My mini-class in Yale

As we round the final corner of this amazing journey in Yale, we are required to design and implement a 15- minute mini-class including two activities. When hearing the news, I was a little puzzled even scared, what shall I do? How can I give a lesson in the presence of so many colleagues and experts, Carrie and Siggy?  

The inspiration came from my anxiety when preparing for the mini-class. Why not choose the topic—feelings and emotions! It is generally acknowledged that everyone has his feelings and can be emotional; emotions affect the way we behave towards and relate to others. At first I planned to list several words describing feelings on different cards; and then invite one colleague to pick up a card randomly to explain the word to others by only using facial expressions or body languages. When that word was guessed successfully, another guy would try to accomplish this task again. This would be fun, but I was worried that I can’t control the time and there may not be adequate time for the second activity, so I gave up this plan. Instead, they were required to use a complete sentence to describe their feeling and what or why makes them feel so. The second activity is the group discussion. Effective and healthy methods are needed to release the negative feelings such as anger, pressure or frustration.

Thanks for the perfect cooperation of my colleagues, the whole teaching procedures went on smoothly out of my expectation. I really hope all my friends and instructors get rid of negative feelings, think positively and enjoy the life. 

Yale Center for British Art

Every Friday at Yale is different,  four colleagues and I paid a visit to the Yale Center for British Art  on this Friday. It is a public art museum and world-renowned research institute, which houses the largest collection of British art outside the United Kingdom.

Two white sculptures are welcoming visitors at the hall. One is medium and extremely abstract in shape, like a smooth stone standing on a rectangle base. Interesting enough, if you observe it from a different angle, it looks like a profile of a young woman with a big eye, a straight nose and a tiny, lovely mouth. 

The other sculpture is large in size; a strong and rough executioner is going to cut the head of a criminal. The former is sitting on the back of the latter, holding a pointed ax in his right hand and the left one tightly grabbing the criminal’s hair. The expressions of their eyes are in stark contrast, one is rude and violent whereas the other miserable and painful. It’s hard to imagine why the criminal was sentenced to death, but from his facial expression it’s certain that he was in search of mercy and forgiveness. To seek to live on is the instinct of human beings without exception.

The four-floor building contains vast collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and rare books explore British art, life, and thought from the Elizabethan period to the present day. Several young visitors drew my attention. Instead of wandering and taking photos, they were engaged in filling in sheets and taking notes. Those Yale students were required to choose a thought- provoking painting and create a story about it, just as Carrie advised her students to do in their blogs. With these pictures I have taken, I may utilize the same method to my students in writing lesson.       

An interesting dancing lesson

The Central South University teachers had an interesting and funny dancing lesson with our respectable and lovely instructors this afternoon. To be more specific, this time the dancing instructors are Siggy and Jane, who taught us American sexy dance and Chinese square dance respectively.

Jane danced beautifully

At first we stood in lines to learn square dance. Jane chose a typical Chinese folk song, which is said to be related to Buddhism. Jane did a good job with enough patience. She told us how to stretch our legs and move our hands separately. It’s funny that it’s hard to combine them together harmoniously and beautifully. So I made some awkward mistakes, especially when we switch between the sections of the song. But it’s fun to move our bodies and do some exercises.

The exciting moment comes with the sexy dance. Siggy told us it’s a kind of Jazz music, so we’d better squat the legs a bit when dancing. We watch the video and imitate the dancing steps. The singer was in sexy skirt and we joked if we were dressed like this, we would learn it quickly. How interesting scene it is! I bet our Chinese students would burst into laughter when watching those serious and strict English teachers are doing a variety of luring movements in Yale. 

