Performance Day! and the last day in Baoding

Thursday, July 17

No. 17 Middle School

Baoding, Hebei, China

Today was performance day! Each of the 5 classes, as well as a few small groups of students, prepared a short performance. First, a few students gave speeches. The day the teachers took the field trip to the lake the students had a English Speaking Competition. Of all 125+ students, one of my girls was one of the 2 chosen to give their speech on performance day. She recited parts of the education speech that Obama gave to students a few years ago: 

My students performed Pharell's "Happy". We worked so hard on it -  for days and days. I think they did an amazing job! When you watch it you might not agree- but please keep in mind that English is their SECOND language. They are singing and dancing in a second language. The came up with all the dances themselves. I felt like a proud mama.

Here is a group shot:

Me and my class holding up their certificates of completion for English Summer Camp

Me and my amazing assistant, Athena, aka Mrs. Deng

Another group shot earlier from earlier in the week.

Mid performance

dancing!

singing!

More dancing!

This last day was such an emotional day. The kids were crying and so were the teachers. I took pictures with a ton of kids. I received so many thoughtful and kind gifts from my students. Two of the best are 1) a painting done by the student. It's currently being custom framed, but I'll post a picture when I get it back, and 2) 

This was made by a student. He took a piece of cardboard and carved spots for each coin. They he labeled it with their names and value. This is one of the best gifts I got the whole time in China. Who isn't interested in foreign currency? - and you can tell he really cared and took his time to do this for me. Thank you, Ender :)

In honor of my last day in Baoding, here are some "street shots" taken while walking around town:

Street shot

"street food" we were advised not to eat it