Final International Day

Planning

 Initially my year group was assigned to help the newcomers to IB. Since it was a good chance for them to meet the CAS objectives. However, there were some issues with activities, especially the one which had a theme of China, where they didn't have enough people. So the other Chinese student asked me to help him so I did in addition to my other duties.
 I have learn from the past that a good activity on the day needed a good plan. So I scheduled 10 minutes sessions with participants for brainstorming.We came up with few ideas such as origami, speaking Chinese and writing Chinese characters.But after considering the time each small activity takes, she shortlisted them and ended up with three core ones: power point on China, writing and speaking Chinese.
 Furthermore, in order to make the day to happen, I had to find some sheets designed to write Chinese calligraphy and pencil but lucky I found some in my house. In addition, we had few small activities reserved as plan B such as teaching them a Chinese tongue twister.
 Finally, my initial duties were helping out in the hall to serve food to the rest of the school. The gym was set up by us the day before in order to be used on the day.

The Day  

"China" 

The Chinese themed activity started great. The power point made by my partner was entertaining for the participants which helped to warm up the atmosphere. As initially planned, he has fully responsible for it and I have responsible for the second part which was writing.
 

Me waiting to write the next character

My part was to teach them how to write basic Chinese characters. Improvising a little, I started with three characters which constructs the sentence "I love you" when said together. This helped to keep the activity interesting.

Students writing characters 

At times, some participants said it was too difficult to write, but I tried to show them that Chinese character are just like any other script is easy to write. I wrote them step by step, waiting for them to see the progression of Chinese characters.

Students participating in a quiz  

To make it more challenging, I made a small quiz on the characters that I have already taught them. It was a joyful learning atmosphere and they seem to have enjoy it.

The international lunch 

Right after I finished the activities, I rushed down the stairs to help out in serving food. Many people contributed by bringing their national food to the school. Big thanks to those parents and students because the food was amazing.

I replaced my friend who had some other duties in the stand. With friendly approach I served some Bulgarian food which I later found out was very delicious. 

The Talent Show 

On the day, organizers asked all year group to bring a chair to the gym so they have somewhere to sit. I and my classmates took 2 each for the parents that were coming that day. 

Final set up

Hosts on the Talent Show

 After all year groups took their chairs and gone to their tutor rooms, year 13 helped to roll up the carpet, move the stage blocks and any musical instrument or equipment that was used in the show. 

Reflection

• Increase awareness of your strengths and areas for growth: In understood that I had strength in planning and improvising for the entertaining purposes. I could be more involved in the overall planning and tried out different types of activities rather than ones I am strong at. 
• Undertake new challenges: I have done a different type of activities which involved explaining and demonstrating compare to the previous year one.I felt that was a good challenge to my nervous nature. 
• Plan and initiate activities: I have planned and initiated an activity which went well and as planned. 
• Work collaboratively with others: I have worked with my classmates and my activity partners to come up with ideas and initiate necessary actions depending on situation. 
• Show perseverance and commitment: Using lunch times and my personal belongings I have made the activity possible.
• Engage with issues of global importance: I tried to break the invisible barrier many people have about Chinese. Due to relevance of China in the global economy, I feel that Chinese soon will become a international language similar to English. Therefore, breaking this fear of complexity hopefully with lead to interest in the language.
• Consider ethical implications: Since I am senior in the school, I tried to show the other year groups how IB students must behave in activity days like international day. I was always doing something and asking if I could help.During the activity, I asked students who were shy in order to give everyone a fair chance.
• Develop new skills: I have develop my skills in presenting and teaching others which were lacking comparatively to last year. I have became more proactive in helping others with addition of friendly attitude to everyone on the day. I would like to keep those new skills and improve them in the next activity.