A good book sale

Carrie informed us that there would be a trip to the Pequot Library Summer Book Sale in Southport, CT, which is considered the best book sale in New England, and offers high quality books at reasonable prices. As a result, everyone is waiting for it, Summer and Amanda even changed their schedule to New York for the book sale on July 27.

books in white tent

When we arrived at the Pequot Library, it’s approximately 1:30pm. Since there are only 2 hours left to explore, I gave up the idea to observe the fabulous villas of those wealthy Americans. The Summer Book Sale composed of two parts, inside the library and in a large spacious tent outside. Carrie told me classic and literature works were sold inside, so I went directly to the tent because I was in search of books about teaching methodology. It does not exaggerate to say there are mountains of books and CDs, DVDs, even some old-fashioned gramophone records, which are piled according to different subject categories. 

mountains of books

people are busy in selecting books

Compared with its original price, the used books were pretty cheaper. Frankly speaking, the time is only enough for me to find needed books in two categories, one is education, and another is books for children. At last I bought 6 books with only $6dollars. How amazing it is! I hope to buy more, but the books are too heavy and we plan to go west and have a trip. I’m afraid that there are no spaces for more books in my luggages.

books I bought

Why there is no such book sale in China? It’s a great pity.   

Master’s Tea at Yale

Every Friday at Yale is colorful and wonderful for those summer session students. This Friday is not an exception. Most of my colleagues go to New York by school bus, including my roommate, Amanda. Bell is so diligent to go to library to look for reference books for her doctor thesis. Rich and I just stay at home, writing blogs. Susan told us there is a Master’s Tea to be held at 3pm, which provides an opportunity for Yale students to interact in a relaxed, informal setting with a distinguished visitor who has excelled in their chosen field. So we decided to go there and have a look. 

poster for the Master's Tea 

Today’s visitor is George Takei, an actor best known for his portrayal of Mr. Sulu in the acclaimed television and film series Star Trek. Frankly speaking, I have never heard of his name and know nothing about him. We first appreciated a documentary about George Takei’s life with his lifelong partner, Brad Takei. As a political activist, Takei has received international acclaim by helping change political discourses around the US internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. He is also a prominent spokesperson for the LGBT issues and gay marriage. Homosexuals and gays are abnormal persons in mainstream culture, especially in China. The most famous gay is Leslie Cheung, a well-known pop singer and actor in Hong Kong, who committed suicide on April 1, 2003. From my perspective, it’s hard to understand why persons would be attracted by members of the same sex, which is totally contrary to the universal theory—opposites attract. But nowadays there are more and more homosexuals and gays, who are eager to get rid of the prejudice upon them and even legalize gay marriage. From the documentary, George Takei and Brad Altman vowed to each other during their wedding ceremony at the Democracy Forum of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles on September 14, 2008. They have been together for 21years and Brad works as a broker and companion, who manage Takei’s professional and personal affairs. He even took care of Takei’s sick mother for a long time. It was arranged that Takei and his husband would come to the site and answer questions. But to our regret, they did not show up till the end. Only the producer and director of the documentary were present to answer some questions and reveal some interesting stories during the shooting time. 

George Takei and his partner 

To conclude, I would like to say everyone has his right to choose his lover, but it’s not fair for the children who are adopted by the gay couples because they cannot have the same normal family as others. 

A month in America

Time is fleeting! It has been more than a month since I came to USA. Reflecting upon the various persons and affairs I encountered, I find it really hard to express my feeling in words. Amazement, excitement, enjoyment, warmth, sorrow or nostalgia? 
I am excited for it’s the very first time for me to go abroad, especially to America, the most developed country in the world. Amazement comes from the beautiful natural scenery: blue sky, fleecy white clouds, wide green grasslands, clean sand  beach and fresh air without pollution. 

Washington Memorial 

beautiful rainbow at Niagara Fall

I enjoy the moment of class observation; the teaching inspiration from these dedicated and energetic instructors, particularly from Siggy and Carrie; the funny time during discussion and debate. 

Dr. Kirk Hughes

I feel warm and moved by enormous tiny matters and those nice and considerate people I came across in Yale—cab drivers, policemen, drivers of bus shuttle, the elder couple in the church… 
Sorrow or unhappiness overwhelmed me when I was in New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. It reminds me of the dark time in Chinese history when so many precious and rare culture relics were robbed and shipped to other countries. 

