As spring gently awakens the Earth and new buds sprout, a breeze of culture quietly drifts into the classrooms of SHSID. This April, Grades 1 to 3 embarked on a vibrant and enriching journey during Chinese Culture Week. From the grandeur of imperial architecture, to the rhythmic cycle of solar terms, to the timeless charm of Tang poetry, the young students immersed themselves in learning and discovery, traveling across time and space to embrace the beauty and wisdom of Chinese culture. During this special week, young hearts encountered history, and classrooms bridged tradition; imagination soared alongside knowledge, and culture walked hand in hand with curiosity.

Grade 1: Beneath Crimson Tiles, Young Hearts Reflect Ancient Splendor

As warm spring breezes kissed the golden glazed tiles, Grade 1 students officially launched their “Chinese Culture Week” journey. Over four progressively engaging days, the children ventured into the heart of ancient China, explored the majestic Forbidden City, admired cultural treasures, and savored the lingering elegance of palace life.

On Day One, students gathered in the classroom and, through a captivating video, stepped through the gates of time to witness the Forbidden City’s grandeur. Ancient walls, flying eaves, golden dragons, and jade phoenixes—each frame filled the room with gasps of wonder. Their virtual palace tour began as they scanned codes and transformed into little "explorers," delving into the secrets hidden in the architecture at the "Audio-Visual Hall" and "The Secrets of the Forbidden City’s Architecture" exhibits.

On Day Two, the students embarked on the “People of the Palace” and “Knowledge of the Palace” quests, exploring stories of palace life and architectural marvels. Through videos, they learned about the identities and tales of palace residents, the meaning behind mythical roof beasts, and the symbolism of the palace’s vibrant colors. With each discussion and group activity, their eyes sparkled with admiration and respect for the wisdom of ancient builders.

By Day Four, the classroom transformed into a mini stage for a fun voice-acting activity. After watching video clips and rehearsing lines, the children eagerly stepped into character, bringing ancient stories to life through their youthful voices. Amid laughter and lively performances, seeds of cultural appreciation quietly took root.

On Day Five, their imaginations soared: “If I could travel back to the Forbidden City, who would I become? A playful roof beast? A hidden treasure slumbering deep underground? Or perhaps a figure of unique charm within the palace? Through colorful drawings and vivid stories, the children expressed their understanding and love for history.

Grade 2: Exploring the Cycle of Seasons, Understanding Solar Terms with a Child’s Heart

As the seasons turn and nature awakens, Grade 2 students embarked on a unique Chinese Culture Week filled with the wisdom of solar terms. Through an experience-based curriculum, they followed the rhythm of time, reconnected with nature, and uncovered the deep-rooted cultural and practical knowledge embedded in the study of seasons and how they change.

On the first day, the students set off on their journey of discovery in a joyful atmosphere. Teachers used nursery rhymes and short videos to introduce the 24 solar terms, explaining their names, sequence, and origins. Through listening, watching, and sharing, students not only gained new knowledge but also sparked their curiosity and love for traditional Chinese culture.

The next day, dressed in beautiful traditional attire, the children stepped into the “Solar Term Time Tunnel” and crafted springtime sachets by hand. While the fragrant herbs filled the room, students learned the link between sachets and seasonal health practices, experiencing firsthand the lifestyle wisdom of ancient Chinese people. With each stitch and thread, culture quietly found a place in their hearts.

On Day Three, the classroom shifted to the outdoors. Students went on a springtime field trip, observing budding leaves, listening to the whispers of small creatures, and feeling the subtle changes of sunshine and breeze. Through this hands-on experience, they sensed the harmonious rhythm between nature and the changing seasons.

On Day Four, students became “Little Solar Term Presenters,” proudly sharing their creative projects with classmates. Their artwork, stories, and poems brought the magic of the four seasons into the classroom, and their confidence and expressive skills shone brightly.

On the final day, students joined an exciting solar term quiz. With teamwork, lively discussions, and rounds of questions and answers, laughter and applause echoed through the room. This fun competition allowed students to consolidate their learning, hone their collaboration skills, and wrap up their cultural exploration on a high note.

Grade 3: In the Rhythm of Poetry, Young Hearts Meet the Flourishing Tang Dynasty

The third-grade children embarked on a unique cultural journey—"The Charm of Poetry." Over the week, they traced the footsteps of the legendary poet Li Bai, immersing themselves in the golden age of the Tang Dynasty through poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music. This became a cross-millennium cultural dialogue where young voices harmonized with poetic rhythms, and brushes danced with lyrical inspiration. In the world of verse, the children encountered a vivid and lifelike Li Bai, experiencing poetry like never before.

On Day One, after weeks of reading Li Bai and His Friends, the students had already become familiar with the life of this "Banished Immortal." They shared their knowledge of the poet’s travels and verses, tracing his journey across ancient China through maps and recitations, feeling the grandeur of the landscapes he immortalized in words.

On Day Two, a striking sight greeted the children as they arrived into their classrooms, dressed in Hanfu, ready for a poetic rendezvous across time. Guided by their teachers, they explored classical poetic imagery—the hometown moon, wandering clouds, secluded mountains, and endless flowing water—all coming alive before their eyes. With brushes in hand, they painted these scenes, transforming abstract verses into tangible art. White clouds, bright moons, towering peaks, and meandering rivers took shape on paper, making the poetic world touchable.

On Day Three, "Ink fragrance dyes the fresh greenery, kites chase poetic lines in the spring breeze." Amid the season’s beauty, the children ventured outdoors with friends for a spring outing, discovering nature’s own poetry.

Day Four saw the classroom transformed into literary salons as students explored the works of Li Bai’s companions—Du Fu, Meng Haoran, and others. Through comparative reading, their understanding of Tang poetry deepened, broadening their appreciation for this golden era.

The week culminated in an exciting poetry competition where young talents shone. Some recited timeless masterpieces with eloquence, while others improvised witty verses on the spot. This celebration of classical culture lit up the classrooms, leaving every participant enriched. The children’s faces glowed with pride in their newfound knowledge.

Watching students still huddled together during breaks, reciting lines with enthusiasm, the teachers then knew—the seeds of poetry had taken root in their hearts. Perhaps one day, on some moonlit night or atop a mountain vista, these young souls will suddenly realize: This is the very beauty Li Bai once beheld!

As Chinese Culture Week drew to a close, the students concluded a truly memorable journey of growth. From the golden roofs of the Forbidden City, to the wisdom of the solar terms, to the poetic splendor of the Tang Dynasty, the week’s immersive experiences offered the students a glimpse into the depth and beauty of Chinese culture. May their curiosity and love for learning continue to guide them through the broader world and deeper into the rich heritage of China.

Written by Yu Lin, Yixin He, Yuanjing Zhang

Proofread by Chad Higgenbottom

Pictures by G1-3 Homeroom Teachers, Siying Li

Edited by Cong Luo

Reviewed by Yi Zhang, Wei Zhang, Cong Luo