During a winter filled with books and imagination, Grade 3 students at SHSID took part in a Fairy Tale Reading Week centered on Andersen's Fairy Tales. Through whole-book reading, students explored classic stories by reading, thinking, speaking, and creating. Along the way, they experienced the power of language and discovered how stories can inspire warmth, empathy, and imagination.

Monday Fairy Tale Opening: Stepping into a Magical World

The Reading Week opened with a thoughtful Fairy Tale Opening session. Teachers introduced students to the life and works of Hans Christian Andersen and led them into The Little Match Girl, a story that is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

As gentle music played in the background, teachers read aloud with feeling while students listened in complete silence, as if they could see the small but glowing match lights flickering on a freezing winter street. Gradually, the children were drawn into the story and began reflecting on what the little girl truly longed for.

During the "Warm Matches" activity, students wrote down simple ways they could bring warmth to others— a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand. These heartfelt messages came together to form a quiet but powerful light, much like the one found in fairy tales themselves.

Tuesday Fairy Tale Debate: Different Voices, Shared Thinking

On the second day, the classroom buzzed with energy as it transformed into a fairy-tale debate hall. Desks were rearranged, and students from opposing sides faced each other, focused, excited, and just a little 

nervous.

Drawing on The Old Man Does Everything Right, The Nightingale, and The Ugly Duckling, students confidently shared their opinions and learned how to support their ideas with evidence from the stories and examples from real life. Some spoke clearly and logically, others eagerly added new points, while quick thinkers responded thoughtfully to opposing arguments. Applause and laughter echoed throughout the room.

Through this lively exchange, students learned not only how to speak up for their own ideas, but also how to listen carefully and respectfully. By taking notes and voting, they experienced firsthand that people can disagree while still valuing one another's perspectives.

Wednesday Fairy Tale Story King: Stories Come Alive

On Wednesday, the classroom became a stage. One by one, students stepped forward as "Fairy Tale Story Kings," retelling their favorite stories in their own words.

Some used expressive voices and facial expressions, while others brought their stories to life with gestures and vivid details. The audience was completely absorbed— sometimes silent as everyone held their breath, and at other times bursting into laughter at the most amusing moments.

Through engaging storytelling, the fairy tales felt alive, and the magic of spoken language shone through. The stories continued at home, where students shared them with their families, and parents recorded their reflections, capturing meaningful moments of shared reading and listening.

Thursday Fairy Tale Workshop: Becoming Story Creators

By the fourth day, students had moved from being readers of fairy tales to becoming writers of their own. With their imaginations fully engaged, they began creating original fairy tales inspired by what they had read.

Guided by writing prompts, students thought carefully about their characters, plots, and endings. Group discussions were lively, with ideas flying back and forth— some students refining storylines, others suggesting creative twists or alternative endings.

As words and drawings came together, imaginative scenes slowly took shape. This session was not only an exercise in creative writing, but also a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and self-expression.

Friday Fairy Tale Finale: Reflection and Celebration

On the final day, students looked back on the week and shared their favorite moments and biggest takeaways. Based on their participation in reading, debating, storytelling, and listening, students received a range of fairy-tale-themed awards, including Fairy Tale Reading Star, Golden Speaker, Best Listener, Best Debater, and Warm Words Magician. Every child's effort was recognized and celebrated.

To mark the occasion, each student also received a Fairy Tale Reading Week souvenir— a charming Ugly Duckling keychain, symbolizing growth, perseverance, and hope. It was a fitting and meaningful ending to a week filled with stories and imagination.

Fairy Tales May End,but Reading Continues Although Fairy Tale Reading Week has come to a close, the thinking and emotions sparked by these stories will continue. Through fairy tales, students learned to reflect, express themselves, and imagine new possibilities— and to discover more about who they are as readers and thinkers. As we move forward, may reading remain a gentle yet powerful companion on every child's journey of growth.

(Written by Jiahui Wen

Pictures by Siying Li, Grade 3 Homeroom Teachers

Reviewed by Yixin He, Lei Liu, Yi Zhang, Shiyu Wu, Grace Gilmore)