Learning went from the classroom to the kitchen in this unique collaboration between our school lunch program and the bilingual department. Students were served a traditional Malaysian dish for lunch, allowing them to experience the authentic flavors of Southeast Asia firsthand.

Before the meal, students watched an educational video explaining the "journey behind the dish," covering its history and ingredients. After finishing their lunch, the "Learn and Earn" challenge began! Students engaged in English conversations with Principal Li, our foreign teacher Kevin, and other English faculty. To earn their reward, they had to describe what they liked about the meal and answer a challenge question based on the video they had watched.

Our Bilingual Tour Guide Club embarked on a global journey as they welcomed Martie, a guest teacher from Jiali Elementary School, for a vibrant cultural exchange. The session was packed with energy, starting with a fast-paced quiz and a Kahoot activity that challenged students to identify South African "fun facts," such as the history of the British royal crown’s largest diamond.

The highlight of the day occurred when the roles were reversed; our students stepped up as local tour guides. Using English as their primary tool, they guided Martie through the historical Jintang Temple and Soulangh Cultural Park. By bringing the concepts of "religion, food, and stories" to life, students proved that bilingualism is a bridge to building real-world friendships.

We were honored to host Dr. CJ from the United States for an immersive workshop on American fall traditions. Moving beyond the textbook, students explored culture through their senses by preparing two classic treats: fresh apple cider, made by chopping and juicing seasonal apples, and spiced pumpkin butter, crafted from scratch into a smooth purée.

The entire session was conducted in English, allowing students to practice language skills through real-world experience. Following the kitchen activities, the day moved toward the future with two insightful discussions. Dr. CJ engaged students in a dialogue about AI and technology, then met with our faculty to exchange ideas on designing impactful experiential lessons. It was a beautiful afternoon of culture and community—a lesson that nourished both the palate and the mind.

On Wednesday afternoon, students from Jiali Junior High’s Bilingual Tour Guide Club visited Zhenhai Elementary School in Annan District for a special cross-school bilingual exchange.

The Jiali students were warmly welcomed by Principal Tu. With guidance from teacher Lace, both schools' tour teams enjoyed an eco-tour of the Sihcao Green Tunnel, where students learned about mangrove ecosystems and local wildlife.

Afterward, the Zhenhai team gave an English tour of Dazhong Temple, one of the area's cultural landmarks. Our students asked thoughtful questions, and both groups successfully used English to share, connect, and learn together. Thank you, Zhenhai Elementary, for your kind hospitality!

We had the pleasure of welcoming Nelson, a graduate student from Tanzania currently studying at NTU, to our Bilingual Tour Guide Club.

Nelson took us on a virtual journey across his homeland, introducing:

• Tanzania’s geography and two major cities, Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

• Mount Kilimanjaro and the significance of the Nile River.

• The breathtaking Great Migration and its wildlife.

• Traditional food like Ugali and Ndizi, colorful fashion, and local customs.

• The cultural board game "Bao" and life etiquette in Tanzania.

Students eagerly listened and asked great questions like: "What's your favorite thing about Taiwan?". To end the visit with energy, we all danced to the classic song "Waka Waka"—a truly joyful and heartwarming moment. Thank you, Nelson, for bringing the heart of Africa to Jiali!

Jiali Junior High School proudly welcomed students from George Watson’s College in Edinburgh and Jongxhao Junior High School for a day of rich cultural exchange and international friendship. From learning about the milkfish legacy in Taiwan with Teacher Kevin, to rolling up their sleeves for a fun and flavorful fishball-making activity, students bonded through shared laughter and hands-on learning.

Our guests also enjoyed an authentic Taiwanese school lunch, before introducing themselves in Chinese and sharing stories from Scotland. In the afternoon, JLJH students showcased their bilingual tour guide skills, leading an eye-opening exploration of Jintang Temple and Soulang Cultural Park, two hidden gems in the heart of Jiali.

🌟 This unforgettable day was filled with curiosity, collaboration, and cultural pride—a true celebration of global friendship that students will treasure for years to come!

Jiali Junior High School had the privilege of hosting three students from NCKU's Exploring Tainan Program: Ivan from Croatia, Martin from the Czech Republic, and their program assistant, Ken. This event provided a rich cultural exchange experience, allowing students to broaden their global awareness through firsthand interactions with international guests.

The visiting students shared fascinating insights about their home countries, deepening students' understanding of global diversity. Meanwhile, Jiali Junior High School’s students actively contributed to the event, showcasing their skills and talents in a variety of ways. Grade 8 Physical Education students led engaging games, fostering camaraderie and active participation. Grade 8 music students captivated the audience with performances on the violin, flute, and saxophone, highlighting their artistic abilities. In the afternoon, the IT club presented their innovative projects, including the Worm-shaped Machine and Clean Road Master (CRM) machine, inviting Ivan and Martin to participate in a friendly competition, further promoting collaboration and creative thinking.

This event not only provided a platform for cultural exchange and skill showcase but also encouraged teamwork, creativity, and intercultural dialogue, making it a truly enriching and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Jiali Junior High School had the honor of hosting Reza Kheirkha and his daughter Ailin for an insightful presentation titled "Iran at a Glance." This event provided students with a unique opportunity to expand their understanding of global cultures, particularly that of Iran. By showcasing authentic Iranian artifacts—such as stunning minakari artwork and Iranian Rial currency—the presentation offered a tangible connection to the country's rich cultural heritage, sparking curiosity and appreciation for diversity.

