MARIENVILLE, Pa. (EYT) — What possible connection can be made between the new Common Core Standards and chopsticks? 5th and 6th graders at East Forest Elementary answered that question recently after reading Common Core passages on the proper etiquette and use of chopsticks.

(Pictured (L-R): 6th graders, Hope Byers and Dylann Leonard.)

After reading these passages, the students’ interests was piqued.

One student said that after reading the article, she realized why her waitress at a Chinese restaurant seemed perturbed with her at her meal.

She had been “stabbing” her food with her chopsticks.

The article they read described how using chopsticks in this manner was considered rude. She also learned that pointing your chopsticks at another person was also not socially acceptable.

As a follow-up activity to the reading assignment, the 5th and 6th grade students were encouraged to eat lunch using their own set of chopsticks.

They also tried eating sticky rice, ramen noodles, and rice wraps. Most of the students quickly acquired the skill.

Their success inspired them to pursue French customs and food.

Submitted by Darla Kennedy, Confidential Secretary, Forest Area School District