SCHOOL IN CHINA

Katie goes to Wantou Middle School in Yangzhou. While I don't have a schedule for her particular school, I have found a neighboring school that runs similar to hers.

The next time you think you have it rough, think of Katie! Here is what her day probably looks like. (We know she rides her bike for sure; the school schedule is our best estimate). If you'd like to read more about Yangzhou and Americans teaching in China, check out this blog: http://cms.westport.k12.ct.us/cmslmc/mystuff/China/intro.htm . (Teachers, you might want to look at the teaching schedule on this site. It's not half bad!)

A Day in the Life of Katie:

All 2600 students follow this demanding schedule from Monday to Friday! On Saturdays, they only have to attend school from 7:30 until 11:30 AM!

7:00
Arrive at school by bicycle- both students and teachers! Katie rides 2 miles to school, in all kinds of weather.

7:20 – 7:40
Self study period

7:40 – 8:00
Morning exercises on the rear field

8:00 – 8:45
1st period

8:55 – 9:40
2nd period

9:40 – 9:45
Eye exercises (music is played and the students have to massage their eyes!)

9:55 – 10:40
3rd period

10:50 – 11:35
4th period

11:35 – 2:30
Students can go home or anywhere they want. Some stay on campus to eat. Katie rides her bike back to the orphanage for lunch, and then returns to school. (Another 4 miles of riding.)

2:30 – 3:15
5th period

3:25 – 4:10
6th period

4:10 – 4:15
Eye exercises

4:25 – 5:10
7th period

5:20 – 6:05
8th period

6:05 – 6:30
Dinner in the classroom – brought by selected students from the dining hall

6:30 – 8:30
Self study

Katie rides her bike back to the orphanage. That's 8 miles a day on the bike, six days a week, folks. (She may be able to leave by 6:30 though, as she is one of the younger students at the middle school level.)

From what we can gather, she sleeps in a room with many other younger children. She looks tired in some of the pictures we've gotten--I think I know why!

Wow...I'm ready for a nap just thinking about this!