Educators. Put this date on your calendars. Email in your interest. An exclusive workshop by the China Institute out of New York is coming soon. On Thursday, October 16th to be exact.

In the Centre for Dialogue at Byrne Creek Secondary, between 4pm and 6pm, join your colleagues and deepen your understanding of ancient and contemporary Chinese civilization, while also discussing a myriad of ways to deepen the knowledge of K-12 students in this area.

This workshop is part of We All Live in the Forbidden City, the China Institute’s educational program about the history, culture, architecture, and life in China as seen through the lens of this iconic structure. Through books, educational workshops and special exhibitions, this global program celebrates the Forbidden City in Beijing and the study of architecture, imperial life, and Chinese cultural history in ways that are accessible, appealing, and relevant.

The Forbidden City housed the imperial families of China from the 1400s until the early 20th century. It was considered the embodiment of Chinese culture and power, and attracted scholars, officials, and dignitaries. Today it is the largest museum in China, attracting visitors from China and abroad.

Some questions to ponder:

1. How can educators use the Forbidden City to reflect concepts of architecture, life, power and culture?
2. How can educators use the Forbidden City books to develop readers’ concepts of both print and the world?

The professional development workshop is free of charge. Take-home resources will be available for educators. Register at burnaby.events@gmail.com or call Deirdre at 778-855-8193. Please register as soon as possible to assist with organization.

Some complementary events will take place. A family festival is scheduled for the Vancouver Public Library with Chinese cultural music, dance, games and crafts on October 18^th between noon and 4pm. In addition, an exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery called, “The Forbidden City: Inside the Court of China’s Emperors” will be shown between October 18^th and January 11^th.

Founded in 1926, China Institute in America is a non-profit educational and cultural institution that advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, business, and art in the belief that cross-cultural understanding strengthens our global community. China Institute was founded by a group of distinguished American and Chinese educators including John Dewey, Hu Shih, Paul Monroe and Dr. Kuo Ping-wen. It is the oldest American organization devoted exclusively to China.