Mandarin

Project Week Trips 2025: China

August 8, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

During the final week of the school year, BASIS Independent Brooklyn students have time set aside for Project Days, a period when they have a unique platform for collaborative, multidisciplinary projects and engaging activities or trips without the stress of exams or assessments. Students select their project of interest and then are grouped with dedicated teachers who guide and facilitate their learning throughout the week. This year, we hosted three international trips for Middle School and two for High School during Project Week, and today, we wanted to showcase the Middle School China trip led by Ms. Collins and Ms. Ye.

Ms. Collins is our International Student Program Coordinator, who opens our school up to the world as much as we go out into it. Ms. Ye is a Subject Expert Teacher in our Mandarin Department.

Below, please enjoy the trip recap from our wonderful chaperones. The trip to China represented the culmination of grade 6 and 7 World History classes for our student explorers. It brought to life many of the lessons they had learned in Middle School.

Beijing: The Capital of History and Culture

Beijing was our first stop, and it truly lived up to its reputation as a city rich in history and culture. We began with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The grandeur and historical significance of these sites were truly awe-inspiring. We also visited the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors prayed for good harvests, and participated in a tai chi exercise session, which was a unique and enriching experience.

One of the highlights of our time in Beijing was a visit to the Great Wall of China. Standing on the Great Wall was an unforgettable experience, and the view was breathtaking. We also visited the Ming Tombs, where we explored the mausoleums of the Ming emperors. Our visit to the Beijing Zoo to see the pandas was another highlight, and the pandas were absolutely adorable. The Hutong tour, where we visited a local family, offered a glimpse into the traditional Beijing lifestyle.

Xi’an: The Cradle of Chinese Civilization

Our next destination was Xi’an, a city steeped in history and culture. We visited the Ancient City Wall, where we had the opportunity to walk along the wall and take in the views of the city. The Greater Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was another highlight.

Stopping by the Terracotta Warriors Museum

The Terracotta Warriors Museum was the highlight of our time in Xi’an. The sheer scale and historical significance of the Terracotta Army were truly astounding. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see these ancient artifacts up close. The Tang Dynasty singing and dancing show was a delightful cultural experience that showcased the rich traditions of the region.

Shanghai: The Modern Metropolis

Our final stop was Shanghai, a modern metropolis with a rich history. We began with a visit to the Yu Yuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions and ponds. The Jade Buddha Temple, a famous Buddhist temple, was another highlight. We also visited a silk factory, where we learned about the production process and had the opportunity to purchase silk products.

The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront area, offered stunning views of the city’s skyline. We also explored Tian Zi Fang, a trendy cultural district filled with art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. The Huangpu River cruise in the evening was the perfect way to end our trip, providing a breathtaking view of the city’s illuminated skyline.

Throughout our journey, we were particularly impressed by the students’ maturity and their enthusiasm for learning about Chinese culture. Their curiosity and respect for the places we visited made the trip even more meaningful.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Ms. Ye and Ms. Collins enjoyed exploring China’s rich culture and history with their students!

Service Trip to China—A Rewarding Cultural Exchange and EPIC Journey

June 13, 2025 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

Would you visit a rural city in a foreign country where no one speaks your language? How would you teach English to non-English speakers? How would you interact with the locals? And, if given the chance, would you do it again?

This spring, sixteen BIM Upper School (Grades 7–12) students traveled from McLean, VA, to Laixi, Shandong Province, China—a rural city with areas still developing—bringing gifts and English lessons they had prepared for the local students. This trip was the result of long-term planning by our trip leaders, Mandarin teacher Ms. Li and Director of Upper School Mr. Wright, both of whom worked diligently to ensure smooth logistics. Far exceeding everyone’s expectations, this journey was transformative. Students embodied the EPIC values (Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity, and Curiosity) during the trip and returned with lasting memories they continue to cherish.

*The BIM service group arrived in Laixi with excitement.*

Personal Reflections

For Aishu B. ‘27, friendship was the highlight of this journey. Being proactive, she downloaded WeChat (the most widely used messaging app in China) on her phone prior to the trip and added everyone she interacted with there. She remains in touch with them to this day. Here are her reflections:

“I made friends with students there by playing games like jump rope, red-light-green-light, discussing music, and playing volleyball. One day, when we ate out in Jinan, a Chinese school on a field trip visited the same restaurant. They asked me to take pictures for them, so I gave them my WeChat to send them the photos.”

“I tried my best to speak Chinese, but it was hard… They all had their accent…and I had [my] accent, so it was difficult [to communicate], but I think they understood me.”

“By working closely with each other on many activities, I made new friends and got closer to my friends from BIM, whom I didn’t interact with as much back home. I would say I made new friends and strengthened my bonds with old ones.”

