1. Our Village Rice
Poet Trần Đăng Khoa wrote this poem when he was in elementary school, but with his sharp observations and deep understanding of rural life during the wartime period, he created a piece that is both familiar and heartfelt. Rice is an essential food for all people, and it holds even greater value when you consider the soldiers and farmers during wartime. Despite the hardships and danger surrounding them, these farmers continue to produce fragrant rice to support the country during such trying times. This poem has even been set to music, so it’s likely that everyone can remember and hum this song, which embodies the soul of the countryside.


2. The Baby Chickens
Hey little chickens! I love you so much. Does anyone remember this poem? It’s a verse about cute, tiny baby chicks. When we were kids, we used to read it over and over to memorize it for our next class quiz to score a perfect 10.


3. The Kitten Goes to School
This poem perfectly captures the feelings of a child heading to school. Everyone hates going to school and always tries to come up with excuses like a stomach ache or a sore hand. Just like the lazy kitten in the poem, I remember when my parents had to drag me out of bed early for school, and I would lay there pretending I couldn’t wake up. Once in class, you couldn’t run around or nap, so who’d want to go to school? It’s such a struggle, so tough!


4. Stories from the Classroom
In every classroom, there are all sorts of stories—some kids are mischievous, some are well-behaved, others are a bit troublesome. At a young age, we are innocent and act on impulse, doing what we like without thinking. Every student has their own unique personality, so it’s important to learn to get along with everyone in class. The poem’s message is clear—don't focus on others' bad behaviors, but instead reflect on your own actions. I bet we’ve all shared with our parents the things we didn’t like about our classmates, haven’t we? Let's read this poem together again!


5. The Young Calf’s Contest
A calf represents the traditional farming life of Vietnam, symbolizing hard work and the agricultural way of life. The poet uses this metaphor to describe the playful innocence and energy of young children, comparing their liveliness to the calf’s playful nature. Just like the calf, which thrives under the care of its mother, children too grow strong with their parents' love and care. The poet creatively uses the calf to represent the child, highlighting their shared qualities in an imaginative way.


6. A Grandfather’s Love
The poet expresses a gentle, heartfelt bond between a grandfather and his grandchild. This poem, a classic known by all, touches the deep emotional connection they share. Even though the poem has been edited in some versions, the core essence of love and affection remains intact. Let's revisit this poem in its original form as we remember the precious relationship it describes.


7. The Teacher’s Hand
The sacred bond of parenthood is complemented by another equally profound relationship: the one between teacher and student. From the first day in class, we are nurtured and cared for by our teachers as if they were our second parents. The small acts of kindness, like the teacher’s gentle touch in the poem, are seen as natural yet noble through the poet’s eyes. Let us remember our first teachers, who helped us form our first letters and guided us in understanding right from wrong. They are the unsung heroes, shaping generations.


8. A Farewell to First Grade
First grade marks the beginning of a child’s school journey, filled with joy, play, and learning with new friends. In the early days, I was so small, my parents had to take me to school. I would only sit quietly and study if I could peek through the window into the classroom first. It feels like just yesterday that I started, and now, after a year, everything has become familiar. As I look back, I realize how much I've grown and I don’t want to leave this cherished place. The poem 'A Farewell to First Grade' speaks directly to the hearts of students, bringing simple yet deep emotions to life.


9. The School Drum
The familiar sound of the drum, 'Tùng tùng tùng,' echoes through the years of my school days. It marks the start of the school year and signals the end of a lesson. The drum has watched countless generations of students grow and mature. Every time I reflect on this poem, I envision where the drum stands and the teacher’s figure striking it, filling the air with warmth. Though the drum has aged, its sound still resonates powerfully, just like in the past. Every time I hear the school drum, it brings a rush of emotions, a mix of nostalgia and longing.


10. Being an Older Brother
This poem is a staple for almost every generation of students. Even those from the 80s and 90s will likely remember at least a few lines. From a young age, the poem teaches the importance of loving and cherishing the people in our family. As the years pass, and we grow up to become parents, we continue to pass on this simple, yet powerful lesson to our own children.


