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本学期我们将在延续上个学期中国民俗文化的一些主题之外，尝试加入新的内容： 学任何语言都需有文化作为基石和烘托，语言反映一个民族的特征，它不仅包含着该民族的历史和文化背景，而且蕴藏着该民族对人生的看法、生活方式和思维方式。语言与文化互相影响，互相作用；理解语言必须了解文化，理解文化必须了解语言；所以让孩子学中文的同时我们会将文化的理念始终贯穿其中。。。 人无礼则不立，事无礼则不成，国无礼则不宁，礼仪是一个人文化修养、交际能力的外在体现，家长在坚持引导孩子们学习中西文化基础上，学习中西礼仪规范，认识中西礼仪的文化内涵，增长见识，开拓视野。礼仪的学习涉及仪表、交往、沟通、情商等内容，中西礼仪文化差异主要体现在交际语言、餐饮礼仪、服饰礼仪等方面，了解中西礼仪文化差异和共性， 将为我们的孩子提供更好的人际平台，提升更强的社交自信。 我们都希望我们的孩子健康快乐成长，什么是健康？健康不只是身体的健康，也包括心灵、智能、人际关系、性格和品格的发展，面对挫折的能力，还有对社会负责任的意识。其实，让孩子能健康、快乐地成长的因素都是超越文化差异的、中西共通的，我们可以共同探讨，共同学习，开放思维，利用我们多元的背景优势，综合地为我们的孩子提供一个好的或更能让他们全面发展的平台。有时候，一个高智商的孩子不一定在生命的其他领域也能一样快速地超越同龄的成长；或是孩子虽然有能力阅读一本深奥的小说，但是不一定有足够的成熟的心智来处理好与同学朋友的关系。也许我们对孩子的愿望都是，当他们长大成人时，会拥有这样的核心价值：丰富的多元文化，优良的品格，积极向上的人生态度，和丰富的创造力！我们将尝试通过介绍中西文化，中西礼仪，引证各种个性实例，观摩砺志短片，讨论经典趣文，让我们的孩子们开阔视野，观海更坦阔，阅天更高远。 在繁重的学习压力下，在放飞孩子们学业快速奔跑的同时，平衡他（她）们的非智力因素的培养。让我们的孩子适时地停下脚步，汲取营养，沉淀智慧；听良师发肺腑之言，荡涤灵魂，放松身心。 为魅力投资，发展自己的幸福哲学；为幸福投资，创造独特的魅力法则。 附：如果您的孩子想参加，请在中文学校注册 (Registration) ，谢谢您的合作! The registration is for student only, welcome all parents join our seminar as well! Thank you! MCLS-Riverdale - PTA Dear Parents, This semester we will start a new series of seminars about American Modern Culture & Etiquette as well as some topics about healthy character building path for kids. The tuition for each child of this class is $80.00, parents are welcome too (free)! :) Please join us starting from this Friday evening at the Riverdale campus! Jan. 27, 6:00PM-7:00PM, Lesson One: American Sports Culture Guest Speaker: Mr. Marvin Skinner -- the significance of various sports in the context of the common/general American culture -- when certain sports are played and are most popular in the US -- the various ways Americans participate and cheer for their preferred team -- how Americans gather in homes and socialize on game-day (attire, foods, chants, etc…). -- stadium viewed events This class will be presented via PowerPoint and include videos, photos, lecture, and Q &A. Guest Speaker Background: Mr. Skinner, A MA in ESL (English as a Second Language), an instructor and translator, a linguist knows English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and German, presented research project at International Conference of Gender and Linguistics in Stanford before, will become one of our guest speakers this semester. He has been teaching English and Spanish for 16 years, had a wide variety of students from oversea schools, high schools, private schools, private tutoring companies and universities. Some local universities he has taught or is teaching now include Christian Brothers University, Strayer University and Eastern Arkansas Community College, etc. He plans to start his Ph.D in Applied Linguistics soon. Feb. 17, 6:00PM-7:00PM, Lesson Two: Dining Etiquette (Formal Dining) Guest Speaker: Ms. Debbie Neal - Table Etiquette/Manner - Table Settings - Dining Etiquette - Differences between American Style and Continental Style - How to Eat Different Foods - Fun Dining Manner Video - Demo and Practice of Table Settings Guest Speaker Background: Ms. Debbie Neal, the Owner and Founder of The School of Protocol, rated No. 1 certified, professional etiquette instructor in great Memphis area, has coached, trained, and given speeches/seminars to corporations, organizations, schools, universities, and youth groups in mid-south for years. With her precious American and German heritages and having lived in both North and South in US, she is just the perfect one teaches etiquette and manners! According to scientific studies, over 90 percent of all communication is nonverbal. That is one reason why it is critical for our kids to know and be able to sense their communication environment situation when they interact with friends, teachers and parents; and, Ms. Neal can help! She will teach our kids how to make a great first and lasting impression, all starting from a good eating/dining etiquette... Feb. 24, 6:00PM-7:00PM, Lesson Three: Fun Kids Games & Toys Guest Speaker: Mr. Marvin Skinner Games and play are always kids' favorite ways of learning, almost all creativity involves some kind of play or is some kind of game. Creative kids are flexible, agile, curious, independent with a great sense of humor and tremendous spirit of adventure & a love of game/play. After a long week of five-day school life, our kids really deserve one hour of fully relaxing time! This time Mr. Skinner will introduce American classic/traditional games, fun modern games as well as some popular, ranked cool toys to our kids. Let our kids find out what games are the ones they might have played before, what games are brilliant and innovative ideas they want to try next time! Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, bees are buzzing, Spring is here, let our kids go out and play games! In addition, Mr. Skinner will reveal some popular toys that are ranked as the favorites among their American peers. No matter what Ms. Skinner will bring to us, this one hour will be exciting, full of fun and laughter! March 2, 6:00PM - 7:00PM, Lesson Four: Communication Skills and Social Etiquette Speaker: Ms. Neal Communication and social skills are subtle, complex and detail-oriented. From many researches, actually most of these are learned by the time the kids are of the school age. While our kids are making a good balance between school work and sports, artistic & creative pursuits, it is also the best time for them to form healthy communication and social characteristics. Ms. Neal will discover more beyond many etiquette rules and communication skills our kids have already learned from parents and teachers. She knows the best way to instill good manners to kids is to show them how exactly the words should be expressed, how properly the actions should be done in different situations. She will point out, teach and present positive reinforcement under various of communication and social circumstances. We believe these in-person demonstrations will help our kids to make good etiquette become natural, eventually they can do them without thinking or reminding themselves. Gradually, as they start to incorporate the good etiquette and manners into their lives, they will notice people will respond to them with respect and appreciation as well. This will further enhance their sense of self-encouragement to use their social skills more often and become part of how they are. Let us all work together to establish a positive environment where the etiquette seeds can be planted and nurtured, one day all these efforts will blossom and be rewarded with their social grace and maturity! The details topics of Friday evening seminar: -- Introduce Yourself and Talk to New Acquaintances -- Telephone Skills -- 911 -- Cell Phone -- Interrupting -- Please, Thank You (Leave A Party, Finish A Private Lesson), Excuse Me, Sorry (say it immediately after bump into someone) -- Eye Contact, Speak Clearly and Correctly -- Voice (Inside, Outside, Speak in Public) -- How to Talk/Ask Questions or Answer Questions to Friends' Parents Politely -- If You need Anything, Ask Permission First -- Kids Relations with Any Adults -- Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette -- Check Your Personal Appearance Before Leave the House -- Sitting and Standing Elegantly, Rising, Stairs -- Exiting/Entering Room, Elevators, Building, Car -- Do Not Pick Nose and Teeth in Public -- Take Compliments Courteously -- Delivering Criticism Smoothly -- Do Not Comment on Others' Physical Characteristics Unless Compliment them -- How to Treat Ladies -- Behaviors at Events, Shows and Party -- Helping Behaviors -- Host Etiquette to Your Friends -- Guest Etiquette to Parties -- Good Sportsmanship -- Respect Differences of Other Culture, Race and Religion March 9, Lesson 5, Mr. Skinner American Movie Culture, Board Games and Video Games America is a land of great diversity. Americans play different games, eat different foods, sing different songs, and so on. However, amongst all of the differences, Americans also share certain core values and they are often represented in the movies. Americans love to watch movies! Movies tell us that we are all humans and share emotions, set-backs, triumphs, suffering, and prosperity. They also remind us that we are not isolated groups, rather we are one in our continued attempts to understand our shared human condition. Hollywood is famous not only for the stories it creates, but also the culture & value it brings to the rest of the world. For years up to today, Hollywood has always been served as the nation's preeminent origin for American cultural and social expressions. American movies opened a window to the real American dream and provided an insight into real American value. Today, Mr. Skinner will explore a big picture of American movie genres and what the most popular titles are in every category. Using the must-see movie list Mr. Skinner will hand out today, find out how many of them you or your kids have already watched! He will also talk about some movies that have inspired Americans the most. Some movies teach lessons of how to focus on what you are doing, give and take, and keep your promise; some movies tell stories about love means letting go, hope heals the deepest wounds, some movies encourage spirits of living your life to the fullest, waiting for the possible greatest things with patience and