The annual Book Week at Dehong Shanghaireturns, bringing with it the refreshing scent of books. Both the Elementary and Secondary Schools curated a series of fun and interactive activities centered around the theme of “reading,” aiming to spark students’ interest and transform ordinary reading moments into a joyful celebration of literature. Every book becomes a key to a new world, and children dive into the sea of stories, fully immersed in the endless joy of reading.
Shared Reading: A Spark for Thinking and Growth
Both Elementary and Secondary Schools organized a variety of reading exchanges and collaborative activities. These not only fostered a strong reading cultureacross campus but also served as a bridge for connecting minds and building friendships.
In the Elementary School’s “Buddy Reading” activity, older and younger students paired up to embark on a cross-grade reading journey. They shared reflections, exchanged insights, and inspired each other. Younger students learned practical reading strategies, while older students deepened their comprehension through discussion. Through this process, the seeds of friendship quietly took root.
Each day’s “Mystery Reader” segment added a special touch of surprise to Book Week. Teachers from different grades and subjects led reading sessions in beautifully decorated themed spaces, guiding students into diverse and imaginative story worlds. For example, the English department centered its sessions on a carefully chosen book, using engaging, educational activities to boost vocabulary and reading comprehension. The math department took a unique approach by recommending book lists and reading strategies that helped students develop an analytical lens to see the world through mathematics.
In Secondary School, a three-day reading forum featured two Dehong teachers and a student guest speaker, all passionate readers. With thoughtfulness and enthusiasm, they shared perspectives on the compelling plots, vivid characters, and deep themes of their favorite books. This enriching series served as a spiritual feast, drawing more students into the joy of reading.
To encourage book sharing and sustainability, the Secondary School also launched a “Book Swap,” inviting students to bring in books from home and exchange them freely with peers. This initiative not only promoted circular use of resources but also created a meaningful platform forrecommending favorite books and finding like-minded friends.
Teachers further encouraged students to turn their reading experiences into creative projects. From colorful illustrations and handcrafted art to heartfelt reflections, students found various ways to express their insights. For instance, after reading books related to energy in science, students used the knowledge they learned to design and buildimaginative energy-saving model houses—bridging theory with real-world application.
Book Fair: A Diverse Treasure Trove of Knowledge
The book fair, running throughout Book Week, became a signature highlight on campus. Carefully selected by teachers, the books on display ranged from Chinese literary classics to original English titles, covering a broad spectrum of genres includingliterature, the arts, and the social sciences. Students wandered between stalls, flipping through books with focused attention, choosing their favorites like treasure hunters. Many excitedly shared their discoveries with friends, their faces glowing with joy.
Character Parade: A Journey into the World of Stories
A much-anticipated tradition at Dehong, the book character dress-up activity was a highlight for all. Every student embraced their favorite literary character through costume, immersing themselves in this creative celebration.
The Elementary School held a lively “Character Parade,” where studentsdressed as figures from books they’d studied. The playground became a fantastical runway featuring quirky aliens from Aliens Love Underpants, adorable dinosaurs from Tiny T-Rex, and time-travelers from Horrible Histories. Laughter filled the air as stories leapt off the pages and came to life before everyone’s eyes.
Meanwhile, Secondary School’s “Character Adventure” was just as spectacular. From the magical world of Harry Potter to the sharp-eyed Sherlock Holmes, from Shakespearean classics to Chinese literary heroes, students and teachers alike brought beloved characters to life through creative role play, showcasing their deep understanding of literature.
Though Book Week has come to a close, the journey of reading continues. A good book is like a guiding light that illuminates a child’s path to growth. At Dehong Shanghai, we understand the vital role reading plays in education. We are committed to nurturing independent reading habits and a strong reading culture through everyday lessons and engaging activities, making reading a natural part of every child’s life. Through books, students gain knowledge, develop critical thinking, and expand their horizons—ready to explore the future with confidence.
