It’s one thing for two former Bridgeport teachers to travel over 7,000 miles to teach Chinese teens all about American life.  It’s quite another to be greeted as though they were movie stars, complete with flashing cameras and a chorus of voices singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” upon their arrival.

 

Debbie Nicholson, Former BHS Spanish teacher and current Coordinator of World Languages for the West Virginia Department of Education, spearheaded the trip.  Former BHS Special Education Teacher, Michaela Chefen and Cheat Lake Elementary School Assistant Principal, Claudia Zimarowski joined Nicholson as they traveled to a region of the world known for their ancient culture.

 

Nicholson was instrumental in bringing the Confucius Classroom to Harrison County nearly a decade ago.  The program introduced many students to the Chinese language and culture as teachers from China taught in Bridgeport schools. Her passion for the program continued once she was hired at the WV Department of Education.  While no longer in the Bridgeport schools, the Confucius Classroom is now part of RESA 7 and Nutter Fort Primary has established a sister-school relationship with Mudanjiang Number 2 High School.  RESA 7 also provided teaching supplies for the trip, which took place at the end of February.

 

In a country known for its educational accomplishments, the three educators were challenged to teach Chinese sophomores about American life for teens.  In order to do this, they arrived at a school of 5000 students and were assigned 92 10^th graders for a week of activities, songs, language lessons, games and crafts.

 

The trip was eye opening to say the least, as they arrived in Northern China, where temperatures were well below 0.  They were welcomed by the school, the administrators, and local officials and were treated like rock stars.  Each of the educators stayed with local families and they were immersed in the Chinese culture, including some interesting food options.  “The families were so gracious,” said Nicholson, who has traveled to China several times.  “They treated us like family and we felt very comfortable with them.”

 

As they arrived at the 5 day camp, the Americans first discussed what the Chinese students thought about America.   Their perceptions were given very politely and the discussion led to clarifying some of the common misconceptions they had.  The teachers then began their lessons and activities that would prove to be both fun and educational for the group.

 

“We discussed the differences between the two cultures, including graduation requirements, dates, daily schedules in schools, music, sports, pop culture, clothing, and geography, among other topics typical to teens in both countries,” said Nicholson.  “We introduced them to the different music genres, and told them all about life in West Virginia.” 

 

By the end of the week, the group had danced to the “YMCA,”  sang “Happy,” and learned all the words to “Country Roads.”  The teachers taught language lessons using crafts and games, including Twister and Guess Who, which was one of the favorites among the Chinese students.  “We even gave the students American names for the week so they could be fully immersed in the lessons,” said Nicholson. 

 

The Chines students learned how to prepare peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and s’mores, both of which they liked.  They also watched the movie, “October Sky” about West Virginia native Homer Hickam’s experience with the national rocket competition.  “They mine in China as well, so it was interesting to see the similarities in WV and China.”

 

When teaching about sports, the educators taught the Chinese students, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and explained the role of extracurricular programs in our culture.  “In China, students continue in school into the night in order to prepare for the college entry exam,” said Nicholson.  “The concept of students having so much free time was something totally new to them.”

 

“One of the highlights of the trip was making tie-dye t-shirts with the group,” said Nicholson.  “We also made necklaces and some other crafts and they really enjoyed it.”  The lesson was paid forward as all three teachers were presented with handmade scrapbooks as they prepared to leave.  “They each wrote in our scrapbooks and included pictures from the camp to show their appreciation.  The experience was amazing and I can’t wait to go back.”

 

Nicholson’s return to China will take place in just a few weeks as she attends training with educators from around the state. They will be preparing for Chinese students and teachers to arrive in Harrison County in June to take part in a camp in Morgantown.  “We have already expressed our gratitude for their kindness in China, now it’s our turn to return to favor.”  She added that they are currently seeking families who would be willing to host the students and families when they arrive in June.  Those who are interested could contact Nicholson at dlnichol@k12.wv.us.