What do Eighth Age Students Have in Common with Chinese Students?

As part of our geography program, Expedition Calvert, Eighth Age students are exploring China and its culture. During their studies, students interact with peers at China’s largest international school, Shanghai American School. In December, the students created self-portraits where they drew a representation of themselves. On the back of their drawing, they shared some information about themselves and their interests. Once their drawings were complete, teachers mailed them to students of the same age in China. The students exchanged their portraits and received each other’s on the same day!

As part of their lesson, students discussed similarities with those of the Chinese students and compared their daily routines. Many students took note of similar interests from their peers across the globe. For example, students shared favorite sports teams, interests such as Minecraft, and dreams they’ve had such as riding dragons and wondering why the world wasn’t made of candy.

Eighth Age teacher Justine Forrester is able to further engage her class of Eighth Age boys by telling them about her experiences in China over the past summer. Mrs. Forrester used a Calvert travel grant to explore China for two weeks and learn more about China’s people and rich culture.