"Catkins fluttering and spring flowers blossoming," in the season of vibrant spring and blossoming cherry blossoms, the G6 non-native language students at the Shanghai International Division in China participated in a special outdoor experimental class, exploring the harmony between text and nature together. This activity, titled "Writing Spring in Spring, Brilliance Beneath the Pen," aims to use writing to record the beautiful stories of spring on campus, integrating aesthetic education with natural exploration. It allows students to feel the charm of the Chinese language and appreciate the joy of immersive learning, all within the embrace of the campus nature.

I. Spring Overture: A Symphony of Language and Nature in the Campus

The "Writing Spring in Spring, Brilliance Beneath the Pen" activity is a spring series specially designed by the Chinese language group at the Shanghai International Division in China for G6 non-native language students. The activity, which combines ancient poetry with campus landscapes, not only enhances the students' interest in Chinese but also deepens their understanding of Chinese traditional culture. In every corner of the campus, spring quietly unfolds its tableau in various forms: from the romantic elegance of the cherry blossom woods to the ancient solemnity of the Longmen Building, from the tranquil contemplation by the Zhongxing Lake to the ethereal lightness in the dawn redwood forest. Each spot merges the vitality of nature with the sediment of history, painting a beautiful scene where time and space intersect, leading the students to explore the natural and cultural heritage within the campus.

II. Exploration of Spring: The Colorful Chapters of the Activity

(1) Qingming Festival Themed Poster Display

In this feast of creativity and art, the students created a series of posters showcasing the springtime campus landscapes, especially focusing on the traditional Chinese festival—Qingming Festival. They used rich vocabulary and vivid images to express their deep appreciation for the beauty of language and nature, and their reverence for the Qingming Festival. "The spring colors in the south are rich, and during Qingming, thoughts of loved ones intensify." This is not only a record of the spring scenery but also an opportunity for the students to refine and enhance their artistic expression skills.

(2) Campus Walk Sightseeing Punch Card

Emulating the concept of a "City Walk," this campus sightseeing punch card activity guides students to visit five popular campus sites—Zhongxing Lake, Longmen Building, Cherry Blossom Grove, Dawn Redwood Forest, and the Future West Area. The selected locations not only showcase the unique natural beauty and architectural elegance of the campus but also encapsulate its rich historical and cultural essence. As a new addition for the International Division, the Future West Area is imbued with a special significance of love and appreciation for the campus. Through this activity, students enhance their knowledge of nature and humanities, deepening their understanding and identification with campus culture.

(3) "Spring's Mark" Bookmark

Students designed and produced personalized bookmarks themed "Spring's Mark." Each bookmark blends selected poems and images, turning into a small piece of art that carries the memories of spring. These unique bookmarks not only display the students’ artistic expression of their impressions of spring but also demonstrate the coherence and extensibility of Chinese language learning within the Chinese language group, highlighting an integrated educational philosophy of "teach-learn-assess."

(4) Spring Hymn

As time swiftly passes, do not waste the beautiful spring days; let us sing a spring hymn together. The activity also includes praising the beautiful days of spring, with students reciting literary works of various genres, including the ancient poem "Remembering the South of the Yangtze" and the modern prose "Spring," enhancing their sensitivity to language and expressive skills. After completing the five punch card spots, the collective creation of a slogan demonstrated the students' ability to showcase their language skills. Everyone not only appreciated the beauty of the spring campus but also thrived on the fertile ground of language and culture—undeniably, this was a feast for both the eyes and the soul, as well as a deep engagement with the perception and expression of beauty.

II. Spring Impressions

The posters, bookmarks, and various literary works created by the students not only showcase their unique insights into the beauty of spring but also reflect how they explore the deeper meanings of language through the integration of poetry with natural landscapes. Full of praise for spring, these impressive creations not only demonstrate the linguistic talents of the G6 non-native language group students but also highlight the importance of the curriculum in cultivating students' comprehensive cultural literacy.

The design of this activity for the G6 non-native language group focuses tightly on core objectives: to promote the development of students' language skills, enhance their perception of natural beauty, and stimulate their creative thinking through creative activities. From classroom learning to immersing in the natural world and experiencing the bloom of spring, incorporating cultural elements like poetry enriches the forms of language learning, allowing students to appreciate and create beauty while gaining proficiency and growth in Chinese.

Spring is the perfect season for "the grass grows and the oriole flies, everything comes to life," and also an ideal time in the academic calendar where "a year's plan starts with spring." Through this spring series of activities, while admiring the beauty of nature, the students also exhibit the demeanor of independent learners, finding the romance and beauty of learning Chinese in their exploration of language and culture.

Written by：Antonia Pan Hazel Zuo

图：G6 Non-native language teachers

审稿：Cong Luo, Bianca Noguera