Building Cultural Bridges with Clay

Mandarin students got hands-on experience with Chinese heritage in a traditional Clay Figure Zhang Workshop.

As part of her instruction in the Mandarin language, teacher Gina Dong looks for opportunities to build bridges between her students and Chinese culture. When Dong learned she could bring an expert in dough artistry to share more about the clay figure Zhang tradition, she jumped at the chance to open her classroom’s doors.

Responding to the invitation, Song Jianqiu, whose family has a long tradition in this artform, spent a class period conducting a workshop with 7th grade Mandarin students with each trying their hand at making a clay Monkey King (Sun Wukong).

During the workshop, students received kits with all the necessary materials and tools to create their own clay creations. Kits included handouts covered with acetate to use as a visual guide as they measured and shaped non-toxic clay made of paper into shapes of various sizes and combined them to create a final product.

Students worked side by side with Dong on their characters, enjoying the hands-on experience. Dong offered, “I thought it would be easy, but I found it was more challenging than I expected—even for adults. Still, it was a fun and rewarding experience.”

Following the activity, Dong shared, “I hope the students gained a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture by engaging directly with a unique folk art. Clay Figure Zhang is not just about sculpting; it is about storytelling, history and artistry passed down for generations in Tianjin, China—it is a living part of Chinese heritage.” She thinks the activity also helped students understand the value of patience and careful work, reflecting the dedication of traditional artists.

Dong appreciates her students’ willingness to try something new and their curiosity about Chinese culture. She hopes this experience inspires them to continue exploring world cultures and languages with open minds and joyful hearts.

Song Jianqiu’s visit to Parker was made possible through a collaboration between Phoenix Tree Publishing, Chicago Public Schools and the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago. 

Enjoy photos from this workshop here.