1. The Wonderful Toy
We all have fond childhood memories tied to familiar toys like dolls, teddy bears, and spinning tops. Each of us has our own preference when it comes to toys. For me, my favorite toy is a stuffed bear.
It all started when my dad returned from a business trip and handed me a gift wrapped in a closed box. I was so excited, not knowing what it was. When I opened the box, I gasped in joy: "Wow, this teddy bear is so cute!" It was the stuffed bear I had always dreamed of. Its fur was soft and smooth like velvet, and when I touched it, it felt like running my hand over a silk fabric.
The bear wore a bright red shirt with a few sparkling beads. Its round face resembled a grapefruit, and its ears stood up, giving it a very cute appearance. Its dark, round eyes were like black pearls. The bear's body was perfectly sized for hugging, so I would hold it every night before sleep. Its little chubby legs spread out, almost as if it wanted me to cuddle it more.
The bear's small, pink mouth was also so adorable. It wore a red bowtie around its neck, tied in the shape of a butterfly, making it even more charming. Every evening after finishing my homework, I would spend time playing with my bear, whom I named Daddy. Whenever I hugged it and kissed its soft cheeks, it seemed to enjoy the affection.
Though I've grown older and accumulated many other toys, Daddy will always remain my closest friend. I take great care of it because it was a gift from my dad, who always wanted me to be happy and comfortable.


2. My Fountain Pen
Every year on my birthday, my family gives me a gift to encourage my studies. On my ninth birthday, my sister Hoa gave me a beautiful fountain pen. It was branded Hồng Hà.
The pen is about fifteen centimeters long, almost the same size as my hand. Its body is round and tapers towards the end, made of soft pink plastic. The pen's cap is shiny with silver plating, and it has a clip to keep the pen from falling. When you remove the cap, you see the nib, which is shiny and made of stainless steel. At the tip of the nib is a small dot called a rice grain, designed to prevent the pen from damaging the paper while writing.
Inside the pen is a hollow rubber tube connected to an ink cartridge, allowing the ink to flow evenly. The entire pen mechanism is enclosed in a thin metal tube. Every day when I go to school, I just need to refill the pen, so I don't have to carry an ink bottle with me. This pen is very convenient for taking notes, completing assignments, and writing exams.
I love this pen because it's a gift from my family, and it carries their wish for me to study hard and be obedient. I promise to take good care of it and not let it fall. After each study session, I always put the pen back in its case. Keeping the pen in good condition is what my sister Hoa and my family hope for.


3. The Beautiful White Plastic Ruler
At the start of the new school year, my mom bought me many school supplies, and my favorite among them is the beautiful white plastic ruler.
The ruler is almost as long as my two hands side by side, and about three centimeters wide. It's made from sturdy white plastic, and stands out with the green text 'KIM NGUYÊN' printed on it, making it look even more elegant. The ruler has precise centimeter markings, which help me measure lengths easily. How convenient it is! Along with my trusty pencil, this ruler helps me draw straight lines, create art, and frame pictures perfectly.
Thanks to this ruler, my homework and assignments are always neat and orderly, and my teacher often praises me for them. That's why after using it, I always carefully place the ruler in the compartment of my school bag where I keep my stationery, making sure it's not scratched or damaged. Every time I look at it, it still feels as new as the first day, and I feel proud of my attention to detail.
I really like this ruler. It accompanies me to class every day, listening to the lessons and helping me with my studies. I promise to take good care of it so I can use it again in the coming school year.


4. The Desk and Chair – Close Friends Who Help Us Study
Can you imagine studying without a desk? Certainly, no one could do that! That's why, unknowingly, the desk has become a close companion for students like us. I also have a study desk, would you like to know about it?
Since I have many books, my parents decided to buy me a big desk. It's placed neatly in the corner of my study room. The desk is made of rosewood, with beautiful wood grain patterns resembling silky ribbons. It's also varnished with a glossy finish, making it look quite elegant. The surface of the desk is smooth and flat, with a light brown color that slopes gently towards where I sit. The desk has four sturdy legs, each with four corners, and the upper part of each leg tapers towards the bottom, making the whole desk look sleek. My desk is also quite helpful with its six compartments. Each compartment is clearly divided, so I never mix them up. The two compartments on the left and right hold my books, the two in the middle store my notebooks, and the two on top are for reference books and novels. The desk also has a handy drawer where I keep my important tests and papers. Every time I come home, seeing the desk makes me want to start studying right away. Not only is the desk my close friend, but the chair is always there with it. Made of the same wood and dressed in the same style, the desk and chair look so charming together!
The desk always makes studying comfortable for me. Each morning, as I study, I listen to the sweet songs of the birds outside and watch the soft sunlight filtering through the leaves, dancing on the desk as if playing with me. These little things inspire me to study better! After five years, the desk and chair – my loyal companions – have helped me achieve excellent grades. Even as I grow older and continue my studies, they will always be there, supporting me in reaching my dreams.


