Intermediate24:01

Let me be a painter pt1

The video follows Crazy Teacher, a Chinese teacher from rural China, as she shares her childhood dreams of becoming a painter and how they shaped her life. Despite not pursuing her dream of becoming an artist, she finds joy in painting as a hobby and believes in the power of dreams to transform one's life.

Published on 2023-08-16 · Used with permission

Related videos

Long study hours

Intermediate

Long study hoursThe video is about a Chinese teacher, Crazy, sharing stories from her childhood and discussing the concept of self-study sessions in Chinese schools. The students engage in a conversation about the changes and challenges in studying during middle school, including longer study hours and the importance of self-study sessions.Crazie Laoshi

Study companion

Intermediate

Study companionThe video discusses the cultural phenomenon of "陪读" in China, where family members accompany students to study, take care of them, and help with daily tasks while renting a nearby house. The students also talk about eating in dorms and whether all students live there.Crazie Laoshi

People dorm room? Life was hard back then.

Intermediate

People dorm room? Life was hard back then.The video is a Chinese lesson where the teacher shares real-life stories about their middle school dormitory. The lesson covers what students need to bring to the dorm, how they eat outside the cafeteria, and the school rules about eating in the classroom.Crazie Laoshi

Rural school dormitory

Intermediate

Rural school dormitoryThe video showcases Crazy teacher sharing childhood stories while traveling in Peru, specifically focusing on his middle school dormitory experiences. Viewers engage in Chinese language learning and get insights into dormitory life with multiple bunk beds for students.Crazie Laoshi

Middle school bike craze

Intermediate

Middle school bike crazeThe video is a lesson where the teacher, Crazy, talks about his experiences living in a school dormitory during middle school. He discusses how students from rural areas commute to school, the size of the school dormitories, and asks students to guess how many people live in his dormitory.Crazie Laoshi

Learn to ride a bike

Intermediate

Learn to ride a bikeThe video is about a person sharing their experience of learning how to ride a bike, including falling down multiple times and feeling hesitant to tell their grandparents. The person reflects on their family's lack of comfort and encouragement, leading them to keep some experiences to themselves.Crazie Laoshi

Boarding School

Intermediate

Boarding SchoolThe video discusses the speaker's experience transitioning from living with grandparents to attending middle school, highlighting the distance to the nearest school and the decision to live on campus. The speaker asks viewers about their own experiences with middle school and living arrangements, prompting reflection and engagement with the topic.Crazie Laoshi

Pillow fight

Intermediate

Pillow fightThe video transcript depicts a conversation about childhood games and memories, specifically focusing on activities like pillow fights, playing marbles, and other traditional games like Chinese garter and hopscotch. The speakers reminisce about their past experiences and discuss the games they used to enjoy, highlighting the fun and simplicity of childhood activities.Crazie Laoshi

After school

Intermediate

After schoolThe video is a language lesson where the teacher describes childhood memories of going home from school with siblings and friends, doing homework, and playing together. The teacher also engages the students in interactive questions and discussions about their own experiences.Crazie Laoshi

Stuck with Strange Brother

Intermediate

Stuck with Strange BrotherThe video is about a Chinese teacher, Crazy, sharing childhood stories in his live class. He talks about meeting his brother for the first time when he was seven, and how they lived together and went to school together. The students in the class interact with Crazy, answering questions and sharing their own experiences with siblings.Crazie Laoshi

Stranger brother

Intermediate

Stranger brotherThe video is a Chinese language lesson where the teacher shares a story about his relationship with his younger brother, highlighting the differences between them and their upbringing. The teacher engages students in discussions about siblings and family dynamics, encouraging them to share their own experiences.Crazie Laoshi

Brother came

Intermediate

Brother cameThe video is a Chinese language class where the teacher shares a story about his brother coming to live with their grandparents after his parents moved to the city for work. The story highlights the challenges faced by children in rural areas who cannot attend schools in urban cities due to household registration policies.Crazie Laoshi

Secret of my name

Intermediate

Secret of my nameThe video transcript is about the story of how the speaker got her name "Yang Ling" from her aunt, who wanted her to be like sunshine. It explores the significance of names in shaping one's identity and destiny.Crazie Laoshi

Secret of my name pt2

Intermediate

Secret of my name pt2The video discusses the story behind the speaker's name, from the influence of family members to the meaning of each part of the name. The speaker shares how their name reflects aspects of warmth, brightness, and strength, tying it back to their family and personal history.Crazie Laoshi

A letter pt2

Intermediate

A letter pt2The video is a Chinese language lesson where the teacher talks about finding a letter under the bed, the importance of the letter, and the layers of a bed resembling a cake. Students participate in answering questions and translating phrases from Chinese to English, engaging in an interactive learning experience.Crazie Laoshi

