I am always impressed with my students’ enthusiasm and curiosity of learning Chinese language and culture. However, when I witnessed students practicing for the celebration of the Chinese New Year at the assembly day, I was still surprised by their tremendous passion and excitement for learning and experiencing the immersion of the language and its culture.

In Chinese New Year, lanterns are symbols for the warmth of the family and the promising new year. Traditionally, Chinese celebrated the holiday for 15 days. On the last day, is the festival called the Lantern Festival. It would not be a surprise when you see grade three students made their lanterns with the characters of 新年快乐 (Happy New Year).

It is quite natural for students to get the concept and sing the song 过新年(celebrating Chinese New Year) with their lanterns waving in the hands. When you watch the video, I am sure you will be touched by the morale and the dynamic in our class and wondering what a small world it is. Right, a completely different language and the culture that seems to be far away is actually all in a sudden just in front of you!