5. The Little Alarm Clock
Reng... reng... reng...! A sound rings out, lasting exactly until 6:00 AM, waking me up to start my day. Do you know where that sound comes from? It's from the little alarm clock my dad gave me, branded 'BaBy'.
My alarm clock is very cute. It wears a shiny yellow outfit made of hard plastic, looking very fancy. It's just slightly larger than a chalk box. Around the clock's face, numbers from one to twelve are arranged in a rotating circle. Inside the clock, there's a fun competition going on between the three clock hands. The hour hand, the oldest, is a bit chubby and always runs slowly. The minute hand is slightly taller and runs faster than the hour hand. But winning the race every time is the second hand, the youngest of the three.
The second hand is tall and quite playful. It may be because it's so mischievous that it’s skinny. It always wears a bright red outfit, standing out more than the black outfits of the other two hands. Despite their differences, these three clock hands love each other deeply. On the back of the clock, there's a time-setting button and a timer button. Do you know what keeps the clock running smoothly? It's the battery! Even though it's small, the battery is the one that makes sure the clock tells the correct time.
On weekends, I like to clean my room and never forget to wipe down my clock. Because of that, my clock is always shiny and spotless. At the end of every month, the battery, after working so hard, gets weaker, so I replace it with a new one to make sure my clock keeps time. Although the clock is five years younger than me, I treat it like a close friend. I promise to be its companion throughout my school years.


6. Creative with a Pencil
As the new school year began, my mother bought me a cute and charming pencil.
The pencil still carries the scent of wood and fresh paint. It's longer than my hand and has a round, thick body, a bit thicker than a chopstick. The pencil is painted in a shiny yellow color, with the brand name 'BÚT CHÌ HỒNG HÀ' written in blue letters, standing out beautifully against the yellow.
One end of the pencil has a small pink eraser. Turning it around, I can see the slender, round, black lead running through the center of the wood. I take the sharpener and gently twist the pencil, shaving off thin layers of wood to reveal the shiny black lead. I then start drawing, creating a picture of Mickey Mouse on a clean sheet of paper. The pencil leaves a bold line that becomes lighter and darker depending on the pressure I apply, making the drawing come to life in a beautiful way.
Somehow, this pencil has become my close companion. Every day at school, it helps me underline lines, correct mistakes, or draw art. After using it, I always carefully put it back in its case, making sure not to break the lead.


7. The Fascinating Vietnamese Language 4 Textbook, Volume 1
"Vietnamese Language 4" is the textbook I cherish the most. I will always remember the excitement I felt when I first held it in my small hands during the first reading class of the new school year.
The book (Volume 1) is 184 pages long, measuring 16x24 cm. The cover is a bright, pale yellow, with the title "Vietnamese Language 4" printed in vivid red letters. The illustrations depict six young students gathered around a table, eagerly watching their teacher correct exercises in an open workbook.
In the book, I discovered the charming, kind-hearted Grasshopper, who gently comforts the weak and fragile House Cricket. The Grasshopper has big, round eyes and two long, curly tufts of hair on its head. Its legs look like they’re wearing shoes, and its sharp pincers are like jagged teeth. It was so brave, scaring away the Spider and its dangerous relatives. On page 51, there is a fable about a Rooster and a Fox, with a hilarious scene of a sly old thief. I couldn’t stop admiring the illustrations: the famous artist Leonardo Da Vinci in the story "Drawing Eggs", Uncle Tu and five children in "Uncle Tu's Bicycle", and the hero Yết Kiêu paying a visit to King Trần Nhân Tông before going to battle, among others. There are many beautiful illustrations, delightful poems, and fascinating stories like "The Shell Fairy", "The Rice Seeds", and "In the Ba-Ca-Bong Restaurant"...
The lessons about descriptive writing are particularly captivating to me. Each page of this book opens up a vast world full of dreams and hope in my heart. The scene of the kite flying from the hands of the scholar is so lovely! I quietly read the poem "If We Had a Miracle", and after reading it once, I could recite it by heart. As I hold "Vietnamese Language 4" in my hands, I dream of becoming a student with great writing skills and beautiful handwriting.


8. Describing My School Uniform
The students at my school wear blue trousers and white shirts as their uniform. The shirt I wore to class today is a white shirt that my mother bought for me at the start of the school year.
The shirt is made from high-quality cotton fabric, pure white in color. It has a lovely design, featuring a tie-neck shirt collar and puffed sleeves that are perfect for girls. The collar is a modern style with a lace trim, and it’s lined with fabric to make it stand upright. The lace adds a delicate touch to the collar, giving it an elegant and modest look. On both sides of the collar, there’s a 40-centimeter fabric tie used to form a bow. The sleeves are short and puffed, round like lanterns. The shirt fits me perfectly. The back is a single piece, while the front hem of the shirt has beautifully embroidered flowers along the edges. The hem is folded up by three centimeters, with six shiny silver buttons that resemble seashells. The stitching along the edges is precise and delicate, making the hem soft, flowing, and form-fitting. On the left chest, my mother carefully attached the school badge. When I put on the shirt, I button it up carefully and tie the bow at the collar. The shirt fits comfortably and the soft fabric gently touches my skin, giving me a sense of ease. In my uniform, I feel grown-up and more charming. The shirt, fresh and soft, is like a mother's loving embrace, always protecting and caring for me. I love my mother and am so grateful she bought me such a beautiful shirt. Every day after school, I hang the shirt on a hook, and at night, my mother washes it along with the rest of the family’s clothes. She reminds me to take care of it so the shirt stays white and doesn’t get stained by sweat.
I love the uniform my mother bought for me, and I promise to study hard and achieve good results to make my parents proud.


