Against the backdrop of green mountains and waters that stretch far and beyond, ancient charm gently lifted its splendid robe. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the Chinese Language Group from SUIS Qingpu’s Primary School engaged with the theme of Telling Chinese Stories through Project-Based Learning. Each of the five grades focused on different facets of Chinese culture: the Three Character Classic, idioms, poetry (including Tang and Song poetry), and the classic novel Journey to the West. On 30 May, we celebrated the 2023 Chinese Culture Closing Ceremony! Every grade performed dances and competed in recitations, filling the school with Chinese cultural performances. The students, stepping to the rhythm of ancient melodies, embarked on an epic celebration of their learning.
Three Character Classic: Nurturing Young Hearts
The first grade used the Three Character Classic to introduce students to traditional classics. Teachers, as wise guides, taught the children to recite the rhythmic beauty of the Three Character Classic. Each character was imbued with historical significance and cultural flavor. The classroom became a paradise of stories where children, guided by their teachers, became narrators of the Three Character Classic stories, reinterpreting traditional virtues such as filial piety, honesty, and diligence in their own words. This process nurtured a new batch of Little Scholars.
‘Ancient Charm, New Voices’ was not just a showcase of the students’ learning but also a test of their confidence and performance skills. We are proud of their excellent performances! Moving forward, the first grade will continue to engage deeply in reading and reciting the classics. Surrounded by the sound of reading, we firmly believe that today’s children reciting the classics will become tomorrow’s pillars of the nation.
Classic Idioms and a Poetic Life
Words inherit the legacy of a thousand years, and poetry flows like a stream of wine. Idioms convey rich meanings with refined language, showcasing the beauty of Chinese characters, while poetry captures the emotions of generations across millennia. Through second grade Chinese culture lessons, students experienced the charm of idioms and the philosophies embedded in poetry. In written and oral exams, students earned group and individual awards, achieving titles like Top Scholar, Second Scholar, and Third Scholar.
‘Chinese Idioms, Endless Fun.’ The profound depth of Chinese culture was evident in the idiom relay performances, demonstrating the children’s accumulated knowledge. We believe that through these activities, students will fall in love with idioms and learning Chinese, laying a solid foundation for further exploration of traditional Chinese culture.
The children’s vivid performances brought to life a vibrant early summer pond scene, filled with life and everyday charm.
Tang Dynasty Elegance and Poetic Imagery
Our third graders focused on Tang poetry, with students often heard reciting from the Anthology of Poetry. They immersed themselves in the rhythms and meters of Tang poetry, gaining a deep understanding of the poems’ meanings. Guided by their teachers, they ‘met’ several prominent poets from the Tang Dynasty—Li Bai, Du Fu, Bai Juyi, Meng Haoran, and Wang Wei. They not only recited famous poems but also learned about the poets’ lives and styles. Additionally, they created exquisite and unique newspapers, expanding their knowledge and appreciation of Tang poetry. Take a look at our Tang Poetry Champion, Tang Poetry Second Place, Tang Poetry Third Place, Tang Poetry Talented Scholar, and Poetry and Painting Little Expert.
‘The Charm of Summer’—the children brought us the gentle beauty of summer through their performance, making us feel as if we were listening to frog calls and soaking in the greenery.
Exploring the Souls Behind Song Poetry
The Wisdom of Journey to the West
Explore the treasures of history, savour the essence of culture. Our fifth grade students centered their activities around the classic novel Journey to the West, as part of their Wisdom of Tianzhu – Journey to the West Cultural Exploration learning activities. They held weekly Tianzhu challenges and knowledge competitions. These activities honed the students’ reading and critical thinking skills, which not only improved their reading and critical thinking skills but also allowed them to experience the wisdom and aesthetics passed down through the ages by understanding the characters’ personalities and the rich vocabulary and exquisite expressions of the classic. They truly deserve the titles of Victorious Fighting Buddha, Clean Altar Messenger, and Golden Body Arhat.
Look! The students paid homage to the classic through song and dance in their heartfelt production of ‘The Enhancement of the Jade Rabbit: Journey to the West Melody’, guiding us toward enlightenment and a greater journey. The Journey to the West teaches us that to obtain true knowledge and meaning, one must endure trials and tribulations. I believe that the fifth-grade teachers and students will become more courageous and determined in the face of challenges.
‘Chinese Treasures, Timeless and Radiant.’ With the flag of cultural confidence raised, we hope that everyone around us will read more, understand the classics, recite poems, love words, and integrate them into life. Only by understanding can we truly love; only by truly loving can we pass it on. We hope the students of SUIS Qingpu will become confident ambassadors of Chinese culture.