Shearer Elementary students practiced martial arts, Chinese calligraphy and even learned how to play the Chinese zither, or guzheng, Friday afternoon.

The session was put on by employees from the University of Kentucky Confucius Institute. Principal Mark Rose said the cultural experience is an activity the school tries to do every year.

Helen He, a Chinese teacher with UKCI, teaches Chinese classes with Shearer throughout the year. She said it’s fun watching the children learn.

“They always give me a surprise,” she said.

Because of China’s long history, it’s important for students to learn about a culture that has made such a large impact on the world, He said.

“China has given us a lot of cultural treasures,” she said.