[April Privitera]

When was the first time I saw the Yin and Yang?  I believe it was in the 1980's, So. Cal. surf culture used this symbol on surf boards and T-shirts.  The company Town and Country used it in the center of their designs.  I remember being curious about the symbol, and figuring out its' meaning, I do not remember how as we didn't have the internet back then.  I also see the Yin and Yang frequently on jewelry today.

I found the subject of the Chinese tea culture and tea ritual interesting.  The Chinese have been drinking tea since the 3rd Millennium BCE, it is an important part of their culture and I would love to be able the visit The Tea Museum (pictured/video #2).  The British began drinking tea recently in comparison (approx. 1660's), and afternoon tea became popular even more recently (mid. 1850's).  The Chinese teahouse has many social functions, business and pleasure.

I am also curious about Calligraphy and the red stamps that accompany the writing.

The story "Peach Blossom Spring," could be incorporated into my elementary ELA unit on folk and fairy tales.  The theme of keeping a secret, and then breaking a secret and facing consequences is similar to another story we have read from Japanese folklore called, "The Old Man and the Crane."

[April Privitera]

The above article by Michael Robinson was interesting and raised some difficult issues/questions.  Ninety percent of South Koreans currently live in urban areas, leaving fishing and agricultural villages virtually empty, with the exception of a low number of elderly residents.  The schools in these areas are closing, because there are no longer children in the area.  The example school in the article has four teachers and nine students, in contrast to its' first graduating class of 117 students.  Independent rice farms are decreasing as the country relies on importing rice from outside countries.  The urban point of view looks quite grim with high school students engaging in 20 hour work days, hoping for the opportunity to attend a good university.  The high shools allow naps during class because the students are exhausted.  Urban living is very expensive, and once the young people start their careers, marriage and family is often not a priority, contributing to the low birth rate.  This article left me thinking, "What is the point?"  There does not seem to be any enjoyment in the lifestyle, and it is not helping any of the national issues.  

 

[April Privitera]

Hello, my name is April Privitera and I have been teaching 5th grade at LAUSD for the past 8 years.  Before teaching, I worked in the entertainmet industry for many years in the international area.  I have never taken a class about East Asia, and I am excited to be in this class.  When I am not working, I spend a lot of time with my Pug named Brigitte and my family.  

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