determination; some movies relate truth of growing up means less magic and sometimes you are not in control; some movies narrate values of family, friends, and why sometimes parents are strict to kids... Many of the movies are remembered so long and so well just because of many sparkling, memorable and inspirational quotes. At one point of time, they simply touched to the softest part of your heart, you just want to hold it, hold it a little longer... Mr. Skinner has come up with a collection of some famous movie quotes, check if you have watched any of these movies? Towards the end of this seminar, Mr. Skinner will also bring us to the fun of board games and video games, something our kids will be enthused and excited about... March 23, 6:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m. Lesson 6, American Literature & Music Speaker: Mr. Skinner Literature and music, what exhilarating and ravishing topics! This week, Mr. Skinner is back with some great reading suggestions! He will go through a wide array of topics and titles, sure to appease every reader! Starting with the younger readers all the way to high school and young adult reading level students, Mr. Skinner will discuss and share the excellence, brilliance and glory in American literature, including many classic and modern books. Packets will be distributed to parents and students alike to ensure that EVERYBODY can go home and catch up on their reading! These packets will have the must-read books by grade level and the top 100 books for all reading levels. In addition to literature, Mr. Skinner will talk about American music and give everyone an extraordinary music feast! Anything from classic country music, bluegrass, ballads, gospel music, blues, rock and roll, R&B, Jazz to contemporary 70's folk music, pop music, disco, punk rock to 80's pop music, a huge variety of the popular music and songs in every music development period. He will also go back in time and discuss the roots of the different types of modern American song, tell some historical stories, fun trivia behind each music style... Get ready for some listening fun as he takes you to many appealing music rhythms and songs through the decades of music history up to 80's! A considerate instructor like Mr. Skinner, he of course will have a complete list of the music and songs ready in your hands as you enjoy his music movie!
March 30, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lesson 7, Formal Restaurant Ordering and Casual Eating
1. How to order from formal American restaurant menu and Italian
restaurant menu? (food styles, differences, order sequence)Speaker: Ms. Neal
2. Casual eating related topics
-- Casual eating restaurants-- Pizza -- Picnic -- Finger Food for everyone -- Buffet 3. More communication topics -- How to join/insert a conversation -- Interesting American custom and taboos April 13, 6:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m. Lesson 8, American Music: Mid 80's - Present Speaker: Mr. Skinner This Friday, Mr. Skinner is back for another round of music history in the United States! In this hour long lesson, he will introduce and/or remind students and parents of the tunes that were the backgrounds to the lives of many. He will cover songs and genres from the mid 1980's to the latest music trends! Mr. Skinner will demonstrate the melding of styles and the unique sounds of this expansive period in American music. Thank you for your attention! April 20, 6:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m., Lesson 9, American Literature Milestones - History and Distinguished Authors Speaker: Mr. Skinner Two weeks ago, Mr. Skinner introduced some must-read book titles for students by grade level as well as some top 100 ranked book lists. However, literature is one topic has way more to offer beyond the lists, for its aesthetic, aspirational and inspirational powers over human beings, for both the heroic and mundane lives it brings to us. It is a topic with blended, overlapped, intersected culture, history, value, belief, bias, insight, knowledge and creativity. Not to mention that literature is just Mr. Skinner's topic, he loves it and has the passion to talk about anything related to it! This Friday Mr. Skinner will unfold a fascinating picture of American Literature history, from the puritan, first colonies period, revolutionary period, romanticism, renaissance, realism to post-modernism and contemporary period. There will be a lot of information, and students are encouraged to take notes. ALL of the main genres will be covered. Mr. Skinner will even read examples from many of the influential authors discussed! Looking forwarding to seeing you Friday!
