While North Americans were still enjoying their Thanksgiving feasts back in the United States and Canada, some of JESIE's finest teachers were exposing the lucky students of Nanjing Number 1 Experimental Middle School and You Fu Jie Primary School to the true meaning of Thanksgiving. As always, our teachers came prepared with not only activities, but also the feastive spirit needed to engage young learners, and keep them captivated and smiling.  

As most of the students' responses to "What is Thanksgiving?" was just "Turkey!", it was our teachers' job to explain what other foods are eaten at Thanksgiving, as well as, impart the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving. The day was kicked off in Nanjing Experimental Middle School with our two teachers, Val and James.  Both delivered well thought out and interesting lessons.  First, they taught the students what a typical Thanksgiving meal involves, which of course includes the mysterious "turkey", which most students had never had the pleasure of tasting. Then, other traditional Thanksgiving foods, from mashed potatoes to pumpkin pie, were salivated over as the teachers explained these tasty treats and tantilized them with pictures. Next, a deeper understanding of what Thanksgiving means was discussed, and the students were encouraged to reflect on what they are thankful for this year. After some Thanksgiving word games, the classes were concluded with the students personally designing Thanksgiving "hand turkey" cards with a message to the person or thing they are thankful for this year.

After lunch, the enthusiam that characterises our teachers was delivered to the willing learners of You Fu Jie Primary School.  Our two teachers, James and Matthew, brought a hefty dose of smiles and Thanksgiving cheer to two lucky first and second grade classes. Both classes were exposed to a variety of Thanksgiving foods and our teachers employed some entertaining games to help the new vocabulary words stick in their brains. After the students worked up a good sweat from the extremely engaging flashcard games, both classes designed their own Thanksgiving cards, which included a drawing of their families and a short note about who they are thankful for this year.

By the end of the day, the students were obviusly excited, and of course more informed, about Thanksgiving. They learned about a variety of delicious foods and aquired a deeper understanding of Western culture through their discussion of Thanksgiving and their exposure to our foreign teachers. The thoughtful care and energy of JESIE's teachers did not go unnoticed and was an asset to this successful and entertaining JESIE Open Day.