Educators
Adventures for School Groups
Kids take to Chinatown like chopsticks to dumplings!
Wok Wiz welcomes dozens of school groups every year. Learn about the first Chinese to come to San Francisco and the “ornate” architecture of Chinatown. Hear how the early 20th century Chinese used their own telephone exchange to communicate with one another and about our “lucky” colors and numbers. Walk along side streets and alley ways while peeking into businesses of today that will remind you of what life was like in the old days. Learn to speak and eat in Cantonese. End your tour with a student friendly, hosted family style luncheon.
Dear Educators,
Over the last 35 years, we have met thousands of students on tour, ranging in age from primary grades through college. As a former 4th grade teacher, and spouse of an elementary school principal, it gives me great pleasure to work with you, to share Chinatown with our new friends, the students as well as the teachers and parents/care providers.
Our goal is to assure that each student leaves Chinatown with a better understanding of the Chinese people, our community, culture, and food. Depending on the age of the students, we gear our vocabulary accordingly, so that we don’t lose their interest. We are always ready to answer questions, too. On the tours, you can anticipate the following:
Learn a few sentences in Chinese. Greet locals by smiling and saying, “nay ho!” which translates in Guandongnese to “how are you?” The favor is returned, as the locals in Chinatown are impressed!
Learn why certain colors (red, green, gold) are important to us. We also talk about our Chinese Telephone Exchange, and how we made ‘phone calls’ in the early days. We talk about schools around Chinatown, about Chinese language schools that some students go to after a day in their American classroom.
As we stroll along, we talk about Chinese doctors, and the use of herbs rather than pills; peek into a tea shop; look at our ‘unusual’ dried vegetables, salted eggs, and other Chinese delicacies.
Lunch is a delicious sampling of Chinese food, some that are kids’ favorites, and others as an introduction to ‘dim sum.’ My tour leaders stay at lunch, to teach the fun art of using chopsticks!
We offer educational discounts! Please contact for pricing.
Kristina Dong Pavao
Owner, Wok Wiz