G4-5 students from SHSID Puxi Campus held a one-week "Author’s Week" activity in mid-May. The purpose was to enhance their reading, writing, thinking, and independent learning abilities.

G4: Greek Mythology

Students from grade 4 have been transported into the world of Greek Mythology as they learned about the author Rick Riordan and explored his novel series, Percy Jackson. The week kicked off with an activity that compared the events and characters in the Percy Jackson novels to the gods, goddesses, and monsters of Greek mythology, enhancing the students’ understanding of Greek Mythology.

On Tuesday the students participated in a STEAM challenge inspired by the story of Icarus in which the students designed and created a pair of wings that they would then test in a flying competition. The top three models were awarded medals for their successful flights.

Wednesday drew upon their figurative language skills and creativity as students dressed as the literal form of idioms like, “go bananas,” “cat got your tongue,” “cool as a cucumber,” and many more. They were then tasked with completing a bingo board by finding fellow classmates or G4 students whose costumes fit the description.

What would a Greek myth themed week be without some guest appearances from Zeus, Athena, or the dreaded Medusa? On Thursday students dressed as Greek gods, goddesses, and monsters. During lunch recess they were challenged with a myth themed scavenger hunt. Students followed clues to find gods and goddesses (teachers) who were hidden around the building and collected the secret letters to crack the code.

Friday wrapped things up with Greek Vase decorating inspired by traditional Greek vases whose patterns illustrate popular myths and stories.

In grade 5 for Author’s Week, students focused on the Chinese American author Grace Lin. Grace is known for her children’s books she has written and illustrated, along with her Young Adult novels that focus on Chinese mythology and folklore. Throughout Author’s Week, students focused on many activities that incorporated Grace Lin’s book and Chinese crafts.

Morning Reading

Each day in morning P&B, students listened to Grace read an excerpt from 3 of her novels, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Mulan Before the Sword, and Where the Sea Turned to Silver. By listening to these audio chapters, students in grade 5 were able to gain exposure to some of her novels and see if they would be interested in reading them.

Chinese Dragon Kite

On Tuesday and Thursday during English reading time, students completed an activity where they created a Chinese dragon kite, which showed their innovation capacity.

Bingo Game

On Wednesday, students completed an Idiom Bingo activity. For this day, both students and teachers dressed up as different English idioms. Throughout the morning and during lunch recess time, students went around and found different idioms come to life from their fellow classmates and teachers. If they found 5 in a row, they earned a Bingo and received their prize in the Reading Room. Each student who completed a Bingo received fortune cookies to eat and enjoy their fortune.

Painting and Assembly

On Friday morning, during P&B, students watched a video of Grace teaching them how to draw a rabbit for the Year of the Rabbit. They were able to follow along and complete the drawing to show off to each other. During lunch recess on Friday, students were able to go to the Reading Room to continue working on their rabbit from the morning or completing a Chinese dragon drawing using letters of the alphabet.

During this fun week in grade 5, all students were able to learn more about Chinese American author, Grace Lin, and hopefully can now read and enjoy some of her Young Adult novels.

The biggest event of the week however was on Thursday, as grades 4 and 5 participated in the Poetry Slam Competition. Ten fourth grade students and eleven fifth grade students took part, with special performances from the English teachers and Chinese teachers. They used various forms such as dance, singing, and skits to perfectly integrate their poems with props, immersing the entire competition in an almost magical atmosphere. Both students and teachers showcased their unique creativity in poetry creation and recitation. We were riveted by the passionate and animated poems from our teachers and students.

After deliberation from the judges, the top three poets were selected. In grade four, first place was awarded to Sophie 4(7), second place to Belle 4(1), and third place to Aarav 4(8). In grade five, first place was awarded to Dorothy 5(1), second place to Steve X. 5(6) and third place to Jake 5(4).

We appreciate all the hard work from both students and staff to make this activity a success.

Written by Amy Pilsbury, Eric Barnard, Wu Yin, Mixi

Pictures by Wu Yin, Carrie Mao, Melanie, Puxi G4-5 Teachers

Edited by Serene Yang, Elaine Zhu (Intern), Niall Keenan