In their Geography lesson with Mrs Harvey, Year 4 were discussing the proper use of chopsticks in recognition of Chinese New Year. Chopsticks were invented in neolithic China before the Shang dynasty (17661122 BCE) and most likely much earlier, around 9000 years ago. The first chopsticks were most likely used for cooking, stirring the fire, serving or seizing bits of food, and not as eating utensils. The class practised tying their chopsticks together with an elastic band and a small roll of paper, a method used by many. This makes the use of the chopsticks a lot easier and the children were able to pick up the tiny stones, similar to a piece of rice. Our Year 4s are now experts with a pair of chopsticks!
