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I choose this visual image '2008 Olympic mascots' to teach the section "colours and animals" in Chinese.
I think it is the best image that can be embeded in this curricular content, as I can use it for both teaching colours and animals, meanwhile this image unfolds the traditional Chinese culture.
Each of the Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name -- a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China.From left to right: they are Beibei-the blue fish, Jingjing-the black panda, Huanhuan- the Olympic Flame, Yingying- the Tibetan Antelope and Nini-the Swallow. When you put their names together --Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni--they say "Welcome to Beijing".
The five Fuwa(福娃, in Chinese, it means: kid bringing people good luck）, in their origins and their headpieces, you can see the five elements of nature-the sea, forest, fire,earth and sky, embody the natural characteristics of four of China's most popular animals--the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow.
Beibei in blue -In China's traditional culture and art, the fish and water designs are symbols of prosperity and harvest. A fish is also a symbol of surplus in Chinese culture, another measure of a good year and a good life
Jingjing in Black-As a national treasure and a protected species, panda is adored by people everywhere. The lotus designs in Jingjing's headdress, symbolize the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature.
Huanhuan in red: national colour of China- stands in the center of Fuwa as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit. And while he inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger, he is also open and inviting. Huanhuan is outgoing and enthusiastic.
yingying in yellow:- A symbol of the vastness of China's landscape, the antelope carries the blessing of health, the strength of body that comes from harmony with nature.
Nini in green: the winged swallow, stands for spring season's coming back, therefore green implicates new life, hope and great vigor. Her wings symbolize the infinite sky and spread good-luck as a blessing wherever she flies. Swallow is also pronounced "yan" in Chinese, and Yanjing is what Beijing was called as an ancient capital city. Among the five Fuwa, Nini is as innocent and joyful as a swallow.
Thank you for this post, Wanyi. It was interesting information that I didn't know. A great idea...using the well-known mascots in your class to help teach your students. It's something that they recognize and are interested in, so they will pay more attention.
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