Chinese culture relics in New York Metropolitan Museum of Art

Nostalgia influences me from time to time because I miss my family members, my parents, my elder sister, especially my beloved husband and daughter. I haven’t been away from my husband and daughter for such a long time. What is their daily life? How does my daughter deal with the personal and learning problems without my companion and help? Now it’s so hot in Changsha whereas I enjoy the cool weather in New Haven. Are they suffering from the terribly high temperature? Can they sleep well and have a good appetite? Consequently, I am in a dilemma. On the one hand, I wish that I would stay a longer time in Yale, to learn more and experience more; on the other hand, I hope to go home immediately and enjoy the happy family time. Is there any miraculous power that can separate me in half? I wonder. However, life is filled with pleasure and regret. You can’t have your cake and eat it, which is a universal puzzle that even the philosopher can’t solve. How could I?   

my husband and daughter

   

Busy tourists

With the development of social wealth and the improvement of people’s lives, an increasing number of people intend to go traveling on vacation. Consequently, there are oceans of people in places of interest and scenery. Most of them follow the tour guides and do not have the freedom to decide their own routes and time. That’s why they are busy in taking photos before landmarks; it even takes ten to fifteen minutes to wait for their turn to pose before camera.

crowded tourists on the Great Wall

 In this case, there is little time left for those busy tourists to know history of places or appreciate beautiful scenery in details. Unfortunately, I am one of those busy tourists. Actually, that’s not the real trip I dream of. I hope to have leisure time to see more, hear more, feel more and reflect more. Travelling should enrich our experience and broaden our horizon. 

quiet beach 

I still remembered clearly the moment I had before the White House. Tourists from different countries rushed to there, each of them is eager to take photos before the political headquarters of America. It’s interesting, different colures of face, different languages emerge into a bustling picture. I also tried to take photos but in vain. I really wish one day I can have enough money and time to be a leisure tourist, travel around the world with my beloved. To meet different people and experience different cultures, just as what I have done in Yale now. 

solemn Sunday Worship at First Methodist Church

the First Methodist Church

    

the welcome board in front of the church

    Bell, Amanda and I went to attend the Sunday Worship at First Methodist Church this morning. It is the first time to go to the church, so everything is new and fresh to me.

   The church is located at 425 College Street. When we arrived there at about 9:45am, an elder lady greeted us warmly and gave each of us a handout about the procedure of the ceremony. The solemn moment began at 10:00am, which is composed of the following steps: prelude, call to worship, hymn, opening prayer, children’s moment, hymn, gospel lesson, psalter, sermon, announcement, offering, offertory, doxology, prayer of dedication, hymn, benediction and postlude. Among the 17 steps, two of them gave me a deep impression. One is the children’s time, 5 children went out and sat down in a circle with a middle-aged woman. She worked as an instructor to tell those children to be passionate and friendly to others, not be selfish and mean, which was told by Jesus Christ, God. The other impressive moment is the Offertory. An elder black lady’s beautiful songs announced the beginning of it. She is dressed in formal gown, with a black and white hat, elaborately designed jewelry, which looks like a delicate and elegant woman in classic movies. Her voice is so magnetic and penetrating that we all cannot help clapping and singing with the rhythm. Accompanied by her moving hymn, participants donated cash into two big metal bowls.

beautiful window inside 

  

    We were invited to join fellowship hour after the worship service. Snacks, desserts and drinks were provided free in the basement. Those nice and kind-hearted Christian expressed their hospitable welcome and all of us enjoyed a pleasant time. On the way home, two questions came into my mind: why most participants are white people whereas the majority I see on the street are black? Why most Christians are seniors, do those juniors not believe in God or they are too busy to attend the Sunday worship? Dear Carrie, could you do me a favor and give me the answers?    

senior Christian walking with difficulty 

   

Colorful Thursday afternoon (part II)

