Some students may be travelling abroad this summer, and some may let the world – or at least China – come to them.

There are still a few spots available in May Ip's Chinese heritage and language summer program, open to any student from age 7 to 14.

Chinese games, brush painting, adding with an abacus and paper-folding are all part of the program that will run from 9:30 to 11, Monday to Friday from July 4 to August 5 in the (air-conditioned) OSCVI.
The class will include written and spoken Chinese, always with a purpose, says May. "When we do physical activities, like the fan exercise, the directions and parts of the body are in Chinese."

May began teaching the heritage classes in Sauble Beach when her two oldest sons were in elementary school there. Another woman was teaching Spanish classes to young students, and May looked into it further and discovered this is a federally funded program, offered through the Bluewater Disrict School Board. Although she has had some students with Chinese backgrounds or connections, most of her students in Sauble, Hepworth and Owen Sound have been Caucasian. Families have clearly felt this was a unique opportunity for their children to broaden their understanding of the world and have a hands-on taste of another culture.

"When we talk about the Chinese lunar calendar and how it compares to our western calendar, each child will make a calendar to take home to share what they have learned with their family and friends."

The program is funded by the Ministry of Canadian Heritage and the only cost is a nominal amount to cover materials for the month.
For more information email [email protected] or text 519-477-4893.