Upper School Chinese classes visited 99 Ranch Market, an Asian market, to celebrate the Lunar New Year and to incorporate skills they’ve learned in Chinese class.

Lunar New Year is the celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is one of the most celebrated holidays in China along with many other Asian cultures.

Students celebrated by taking a trip to the Asian market to see how the Lunar New Year is celebrated through an exploration of ethnic food and decorations.

“I loved getting to try new things from a culture I don’t normally choose from,” freshman Vivian White said.

On the trip, students walked around 99 Ranch Market, went shopping and applied the Chinese dialect they had learned in class in conversations.

“The purpose was to use what we have learned in class and be able to talk to the people there in Chinese,” freshman Briana Solomon said.

Upper and Middle School Chinese teacher Grace Chwa’s says the goal was for her students to be immersed in culture.

“I want them to see and feel the Chinese culture,” Chwa stated.

Students were able to learn more about Chinese culture and the Lunar New Year and also had an opportunity to connect with their classmates.

“My favorite part of the trip was getting to bond with my Chinese classmates and getting to learn about a new culture while exploring new areas of Dallas,” White said.