World Language Students Explore Chinese Zodiac

All sixth grade students participate in a class called “World Language and Executive Functioning,” spending each quarter rotating between French, Spanish and Chinese language classes and one study skills class. Emphasis is placed on cultural studies along with language learning, with units on geography, ethnic groups, food, music and art.

In the Chinese rotation this quarter, students are learning about the Chinese Zodiac calendar. In class, they discussed the origin of the Zodiac, which included a mythological story about twelve animals racing to swim across a river to determine their order on the calendar. According to the story, the rat reached the shore first by outsmarting its competitors, and thus people born in the year of the rat are believed to be quick-witted and resourceful. Similarly, the tiger fought strong currents to get across the river, meaning people born in the year of the tiger are said to be ambitious and energetic. Students discussed how the assumed traits of each Zodiac year compared with the traits of people in their lives.

Other activities this quarter include preparing and trying traditional foods like boba tea and fried rice and making paper lanterns. These short sessions give sixth graders the information they need to choose the language they want to study next year, while their study skills course helps them learn the skills they will need to be successful.