From ancient traditions to modern creativity, from captivating stories to hands-on art activities, the LRC’s Asian Carnival Cultural Month was a journey filled with wonder and joy. Through crafting, storytelling, observing, and reflecting, the students not only had fun but also developed a meaningful connection with the rich and diverse cultures of Asia.
For families who are new to our school, you might be curious about what the LRC is. The LRC (Learning Resource Center) is more than just a library—it’s a dynamic “library+” space where students can explore creativity, discover new cultures, and engage with the world. Beyond its extensive book collection and quiet reading areas, the LRC hosts immersive activities that bring learning to life.
Each activity in the Asian Intercontinental Carnival was a unique exploration, sparking curiosity and creativity while fostering a love for learning. Let’s take a look back at the exciting moments and wonderful memories the students created during this month-long celebration!
November 4–8 Asia: A Fusion of Ancient and Modern
This week, the young learners stepped through the doors of tradition and lit up ancient arts with their creativity and enthusiasm!
Who says haute couture is just for the runway? The students’ designs were every bit as imaginative as professional creations! From intricate neckline patterns to flowing skirt colours, every detail brimmed with creativity. Listening to them seriously debate, “Should the colours be brighter here?” one could almost imagine ancient scholars strolling through gardens in these outfits. The most heartwarming moment occurred when one student designed a “family set” and explained, “I want my mom and dad to wear this with me.” How sweet and thoughtful!
Bamboo Wind Chime Crafting
The soft chime of bamboo wind bells brought joy to the classroom. The students carefully wove bamboo strips together, and each time a bell tinkled, cheers of delight followed: “Yours sounds the best!” This little crafting workshop turned into a ‘happiness studio’ full of mutual encouragement and fun.
On freshly spread rice paper, the students picked up calligraphy brushes for the first time, feeling the delicate strokes glide across the page. They carefully traced characters like harmony (和), beauty (美), and respect (礼), proudly holding up their work: “Look! My ‘harmony’ character is so pretty!” Their earnest attempts added a unique charm to every brushstroke.
Peking Opera Costume Exhibit
The intricate costumes on display captivated the students’ attention. “Teacher, does the dragon embroidery mean strength?” “This hat looks like something a flower fairy would wear!” Their curious observations transformed the display into a lively cultural discussion.
This week, the young learners stepped into the world of traditional arts through paper and stickers, uncovering the charm of Asian crafts!
Origami cranes are a timeless symbol of good luck and blessings in Japan. Starting with a simple sheet of paper, the students folded delicate cranes, their nimble fingers working like magic. Each crane carried a wish—some for a perfect test score, others for a happy mom. “These cranes are so pretty, they could fly to the sky!” one learner giggled.
Indian Henna-Inspired Stickers:
Henna, a traditional Indian art form, symbolizes celebration and happiness. Though time constraints prevented intricate henna designs, the prepared stickers were a big hit. Each student chose their favourite design, and one even covered their entire hand, exclaiming, “Look! My hand is like an Indian princess’!” Another excitedly offered a trade, “Your flower sticker is so pretty, can I swap it for my feather?” These beautiful stickers gave the learners a delightful taste of henna’s artistic charm.
November 18–22Wisdom in Asian Stories
The week’s highlight was an enchanting storytelling session featuring handpicked Asian picture books, brought to life by our dedicated parent volunteers. From daring lions to wise cats and heartfelt dinosaurs, each story resonated deeply with the learners.
Under Yintao Mama’s gentle narration, the students heard a story of love and reconciliation. The awkward yet heartfelt expressions of the little dinosaur made everyone laugh, and the words “I love you” left a lasting impression. One learner whispered, “I didn’t know you could be brave just by saying ‘I love you.’ I’m going to tell my mom and dad that too!”
Ya Wen’s The Lion Who Didn’t Want to Be King
Through Qiqi Mama’s expressive storytelling, the students followed a lion on a journey of rejecting power to pursue freedom. “I want to be like the lion and do what I love!” one learner exclaimed. Another asked curiously, “Do you think the lion will regret not being king?” This question sparked a lively discussion, filling the room with a contagious energy for exploration.
Yoko Sano’s The Cat Who Lived a Million Times
Keaiduo Mama’s captivating narration led the students to reflect on life and love. After hearing about the cat who found meaning in love after a million lives, one learner shared thoughtfully, “The cat only found real happiness at the end. I want to find my happiness too!” The discussion left a profound impression on the learners, encouraging them to treasure the present.
These stories didn’t just teach lessons of bravery, love, and freedom – they also highlighted the beauty of reading. A heartfelt thank you to Yintao Mama, Qiqi Mama, and Keaiduo Mama for bringing these stories to life and making the magic of books truly unforgettable.
November 25–29Asia: Tradition Meets Modern Style
Asian Culture Treasure Hunt
Armed with clue cards, the students raced through a “sea of knowledge,” discovering little gems about Asian culture. “Did you know the Mekong River is called the Danube of Asia? This clue was so well-hidden!” Their laughter and cheers filled the air as they competed to uncover the answers.
Wishes and Gratitude Under the Cherry Blossom Tree
Emma Yang, a sixth-grade LRC volunteer, crafted a beautiful cherry blossom tree during recess, adding a warm touch to the campus. Beneath this tree, the learners wrote notes of gratitude and wishes for family and friends. “Thank you, mom, for practicing with me.” “I hope everyone stays happy.” “Let’s win Super Class!” These heartfelt messages brought everyone closer together, celebrating love and connection.
Cross-Week Event: A Journey of Cross-Cultural Understanding November 1-29
Each time, the students watched a curated selection of Asian stories, from tales of Chinese, red-crowned cranes to Indian folk legends. “Wow, every country has such cool stories!” they exclaimed, their eyes wide with amazement. These videos opened windows to other worlds, sparking curiosity and expanding their horizons.
Cultural Journeys, Hearts United
The LRC’s Asian Carnival Cultural Month may have ended, but the vibrant world of Asia lives on in the hearts of our young learners. Through this event, they felt the warmth of culture, developed respect for traditions, and nurtured curiosity about the world.Special thanks go out to the dedicated parent volunteers, passionate teachers, and enthusiastic students who made this celebration so meaningful. The students, carrying newfound cultural insights and gratitude, are now ready to embrace broader horizons. We look forward to our next cultural adventure—together, let’s discover even more of the world’s beauty!