A letter pt1

Intermediate

A letter pt1The video transcript discusses a story about a person who moved to their grandmother's house at the age of eight and felt like an unwelcome guest. They would secretly cry before going to sleep because they felt like they didn't have a home. The story introduces a letter found under the bed, which will be explored further in the next session. Participants engage in dictations and discussions about the content of the story, learning Chinese vocabulary and grammar in context.Crazie Laoshi

Wet the bed pt2

Intermediate

Wet the bed pt2The video discusses a story about wetting the bed, with the main character recalling a childhood experience and interactions with her aunt. The story involves discipline, emotions, and memories from the past.Crazie Laoshi

Wet the bed pt1

Intermediate

Wet the bed pt1The video transcript details the story of how the speaker, Crazy老师, used to wet the bed frequently as a child and the consequences he faced. His strict aunt punished him for wetting the bed, making him feel like he was in trouble. In the end, the viewers are asked questions about the story to engage with the content.Crazie Laoshi

The stung

Intermediate

The stungThe video narrates a story about a character running and being overtaken by another character called Ma Feng. The protagonist, who runs the slowest, eventually stops crying, leading to the question of why they cried in the first place. The video ends by thanking viewers for listening and inviting them to join again next week.Crazie Laoshi

Run Run

Intermediate

Run RunIn this video, Crazy teacher tells a story about a childhood memory involving bees and rocks. Students recall and discuss their past experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding key phrases in the story. The teacher also invites viewers to a language exchange event.Crazie Laoshi

Stir the wasp nest

Intermediate

Stir the wasp nest Crazie Laoshi

To the mountain

Intermediate

To the mountainThe video discusses a story where boys enjoy adventure and taking risks, leading them to explore a mountain area. The narrator questions the reasons behind their decision and leaves the audience to ponder what exciting yet potentially dangerous things could be in the mountain area.Crazie Laoshi

Dead Snakes

Intermediate

Dead SnakesThe video discusses childhood memories of fearing snakes and the experience of having dead snakes thrown at the speaker, causing them to scream. Despite feeling angry, the speaker refrains from retaliating with violence, understanding that it was all in jest.Crazie Laoshi

Dig for fish?

Intermediate

Dig for fish? The video features Crazy Teacher sharing a childhood story about digging for fish with Big Fei and his younger brother. They use shovels and buckets to dig in fields, finding holes and possibly encountering various animals like snakes and frogs.Crazie Laoshi

You are such a Tomboy

Intermediate

You are such a TomboyThe video discusses childhood memories of playing with boys in the village, engaging in games like marbles, Chinese chess, and playing in the mud. The teacher reflects on the fun activities and invites participation from the audience in reminiscing about their own childhood games.Crazie Laoshi

Fell from stairs

Intermediate

Fell from stairs The video tells a story of an incident where the speaker fell down the stairs when he was young, describing the experience of waking up on the stairs, feeling disoriented, and the resulting injuries. The lesson ends with a question about whether the viewers have experienced a similar fall down the stairs, prompting them to share their own stories.Crazie Laoshi

Summer memory

Intermediate

Summer memoryThe video discusses childhood memories of summer, including sleeping at the staircase landing to enjoy natural breeze due to lack of air conditioning, using handheld fans to stay cool, and the transition to electric fans in households. The narrator also shares a personal experience of worrying about falling from a table while napping and being hit by a falling electric fan.Crazie Laoshi

I don't want to be a girl

Intermediate

I don't want to be a girlThe video is a personal story of a Chinese rural girl reflecting on her struggles with gender discrimination and societal expectations, ultimately finding self-acceptance and empowerment through education and self-realization. Through her experiences, she encourages others to be brave, embrace their true selves, and shine their light in the world.Crazie Laoshi

Cried at night

Intermediate

Cried at nightThe video is about a student named Xiao Qin who loses her wallet, leading to misunderstandings and tears. Despite being accused, she ultimately shows her empty bags to prove her innocence, highlighting the challenges of communication and trust.Crazie Laoshi

The truth

Intermediate

The truthThe video is about a story where a grandmother suspects someone in the family is stealing money, leading to accusations and investigations within the family.Crazie Laoshi

Secret of the past

Intermediate

Secret of the pastThe video discusses a story from Crazy's childhood where he stole money from his grandmother multiple times to buy snacks like spicy bars and ice cream. Despite feeling happy about having the snacks, he kept it a secret that he stole the money.Crazie Laoshi

