In the warm moments at the end of the Year of the Dragon, the YCYW Beijing Yizhuang ingeniously planned a grand Chinese Week, which vividly represented a literary feast about love, stirring the soul and evoking profound echoes. In this series of activities, literature served as a fire in the winter, igniting the passionate spirit of every reading enthusiast and illuminating the entire cold season with its brilliant light. It was both a heartfelt reflection on the past journey of learning Chinese and a refreshing renewal of knowledge, as well as a noble tribute and a relay of the profound and extensive Chinese culture. Here, words were endowed with life and magic; they were not just ink marks but resonances of the soul. Each reading could stir ripples in the reader's heart, nourishing every life. The rich activities of Chinese Week guided teachers and students across grade boundaries to jointly explore the colorful ocean of literature, enjoying various fascinating learning journeys, allowing each literary work to take root and sprout in the soil of the soul, echoing endlessly.

The First Student Forum: "Jing Yew Speaks"

The first student forum at YCYW Beijing Yizhuang was held with great fanfare, attracting the attention of the entire school community, and successfully building a bridge for knowledge exchange across different grades. From the adorable first graders to the ninth graders, students of various ages took to the stage to showcase their unique talents and growth stories.

Mr. Fu, the Chinese Subject Coordinator, remarked: "At the event, G1 students shared their favorite stories in their sweet little voices, and their innocent narrations brought smiles to the audience, charming everyone present. Meanwhile, the older students displayed a wealth of knowledge and mature expression skills. Some students presented handmade picture books and creative pop-up books, explaining every detail from the source of inspiration to the production process, fully demonstrating their innovative thinking and hands-on abilities. Others shared insights on reading and writing techniques, generously imparting their valuable experiences to everyone. Additionally, some students shared their literary dreams and diving experiences, showcasing their perseverance and dedication on the path to pursuing their dreams."

Grade 1: The Fantastic Journey of Little Bookworms

Imagine this: G1 students gently push open the door to the magical world of language with their little hands. The theme of this Chinese Week-"Reading Together with You"-seems tailor-made for them. Over the course of 141 days and nights, they read a total of 2,588 books, each one a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be discovered. Among them are some "reading superheroes," with one student reading 171 books, while others braved the weather and persisted in their daily reading, showcasing great determination in their small frames. With their tender voices, they brought to life the beauty of "Jiangnan" and the vividness of "Ode to the Goose" through phonetics, recitation, and ancient poetry, leaving parents in awe with their creative gestures. This is what the world of ancient poetry looks like through the eyes of the students! Hand in hand, they wrote down their wishes for the New Year, and that warmth and anticipation seemed to plant seeds of hope for the coming year.

Grade 2: The Journey of Exploring Ancient Texts

It seems that suddenly, G2 students transformed into little explorers. In the fantastical tales of "The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea" and the miracles of "Tico and the Golden Wings," they discovered their own "superpowers." Ancient texts, famous sayings, and characters from classic poetry became treasure maps of wisdom and imagination in their hearts. The picture books on the twenty-four solar terms allowed them to traverse time and space, engaging in conversations with ancient people and reflecting on those old yet wise ways of living. The secrets within the books were like puzzles waiting to be solved, inspiring them to bravely explore the unknown and turning their learning journey into a marvelous adventure about nature, ancient lives, and the future. During Chinese Week, they showcased their unique "superpowers" through creative performances, perfectly concluding their learning journey in G2.

Grade 3: A Stage of Individuality and Charm

G3 is a year filled with individuality and charm. Through writing, composition, and stand-up performances, each student shines as a unique little star, expressing their personalities in their own ways. As mentioned in "The Most Beautiful Appearance," everyone is unique and there is no need to envy others, for the most beautiful scenery often lies within one's own heart. The students swim in the ocean of words, using their tender yet sincere strokes to record the little moments of growth. They move toward the light, bravely growing into their most beautiful selves.

Grade 4: Courage, Lighting the Path Ahead

G4 students express the power of courage through poetry. Frankl tells us in "Man's Search for Meaning" that suffering itself has no meaning, but our attitude can give it significance. Courage is that indomitable light within us when facing difficulties. Writing poetry may not be easy, but the students rise to the challenge, for courage is the best way to prove oneself. They make friends through poetry and hold it close to their hearts, maintaining a rich and resilient spirit whether they are on high peaks or in deep valleys. They believe that the power within can change destiny, and poetry is the best testament to that.

Grade 5: Patriotism and Building an Ideal Home

G5 students embark on a journey of exploration titled "Ideal Home," carrying a deep respect for traditional culture and a love for modern literature. They passionately interpret Du Fu's timeless masterpieces and recite "Young China," showcasing the responsibilities and commitments of youth in the new era. Li Juan's "My Altay" brings them warmth and depth. They design and present their vision of an ideal town, drawing strength from Du Fu's patriotism and feeling warmth from Li Juan's words. Each step, from creating their ideal home to the expressions of wisdom and effort, is infused with meaning. Their presence on stage is confident and resolute, embodying the truth that "a strong youth leads to a strong nation."

