Melody of China, Inc.©

Legend of Chines Music Teacher's Guide



FOLLOW-UP PRE-PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES

1.Show how Chinese characters got started as pictographs, and then evolved over time. The enclosed photocopies of some interesting characters can be copied and colored on, put on the overhead projector, or blown up to poster size.

2.Show how each radical (character component) in Chinese has a meaning (for example three drop mean water or something liquid), which helps the reader guess the meaning of an unfamiliar word. (See enclosed examples.)

3.Have a spelling test the next day. Next to picture of Chinese musical instruments already studies, see who can write the correct names! Alternatively have a test on which students try to match the right words with the right instruments by drawing a line from one to the other. (Sample tests with answer sheets are enclosed.)

4.Food is a sensory way of exploring Chinese culture. There are books for children which explain Chinese manners, customs, and recipes. Chinese cuisine (the prepared food) has a vast range of styles and local specialties. Rice or noodles will be found at every traditional meal. We are fortunate to have availably many local restaurants that specialize in cuisine from various regions of China. Bring some to class with a menu, and practice the names; or ask students with a Chinese background who would like to bring in a sample of their family's homecooking for show and tell."

POST-PERFORMANCE ACTIVITY
Have the children write thank-you letters to Hong Wang and members in care of Melody of China, Inc., 2111-43rd Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94116.

WEBSITE EXPLORING
Melody of China,