Free Reciting Courses for Children to Learn Traditional Chinese Culture

A citizen in Chongqing has set up a class to teach children to recite Chinese classical works every Sunday. The free courses aim to not only enhance the reading ability of children, but also to educate more people about Chinese traditional culture.

The Chongqing Hongyi Parent-Child Classics Recital Class began as usual at a small park in downtown Chongqing at 9:30 AM on Sunday, as more than 20 children read aloud from the Analects of Confucius after their volunteer teachers. The class attracted the attention of many passers-by, including some parents who encouraged their own kids to join the class.

Li Chengpeng, the creator of the class, said he developed an interest in Chinese classics a year ago and decided to read them with his son. They read many works together, including the Analects of well-known ancient Chinese intellectuals such as Confucius and Lao-Tzu.

Soon some of his neighbors and friends joined in the readings, and a class was formed. Eventually, Li began offering free weekly courses to dozens of students from the ages of 3 to 12 who came from all over the city.

Soundbite: Li Chengpeng, creator of Chongqing Hongyi Parent-Child Classics Recital Class

"Through the reciting, the childrens' memories are remarkably enhanced and their minds are calmed. The children become very quiet and relaxed through this training. Also, the quality of the classes is better than before."

Parents are invited to take the classes with their children, and many say that not only has communication with their kids improved, so has their understanding of traditional Chinese culture.

(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2009)