Hand Turkeys in China

Like many elementary school students in the US, the students in my classes made hand turkeys during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. For those of you who forget or who were never introduced to the joys of a hand turkey, they are paper turkeys made by tracing one’s hand and then adding legs to the bottom of the palm and a face to the thumb. Unlike the American kindergarteners, however, the hand turkeys in my class served a dual purpose. Not only were they a simple way to celebrate the holiday, but they also allowed the students to reflect on things they were thankful for. In each finger, the students were supposed to write one thing for which they are thankful. Of course, the children were thankful for some of the same things that American students might list as things they are thankful for. Family, friends, and school made the cut in most classes. There were, however, a few additions to the Chinese students’ lists that may surprise some of my readers in the West. I’ve been in China long enough to know to expect such answers. The complete list from Class 9 is posted below.

One specific student in class 9 showed particular devotion to her country when making her hand turkey. Nile couldn’t be restricted to just the four fingers when listing what she’s thankful for, so she decided to use her palm for two additional items.

Clearly, Chinese students love their "motherland," a term they often use to describe China. I think you would be hard pressed to find an American student who would list "the USA," "the Libertarian Party," "Atlanta Olympics," and "my homeland!!" when making a hand turkey in a foreign language class. Maybe that's just me.