Why Reading Matters: Celebrating Book Week at Dulwich Puxi
There’s something magical about watching a child get lost in a book. That moment when their eyes light up, their imagination takes flight, and they’re transported to another world— it’s pure joy. That’s exactly what our annual “Book Week” is all about.
This year, we pulled out all the stops to celebrate the power of stories. From dressing up as beloved characters to sharing tales with parents and friends, Book Week was a whirlwind of creativity, connection, and books.
A Link between the Past and the Future
Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a good costume? The “Character Parade” was the highlight of the week, and it didn’t disappoint. Students and teachers transformed into their favourite literary heroes.
Watching them strut their stuff on the school field, you could see the pride in their eyes. It wasn’t just about the costumes—it was about stepping into someone else’s shoes, even if just for a day. Also, it was a colourful reminder of how stories connect us across cultures, generations, and even galaxies.
A Way to Improve Language and Social Skills
Through the whole week, classes hosted paired reading sessions that paired readers up from across the school, from Toddlers all the way through to Year 9. This initiative helped improve reading skills and fostered a sense of community as older students mentored their younger peers. The discussions that followed each reading deepened the connection to the stories and encouraged a deeper love for literature.
A Family Affair
If there’s one thing we love more than books, it’s sharing them with our families. That’s why the “Parent Stay and Read” event was such a hit. Families were invited to share their favourite books with students. Parents and children shared stories together, creating warm memories while reinforcing the importance of reading as a family activity. Students also had the opportunity to share their own written stories in English and Mandarin with their parents, showing off what they had learnt through these events.
A Gateway to Imagination and Creativity
Beyond reading, Book Week encouraged students to become storytellers themselves. Creative writing workshops helped them craft their own stories, while the library transformed into an interactive escape room adventure, where students worked together to solve book-themed puzzles and riddles. Younger students embarked on a book scavenger hunt, uncovering new stories and sparking their curiosity along the way.
At the heart of Book Week is a simple truth: reading matters. It’s not just about learning new words or passing exams. It’s about sparking curiosity, building empathy, and opening doors to new worlds.
When we see a child’s face light up as they turn the page, or hear them excitedly retell a story to their friends, we know we’re doing something right! And that’s something worth celebrating.