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September 3, 2013

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An element of surprise wins over new students

A PENCIL, a pen and a box of colorful oil paints — the three gifts Xi Huijun gave her daughter on the first day of her school in the first grade yesterday, hoping they would help in writing the perfect chapters to her school life.

The idea of giving gifts came from teachers at the Yangpu Primary School to help new comers adapt to school life. “Children have received and will receive lots of gifts in their life. But the first day of school is an once-in-a-lifetime occasion for parents to give them presents as encouragement and wish them well,” Xi said.

Xi said her daughter was very nervous the day before the attended school. The gift was an unexpected present and she was so happy to receive them during the school’s opening ceremony that it helped in easing some of her anxiety.

“We chose the pen series because we think this is the start of life for independent learning,” Xi said.

The mother explained to her daughter that she would be using the pencil in school and the pen at a later stage of her life.

Xi hoped her daughter would become a good person, quoting an old Chinese proverb that “a man’s handwriting resembles his innate qualities.”

Among other gifts parents gave their children included a broom and a rap, an hourglass, a pair of shoes and books that carried significance like hard work, punctuality and knowledge.

“The presents from parents delighted the children. We always believe it is important for parents to encourage their children instead of just forcing them to study or do other things,” said Shui Bing, a first-grade teacher at the Yangpu Primary School.

 




 

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