Walnut Elementary School recently played host to 25 fifth graders from China.

An administrator and five teachers accompanied the visitors, who attend Number 1 Primary School of Hangzhou Normal University and the Shanghai World Foreign Language Primary School. 

“This exchange began last year when we became sister schools,” said Walnut Elementary Principal Janet Green.  “I was fortunate to spend a day at the Shanghai school in September.  Their teachers were very interested in how we engage students in our classrooms.  They were looking forward to visiting us for an extended period of time, but I never really thought that so many students would come with them.”

The Chinese students visited Jan. 11, 17, and 18.  They became honorary Walnut Elementary students.  Many of the Walnut fifth graders had been pen pals with the visiting students since last year and were excited to meet them in person.

“Most spoke English so communication was not difficult,” Green said.

Students participated in several lessons including Mind Institute ST math, music, physical education, and a special art class where they designed a watercolor painting of the Statue of Liberty.

One activity that had students cheering was a hands-on science experiment that made soda shoot up like a 15’ geyser done with intervention teacher Stephanie Kalscheuer.   The students took turns dropping seven Mentos mints into different brands of light and dark two-liter soda drink bottles and then moved out of the way before the mixture erupted.

On their final day, the visitors played friendship games led by teacher Deanne Rodriguez and performed piano solos, martial arts, and mini-plays in English for the school. 

The Walnut Elementary Showcase Choir performed farewell songs and the teachers enjoyed a potluck luncheon from the school’s staff.  

Angela Yu, one of the visiting teachers, said the students were very curious and excited about being in the United States for the first time.

“So every subject they’re filled with curiosity to be part of everything,” she said.  

Besides spending time at Walnut Elementary, the visiting students toured museums, Disneyland, and Universal Studios.

Student Andy Qing, age 12, said recess was his favorite part because “we can do anything.”  

He especially liked playing soccer and handball and said he was excited to meet his pen pal William.

“He’s a pretty good person,” Andy said.