The annual Primary Book Week took place last week at YCIS Shanghai’s Hongqiao Campus in Puxi, during which students enjoyed a wide range of fun, literacy-related events, presentations, and activities. The week was part of Book Month, which is held annually throughout March to encourage and promote a love of books and reading.

The students at the campus had the opportunity to meet and spend time with Mr John Malam, a prolific author of non-fiction books for children. He shared his vast knowledge and experience in a caring and accessible way from which each student and staff member benefited. Mr Malam even signed some of his books for the students!

Children in Years 3, 4, and 6 enjoyed Myth workshops, which reinforced learning that took place in class. Teachers and faculty had the pleasure of listening to the students’ own myths they wrote as a follow-up activity to the workshops.

Year 5 children shared in the experiences of a World War 1 soldier by reading some letters about the time period and writing their own letters from a soldier’s perspective.

Students also had fun sharing books with children from different classes and year levels, in some cases reading to their younger classmates.

There was also a Book Fair throughout the week which created much excitement, and many students were seen digging into their brand new books. Children and staff members are also looking forward to using all of the new books in the Library.

Parents were invited to participate in the “Snuggle Up and Read Day”, and students enjoyed listening as the parents read stories to them – with a cup of delicious hot chocolate to make it all the sweeter!

On the final day of the wonderful week, children came to school dressed as their favourite book character for the book-themed costume parade, which always showcases the fun and joy of reading.

Ms Kemp, the Teacher Librarian at the campus, summed up the week, saying “Book Week has been a wonderful opportunity for students, parents, and staff to come together in a relaxed way around books. A highlight was parents taking the opportunity to spend time reading stories to classes and sharing cuddle time with their children. Book Week will be followed up with equal enthusiasm in the library to keep the reading momentum going. I'd like to express a heartfelt thank you to all the parents who support reading and the library on an ongoing basis.”

Reading books, as well as writing in English and Chinese are of key focus in the Primary programme at YCIS. To learn more about the Primary curriculum, click here.