The significance of rivers for a country is not only shown in resource, but also in culture. In the land of China, there are two major rivers: Yangtze River and Yellow River, which irrigate the land of China and nourish the Chinese. Chinese believe the motto which says “When one drinks water, do not forget where it comes from”, i.e. “Be grateful for favors received”. Students live in China, who learn Chinese and Chinese culture. Why not get to know Yangtze River and Yellow River?
In Chinese Studies classes, students started a travel to discover Yangtze River and Yellow River.
Some students asked: “Why is Yellow River called ‘Mother River’?” What a good question! Once Chinese is mentioned, Yellow River is mentioned, which is Chinese’s mother river. With help of maps, pictures and teachers’ explanations, students learned the location, features and the importance in Chinese civilization development of Yellow River.
However, Yangtze River is the biggest river in China. The areas it flows are the origins of ancient Chinese and Chinese civilization. Yangtze River breeds characteristic culture which is different from Yellow River, for instance, Bashu Culture (present Sichuan and Chongqing), Jinchu Culture (present Hunan and Hubei), etc. Shanghai, which is familiar for students, is the big city near to the entrance of Yangtze River.
After learning the brief information of Yangtze River and Yellow River, students started to do their own discovery on the maps: drew the two rivers, colored the provinces and cities, wrote the main cities the two rivers flow, etc. What is more, they also studied these main cities: places of interest, characteristic food, famous people and interesting stories, etc. How fun it is! That is why Chinese say: “The unique features of a local environment always give special characteristics to its inhabitants.”
Y5E Co-Teacher – Betty MENG