The teacher in charge of the class told reporters that in a national study carried out in schools two years ago, it was found that most children couldn’t understand their parents and lacked responsibility. It was hoped this activity would make some progress in addressing this problem.

The 64 students were asked to keep a diary of their experience. Below is a diary of a girl in this class.

October 14th, (the first day). I didn’t know why the teacher asked us to bring an egg to school, which troubled and worried me. To protect it from breaking, I wrapped it in two plastic bags and put it in my lunch box. During class I put it in my drawer, after class in my pocket, and back home into a tailor-made box. It was all so much trouble.

October 15th, (the second day). I thought the egg was pretty, like a baby. I washed the day’s dirt of it and marked today’s date on its shell. I made it through another day.

October 16th, (the third day). This morning, I couldn’t find my egg. I clearly remember putting it beside my bed last night. I searched for it everywhere, but I couldn’t find it. I was so worried I couldn’t help crying. At last I found it in a draw under my bed. Eventually I smiled through my tears.

October 17th, (the fourth day). Time is crawling along. I don’t dare wear jeans or run fast these days. I’m continually worried about my egg. I realize how hard it must have been for my parents to bring me up from a 3.5-kilogram, 53-centimeter baby to now, a 10 year-old girl. I am so ashamed that I haven’t been able to bear these last 4 days.

October 18th, (the fifth day). Many students in my class have broken their eggs, and then bought another to replace it. Thank god these tense days are almost over.

October 19th, (the sixth day). Only one day left. I will respond to all its needs today, making it a “happy and healthy” little egg. I will be sure to take the best care of it.

(China.org.cn by Chen Lin November 20, 2002)