From time to time, we get feedback from families...

From time to time, we get some feedback from parents about how their children are doing and the changes they see after taking out class.  Here are a few of our favorites...

5/2/2011Hi Hongyun,We're very grateful that Patrick has been accepted in Hongyun art classes!  It's very obvious that his interest and confidence in the art creation increased a lot since he joined the class. The teacher is very patient and nice, her teaching style is also creative and fresh, which I couldn't find in other art classes Patrick was previously signed up. Now Wednesday becomes Patrick's most favorite day in the week. He also wants to join one of the clubs if there's seat available later.  :)
Dear Hongyun,We are so grateful that we have finally gotten a seat in your art class!  We have tried almost all of the other art schools in Cupertino, but Allie was never very happy to attend them and she didn't seem like she learned very much.  What a difference!  Now each week, she is excited to go your class and can't wait to see her other classmates!  She already has made new friends in your class and looks forward to it every week.  She decorated her journal and asked me if I liked it.  When I said yes, she said I think  Hongyun will like it too!  She has only been to your class for a few weeks, but I see great progress not only in her artwork, but in the way she is studying and speaking with others.  It's like a whole new confident Allie!Thank you so much and keep up the great work!
Hi Hongyun,You're written so many worthwhile and encouragining feedback to the parents, it's my turn to give you my "feedback" if you don't mind.....   My appreciation for all your quality hardwork and undivided attention to each of your students. Your sincerity in arts and your devotion in teaching is greatly appreciated by us, the parents, and not to mention the students themselves. When we sent James to your class this past Sunday without George [older brother], even it was his 4th session with you and it was without his brother, I could see his enthusiasm to participate in your art class by himself. We're very blessed that our children have a great art teacher like you! And ever since George participated your art school, we've noticed his great improvement in social skills and his creativity. So, thanks to you for all you've done! Thank you!


Dear Hongyun,I'd like to share with you a little drama yesterday after my daughters came back from your class.
Jenny handed me a drawing paper when she came into the door. I looked at it and wondered who's drawing it is. "Is it Julie's [big sister]?" I asked. Jenny gave an big grin, "You thought it is Julie's?" Then I realized it is hers! She is two years younger and she is drawing what Julie's been doing not long ago. Jenny's progress is stunning.
I finally saw Julie's surprise for me. She had kept it from me for almost a month. So my expectation went so high and I prepared myself that I may not be surprised when I see it.  But still I was amazed when I laid my eyes on it. The color layered, the details abundant yet integrated, and cute rabbits in all different angles. I was speechless. The long waiting is worthwhile. She made the right decision no to let me see it half-done.
She always wants to learn how to draw cartoon, especially Japanese anime style. She can't achieve this without you. I still remember her first few sessions with you, She was intimidated by creative drawing. Now her creativity is in full blossom.
A big Thank you!

Hongyun,Thank you for the kind message back in January. We had some really big snows here in Chicago in February as you can tell from the yahoo photo album. And it was fun!As you suggested, I have been encouraging Tiantian to draw original works, and try to make that as a routine. Tiantian has been taking art class with a teacher here, whose classes have mainly focused on drawing specific subjects lately. I have not gotten the feeling that her teaching is as good as yours (or even close). (Which makes me to really miss the time in Berkeley!).  I visited Tiantian’s art class photos again at Flicker. They are very nice pictures, and remind us all the great time tiantian had in your class. Can you actually download pictures from the site? Also, do you have the picture Tiantian took with you on Halloween night? I want to keep all these good memories.
Best,
Jeffrey

你好, 红云: 看到了你的邮件,很高兴你这样详尽周到的安排.谢谢! 因为下一节课仍是acdemic class,所以老师会偏重于教授和讲解,这也是我对这类课的理解. 我让科林学绘画,初衷是希望科林能通过系统地学习,最终能够在必要的时候,用艺术的眼光,从艺术的角度观察事物,多一种认识事物的能力,不过,我明白这绝不是一蹴而就的事,是需要日积月累地努力的,你说得对,做家长的是需要有足够耐心.谢谢你的提醒! 科林的绘画课还是很有成绩的,他在学校的功课会有不少需要画插图的,我看到他的画越来越清晰整洁,颜色也上得很均匀,画面看上去有了整体的效果,不等他解释,我也能大略看出他想表现什么了.相比以前是进步多了,能有这样的成绩,我很满意.明天去上绘画课,我会让他带一张课堂的作业给你看看. 到现在为止,我对你的课很满意,不仅仅是看到科林每次从绘画课上带回来的作品,也看到科林对学画的热情和积极性,还有他在学校的功课里这部分的良好变化.非常感谢! 明天见!
XiaoYan

Hi Hongyun, Thanks for the valuable feedback about Lucas' progress in your art class and the honest advise to us as to how Lucas' art could be appreciated by the adults. These are critical for us to help Lucas in developing his confidence, art work and many aspects of his well-being development. It's great that Lucas tried new things with ease and he is willing to volunteer to be the first "storyteller" :) It appears that he has improved much his confidence in public speaking. Last night,  he drew more volcanoes and fire scenery and he told us a story about how firemen rescued the people and the farm animals etc. The "story telling" time from your class do positively influence him outside of class as well. As mentioned to you yesterday, Lucas will attend the Saturday class from 9am to 11am on Oct. 25th as we plan to attend a Halloween parade on Sunday morning. Have a great week! We look forward to seeing you on this coming Saturday! Amy

