Comments About Ching Yeung Russell's School Presentations
In the United States
"The audience remained spellbound as Russell shared her Chinese culture through objects from her novel."
Candie Ruppert, Reading Teacher Oakbrook Elementary School, Summerville, SC
"It was very a informative session about the culture of China. Mrs. Russell's books and her presentation offer so many wonderful points about human character that span all generations and cultures. She ties in her life experiences to situations that occur even today in America."
Gin-g Edwards, Media Specialist Alston Middle School, Summerville, SC
"Integrating the Chinese artifacts with the supporting of the story made the students want to read more. Involving the audience was wonderful!
Marcia F. Yates, Media Specialist Mason Prep School, Charleston, SC
"I enjoyed your openness and good humor. You are very knowledgeable about your subject, and you are happy to share what you know."
Carol Maynard, Teacher Mason Prep School, Charleston, SC
"We all enjoyed the wonderful 'window' on the Chinese culture. Your skillful presentation of cultural differences and similarities will really help the students understand our unit on China so much better."
Patty Puckett, Teacher Cleveland High School, TN
"...Your presentation was so interesting...(and) keeps the interest and attention of the students."
Susan Dunn, Teacher Crystal Springs Elementary, Crystal Springs, MS
"...The students were very enthused about the Chinese culture and are now fighting over the books!"
Mary Hope Roseneau, Media Specialist Lady's Island Elementary, Lady's Island, SC
"I especially liked the interaction you have with the children. I enjoyed the reaction from the children when you explain how being a student in China differs from being a students in the U. S."
Annette W. Haskell, Children's Librarian Independence Regional Library, Charlotte, NC
"You were well prepared and you involved the children. You also had copies of your books and so many props."
Kathleen McMahan, Teacher Westview Elementary, Charlotte, NC
"It was very informative and interesting. I enjoyed how you used the students to demonstrate the objects you brought with you (baby & carrier, etc."
Linda Hanley, Media Specialist Greenway Park Elementary, Charlotte, NC
"I enjoyed your talk immensely and I could have listened for another hour."
Patti Harlan, Media Specialist Oakdale Elementary, Charlotte, NC
"Ching's adorable personality mesmerized the children. They loved the visuals she brought with her & her vivid language brought her culture alive to the students."
Brenda T. Chilton, Media Specialist Sullivan's Island Elementary, Sullivan's Island, SC
"You were very personable and I like that you involved the students. I was afraid it would be too long but it didn't seem to be. Students remained interested and appeared to be willing to sit longer."
Kay Paul, Media Specialist Oakbrook Elementary, Summerville, SC
"[I liked] your enthusiasm, your interesting stories, and all of your fascinating Chinese materials. The children were captivated."
Linda Miller, Teacher Ron McNair Elementary, Charleston, SC
"Very good explanation of your birth culture. Enjoyed visuals! You did a great job - involving the children really made it come alive for them."
Sharon Robles, Teacher Ron McNair Elementary, Charleston, SC
"[I liked] everything! It was personal & informative & inspiring."
Susan Diehl, Teacher Greenway Park Elementary, Charlotte, NC
"I enjoyed the way you used the children. They were delightfully surprised by the wooden pillow."
Ginger Robinson, Teacher Ingleside Elementary, Athens, TN
"[I liked] he visual aids that corresponded to the books [and how you] showed the students the culture...I love your books! Keep them coming."
Arlene Wagner, Librarian Calhoun School, Calhoun, TN
"I loved the story about how you first became a Chinese writer. It was very fascinating to learn what you received for the writing....I enjoyed how you explained the differences in how your books were written in America in contrast to how your writings were accepted in China."
Susan Dunn, Teacher Crystal Springs, MS
"The presentation was excellent."
Deborah Holland, Teacher Bradley Central High School, Cleveland, Tennessee
Overseas
"You did a great job of encouraging students to ask questions and interact with you."
Kirk Palmer, Library Media Specialist Singapore American School, Singapore
"Very valuable ideas for our budding writers."
