“Good Readers Make Great Writers!” This was the theme of this year’s Primary Book Week, which brought special authors, presentations, book-themed activities, and most importantly, educational fun to the Regency Park and Century Park campuses this month.

Throughout the week, several authors visited the campuses, including:

• Mr Ciaran Murtagh – A British author, actor, and screenwriter for several popular children’s television series, including Shaun the Sheep and Dennis the Menace. Throughout the week, Mr Murtagh did presentations for the students, and also held small workshops to inspire children to write creatively.
• Ms Jan Latta – An Australian author and wildlife photographer of 14 True to Life Books that educate children about endangered animals. During Book Week, Ms Latta spoke with children about how she has travelled the world to countries such as India, Uganda, and Sri Lanka in order to capture rare images and create her book series.
• Mr Eric Liao – A YCIS parent and author of the children’s books Grace Said Focus and Grace Said Patience. During special class times, Mr Liao read his newest book, Grace Said Patience, to children in Kindergarten and Years 1 and 2.

In addition to receiving a wealth of advice and inspiration from these special guests, Primary students also had the opportunity to participate in several special Book Week activities, including the annual Book Fair and the Door Decoration competition, based on the week’s theme. Complimenting last year’s “Drop Everything and Read” class-time reading exercise, this year students were encouraged to “Pick-Up-A-Pen”, or PUP, to write. Based on the writing completed during PUP time, several of the best student pieces will receive awards and will be published in an upcoming Book Week booklet.

On the final day of the very successful week, Primary students dressed up in costumes, based on a “Freaky Friday” theme. Scooby Doo, Coraline, and Edgar Allan Poe were among some of the creative and spooky-story-themed costumes!

After the Chinese New Year holiday, the spirit of Book Week will continue with a special visit from Australian author, Ms Sarah Brennan. Ms Brennan will be discussing the newest book from her Chinese Calendar Tales series, Rodney Ram, to YCIS students. She will also be presenting Book Week writing prizes to the students.

Both reading and writing in English and Chinese are of key focus in the Primary programme at YCIS. To learn more about the Primary curriculum, click here.