*Aishu and a Laixi student collaborating on making a wax seal, one of the lessons in English that our students prepared.*

For Anna R.C. ‘28, the highlight of the trip was in the interactions, where the language barrier didn’t stop her and the local student from expressing kindness to each other.

During one of the activities, Anna tried to compliment a local student’s hair tie but only knew the word for “hair.” Misunderstanding her, the girl immediately pulled out more hair ties and gave Anna the same hairstyle. This is only one example of the students making every effort to connect. If one of them hummed a tune from social media or mentioned a popular show, everyone would also eagerly join in, singing and playing the games from the show.

The way both BIM and Laixi students sought to connect and demonstrated kindness was a true reflection of Empathy and Curiosity in our EPIC values.

**Anna and the Laixi students made fabric flowers, one of the activities provided by the local school. Her hair received many compliments for its unique color.**

Flexibility and Perseverance in Action

Months before coming to Laixi, BIM students had begun preparing lessons that would represent BIM and American culture, including flag football and American children’s songs. Of course, no plans are ever perfect during execution, but our students adapted quickly, with a strong commitment to success and a collaborative mindset.

*The Wax Seal Stamps activity, led by Isabella S. ’27*

BIM students explaining the materials, steps, and the meaning of handwritten letters in Western culture. Each student then wrote and sealed a letter for the most important person in their life—many chose their mother.

When the school couldn’t accommodate an activity, students sprang into action, brainstorming and drafting new plans, preparing materials, creating PowerPoint presentations, and dividing tasks among groups to ensure a smooth transition. There were no complaints or giving up, just the sound of ideas bouncing and fingers typing in the otherwise quiet hotel room. The next day, the Laixi students enjoyed the new project and returned with activities they had prepared.

*The BIM-themed bookmark-making lesson proved to be a successful and easy-to-follow alternative to the original plan.*

When Ms. Li, the lead teacher of this trip, reflected upon these stories, she spoke enthusiastically and complimented our students’ flexibility and commitment—a sign of perseverance.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

To welcome BIM students, the Laixi schools had prepared cultural activity lessons, including farming, craft making, and making dumplings and “Hua Mo”—decorated steamed buns—to accommodate the language barrier and encouraged students to communicate through actions.

Practicing Taichi together
Teaching Laixi students how to play American football
Making Hua Mo
Check out the “Yuanbao”-shapped dumpling!
Farming
Dancing to American children’s songs together
Painting gourds
Learning Erhu
Making fabric flowers
Making BIM-themed bookmarks

Outside of teaching, BIM students fully immersed themselves in the culture. At restaurants, they practiced their knowledge of Chinese table manners, which they had studied prior to the trip. They also seized every opportunity to engage with locals—from train ticket counters to street vendors, and even with tourists who invited them to join group photos—learning about people’s stories while picking up new Chinese words.

Despite the excitement, one of the most unforgettable memories for many students was visiting the homes of local families. Our students and teachers were informed that many parents had left the town to work in larger cities throughout the year, leaving their children to live with their grandparents. Each family faced their own unique challenges. Nevertheless, the students came to school every day with enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn. Our students were deeply moved by their stories, and the ride back was filled with contemplation and reflection.

*Visiting local households was a meaningful part of the experience.*

Lasting Memories

For many students, it was their first time visiting China. Despite initial nervousness, everyone did a fantastic job representing BIM—not by trying to act like adults, but by embracing the best qualities of being teenagers. They demonstrated perseverance when plans changed; integrity by respecting cultural rules and manners; empathy when visiting the Laixi students’ homes and recognizing their less privileged circumstances, yet still bonding over a shared passion for learning; and curiosity with every person and cultural aspect of China they encountered. They were praised for being polite, open, understanding, and energetic.

*Jumping rope with the local students was a memory many BIM students mentioned in their trip reflections!*

This trip was not just a service trip. It was a cultural experience, a learning opportunity, and a life-changing memory. While our students brought gifts, it was they who gained the most from this journey. On the last day in Laixi, many students were in tears, already missing the friendships they had formed, while reflecting on the many new things they had learned and looking forward to returning to China someday. This journey not only deepened their understanding of another culture but also strengthened their own values, leaving them with memories and connections that will last a lifetime.

*We are grateful to the Laixi schools for their generous support!*

From the Welcome Ceremony…
To saying goodbye…

A Day in the Life of a BASIS Independent Manhattan Kindergartener: Where Learning is Playful and Purposeful

January 30, 2025 by editor Leave a Comment

Picture a day filled with laughter, learning, and boundless curiosity. That is a typical day in the life of a kindergartener at BASIS Independent Manhattan. With our small class sizes, outstanding teacher-student ratio, and world-inspired curriculum, we believe in nurturing the whole child through joyful teaching, social-emotional learning, and support for students to achieve their highest potential.

