A Walking Tour for On-Site Explorations: KMJH's Bilingual Qingshui Adventure!

 

光明國中參與本市「臺中學雙語亮點基地遊學計畫」，於日前舉辦了「清水雙語城市導覽」。在一群熱愛歷史與踏查及英語口說的老師們引導下，國際文化交流班的學生們，除了瞭解在地歷史文化，同時展現我們的雙語能力，遊覽了清水國小、鰲峰山運動公園、王塔米糕，以及牛罵頭遺址文化園區。

Sometimes the best adventures happen right around the corner, especially when you explore with fresh eyes – and in a new language! Our recent Bilingual City Tour of Qingshui, part of KMJH's Bilingual Learning and International Cultural Exchange (ICE) initiatives, was just that. Our mission? To dive into local history and culture while flexing our bilingual muscles, focusing on gems like Qingshui Elementary School, Aofeng Mountain Competition Park, Wang Ta Rice Cake, and Nioumatou Cultural Park.

 

Discovering History at Qingshui Elementary

 

Our first stop, Qingshui Elementary School, was a revelation for many students. "I didn't know there was this elementary school here before!" one exclaimed. What struck them was its unique character, so different from a typical school. Founded way back in 1897, it's like stepping back in time with its preserved Japanese-style buildings. "I never thought a school's architecture could have Japanese style," another student marvelled, with some even feeling like they'd "travelled to Japan!" The cherry blossoms and the library's atmosphere truly created a sense of stepping into a "paradise." Exploring the principal's office and seeing historical artifacts was a definite highlight.

 

Fun and Games at Aofeng Mountain

 

The students were thrilled by the challenging climbing structures – the red one, the "flying carpet," and the "rope seesaw" got special mentions. It was pure joy watching them climb and then relax afterwards. "I haven't played on these climbing facilities in a long time!" one happy student shared. Plus, with fewer crowds, it felt like our own private playground! Beyond the exercise, it was a fantastic way for friendships to deepen outside the classroom.

 

Bilingual Bites at Wang Ta Rice Cake

 

Lunch at Wang Ta Rice Cake was more than just refuelling – it was real-life bilingual practice! Our students confidently ordered in English, a valuable experience. And the food? A definite hit, with everyone raving about the rice cake sauce and the delicious wonton noodles.

 

Peering into the Past at Nioumatou

 

Our final exploration took us to the Nioumatou Cultural Park, an archaeological site brimming with history. The ancient skulls and the details about their age and burial sparked so much curiosity. One student was particularly intrigued by the southeastern orientation of the skulls, wondering if it was part of a ritual. It was a powerful glimpse into the lives of those who lived here long ago.

 

A Rewarding Day of Learning and Growth

 

This Bilingual City Tour was a resounding success! Witnessing our students so engaged, learning so much, and connecting with their local environment bilingually was incredibly rewarding for me. Their reflections truly captured the essence of the trip – filled with new knowledge, surprising discoveries, and a deeper appreciation for their community. It wasn't just a tour; it was a journey of discovery and bilingual growth.

 

As an English teacher passionate about real-world application and cross-cultural exchange, seeing our students navigate their local environment, practice their English ordering lunch, and uncover history right here in Qingshui filled me with pride. These are the moments where English becomes a real tool, bridging cultures and fostering understanding. This project, thanks to the dedication of our KMJH International Education Curriculum Team and the support of the Taichung City Government Education Bureau, underscores the power of collaboration. To fellow educators, embrace these opportunities! The growth and genuine connections you'll witness are truly immeasurable.