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Students Learn About China

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By MICHELE SAGER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2007

TEMPLE TERRACE - Do Chinese people get along with Japanese people? What is the Chinese zodiac? Do Chinese people eat fast food?

China is across the globe, but the country is on the minds of students at Greco Middle School. They are looking for answers about China's culture, geography and language.

The students have that opportunity because of a new Mandarin Chinese course.

This is the first year Mandarin Chinese is being taught in Hillsborough County middle schools. The district received a federal grant and is offering the course in four middle schools this year: Greco, Jennings, Ferrell and Williams.

"The country is playing an important role in the world," said teacher Patty Duann. "That's why the school district wants students to study Chinese. One in five people on this Earth is from China, and our country does business with China."

China's relationship with the United States has been in the spotlight in recent months because of the recalls of toys and food products made in China.

"A lot of stuff comes from there, so that's why I want to learn about it," said sixth-grader Jerome Campbell.
Middle school students get a chance to sample the course, among other electives, during the first semester. Then, students may choose to take the course during the second semester of the school year.

Students start out learning about China's history, culture and geography. They also learn to speak and write basic Mandarin words.

Duann uses methods such as games and songs to help her students remember the words. During one class, students sang "zhù n{#x12d} sheng ri kuÀi lè," which is the Mandarin version of "Happy Birthday to You."

Later in the course, the students will use a computer program to help them learn the language.

And students have a strong interest in the country. They end their lessons asking questions about the country. Jerome has a list of his own: "Do Chinese people do origami?" "Do Japanese people like Chinese people?" "What kind of food do they eat?"

The 11-year-old hasn't decided whether he will continue to study the language next year.

"I'm still picking my classes, but this one is definitely on my list," he said.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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