Let us peek into a typical day and find out more about what it is like to be a BASIS Independent Manhattan kindergartner.

A Schedule Built for Success

Our thoughtfully designed daily schedule ensures a balanced blend of academics, social-emotional learning, and physical activity.

8:00 a.m. Morning Meeting

The day begins with community time in Morning Meeting, where routines like discussing the date, weather, and daily schedule set the tone for learning. Then, kindergarteners dive into a focused math block. On any given day they could cover lessons like adding two numbers, subtracting zero, and subtracting a number from itself. They also use tactile activities to learn how to tell time, skip count, measure, or understand the value of coins.

What are Dojo points?

Our Early Learning Expert Teachers (LET) implement differentiation by splitting the class into two groups based on level to provide support and advancement. For example, those eager learners ready for a higher-level concept take on the “Top Ten” grade 1 level problems that prepare them for the next academic year. These activities not only reinforce learning but also motivate students with opportunities to earn Dojo points.

Recess (15 mins)

Now it is time to get outside and get moving! Students head to our spacious outdoor terrace where they have active playtime (developing essential gross motor skills), while also navigating social dynamics (learning the importance of cooperation, sharing, and conflict resolution). After expending the necessary energy, they are ready to return to academics.

9:25 AM – Mandarin and Essentials

Mandarin lessons come alive through singing, storytelling, and hands-on crafts, that immerse students in the vibrant Chinese culture. They actively engage both sides of their brains through visual and creative activities, helping them think critically and connect ideas across different subjects.

The arts are just as important as academics, and students benefit from a daily rotation of our Essentials classes, which include drama, music, visual arts, and engineering. Our unique two-teacher model allows students to dive deep into these subjects with our Subject Expert Teachers (SETs), who have specialized degrees in their respective fields.

10:25 AM – Literacy

Kindergarteners explore storytelling and start writing! A special “Writing Boot Camp” has our budding authors tackling missions to earn star badges. They brainstorm imaginative story ideas, plan narratives, create sentences, and identify nouns and verbs.

Students take on exciting writing adventures, crawl through obstacle courses, go on sentence-fixing hunts, and don ‘writer’s helmets’ for inspiration. By the end of an exhilarating week of boot camp, students have reviewed sentence writing fundamentals and can proudly craft a personal narrative’s beginnings.

11:30 AM – Lunch and Recess

Lunch is a time for social connections, whether students bring meals from home or enjoy healthy options from our partner, Butter Beans. Then, more outdoor play!

12:25 PM – Phonics & Centers

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we use the Logic of English and Heggerty programs to help students master phonics, surpass reading benchmarks, and build confidence in reading, writing, and spelling. Each day, a “Heggerty Hero” leads a fun warm-up to practice phonemic awareness, with one standout student earning the coveted Hedgie the hedgehog as a reward.

1:30 PM – Physical Education

Having daily P.E. classes means more than just exercise. Here, coaches instill valuable life skills like teamwork, sportsmanship, and following instructions while fostering a love of movement and healthy habits.

Recess (15 mins)

Another chance to recharge with fresh air and free play!

2:30 PM – Civics, History & Science Foundation

These blocks cover everything from space, oceans, and continents, to world discovery and history. Lessons often follow student interests, keeping curiosity at the heart of learning.

One final period allows for activities or crafts. Each Friday, a parent/guardian surprises the class with a read-aloud session in a Mystery Reader series, fostering family involvement in the classroom and a love for reading!

Cross-Curricular Learning in Action

In one interdisciplinary project, kindergarten became ‘Detectives in Training’ seamlessly combining math and literacy to solve a mystery. Using the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why), they analyzed clues, solved math challenges, and honed literacy skills like making inferences. This activity exemplifies how our curriculum fosters critical thinking and demonstrates the interconnectedness of different subjects.

Learning Through Play: A Holistic Approach

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, learning is joyful and engaging. Our curriculum is designed to foster a love of learning while nurturing the whole child. By blending advanced academics, social-emotional learning, and creative exploration, our kindergartners develop a strong foundation for future success.

What Our Parents Are Saying

Since joining the Early Learning Program, I’ve noticed significant growth in my child’s academic and social skills.
Tiffany J.
When our daughter came to BASIS Independent Manhattan, she did not know English. She is now in her second year here and she has learned to speak English very well. We have been so impressed to see her master the alphabet and begin reading.
Ekaterina M.
We feel that the STEM approach BASIS Independent Schools takes at such an early stage has given our little one a slight edge/a head start as he begins elementary school!
Ameya B.

These are just a few examples of the positive impact our Early Learning Program has on our young learners. We are proud to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.