasoning while stir-frying the bean sprouts and add salt and/or sugar as desired. Combine all the ingredients in the wok. If necessary, drain some of the juice from the vegetables out.

Wrapping:  Mix the cornstarch and water, slowly adding the water to the cornstarch until you have a "glue" which will be used to seal the wrappers. Or beat an egg as a substitute.

To wrap, lay the egg roll wrapper out with the short (4 1/2") side directly in front of you. This will be the dry side. The two long sides will be called sides 1 and 3, and the other short side directly across from you will be called side 2. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of filling in the middle of the wrapper, spreading it out but not getting too close to the edges. Using your fingertip, spread a bit of the cornstarch/water glue along edges 1, 2, and 3. Fold over the dry side, then take side 2 and fold it over, making sure the two sides overlap. Press down firmly on sides 1 and 3, making sure they are well sealed.

Deep-frying: When oil is ready, slide each egg roll carefully into the wok one at a time. Deep-fry until they are golden brown, then drain on deep-fry rack or paper towels. Keep on a tray lined with fresh paper towels until needed. The egg rolls should not be stacked. If possible do not reheat in the oven, as this can dry the eggrolls out, but if necessary, reheat them on low heat for 10 minutes on each side.

Wonton Soup

Ingredients:

1. won ton wrappers

·         Filling:

·         1 pound boneless ground pork,

·         1 tablespoon soy sauce

·         a few drops sesame oil

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1/2 teaspoon sugar

·         1 green onion, finely minced 

·         2 dashes of white pepper

·         Other:

·         Water for boiling won tons

·         4 1/2 - 5 cups chicken stock

·         green onion, thinly sliced, as desired

·         a few drops sesame oil (optional)

Preparation:

Combine all the filling ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Lay one won ton skin in front of you. Cover the remaining won ton skins with a damp towel to keep them from drying out.

 Filling the won tons: Moisten all the edges of the won ton wrapper with water. Place a heaping teaspoon of won ton filling in the center.
  Fold the won ton wrapper in half lengthwise, making sure the ends meet. Press down firmly on the ends to seal. Use thumbs to push down on the edges of the filling to center it. Keeping thumbs in place, fold over the won ton wrapper one more time. Push the corners up and hold in place between your thumb and index finger. Wet the corners with your fingers. Bring the two ends together so that they overlap. Press to seal. The finished product should resemble a nurse's cap. Repeat with remaining won tons.

Alternate method: Place the teaspoon of filling in the middle of the wrapper and twist to seal. The final result should resemble a money bag or drawstring purse.
 
Boiling the won tons: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the won tons, making sure there is enough room for them to move about freely. Let the won tons boil for 5 - 8 minutes, until they rise to the top and the filling is cooked through. Remove from the pot with a slotted spoon.

To make the soup: bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the won tons and bring the soup back to a boil. Add the green onion, remove the pot from the heat and add the sesame oil, stirring. Ladle into soup bowls, allowing 6 won tons per person.

In the past two weeks, we have been learning about counting in Chinese. In a short period of time, students can count up to 100 in Chinese, which is pretty amazing. I encourage the students to keep counting and let the numbers set in.

We also learned a song called : wo de pengyou zai na li, Where is my friend. We learned how to sing it as well as how to write them out in Chinese characters. Here is the link of the song for you to continue to listen and sing along. 我的朋友在哪里 .

Today's homework is for to read the article excerpt about China's increasing consumerism.

zaijian

Today, we makes the scallion pancake ( cong you bing) on our own. We started with making the dough, and then finish it with cooking the panckake.  Here is the receipe for you to follow. Your homework is to make a scallion pancake on your own for your family during the winter break. You need to either take a picture of your final product or let your parents send in a comfirmation.

Recipe for Scallion Pancake

·         2 cups all purpose flour

·         3/4 cup warm water

·         1/2 cup sliced scallions

·         1 tablespoon sesame oil

·         1/2 cup canola oil

·         Salt, black pepper and sesame seeeds to taste

Directions

In a bowl, sift flour. Slowly add water in a steady stream while mixing with a wooden spoon. Keep adding water until a ball is formed. With the same procedure, one can use a food processor with a metal blade. Let ball of dough relax for about 30 minutes and cover with damp cloth.
On a floured surface, roll out dough into a thin circle. Brush on oil mixture, cover with scallion and season with salt and pepper. Carefully roll dough like a sponge cake. Cut into 4 pieces. Take one piece and twist 3 times. Make a spiral out of this and roll again and flatten to achieve a 5 to 6 inch pancake. In a hot non-stick pan, coat with canola oil and pan sear both sides until golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve immediately with dipping sauce.

Right now, our class is finishing up a self-designed Chinese 12 Animal Zodiac sign. They turned out great. Since it is Chinese New Year season, we are celebrating during class today by watching some TV celebration segments. Your homework today is to do a research project you have signed up to about the Chinese 春节（Spring Festival). You are to creat a power point, explaing one of the following four topics:
1. holiday food
2. holiday celebrative activies
3. hoiday legendary tradition/stories
4. Fun festive things to do for kids.


You are going to compile the information and then present them during class on Wednesday.

zai jian

Welcome to the Quarter 3 Chinese Kaleidoscope class. We have had a great beginning. Most of you who were here today learned how to write your own names in Chinese characters. Also, you remembered how to say other fellow student's name as well. We learned a song named " two tigers" liang zhi lao hu. Here is the link. Please keep practicing it. Have fun!

liang zhi lao hu

zai jian

We have two more classes left fro Q 2. In the past two classes, we read excerpts about two topics that are relavant to us: one article is about the Chinese Youth and the other is about Chinese culture being invaded by Western Culture. I have divided the class into three groups to work on the project. Instructions are given during class. Next class, students will  be presenting their findings.

For student who have missed schoo: Sam, Gab and Henry, please come to me when you are back to school to get instructions  in order to finish the project.

再见

In the past week, we have learned several new things: 1.How to make paper oragami crance 2. How to make a popular Chinese dish called Wonton? 3. how to sing a popular American song in Chinese.? You all did a great job! We now only have less than two weeks left for Q2. On the last day of class ( 1/24/2013), we are going to have a celebration party.  I will give the class a sign up sheet to bring in items to share.

Have a great weekend.