Q: Do you know what shuochang is? (explain briefly)

A: Shuochang is a literary performance that passes down cultural information to the mass through words.

Q: Why did you let Casper learn shuochang?

A: Casper started learning shuochang because he was interested in it, so he asked to join this extracurricular club. He first listened to CD by himself, and then he would watch cross talks monologue instructional videos and imitate, and then he would perform for us in the car.

Q: Did you notice any changes in Casper after learning shuochang? What is the most visible change?

A: He has made a lot of changes. For example, he is poised on stage, and his shuochang techniques and expressions are much better. The biggest change has to be he no longer gets nervous before performing on stage. He is now more focused on bringing happiness and laughter to the audience through his performance, and that’s also the source of his satisfaction and reward.

Q: (Continued from previous question) Why did he stop joining the club?

A: It has to do with schoolwork. He is a bit slow in doing things. After entering fifth grade, I am afraid that Casper may take a long time to finish his homework. So I asked him to suspend his participation in the shuochang club temporarily and wait for a while before making a decision on what he wants to do next.

Q: Do you think learning shuochang will benefit children in their learning in other subject areas?

A: In literature, Casper is now more aware of the meaning of words and phrases while reading. He is also able to understand the effect of different diction on the readers. Furthermore, he is more aware the effect of his intonation on the listeners.

Q: Did Casper face any difficulties or setbacks while learning shuochang? If so, how did you help him through it?

A: In the beginning, it was quite challenging for him to memorize the script due to time constraint, he must memorize the script entirely. When he first got the script, he glanced through it and thought he had already got everything down. However, during rehearsal, he would sometimes add a few words to a line or substituting words and phrases here and there, as a result, the timing would always be off. Later, he would memorize the script before every practice so the timing could be more precise. Casper felt quite disappointed because he did know why he had to memorize every single word on the script. But after a few practices, he slowly understood the need to do so, and he had since adjusted his mentality on this matter.

Q: Did Casper have any shuochang performing experiences before? How much time did it take him to prepare before each performance?

A: Yes, he has quite a lot of experiences performing for school. It usually takes him about two week’s time to prepare for each performance.

Q: (Continued from previous question) Do you think he has spent too much time on it? How did you overcome it or adjust Casper’s learning schedule?

A: I don’t feel he has spent too much time on it because he is doing something he enjoys, so as long as he wants to do it, I’m all for it. I helped him by giving him my unconditional encouragement and support.

Q: Have you seen Casper performing on stage?

A: Yes, I attend his performances quite regularly.

Q: How did you feel when you saw Casper performing on stage for the first time?

A: The first time I saw him on stage, I thought he was really brave because I didn’t think I could have done that. He seemed pretty confident on stage, and I thought he did an outstanding job.

Q: Do you think Casper has made any improvement in shuochang?

A: Most definitely. Ms. Li has been giving her students very clear and precise instructions, like changes in intonation, pronunciation, and tempo. She also demonstrated to help her students understand what she expects of them. So I think the students learned what an actual performance would be like through Ms. Li’s lively instructions.

Q: What is Casper’s greatest improvement? Besides that, did you notice any changes in his daily performance or self confidence?

A: In his daily life, Casper is now better at planning his time for things he enjoys doing. For example, he took part in this storytelling competition a while back. He did not do so well because he did not memorize the story well. I think after that experience, he has learned to plan and prepare for everything. Casper is also more active in doing things, and he also wants to take part in different activities at school. I would ask him to make his own decision and manage his own time. He is now better at planning his own activities based on the availability of his time.

Q: Do you wish to let Casper continue learning shuochang in the future?

A: If he is able to manage his schoolwork well, he will have my full support.

Q: Can you give Casper a few words of encouragement?

A: Casper, I want you to be the person you have always wanted to be the most, and I believe you can do it to the best of your abilities. Keep it up!

Q: Finally, can you give a few words of encouragement to parents whose children are interested in learning shuochang?

A: I think learning shuochang is a long path. Kids may not be able to shine immediately, but through hard work and dedication, you will see them glow on stage. I encourage you to support your kids if they are interested in shuochang.