Sho-Yin Chen-Berry is an award-winning teacher who has taught Chinese language to elementary school students for more than a decade, the last six years at Countryside School in Champaign. A native of Taiwan, she has her undergraduate degree in Chinese music as well as master’s degrees in both music and special education. She plays the Chinese flute, western flute and piano. Sho-Yin lives in Urbana with her husband and 11-year old daughter in Urbana; the family enjoys dining out in the
diverse restaurants that Champaign-Urbana has to offer.
See why we think Sho-Yin Chen-Berry is a Chambana mom to know.
Q: What are the challenges and rewards of teaching native English speakers Chinese?
This is my sixth-year teaching Chinese at Countryside. Everyday is a harvest for me as I return home from school. My students study Chinese with much enthusiasm and continually make steady progress. One of the challenges I face is creating situations outside the classroom where native English speakers can use Chinese. I continue to explore opportunities in the community where students can engage with other Mandarin speakers. More and more people are attracted to learning Chinese because it is a global language. For me, the beauty of the language extends well beyond this goal. I like to teach Mandarin with an attention to how the language has evolved, by looking at the development of characters over time and its cultural history. Sometimes, we study the pictures that appear in characters. I enjoy watching my students internalize the Chinese language. I work hard to develop curriculum that fosters this. Instead of learning sets of vocabulary or rules, I try to find ways to bring the language to life—to make it fun. My students often do this on their own. One day, for example, one of my middle school classes interrupted our lesson to offer a translation of Justin Bieber’s song. Another example is when I look at the playful sentences my students make.
Three examples are (translation from Chinese):
I will like to take my panda to school.
My pet elephant likes to dance.
Monkey King went to the United States to eat pizza.
Q: What do you enjoy about working with students?
I enjoy students’ curiosities and creativity. From working with them, I am inspired by their lively energy.
Q: How did you celebrate the Chinese New Year with your students?
Almost every year, my students and I join the community’s New Year celebration. This year, we participated at CAACI’s (Chinese American Association at Central Illinois) Lunar New Year celebration at the ARC. We kicked off the event with two Chinese songs and had a great dinner as well. In addition, during this time of New Year festivities, we study Chinese foods, calligraphy, music, and painting. This year, we focused on Chinese mythology. We had fun researching and reading ancient stories about mythological figures.
Q: I’ve heard you are a talented musician. How did you get started playing?
I started studying music rather late. I grew up on a farm in Taiwan and did not have the opportunity to study music until high school. My music teacher saw potential. He taught me singing and placed me in charge of the music room managing instruments: a piano and many Chinese instruments. He also left a piano book on top of the piano. Every morning before class, I would practice the piano. Occasionally, he would check on me. One day, my homeroom teacher found me a Chinese flute teacher from a nearby college. So I started playing Chinese flute with this young adjunct professor who never charged me tuition.
Q: I have to ask – do you have a favorite Chinese restaurant in Champaign-Urbana?
I am so glad you asked. My favorite Chinese restaurant is Golden Harbor. The owner is from Taiwan, where he also worked as a chef. His cooking is comforting and reminds me of home.
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