Grade 6: Journey of Laughter, Sparks of Classics and Creativity

G6 students showcased their learning through a "Journey of Laughter" exhibition, perfectly blending the classic "Journey to the West" with modern creativity. The venue transformed into a magical world of the West, with stickers representing the 81 trials guiding visitors on an adventure. Students performed storytelling, shared research findings, and analyzed the fates of female monsters, vividly bringing the stories of the West to life in various forms. Self-directed short plays and homemade board games elevated creativity and fun to new heights. This event not only deepened their understanding of "Journey to the West" but also honed their expression, practical skills, and innovative abilities.

Grade 7: Hero's Journey, Discovering Oneself in Stories

G7 students embarked on a "Hero's Journey in Stories" by deeply studying "The Giver." They discovered that the protagonist Jonas's growth journey closely aligns with the narrative pattern of the "hero's journey." Through group comparisons and analytical summaries, they used visual thinking tools to explore the connections between the story and the real world. This activity not only deepened their understanding of literary works but also taught them how to integrate reading with real life, becoming heroes in their own lives.

Grade 8: The Wonderful Encounter of AI and Education

G8 students became explorers of technology and education. Before class, AI precisely identified knowledge gaps; during class, AI tools assisted in in-depth exploration; and after class, AI quickly organized study lists and generated personalized exercise sets. They engaged in lively discussions about AI in learning, established usage guidelines, and showcased the infinite possibilities of integrating technology with education. This exploration injected new vitality into language learning, making it more efficient and enjoyable.

Grade 9: Book Sharing, Setting Sail for Dreams

G9 students kicked off the Chinese Week with a book sharing session. Students brought their favourite books and shared exciting content and reading insights. Themed speeches cantered around "A Beautiful Future" inspired students' limitless imagination about the future. The interdisciplinary learning experience in geography showcased the unique charm of integrating language and geography. This event not only enriched the language learning experience and cultivated reading habits but also enhanced expression skills, giving wings to students' overall development.

"Jing Yew Cup" – the First "Morality and Law Knowledge Competition"

During the Chinese Week, the subjects of law and morality also attracted a lot of attention with their unique charm. Handwritten posters on themes such as drug prevention, the constitution, and social life were colourful and rich in content, conveying positive energy. Photos from the event captured the focus in the classroom, the enthusiasm in discussions, and the seriousness in practice. In the knowledge competition, students actively thought and eagerly answered questions, showcasing their solid knowledge base and flexible thinking skills. This event not only allowed students to gain knowledge and enhance their abilities but also planted the seeds of the rule of law and moral beliefs in their hearts.

"Jing Yew Cup" – the First "Humanities Knowledge Competition"

During this Chinese Week, our school successfully held the first "Jing Yew Cup" knowledge competition titled "Here is China," providing a platform for students from grades six to nine to showcase their extracurricular knowledge and enthusiasm for exploring their country's culture. From the moment the competition started, the enthusiasm of participants and the audience was as warm and lively as the autumn sun. The competition was carefully designed with three rounds of selection: in the first elimination round, contestants answered questions on Chinese history, geography, and culture under time constraints. Small teams engaged in lively exchanges, and the competition was fierce, with rankings changing rapidly; the second round involved team collaboration, which not only tested the depth of knowledge but also highlighted the spirit of integrity, with sparks of wisdom flying in the auditorium and a strong atmosphere of communication; in the third round, the finals, the rapid-response format brought the atmosphere to a climax, as contestants raced against time and faced difficult questions without backing down, while the audience actively participated, creating a blend of heartbeats and cheers in the auditorium. Ultimately, the champion was crowned in a fierce contest, winning widespread applause. This event was not only a competition of wisdom and knowledge but also a profound inheritance and promotion of Chinese culture, allowing every participant and observer to gain joy, growth, and a deeper love for their country. We look forward to more such activities in the future that will continue to inspire students' curiosity and patriotism, building a foundation for cultural confidence together.

As the Chinese Week of the Year of the Dragon comes to a successful conclusion, the teachers and students of YCYW Beijing Yizhuang have walked together through a cultural feast, witnessing dreams set sail here. In this celebration, each student shines with their unique brilliance, interpreting growth through their own stories and weaving personal glorious chapters with wisdom and creativity. The Chinese Week is not only a splendid showcase of past learning achievements but also an infinite longing and expectation for the future; it resonates like the echo after finishing a literary work, inspiring everyone.

In this campus filled with love and wisdom, may every student continue to grow robustly, bravely pursue their dreams, and let the light of Chinese culture become an eternal beacon on their journey, illuminating every moment of their dream-chasing until their dreams come true. Thus, the echoes of the Chinese Week of the Year of the Dragon will forever resonate in the hearts of every teacher and student, becoming a source of strength for continuous progress.