TCLP exchange teacher Chen Fangfang received a CLP grant to help establish and provide resources for a Chinese Club that focused on exploring Chinese culture at Roosevelt Elementary School. 60 Students in grades K-2nd and 3rd-5th participated in sessions of five weeks. The grant provided materials for small group instruction based on Chinese arts, sports, and traditions. Additionally, the grant provided necessary materials for students to prepare an outreach experience for their families at an evening celebration of Chinese culture as well as outreach to other schools and community sites. Many of the items that this grant provided became part of the school’s Chinese language program for future students in the program.
Club activities culminated in a family event night in May 2014 called Chat ‘n Chew that featured the club members sharing what they have learned about Chinese culture. At the event the Kenosha, Wisconsin community were shown calligraphy, watched a shadow puppet show and learned about their Chinese zodiac.
Additionally, students shared what they have learned through outreach by visiting other district schools. Students also were part of three performance teams that preformed outreach: a short fan team, a tai chi team and a songs team. They traveled by bus to two elementary schools and one senior living center to perform. The Roosevelt Chinese Club opened a door for the local community into Chinese culture.