With the funds, my students will be able to learn about Chinese culture from books as well as improve their language skills as they read. (Our school does have a small library which is expanding. However, there are few books about China or Chinese culture. Since my kids are from underprivileged neighborhoods, it is unlikely that they have access to those books at home. It would be wonderful if they could read those books in Chinese, with the help of pinyin. It will not only help with their language learning, but also boost their cultural awareness, both of which are essential in the 21st century.)

The books I'm considering ordering:

http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/BSB324 $11.95*8 = $95.6

These books introduce students to a collection of fables, myths, legends, and festivals of Chinese culture.

The Beginning of the World 盘古开天地

Nuwa Mends the Heavens 女娲补天

Kuafu Chases the Sun 夸父追日

Sima Guang Smashes the Var 司马光砸缸

Cao Chong Weighs the Elephant 曹冲称象

The Story Behind Chinese New Year's Eve 年除夕的故事

The Story of Qingming Festival 清明节的故事

The Story Behind the Dragon Boat Festival 端午节的故事

http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/BSE544 $10.95*8 = $87.6

These books are written in simplified characters and have pinyin, so they would help improve students' reading skills. The stories not only communicate Chinese values, but are also full of imagination, which helps students develop a love for reading. The stories have also been adapted into cartoons, so there are matching video teaching materials.

The Letter That Flew Away 飞走的信

The Shoes That Scream 会叫的大皮鞋

Pirate Boat 海盗帆船

Big Bed with Two Ears 大床长出两只耳朵

Dairy Cow on the Snow 雪地上的雪奶牛

Dad the Babysitter 爸爸保姆

A Kite Made with Pants 一只裤子风筝

Ten Magic Eggs 十个会变魔术的鸡蛋

With the funds, my students will be able to experience Chinese culture through practicing calligraphy and playing Chinese games. (Things like those will allow students to explore Chinese culture from different perspectives. Again, most of my kids are raised in an environment where there is only one dominant culture. They are eager to see the world and to learn other cultures, if they are given a chance to do so. Cultural awareness is not built in a day, but let's just get started for those kids!)

Things I'm considering buying:

1. Chinese Calligraphy Ink: http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/A976 $3.95*2 = $7.9

2. Chinese Calligraphy Brush (Small): http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/A975 $1.95*20 = $39

3. Chinese Rice Paper: http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/APC006 $2.95*20 = $59

4. Large Chinese Shuttlecock (or Jianzi): http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/AKA165 $2.95*6 = $17.7

5. Chinese Checker: http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/ATG053 $19.95*1 = $19.95

6. Chinese Chess: http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/ATG051 $19.95*1 = $19.95

7. Chinese Go: http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/ATG052 $22.95*1 = $22.95

8. Children peddler drum: http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/ATG110 $4.95*1 = $4.95

*The total would be $374.6 and the delivering fee would be $15 or more. If I do get $400 or more, any money left after purchasing those things would go to Class Fund, which will be used to buy other classroom supply, such as paper, markers, and tissues etc.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 281-216-7985. Thank you in advance :)

Sincerely,

Rui Shu

Back Up Plan