Parent-Child Reading, Immersing in Books and Cherishing Childhood Dreams

In the past month, the students of Grades 4-5 of SHSID Puxi Campus have participated in the unique structure of reading month including aspects of Chinese literature. Together with their families, they enjoyed the reading journey, exploring the wonders of books and experiencing a time filled with both knowledge and emotion.

Grade 4

The Grade 4 students, along with their parents, embarked on a beautiful journey of growth, understanding, and love. They read books such as The Little Prince, Udiudiu's Adventure, Monsters in the Forbidden City, and Jia Li, the Boy, experiencing the joys and sorrows of growing up. These books not only sparked the children’s curiosity and imagination but also served as keys to open doors of knowledge exploration.

In the cozy parent-child reading atmosphere, students thoughtfully completed a Reading Workbook. In the first week, students became storytellers, vividly introducing their favorite stories and analyzing the characters' personalities. They selected examples from the books to support their insights and provided in depth analyses of characters from various angles.

In the second week, an interactive reading challenge made reading month even more exciting and engaging. Parents and children took turns as being the examiner, designing questions to test each other's reading comprehension. They corrected each other's answers, and highlighting each other's strengths and areas for possible improvement. Every family engaged in lively discussions centered on reading. As the saying goes, “There are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people's eyes.” Some families explored the theme of harmony between humans and animals, discussing the importance of treating all life with tolerance and respect. Others focused on the loyalty and perseverance seen in The Scarecrow, analyzing the protagonist’s resilience in the face of challenges. Some were moved by the protagonist who courageously pursues self-discovery and explores the unknown world, with each family member sharing personal experiences and reflections on growth.

In the final week, students and parents jointly reflected on the valuable growth from this reading experience. Students expressed their hope for more reading opportunities with their parents, and parents shared how reading is not just an accumulation of knowledge but a wonderful journey of the mind. They felt proud of their children's passion for reading and were delighted by the wisdom and growth that was displayed. Parents sincerely wished that their children would continue to enjoy reading. They warmly invited the children to start the next reading journey together, believing that reading classics will inspire even greater growth.

Looking back at the exciting activities throughout the reading month, the parent-child reading format not only allowed parents and children to enjoy warm, quality time together but also strengthened communication and fostered continual growth for the students through reading.

Grade 5

The comprehensive reading project for Grade 5 led them to deeply explore Uncle Mouse Overslept, a story rich in traditional Chinese culture. Set in Beijing, the story unfolds through the curious, innocent eyes of Ya Ya, vividly presenting the beauty of Summer Palace and the unique customs of old Beijing. Through the author’s delicate writing, students could almost travel back in time, experiencing an unforgettable childhood tale full of charm.

Every week, students created reading plans and filled out reading logs. Through this, they gradually learned to search and filter effective information while reading. Why did the author name the main character “Ya Ya”? What are the distinct personalities of Uncle Mouse and Turtle 005? By paying close attention to textual details, students gained a deeper understanding of the story’s profound themes. They explored the language style of the work, appreciating the Beijing dialect’s charm with expressions. By analyzing the use of dialect, they gained insights into how regional culture influences literary creation. This in-depth exploration helped students better understand the work and taught them to think from different perspectives.

This reading month also provided an opportunity for creativity. Students immersed themselves in the original story’s world and creatively wrote new chapters. Some envisioned Ya Ya’s future as a naturalist, traveling mountains and seas, nurturing greenery wherever she went. Reading also evoked memories of their childhood “Treasure place” – lively parks, quiet botanical gardens, art rooms filled with creativity and dreams. These cherished memories and sparks of creativity lit up each moment of reading month, blending the fragrance of books with the beauty of dreams.

What impressed everyone most was the students’ deep exploration of traditional Beijing culture. From grand historical structures to the quaint charm of Beijing’s hutongs, to  mouth-watering local snacks to rich folk traditions, students showcased the unique appeal of Beijing’s culture from multiple angles. They then discussed its value and significance in the modern era. A series of hand-drawn posters illustrated the beauty of Beijing’s history and culture.

In addition to the rich content, this reading promotion activity included an extended reading section featuring works like The Cat Mia Leaps on the Roof, The Village Dog Lao Hei Makes Trouble, My Memories of Old Beijing, and The Hutongs of Old Beijing. These works unfolded like vibrant scrolls, sparking meaningful discussions and opening doors to the infinite appeal of reading.

Through these works, students experienced the unique charm of Beijing’s culture and traditions, gaining a modern perspective on how to revitalize valuable traditions in today’s rapidly changing world. This process encouraged their critical thinking and creativity.

The reading month may be nearing its end, but the seeds of knowledge and literature have already been planted in students’ hearts. As a saying goes, “To build character, prioritize learning; to learn, focus on reading.” Looking forward, the students are likely to sustain their passion for reading and embrace lifelong learning, using books as a guiding light on their journey through life.

Written by Cathy Cao

Pictures by G4-5 Teachers

Reviewed by Cong Luo