She does not steal

Intermediate

She does not stealThe video is about Crazy老师 (Teacher Crazy) sharing childhood stories, specifically addressing whether or not he stole money. Through a series of interactions with his mother and grandmother, he ultimately denies the accusation and reflects on the trust placed in him.Crazie Laoshi

My daughter is not a thief

Intermediate

My daughter is not a thiefThe video discusses a story about a child being accused of stealing money and clears their name with the help of their mother's voice. It highlights the importance of trust and communication in family relationships.Crazie Laoshi

Punishment

Intermediate

PunishmentHave you stolen anything when you were a kid? When I did, I got severe consequences that I remember to this day.Crazie Laoshi

Stealing

Intermediate

StealingThe video is about learning Chinese through a story with Crazy teacher, focusing on the theme of stealing. It follows a narrative of a student's mischievous cousin, who only likes to play and does not enjoy studying, leading to potential trouble.Crazie Laoshi

Homeless?

Intermediate

Homeless?The video is about a story involving a young girl's relationship with her aunt, who can be both strict and loving. The aunt surprises the girl by stopping by a pond to wash her face on their way home, showing a caring side to her character.Crazie Laoshi

My second mom

Intermediate

My second mom The video is about a story where someone, referred to as "小姨" (aunt), comes to pick up the speaker from school on a Friday afternoon. The speaker expresses happiness upon seeing the aunt, who is like a second mother to them, and describes the experience of riding on a bike with her, including encountering slopes on the way.Crazie Laoshi

Best day of the week

Intermediate

Best day of the weekThe video is a storytelling session where the speaker talks about their favorite day, Friday, during their time in elementary school. They share experiences of waiting for someone, feeling excited, and the person coming to their school on a bicycle.Crazie Laoshi

Chinese school morning exercises

Intermediate

Chinese school morning exercisesThe video is about a teacher narrating their childhood story and discussing their morning school routine in China, including early morning exercise, classes, break times, and lunch. The teacher reminisces about walking home from school with friends and the simple meals they enjoyed, inviting viewers to engage with the content and share their own experiences.Crazie Laoshi

School day

Intermediate

School dayThis video talks about Crazy's childhood morning routine in a village where there was no school, and they had to walk to a neighboring village for education. The video also describes their simple breakfast of leftover fried rice prepared by their grandmother and the journey to school, where they would have morning reading sessions.Crazie Laoshi

Live or die?

Intermediate

Live or die?The video tells the story of Crazy's mother giving birth to a girl on a winter day, causing both happiness and sadness. The grandmother, unhappy with having a granddaughter, considers throwing the baby into the woods but ultimately doesn't do it. The story emphasizes respect for elders and the consequences of not respecting them.Crazie Laoshi

Behind the bed

Intermediate

Behind the bedI don't know who they were but they scared me and every time we thought they had come, I had to hide somewhere.Crazie Laoshi

Live on the run

Intermediate

Live on the runThe video is about a teacher, Crazy, sharing childhood stories while growing up in China and living in Morocco. She talks about living with her aunt instead of her own family, the feeling of not being welcomed at her home, and having to hide from strangers due to fear of being captured by government officials.Crazie Laoshi

Going to the city

Intermediate

Going to the cityThe video transcript is a story about a family's journey to Shanghai, starting from their home and taking public transport. The family encounters some excitement and reunites with a family member in a factory, leading to a heartwarming moment.Crazie Laoshi

Where are my parents?

Intermediate

Where are my parents?Grandma was not there but she was always there. Crazie Laoshi

Grow up with Aunt?

Intermediate

Grow up with Aunt?The video is a storytelling session in Chinese by Crazy Teacher, discussing growing up with his aunt. He shares personal memories of his childhood, including interactions with his aunt, such as her taking care of him, disciplining him when he wet the bed, and treating him like her own child. The audience also participates in discussing their own childhood memories and experiences.Crazie Laoshi

Words kill

Intermediate

Words killThe video tells the story of a mother's suicide due to rumors and badmouthing by others, leading to the family's distress and lack of support. The daughter, or "小姨," ultimately seeks to clear her mother's name and expresses hatred towards those who caused her mother's suffering.Crazie Laoshi

Girl drop out from school

Intermediate

Girl drop out from schoolThe video describes a story where the speaker's mother dropped out of school due to financial constraints and family responsibilities, leading to emotional moments and sacrifices within the family. The speaker's mother reveals the death of her grandmother, symbolizing the challenges faced by the family.Crazie Laoshi

Mom, Don't Cry

Intermediate

Mom, Don't CryThe video tells the story of a family going to pay respects to their deceased grandmother by burning paper money on the mountain where she is buried every year during Chinese New Year. The children's mother and aunt cry as they remember her, emphasizing the importance of family, education, and tradition in Chinese culture.Crazie Laoshi