Our Own Textbooks
Our Own Textbooks
In 1985, the Australian government began to subsidise the school. Student numbers grew to over 5000 at its peak.
Another challenge was suitable textbooks. Previous books issued by the Chinese government were too difficult and abstruse. Considering students’ different ages, abilities, and language foundations, Grandma 于筑生 spent years researching teaching methods, eventually producing “我的中文书 / My Chinese Book”, combining merits from various courses. She worked indoors for 3 months, without computers, laying paper everywhere and forbidding anyone to enter the room.
All images in the books are illustrated by the children. Originally, she invited Mr. Zhao Zhongjin, a famous painter, but later involved the children, which made the books unique and enduring for over 40 years.