Hi Hongyun, Thank you for forwarding the story time. I really like this idea of dedicating a period of time for the children to reflect on what they had drawn during the session and most importantly to develop self-confidence in delivering their creative drawings verbally. I could tell that Lucas enjoyed his session with you and his fellow friends there. He reminded us to take good care of his drawings yesterday and we immediately put his drawings in his room for display. We look forward to the next art class with everyone this Sunday! Amy

你好, 红云! 谢谢你的非常专业, 认真负责的态度和处事作风.能这样为每个学生做"Review & Feedback"是会占用你不少时间的,不是金钱能衡量得了的.科林很幸运, 今年他的班主任老师也是一位和你一样对孩子很负责的好老师.MRS.Y据说是二年级里最有口碑的老师,家长们都想让自己的孩子进她的班.和你一样,每个星期她都会将课堂上已经讲过的内容和下一周里要做的事,和要提醒家长注意的事发邮件给大家.我们家长都知道这是要额外付出很多时间和心血的.下午我在科林学校有家长会,这个星期,全校都会提前放学,每个年级,每个班,每个学生都要逐个开家长会,据说是这个区的教育局在搞评估,旨在提高教学质量.等这事做完我再给你接着写,对科林的学画,我是有些想法想和你聊聊.谢谢.

你好, 红云! 这堂课的故事录音我一早就听到了,谢谢!孩子们相互赏评,这形式很好!我很高兴科林这一组又多了一个新伙伴,相互间能得到更多,更丰富的启发.有趣的是,我竟然听到科林将他平时读书的内容也用上了.他将他的战场描绘成美国南北战争的场面.科林喜欢读书,各种各类,有时我也有点纳闷:他倒底读到些什么?读进了多少?不成想,从他的绘画课上却让我管窥一斑地得知了他的读书收益.课外的特长课能与他的学业相附相承确是我的初衷,我很高兴现在的状况. 谢谢! 周末见!
XiaoYan

红云:你好! 我听到了最新的课堂录音,可以看出,孩子们都很努力,科林的画让我吃惊不小,不但画了那么多内容,而且色彩涂得很均匀,整洁.有进步.谢谢老师的指导.科林现在是二年级,从学校的作业和老师在家长会上的要求来看,他们正在学习如何有重点,有章法,或者说是如何有结构地清楚地,有删选地对事情进行表述,也是进入二年级才刚刚开始的,从目前的状态来看,科林是无分主次,没有主题,流水账式地从头到尾地把故事讲一通,没有自己的思维加工和组织.正如文字语言的学习有它的特点,有它的一套语法;我不知道美术作为一种表达方式是否也有其特有的"语法",比如该如何欣赏一幅画?从那些方面去看才知道它好不好?等等!我希望科林通过学美术也能够学会一种新的"语言",逐渐具备一种有别于普通文字表达方式的方式来表达生活中的人和事,开拓思维和眼界,我相信对他的未来会大有益处.我相信科林在学校的学习能和他的美术课的学习互惠互益,相得益彰.我知道: 这一切都需要时间.科林很喜欢上你的课,才上过课没多久就已经给我说:"I can't wait to go to my drawing class."我倒真是希望他能对他的钢琴课也有同样的热情.我把他的两幅作品都高高地贴在家里,科林的爸爸每看一次就赞科林一番,自豪得不得了. 谢谢! 祝:顺利! 晓燕


Hi Hongyun,
How are you doing?I heard you are very busy recently. Please take easyand relax. We really appreciate your teaching Albertto learn drawing. He seems make a lot of progress.Please let us know if you want to take more studentsin the future.
JunLi

Dear Hongyun,
    So glad to hear from you!! Once a while, we talked about you when tiantian does his drawing at home and attend his weekly class. You are still Tiantian's favorite teacher!
    I am more than happy to serve as your reference, and I would give my enthusiastic recommendation if they contact me. It is perfectly fine to call my home phone. If they want to reach me during the day, my cell phone works as well. 
   I wish Tiantian can still take lessons with you when you open the art school. Good luck with your job search, wish you great success for the planned art school!
Best,
Jeffrey

Dear Hongyun,
  We are lucky to know you, and have you as Tiantian first teacher for his art drawing. Tiantian has improved a lot in his drawing, and most importantly you seeded the love for art in his heart. I believe that love will grow and bloom in all the years to come.  My wife  got her offer some time ago, I was waiting for mine  until a month ago. Then everything was coming so quick, and we are overwhelmed with the preparation for our trip to China, and the relocation. Sorry that I could not be there for Tiantian's last class yesterday and did not have the chance to say "thank you" in person. I wish you big success for your art class and your career in art. If you have a chance to come to Chicago, please let us know.  I also use Yahoo and MSN instant messager. You can send me your info so I can add you in my friend's list in the messenger. Keep in touch!
QianFei


Dear Hongyun,           Two new students who are coming this Saturday are Kiana(Mom: Helen) and Madeline (Mom: Evaon).    We are so fortunate to have you as TianTian's art teacher. For your better evaluation of Tiantian, I am also attaching several of his drawings, through which he tells his experiences and stories. He did all those by himself at home.
Best regards,
Jeffrey