May 4, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Lesson 10,
Building Healthy Character Traits (I)
Speaker: Mr. Skinner Healthy character traits not only help children's self-development, but also guide them to the right path of coping with various challenges and difficulties in the long run. Character, temperament, attitude and mindset are the major elements that make a child recognized and distinguished from others; therefore, helping children develop healthy and positive character traits becomes a hot and never-end topic among all parents. As we all know, healthy character traits, values, and personalities are not really genetically inherited from parents, but gradually learned, educated and self-trained through a child's daily life. Hopefully one day when we eventually have to let our children go out on their own, they will have enough courage to face anything with their already built-in powerful character traits, with their impregnable confidence and hearty smiles! This Friday, Mr. Skinner will discuss the differences between expressing the same fact in both negative and positive ways, how kids can mind-imply themselves to be positive, how to talk with respect and smile, why working hard for themselves at any time is important, why working hard sometimes means challenging themselves, etc. Most of the stories and cases in this lesson are specifically selected from the best selling books from The New York Times and Washington Post. We believe this lesson will definitely stimulate our children to think about things they never realized before... May 11, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Lesson 11, Building Healthy Character Traits (II) Speaker: Mr. Skinner Mindset, as a simple but powerful belief, becomes a groundbreaking idea in kids education in the past couple of years. Mindset guides the interpretation of how a kid views himself/herself, which eventually takes him/her to become the person he/she really wants to be. An eminent sociologist once said, “I don’t divide the world into the weak and the strong, or the successes and the failures... I divide the world into the learners and non-learners.” Changes and challenges are constant, even people with different aptitudes, success and failure are still never fixed, innate or absolute, but can be alternated through learning, personal efforts and determination, because intelligence can be developed, and, it is malleable! With the aid of inspirational videos, Mr. Skinner will introduce the concepts of fixed mindset and growth mindset, explain why the type of mindset is the decision factor behind successful stories, how it is also the reason stops people from pursuing further improvements and leads to discounted learning. He will then teach kids to boost their fulfillments with growth mindset through many practical tricks! We are sure kids will start to think about why some smartest kid did not end up as the smartest, as well as why some ordinary kid could surprisely demonstrate some extraordinary achievements one day! Next, Mr. Skinner will discuss the importance of self-control, how a kid should avoid distractions, work with perseverance, focus on what they are doing; meanwhile, understand what things are the ones they can control and what are the things they cannot, so they will be able to respond to situations or conflicts with less stress and yield more productive and motivated outcomes. Last, the six pillars of character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship) was specifically selected by Mr. Skinner as the conclusion section content, which brings to a perfect end for our entire semester! Thank you all so much for your support! P.S. 1. Riverdale school may still offer this class next year. 2. Meanwhile, we understand some students may have time conflict, cannot attend this 6:00pm-7:00pm class during the school year. Now we are opening the chance to offer this class in summer. These topics will benefit kids from 1st grade all the way to the high school, please refer to the following link for all topics we offered this semester: http://chineseschool.gmuca.org/mcls/pta.htm If you are interested in enrolling your child for this class in summer, please reply to this email with your contact information. We will contact you with the class time and location in details later. Thank you for your attention! |
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