Global awareness: China
What children are learning
Children are engaging in global education, learning about our Asian neighbours and Australia’s engagement with Asia, focusing specifically on China.
At this level, through Humanities and Social Sciences, History, children develop knowledge and intercultural understanding of China through cultural celebrations at significant dates and seasons. For example, this year, February 8th is the date to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Our class is excited about discovering the many similarities in daily life that exist between our countries and the history we share. Children are learning about China’s traditional food and festivals, its flag, fashionable clothing and significant people. Through Geography, they are learning about prominent locations, in addition to natural and managed features in regions of China. They are also discovering activities that take place in specific locations, using Google earth, and giving possible reasons for those activities. Children are amazed that the Great Wall of China can be seen from space. In the process, children learn something about what it means to be global.
Why they are learning
An important goal of education, in a globalised world, is for children to appreciate the wider, international community, develop intercultural understanding and gain awareness of Asia along with Australia’s engagement with Asia. Cultivating understanding of our interdependence, knowledge, and skills in these areas helps children develop as mature and active, informed global citizens.How they are learning
Children are naturally curious about people and cultures from other areas around the globe. Picture books are a great starting point to stimulate discussion. For example,
It is useful to find out what children already know about a topic through brainstorming, discussion or through drawing. It is important to address misconceptions, challenge stereotypes sensitively and consider multiple perspectives. Watching relevant film clips helps children to understand what they are investigating. For example,
What does it mean to be global?
We are:
· Learning interesting facts to discuss in …
China fun facts
Exploring Asia Education Foundation resources. For example, Chinese celebrations, holidays and festivals.Children are posing inquiry questions about events, objects, and the people of China or different places of significance to investigate. I am sharing my travel experience to the Great Wall of China.
Children are excited about making:
- Chinese lanterns
- Chinese dragons
- Chinese flags
- The Great Wall of China
How parents/carers can support their child’s learning
If you are able to share your knowledge of living overseas or your personal travel experiences of any Asian countries, I would encourage you to make contact with me, to arrange a time to share with the class. Children benefit from visitors sharing authentic and meaningful experiences.Explore ‘Parents’
Test your knowledge of Asia
References
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (2016 a). The Australian Curriculum: Cross-curriculum priorities (v.8.2). Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/crosscurriculumpriorities/asia-and-australia- s-engagement-with-asia/overview
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (2016 b). The Australian Curriculum: Humanities and Social Sciences (v.8.2). Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/humanities-and-social-sciences/hass/curriculum/f-10?layout=1
Chard, S. (2004). The Project Approach. Retrieved from
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/projects-phase1.htm
Cheng, C. (2016). New Year Surprise! Canberra, ACT: National Library of Australia.
Cheng, C. (2016). New Year Surprise! [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.google.com.au/search?sclient=psy- ab&site=&source=hp&q=New+year+surprise%21+book&oq=New+year+surprise%2 1+book&gs_l=hp.3...0.0.0.134.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0....0...1c..64.psy- ab..0.0.0.ohqdu6fX8wk&pbx=1
Commonwealth of Australia (2008). Global Perspectives: A framework for global education in Australian schools. Retrieved from
http://www.globaleducation.edu.au/verve/_resources/GPS_web.pdf
DiOrio, R. (2010). What Does It Mean To Be Global? Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m9Sq_sirrQ
Dyer, J. (2010). Shifting constructs of global education: The role of travel in meeting new challenges for teachers. The social educator, 28 (2), 4 – 11. Retrieved from
https://mylo.utas.edu.au/content/enforced/178687AW_EED_16S5_12888_1_0_0_1_1 /Dyer_Shifting%20constructs%20of%20global%20ed_2010.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=L LHe2OI76or8iBCWyGEsznjZx&ou=178687
Google Earth (n.d.). Search google maps. Retrieved from https://www.google.com.au/maps/Killen, R. (2013). Effective Teaching Strategies. Retrieved from
https://mylo.utas.edu.au/content/enforced/178687AW_EED_16S5_12888_1_0_0_1_1 /Ch%2011%20Killen%20(2013)_inquiry.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=TZQCmbnWF35Ogt 53oXHzdwhpg&ou=178687
Merryfield, M. (2002). The difference a global educator can make. Educational Leadership, 60 (2), 18 – 21. Retrieved from
https://mylo.utas.edu.au/content/enforced/178687- AW_EED_16S5_12888_1_0_0_1_1/difference%20global%20educator%20can%20m ake_merryfield.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=LLHe2OI76or8iBCWyGEsznjZx&ou=178687
Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (2008). Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. Retrieved from http://www.curriculum.edu.au/verve/_resources/National_Declaration_on_the_Educat ional_Goals_for_Young_Australians.pdf
MocomiKids (2014). China Fun Facts | Mocomi Kids. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4H-x-j-shQ
Skelton,M., Wigford A., Harper P., & Reeves G. (2002). Beyond food, festivals and flags. Educational leadership, 60 (2), 52-55. Retrieved from https://mylo.utas.edu.au/content/enforced/178687AW_EED_16S5_12888_1_0_0_1_1 /beyond%20food%20festivals_skelton.pdf?_&d2lSessionVal=LLHe2OI76or8iBCWy GEsznjZx&ou=178687
Hi Debby!
ReplyDeleteI don’t know that the first picture that you have included is very relevant for parents. It probably isn’t explained enough for parents and therefore would not make sense to them.
You still have a few in text references throughout your post that should be removed.
I really like your explanation of Why they are learning.
Great idea to get parents to share their travel experiences with the class.
Awesome that you are able to share your own travel experiences!
I love the Asia-Capable school clip it explains well why students need to be developing Asia literacy.
References could be neatened up.
All the best,
Nikayla!