- Today we did Tai Qi, learned family-related words, painted masks, and read the tale of the Monkey King. The Tai Qi helped to wake me up, loosen my muscles, and made my joints feel better. It was nice to have a way to make myself healthier. We also learned many family-based words in Chinese. This helped to let me communicate more about myself and also further my knowledge about others. I was unable to finish the mask I was making, but the activity was still a fun one. Another thing we did was read the Tale of the Monkey King, one of the four Chinese classics. It tells the story of a monkey who wants to become an immortal and gets into various forms of mischief along the way. —— Andrew
- Today we did more Tai Qi, which was once again exhausting. I wish that we’d learned cooler looking styles such as the Snake or Cloud, but ours was still pretty fun. We also made cards to the people who had visited us which was really fun because I got to make a watercolor fish! I’d like to have kept a copy of it for myself as it turned out pretty nicely, but I guess they would like it. I also used hand sanitizer 7 times, which was pretty cool. —— Graham
- Today we were able to learn more about Tai Chi and review our first form. Tai Chi is not meant to be offensive, but defensive. I learned that all forms may be used to ward off an opponent. I also learned that Tai Chi can be good for your well-being, too. Some exercises are used to strengthen your joints, which prevents future conflicts with them. Through Tai Chi, one could develop strong knees and ankles, among other things. It is very practical and helpful, as well as doable. ——Tori
- We learned about Chinese stories, especially the four classics, which are the Monkey King (from Journey to the West), All Men Are Brothers, Three Kingdoms, and Dream of Red Mansions. There’s a saying in China that if your are young, you shouldn’t read All Men Are Brothers (this is because of the violent rebellion against the Dynasty, led by the main characters; children might get negative influence from this). If you’re old you shouldn’t read Dream of Red Mansions (because it’s depressing, and it’s about the rise and fall of a Chinese noble family). ——Sarah
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