Carrie and I in the courtyard

The last part of the trip is the climax of the whole afternoon. We went to Carrie’s house. It’s is the very first time for me to visit an American home, so I am full of questions and curiosities. It is a two-story building with a huge courtyard and several old trees providing shades for family members and those grasslands and vegetables. The first thing comes to my eyes was some odd plants in the front yard. They are green plants with some small purple flowers. But when I touched the leaves, it seems that they felt like rough pleuche, a kind of textile fabrics. How weird they are! Carrie told me its name but I didn’t get the exact word.

weird plants

We were glad to enter Carrie’s house with her permission. There are a neat kitchen, an exquisite dining room, a spacious living room and a guest room on the first floor. I even took a photo when sitting in one of comfortable sofa. The images came into my mind immediately—how exhausted Carrie was after a day’s teaching and how busy she was in reading our blogs and giving comments. Strange imagination, isn’t it?

The vegetable garden in the courtyard attracted me at once. Lettuce, cucumbers, green tomatoes and beautiful squash flowers, what a lovely and harmonious pictures it is! In china it is impossible to plant vegetable beside your house in cities unless you are wealthy enough to purchase a villa. I was shocked when informed about the price of the house. The old house with beautiful views and spacious courtyard only cost Carrie $140,000. What a bargain! Now even in Changsha, it will cost us about &150,000 to buy a three-bedroom apartment, no furniture, no decoration, entirely empty.

beautiful squash flowers

lettuce

Ricky, Amanda and I enjoying snacks in Carrie's courtyard 

When considering the price of the house, I am puzzled by the big difference between Chinese and American concerning buying a house or not. According to a survey, New Yorker was accustomed to a renter culture; even at the peak of the bubble, only one third of New Yorkers owned their homes.  It seems that some Americans have no interest in buying a home.  Instead, they love the freedom of picking up luggages and moving anywhere. There is no need to be responsible for maintenance. On the contrary, Chinese tend to buy houses in spite of the high and incredible prices. Many people who buy property in China do so with their spouse. Only in this way do we feel that we are the permanent residents of a place and our occupation and life can be steady enough. What’s more, the children can be raised in a comfortable and familiar place, which is extremely essential for the next generation to receive better education and grow up more healthily and strongly.  

In my opinion, the issue about whether to purchase a house or not sheds light on a culture difference between America and Chinese. Chinese is characterized for rootedness and the word “place” means both location in space and position in society. To be tied to place is also to be bound to one’s status in life. On the other hand, American sometimes is criticized for rootlessness, which is a result of ideals they admire, namely, social mobility and optimism about future. 
Thank you Carrie for inviting me to your home, which is a really unforgettable moment in Yale.

Colorful Thursday afternoon( part I)

Owing to Carrie and Siggy, our considerate instructors, we had a wonderful and interesting time on July 17. The yellow bus drove us to a beautiful beach, where numerous people are enjoying their time on the sand. Some are lying themselves flat on the beach to enjoy a sunbath; some are surfing on skim boards in the sea, some are reading books, children are busy in building sand castles with different plastic tools. The boundless sea, those changeable white clouds in blue sky and lively tourists compose a gorgeous and harmonious picture. I am so attracted by it that I want to join them and enjoy the bright sunshine; however, none of us are allowed to do so because of the limited time. What a pity! We left the beach regretfully after taking some photos.

teachers and colleagues

lovely children

The second stop is unnamed woods for us to go hiking. A rule was made by Carrie and Siggy that we are not allowed to speak for fearing the loud voices would scare animals in the woods. We are all eager to encounter wild animals, such as bears, chipmunks and foxes etc.  The 30-minute hiking went on soundlessly out of instructors’ expectation. But those wild animals didn't come, what we got was only the howling of nameless animals. ( to be continued)  

A trip to Thimble Islands

On July 11, our colleagues and I had a wonderful trip to Thimble Islands. A yellow school bus was waiting for us in front of the Payne whitney Gym at 1:50pm. It was a 40 minutes ride to the destination. Since this is the perfect time for us to take a nap, I almost fell asleep on the bus. When I got off, the gorgeous scenery immediately attracted my attention, blue sky, changeable white clouds, kids on the beautiful sand beach, especially the rowing people. In my opinion, this kind of boat racing needs a lot of practice, but Carrie told me one just need enough strength to steer and row the boat. How I wish one day I could accomplish the task by myself! 

