Chinese Country Girl's Journal

A journal-style series about the life of a girl growing up in rural China.

50 videos · Total duration: 30:10:35

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