Almost all the students have one, some of them are metal, some are plastic. They look like a small thermos for tea or coffee, but I have decided that these containers have a more often used secondary function as a “Chinese Hand Warmer”.
During the break between the classes students will go to a large hot water dispenser that is conveniently located in each hallway and fill up their tea containers. After 3 weeks of observation I have come to the conclusion that the kids do not do this for thirst or for the taste of tea, they do it to keep their hands warm. Since the classrooms are not heated their hands get cold when they are taking notes. The students will wrap their hands around the bullet shaped thermos to keep them warm. Smart idea, this afternoon I am going to buy up my first Chinese Hand Warmer at WuMae.
