Patchwork Designs > HISTORICALLY SPEAKING CHINA PATCH PROGRAM

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING CHINA PATCH PROGRAM
complete 3 requirements to earn this patch
you can print this page and share it with others

1. Locate China on a map. What continent is it on? What is the capital city? Learn about the languages in China; say “Hello“ or “Goodbye“ in the native language. What is the monetary unit they use for buying items? Identify China’s flag.

2. China’s most recognizable landmark is the Great Wall. Who was responsible for building it? Create a diorama or model of the Great Wall or draw a flat map of its location.

3. The Chinese have made many contributions to the world through their various discoveries and inventions. Research several of the contributions that China has given to the world. Some ideas include making your own paper, learning how to use a compass, flying a kite, hosting a tea party, painting your own china or pottery or creating your own paper money.

4. China calls their country “Zhong Guo”. Research the meaning of “Zhong Guo” and how China decided on this name. Learn the names of two major rivers in China and where they are located. For extra fun, color or draw a map of China.

5. A typical city in China was surrounded by a moat or a high wall. Some examples of housing were huts or houses with open fronts or frames. In the wealthy areas, there were larger homes with nearby Pagodas (temples). Design your own ancient Chinese town or construct a pagoda from cardboard.

6. Though there are many different dialects and ways to communicate in China, the primary language spoken is Mandarin. Try writing a word using the chinese alphabet or learn a few words in a chinese dialect.

7. China’s origin can be traced back to 2000 B.C. Its history is divided into dynasties ruled by emperors. In the 6th dynasty, Confucianism was introduced. Confucius, a well known philosopher, taught his disciples that respect and proper behavior are very important. Learn more about Confucius and quote one of his famous sayings. “Confucius says....”

8. Did you know that noodles and dumplings originated in China? Rice is the basis of most Chinese meals. Find out other foods they make or enjoy. Try some Chinese food or learn how to use chopsticks. Some examples are: Green Tea ice cream, pan fried noodles, Lo Mein, Dim Sum, fried rice, Moo Shi chicken, Pork buns, Peking Duck, or Won Ton Soup.

9. Numerous holidays are celebrated throughout the year honoring many different people or things. Some examples are: New year, Ching Ming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Moon Festival. Visit a cultural celebration or re-creation of one of these events OR learn why they celebrated the holiday. For extra fun, you can create a drawing, or art project, such as chinese lanterns, or food, such as moon cakes, that depict a Chinese celebration. You can also learn which animal you are on the Chinese Zodiac.

10. China has many traditional toys and games. The national sport of China is Ping Pong. Some other games are Zhuazi, similar to jacks, Xiang Qi, Chinese Chess, tai chi , relaxation exercises, card games, kung fu and homemade kites. There are several other games and pastimes enjoyed by the Chinese. Learn about other pastimes or toys in China OR Play a game they might play in China.

11. The Chinese produced silk as early as 1500 B.C. Today you can see beautiful silk in different robes and traditional clothing of their country. Learn more about the design of Chinese clothing. Draw a picture of the clothing, or design your own silk dress. Examples of clothing are located in the manual.

12. A form of traditional Chinese writing is calligraphy, and is considered an art form. Research more about the decorative arts or paintings of China. For fun, create an art project of your own. Examples: Paper cut-outs, calligraphy writings, watercolor painting, paint pottery, construct an item from clay or make jewelry.

13. The Chinese began putting on plays, storytelling, staging puppet shows and operas as early as the 1200’s . Do one of the following: Create your own song, sing a traditional song, put on a show with puppets or marionettes, make masks and perform an opera, read a traditional story or myth from the chinese culture.

This patch program will help its participants learn more about the history and sites in this country. If you have the privilege of visiting this country, you can complete some of these requirements there. It would be helpful to learn more about the country prior to your visit. Use the library and the internet to research more.