Each year, students in the Chinese Culture Club at Bennion Jr. High celebrate the start of Chinese New Year. Working with other Chinese Dual Immersion schools in the Granite District, this year’s event was held on Thursday, Jan. 30, the start of The Year of the Snake.

“It’s become a tradition for our students and their families,” according to Michael Marcrum, an instructional coach at Bennion Jr. 

The evening began with students from Calvin Smith Elementary presenting a program in the school auditorium. That was followed by a presentation from Taylorsville Dual Immersion students, who showed slides from a trip to China. And then students performed the colorful Lion Dance on stage, leading the audience out of the auditorium and to a center court where they danced. Many attendees offered small cash donations to the lions which are used to fund student activities.

Following the Lion Dance, a series of demonstrations were held in various classrooms, with patrons encouraged to get programs stamped at each presentation. Among those activities were:

• Calligraphy—writing Chinese words

• Shadow puppets–an ancient form of Chinese entertainment with a story told by the shadows of puppets.

• Beijing Opera masks—the coloring of opera masks in a traditional Chinese way.

• Art–Using ink and paint brushes to make bamboo painting.

• Coins–Threading yarn through ancient Chinese coins to make a luck charm.

• Lanterns–Making paper Chinese lanterns.

• Drums–Learning drumbeats used for the Lion Dance, with public participation.

• Tea Ceremony–A traditional Chinese tea ceremony presented by students.

• Modern China–Students spoke about their trips to the country.

• Hacky Sack–Held in the gym, attendees tried to keep a Jianzi–a feathered, weighted ball–off the ground.

• Ping Pong–A Chinese favorite played in the gym.

• Chopsticks-Another Chinese favorite moving marbles from one bowl to another.

• Tangrams–Making shapes by combining other shapes.

In the foyer of the school, a noodle maker pulled, stretched, then cut long strands of noodles into smaller pieces for cooking. And several students wore colorful masks throughout the event as attendees went between classrooms.

“My favorite part was the Lion Dance,” said Jasmine, a student who was there with her parents. “We’ve learned so much about China and its culture. I think it’s important for teachers to talk about other parts of the world and other traditions.”λ