Elliott and other BFSA third-graders learned to create the words "joy" and "friendship" in Chinese calligraphy Thursday and Friday. Older students in the school's archaeology class peered over their shoulders, making sure they used just the right amount of paint with each stroke.
"The older kids get to teach somebody what they learned and how to work with others," she said. "The lower grade students learn about different cultures."
The older students — sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders — learned how to create seven words in Chinese calligraphy as part of a year-long study of Asia's major countries. Through the year, students are learning about India, Korea and Japan, as well as China.
Third-grade teacher Anita Pearson said the classes gave her students a hands-on way to learn how China and the United States have different cultures, different languages, even different paper.
Walker let third graders feel a thick sheet of rice paper, which Chinese artists use for their calligraphy. She told them calligraphers use ink they make themselves.
"Don't press too hard," social studies student Mari Jackson instructed a third-grader as she tried making a letter. "Sweep your brush across, like a J."
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