Paper Cutting and Patience

Today was probably the most frustrating day of project. So, we are getting ready for our final performance, which includes having the students write their speaking parts and preparing any necessary props (for example, the art groups has to design tri-boards to display their Beijing Opera Masks, calligraphy, and paper cutting). Sounds simple enough, right? WRONG. It seems like the kids can’t focus on anything for more than 15 seconds. I really hope their attitudes change because our performance is in ONE WEEK! It seems like a lot of time, but it really isn’t. There’s so much that has to be done before then – make programs, make the banner, buy and prepare food, and practice.

I gave the art group a quick lesson in paper cutting (we don’t have enough time to teach the entire class). They cut out the character “chun,” which means spring. After our brief tutorial, I left them with the necessary supplies and let some other students who join. And after 30 minutes, they only cut 5!! 5! Nine students managed to produce 5 paper cuts. This is what I mean when I say that they can’t focus. This really makes me nervous...I’ll probably just end up doing the rest for their display because we can’t afford to waste any more time. Things didn’t improve much from there, either. I gave the art group 40 minutes to do some research on the computers about the Chinese arts of calligraphy, paper cutting, and Beijing Opera in preparation for their speeches. Three students will talk about one of the art forms each, and the fourth student worked on writing an introduction for the group. 40 minutes later, the best speech consisted of three sentences. This only makes me upset because I know they can do better. They’re working on these huge multi-part Black History projects, so why can’t they write a paragraph about a Chinese art form? Uggghh

Pics from Paper Cutting...