“Read a book, Build your dream” was the perfect motto to describe the enthusiasm of the English Book Week recently held at SD Islam Al Azhar 52 Sidoarjo. The event took place for a full week, from October 14th to 18th, 2024. This year, the theme was “Islamic Tale and Islamic Inventor,” aiming not only to improve English language skills but also to enhance literacy values, especially the love of reading, and to introduce students to inspiring Islamic stories and Muslim figures.
Various interesting competitions were held in this the event. Starting from the Spelling Bee, which tested students’ ability to spell words in English, to the creative poster-making competition using the Canva application. In addition, there were also English debate, storytelling, and English poetry reading competitions that helped increasing students’ speaking and creative skills. All these activities were followed with high enthusiasm and spirit.
One of the most anticipated activities was the mobile library, a collaboration between SDIA 52 and Perpustakaan Daerah Sidoarjo. Through the mobile library, students were free to choose and read books from the Regional Library’s collection. Student enthusiasm was very high; they seemed very happy to be able to read new books.
In addition to competitions and the mobile library, there was also a unique Pen Pals activity. Grade 2 students of SDIA 52 had the opportunity to exchange letters with students from SDIA 51 Bengkulu and SDIA 54 Pekanbaru. Letters written with enthusiasm were sent through postal officers who visited the school. In their letters, they introduced themselves, told stories about their school experiences, friends, and things they liked at school. The postal officers also provided an explanation of the post office’s programs. This activity gave students firsthand experience of how to send letters through the post office, from writing on postcards, writing destination addresses, to affixing stamps.
Another interesting activity was the Book Donation, which was a donation of books from students for the library of SD Islam Al Azhar 52 Sidoarjo. This program aims for students to share stories about their favorite books and at the same time cultivate the social spirit of SDIA 52 students.
The peak of the Book Week event was marked by a very lively student costume parade. Students paraded wearing costumes of Islamic historical figures, such as Queen Bilqis, Nusaibah, Salahuddin Al Ayyubi, and Mahmud Al Fatih. Their efforts in preparing the costumes were commendable; some appeared in war costumes like Khalid bin Walid, complete with swords and shields, made from used cardboard. While wearing costumes, they carried their favorite books and walked around the school, exchanging knowledge with their friends so that they got a lot of information about Islamic figures. This parade aims to develop pride in Islamic history and Muslim figures, as well as cultivate a love of books.
At the end of the event, the announcement of the competition winners added to the excitement. With the English Book Week, it is hoped that students’ reading interest will increase, and they can benefit from reading activities. Congratulations on the success of the English Book Week at SDIA 52.