strong rowing men 

After taking some photos we boarded a ship and began a cruise. The captain is a nice and humorous guider, who informed us of the history and some interesting stories about the island. But please forgive us, poor captain! I felt a little guilty for not listening to you attentively because we were so attracted by the beautiful view that kept on taking photos. The cruise lasted about 40 minutes. The bus took us back to New Haven and it was pleasant to have a relaxing Friday afternoon for the second week in Yale.    

a couple enjoying the sunshine 

smiling and energetic teachers

  

observing Alan Gibbon's class

 On July 10, I had a different experience when observing Alan Gibbons listening and speaking class. The atmosphere of it was somewhat quiet and not so exciting for Alan’s calm and gentleman character.

  This time Alan just planned one activity—debate. The topic is: Smokers in New Haven should be given greater rights as to where to smoke. I was informed that the students had a listening comprehension class about this topic on July 8; they also had a group discussion about it the next day; so this is the third time to deal with the same topic.

  Firstly, handouts were distributed among students to give clear direction as how the debate will be organized. Then they were divided into two groups according to their choices about affirmative or negative views. Later on both groups had 25 minutes preparation time to discuss and write down at least 3 evidences to convince the opponents. The last part is debate, which followed a fixed process:

1.     4 minute opening remarks for affirmative and negative group

2.     1 minute questioning time for each group

3.     2 minute break to prepare to refute those questions

4.     4 minute rebuttal time

5.     2 minute break preparing the closing remarks

6.     4 minute closing remarks

The class debate went on while Alan worked as a timer. It is such a

inflexible procedure that students don’t have any freedom. Once a girl wanted refute the opponent when he was raising questions. But Alan didn't allow her to do so for fearing lack of time. It’s a great pity! Another problem is that some students do not have the chances to speak, only active and confident students grasped the opportunities. If the teacher can motivate and urge them to do so, the whole atmosphere would be better.

  Students are required to write a short passage on “Why did you win in the debate ” , the second assignment is to preview the textbook.  

the affirmative group is preparing for debate 

the negative group is buy in preparation

an interesting study break at Mory's

warm glow of light from Mory's 

    On July 10, my colleagues and I went to a study break at Mory's, which is at 306 York Street. To tell the truth, it’s the very first time to join a study break. Mory’s is a kind of restaurants, where fruit and cheese and crackers and other snacks were provided.

    When we first got there, a pretty waitress showed us around it and told us its history and tradition. A closet with a variety of huge cups drew my attention immediately. I first considered those cups were associated with sports champions Yale won; however, I was completely wrong. Those are cups used for drinking juice and champagne. Oh, my God! Are there some giants in Yale? 

a wide variety of cups

    When I was totally absorbed in weird imagination, the beautiful music and fair-sounding semi chorus drew me back to reality. A group of people, 4 boys and 4 girls, to be exact, were singing its traditional “Cup Song”. A huge cup filled with champagne was delivered among Yale students one by one while the beautiful song was going on. When one got the cup, he or she must turn it around and then sip the champagne. What an interesting tradition, which brings young people together and spread happiness and friendship among them. Although I do not own such a young face without lines and wrinkles, I still enjoyed myself. I love Yale! 

singing group 

a girl was drinking champagne

A pleasant and instructive evening

Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium

July 8th is a totally different day.  All of us enjoyed a pleasant and instructive evening for the planetarium observation. It is said that Yale School of astronomy provides the rare opportunity for  local people to know more about the mysterious universe. 

The location is near our new home, so after dinner we went there on foot. That is a gorgeous place equipped  with three telescopes and one spacious  projection room. It is in this projection room that we got an interesting lesson about enormous stars of the universe and watched a marvelous 3D movie. The movie was well directed and full of beautiful pictures, which really gave me lots of surprise and amazing ideas about the Black hole and the universe. 

the beautiful view of the Moon 

the address of the observatory