This past week, if you happened to pass by the Dewey library lobby, you were likely struck by the sight of little pharmacists in white lab coats, busily consulting with visitors at a very special pharmacy. Though it was just a small booth, it was always bustling with activity and a steady flow of “patients” eager to find a dose of literary remedy, offering unique effects such as boosting knowledge, increasing confidence, and enriching vocabulary.
This was one of the highlight activities of Dewey’s Reading Week, designed to nurture and spread the love of books among TDSers. Ms. Nguyen Thu Hang, Vietnamese Literature teacher and project representative, shared that teachers and students spent nearly a month preparing for the event. With creative ideas like the book pharmacy, blind book bags, and read-aloud sessions, the event drew enthusiastic participation from students across the school.
“The students not only selected meaningful books themselves but also prepared blind book bags to gift to one another. Through activities like reading aloud and giving direct book recommendations at the booth, they had the opportunity to practice research skills, improve communication, and gain experience in finding books that truly suit their interests. Notably, the blind bag challenge, with missions such as reading a book about a famous historical figure or a foreign literary work, encouraged students to explore a wide range of genres and develop a habit of reading,” Ms. Thu Hang shared.
On her first day stepping into the role of a “book pharmacist,” Bao Anh (5Tunis) excitedly shared, “To help my friends recharge with ‘vitamins’ for the soul and gain useful knowledge, I spent time researching different book categories. Whenever I read, especially funny stories, my mood and emotions improve so much. I hope my friends will always keep that positive energy by reading every day.”
Reading Week was also a special occasion to honor young book lovers and offer meaningful gifts of encouragement – small but powerful inspirations for students on their journey to becoming Dewey’s reading ambassadors. As one of the honored students, Chau Anh (5Luanda) shared, “I’ve loved reading since I was little. Thanks to Dewey, my reading habits have been nurtured every day. We have a huge library filled with great books, and our teachers recommend valuable reads, let us draw and give presentations about our favorite titles. Because of that, every book I read becomes not only a source of knowledge but also an experience that helps me grow.”
Sparkling eyes, full of curiosity and excitement, as students hold freshly wrapped books still scented with the crispness of paper. Tiny hands carefully turning each page, proudly showing their treasures to their parents. Little friends leaning in to read aloud to one another… At Dewey, the love of reading is sown naturally in moments like these. May these seeds of knowledge blossom and bear fruit, offering shade for the soul and becoming strong companions on each child’s journey to confidently explore the world.