M. Riley, Head of English Department Harrow International School, Bangkok, Thailand
"Your presentation was very informative, knowledgeable and fun.... Would love to have you back."
Alba Uthaichalanond, Media Specialist Rumrudee International School, Bangkok, Thailand
"It was also beneficial...to hear about how long it takes to get your books published and how you write many drafts."
Kathryn Sandler, Teacher Shekou International School, Shenzhen, China
"The children...were obviously fascinated by your autobiographical story and how you wrote your books."
Hugh Stacey, Teacher Hong Kong International School, Hong Kong, China
"Students enjoyed listening to your realistic stories."
Wu Shuk Yin, Headmistress St. Paul's Primary School, Hong Kong, China
"[I liked] the details of your life and the way you connect your own life with the characters of your book. Very nice that you gave the students time for questions...Teachers very happy with your hints & directions for writing. It is exactly what teachers try to emphasize with their students."
Reina Nuernberger, Librarian American International School in Israel
"You are engaging with speaking. You tell stories, ask questions, and explain very well. You are sincere and enthusiastic. It is clear that you love what you are doing. You paint a clear picture of everyday life in rural China. Students begin to understand that they can simply write about their own experiences and create interesting stories."
Victoria Banks, Middle School Humanities Coordinator American International School in Israel
I think my kids really enjoyed your stories about your childhood because it is so different from their own. Thank you for sharing."
Susie Wu Geller, Teacher American International School in Israel
"[I liked] the 19 point handout titled 'Advice I Would Give Young Writers' [and] the truthfulness in which you answered my students' questions."
Shannon MacDonald, Teacher American International School in Israel
"[I liked] your enthusiasm [and] the very interesting details about your life and connecting these to your book that the children were discussing. [I liked] sharing your experiences of becoming a writer and with the process of writing."
C. Tuvyahu, Teacher American International School in Israel
"We loved hearing your story - about moving to Hong Kong and then the U. S. and how you worked to learn English. The message that it is never too late to learn something and to become something was one that the students really took to heart. We also liked the story about the sweet milk custard. It was also fun to try the pillows and hear about different customs."
Kelly Corcoran, ESL Teacher International School of Brussels
"[Your talk was] culturally interesting. Students enjoyed knowing how you slept. Students found [your] life fascinating to learn and enjoyed the personal photos...The students enjoyed the cultural aspects of the presentation, since it enabled them to learn about another country. They were also able to appreciate the valuable taste of all kinds of food."
Daisy Lee, ESL Teacher International School of Brussels
"I liked the references to China, the map, the photos. I liked the way you referred to the texts and related the texts to the pictures and the artifacts...Very interesting. You held the childrens' attention and it was a wonderful experience for us all."
Annie Bruce, ESL Teacher International School of Brussels
"The presentation was very interesting and delivered in a way that captured the interest of all our students."
Dawn Rutland, ESL Librarian St. John's International School, Waterloo, Belgium
"Very open, personal, warm, friendly. Informative, too."
Paul Motwani, Teacher St. John's International School, Waterloo, Belgium
"I enjoyed the personal stories, especially about the speaker's childhood. The students really made good connections with this."
Annette Hagen, Teacher St. John's International School, Waterloo, Belgium
"I liked the stories and how you involved the students."
Jon Caray, Teacher St. John's International School, Waterloo, Belgium
"[I liked] the unusual 'Chinese' extras you brought along - the sleeping block, lanterns, etc. The kids liked trying things out. Good contrast between old China and daily life now. Students were engaged. Age appropriate...Wonderful stories brought to life."
Carol-Ann Whipple, Librarian Brussels American School
"[I liked] the visuals and objects that make the books come alive."
Audrey Peverelli, Principal (Primary) International School of Paris
"Your anecdotes and slides brought Chinese stories alive for me...It was delightful to have your insights into Chinese life."
Carol Whitehouse, Primary Librarian and Media Coordinator International School of Paris