Through personal stories and cultural insights, Reza and Ailin enriched the students' global perspectives, helping them develop a broader worldview. The interactive nature of the event, including the gifting of souvenir items and the special gesture of inscribing students' names in Persian, made the experience deeply personal and memorable.

This presentation not only enhanced students' cultural awareness but also fostered a sense of connection with the wider world, reinforcing the importance of intercultural learning in their educational journey.

Our Foreign English Teacher Kevin shared the vibrant and diverse culture of his hometown, the Philippines, with the 7th-grade students. This cultural sharing session provided students with an immersive experience, allowing them to explore the rich history, unique customs, and traditions of the Philippines without leaving the classroom.

The session began with basic Filipino greetings and a deeper look into the history of the Philippines, focusing on the Spanish influence that has shaped much of the country's culture. Students were captivated as Kevin taught them to count in Spanish and introduced them to "mano," a traditional gesture of respect for elders in Filipino culture. Kevin also shared stories of the breathtaking beaches and mouth-watering delicacies that make the Philippines a top destination.

To reinforce the learning, students participated in a Philippine Knowledge Challenge, a trivia game that tested their understanding and engagement with cultural information. Their excitement and active participation highlighted their enthusiasm for this global exchange.

This cultural sharing experience not only broadened the students' knowledge of the Philippines but also fostered a greater appreciation for cultural diversity. By bringing these international perspectives into the classroom, Jiali Junior High continues to promote global understanding and cultural camaraderie among its students.

In this heartfelt lesson, 9th-grade students dive into the timeless themes of generosity and gratitude through Shel Silverstein's beloved picture book The Giving Tree. The activity is designed to inspire students to reflect on the importance of giving, selflessness, and showing appreciation for the people who have made a difference in their lives.

Students begin by engaging in peer discussions where they share personal reflections on the story and its deeper meaning. The lesson also includes a creative and interactive game called "Keep It or Give It", encouraging students to think about the value of both giving and receiving in different situations. To deepen their understanding, students complete a study sheet where they identify selfless individuals in their lives—such as family members, friends, or mentors—and reflect on ways they can show their gratitude.

This activity is not just about the story; it’s an opportunity for students to connect the themes of the book to their own lives, encouraging them to express appreciation and recognize the significance of generosity. With graduation on the horizon, The Giving Tree offers students a meaningful chance to reflect on what it means to give selflessly and how to embrace a mindset of gratitude in their daily lives.

The Christmas Challenge, organized by the bilingual teachers, was designed to foster language development in an engaging and festive setting. This event offered both students and staff an opportunity to enhance their English skills through a series of interactive, holiday-themed activities. The four stations were strategically crafted to target different aspects of language learning:

• Station 1: Vocabulary Game – This activity encouraged participants to sharpen their spelling and word recognition skills by arranging jumbled letters to form Christmas-related words.

• Station 2: Listening Activity – At this station, students practiced listening comprehension by filling in missing lyrics to popular Christmas songs, improving their ability to understand spoken English in context.

• Station 3: Christmas Trivia – This reading-driven game focused on developing students' reading comprehension and cultural knowledge through Christmas-themed trivia questions.

• Station 4: Conversational Practice – Here, students had the opportunity to engage in authentic conversation with their teachers, improving their fluency and confidence in spoken English.

By incorporating these four diverse activities, the Christmas Challenge provided a well-rounded approach to language learning, allowing participants to practice vocabulary, listening, reading, and speaking skills in a fun, relaxed environment. This event not only enhanced English proficiency but also promoted teamwork and interaction between students and staff, fostering a strong sense of community.

At Jiali Junior High School, we strive to enhance students' oral English abilities through innovative teaching methods that combine traditional textbook units with the digital resources offered by Cool English. By working collaboratively, local and foreign teachers, including Kevin, have designed engaging lessons that immerse students in real-world scenarios, such as ordering food in English.

The lesson's learning targets, guided by Kevin, provided students with an authentic learning experience. Through interactive lessons and active participation, students not only practiced their conversational skills but also benefited from real-time feedback using iPads. This approach allowed students to self-correct their pronunciation and tone, fostering independent learning and improvement.

Kevin’s positive reflections on the students’ enthusiasm and camaraderie highlight the supportive classroom environment, where advanced students assist their peers, creating a culture of collaboration. This initiative is part of a broader goal to equip students with the confidence and skills necessary to become proficient English speakers, ready for future learning challenges.

Throughout the 1st semester, we collaborated with our dedicated bilingual teachers to initiate a series of engaging English conversation sessions for our students. These sessions were designed to provide students with a relaxed and supportive environment to practice their English speaking skills.

During their breaks, students eagerly approached me to practice the featured dialogue of the week. This hands-on approach not only allowed them to apply their language skills in real-time but also fostered a sense of community as they interacted with their peers. To further enhance their motivation, students earned stamps for each successful attempt at the dialogue. Upon collecting five stamps, they received special prizes, which served as an additional incentive to participate actively in the sessions.

Completing the entire booklet not only offered students a sense of accomplishment but also provided valuable language exposure in a stress-free setting. This approach encouraged them to speak English with confidence, as they became more familiar with conversational phrases and vocabulary. Overall, these sessions have proven to be a successful initiative in enhancing students' oral English skills while promoting engagement and enjoyment in learning.