More than just simple verses, folk poetry embodies the nation’s spirit and soul, encapsulating the Vietnamese people’s traditional cultural values from ancient times. Recognizing this enduring value, Dewey’s 7th-grade students have revived these old folk poems through a creative and meaningful literature project titled “Folk Poetry: The Lyrical Voice of the countryside.” This project also explores and spreads the essence of Vietnam’s rich folk heritage, raising awareness of the importance of preserving and safeguarding this cultural treasure.
Anh Minh, a student from class 7Rome, shared: “During the five-week project, we worked together to research and discuss how to create unique products from folk poetry. We also made interview videos to answer questions like: What is folk poetry? Who wrote them? How do we decipher them? In ancient folk poetry, our ancestors often used comparisons and metaphors drawn from the familiar rural landscape to subtly and delicately express their thoughts and feelings. To fully appreciate the beauty of folk poetry, we must take time to reflect and uncover the layers of meaning hidden within.”
Understanding the beauty and intricacy of folk poetry, TDSers creatively applied it to their essays and literary analyses. Seventh-grade students shared that the memorable, rhythmic, and vivid language of Vietnamese six-eight poetry can also be integrated with knowledge from other subjects, such as Math and Science, helping them remember information more easily.
The project also served as a space where TDSers could freely explore and showcase the beauty of folk poetry ca dao through a variety of creative products. The exhibition area transported viewers back to the traditional Vietnamese countryside with models of banyan trees and village bamboo hedges. Handcrafted items such as paintings, fans, and conical hats adorned with folk verses created an artistic space rich in folk heritage. Through the skillful hands of the students, ca dao became more than just poetry – it transformed into true works of art.
The stage performances were particularly noteworthy, successfully recreating the rich spiritual life of the ancient Vietnamese, taking the audience on an emotional journey. From the lively “Rice drum” dance, to the playful, romantic exchanges between singers, and the satirical play “A Funeral,” each performance skillfully incorporated familiar folk verses. Every act on stage honored the traditional cultural values, serving as a heartfelt reminder that despite the changes of modern life, the roots of culture are always preserved, celebrated, and continue to shine as the soul of the nation.
Nguyen Hoang Anh, a parent of a student in class 7Solna, shared: “At first, when I enrolled my child in an international school, I was concerned about their learning of Vietnamese literature. However, after attending this project presentation, seeing how the children approached folk poetry and expressed their love for Vietnam’s folk culture through each performance and product, I was very impressed. I hope that meaningful projects like this will be expanded, not only limited to Grade 7 but throughout the whole school.”