9. Describing My Bicycle
Every day, I ride my old bicycle to school. This bike used to belong to my older sister, Huệ, and she used it throughout her years in middle school. Now that she's in the 10th grade, she passed it down to me. My dad told me, "You can use this bike for a few more years. When you enter middle school, I'll buy you a new one."
My bike is dressed in a beautiful new red coat! It's a Japanese mini bike, and my dad says it's designed for girls, so it fits perfectly. Though the bike is old, it has a few scratches, each of which probably has its own story, though I don't know them. The frame has a swooping curve, giving it an elegant look. The handlebars resemble two deer antlers, curving gracefully. The seat, though worn, is still very comfortable. The rear rack, which we used to carry school bags, has a missing bar now. The tires are worn down. Recently, after it rained, my dad considered replacing the tires, but I insisted on keeping the old ones, trusting my ability to handle the bike. Thankfully, nothing happened. The spokes are broken in one place, but the rim remains intact, so the bike still works fine since I'm not as heavy as Huệ. The gears are hidden inside the case, and unlike the new bikes some of my friends have, it doesn't make a "click-click" sound.
Despite its age, the bike runs smoothly. One time, I forgot to check the brakes, and the bike was speeding down a hill when the brake snapped, causing me to fall. I was very worried when I got home. My dad asked, "Should I take you to school from now on?" I had to convince him to let me continue riding, and after that, I always check my bike carefully before riding. After school, I always clean the bike before bringing it into the house.
Even though my house is a bit far from school, this trusty bike helps me arrive on time. Our family hasn't been able to buy a new bike yet, but this old bicycle is very precious to me. As my dad says, "Things last longer when they're cared for." I will take good care of this bike, my trusty companion.


10. Describing the Map of Vietnam
Every day, going to school fills me with joy. I happily grab my books and head to school, excited to meet my friends and teachers. Our classroom is full of things like the blackboard and the wall clock, but the object I love most is the map of Vietnam.
The map is about a meter tall and as wide as my arm. It is covered with a thin plastic sheet to keep it clean. To most people, this map might seem old and unattractive, but to me, it is priceless and nothing else in the classroom compares to it.
The map is rectangular, and its frame is made of plastic. The edges are reinforced with strong black plastic strips, and between them are neat white and green borders, which make the map look quite beautiful. The map hangs proudly on the wall, secured by bent nails that keep it in place and prevent it from falling on the students. In the center, there is a smaller, detailed map of Vietnam that is glued firmly in place.
Below the map is a legend that helps us understand more about our beloved country, Vietnam. Can you guess the shape of Vietnam? Yes, it's like the letter 'S'! On the right, there's a large blue area labeled 'East Sea.' Above the map, you can see the location of China, a country with a very large population. To the left are the neighboring countries of Vietnam, such as Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. It’s such an exciting map to look at! In Geography class, our teacher often asks us to locate various places on the map. Every time I go up to the board, the teacher praises me for always finding the right places. This map is an important member of our class, reminding us to work hard and contribute to the growth of our country. I will take great care of it, making sure it doesn't tear and cleaning it daily to keep the dust off.
I love this map dearly. It feels like a close companion in class. Even though I will soon leave this school for a new one, I promise myself to study hard so that one day, I will become a designer, creating beautiful and fun objects that will make life more wonderful.


11. Describing My Clock
The charming clock that proudly sits on my study desk at home is a birthday gift my mother gave me when I turned 9 years old (October 10, 2004).
The clock has a deep red plum plastic casing and a square glass face. The minute markers and the hour numbers are arranged along a circular track. Beneath the number 12, there’s a crescent moon design. The clock has four hands of different sizes and colors. The shortest, thickest hand shows the hour, while the slightly longer, thinner hand marks the minutes. Both the hour and minute hands have a glowing blue tip to make them visible at night. The second hand is the longest, sleek, and black, always moving diligently in its circular path. The alarm hand, which is slightly longer than the hour hand and slightly thicker than the second hand, is a moss green color. All four hands are connected to a small, shiny black pin at the center of the circle, which resembles a tiny diamond button.
On the back of the clock, you can see a transparent plastic casing that reveals the machinery. There's a compartment for a small 'Con Tho' battery, and two silver buttons to adjust the time and alarm. A tiny transparent switch is used to set the alarm time. My cousin, Lý, who is in fifth grade, showed me how to insert the battery, set the time, and adjust the alarm. He teased me for not knowing, calling me 'country girl.' But I didn’t mind—I thought to myself, 'Why feel offended when you can just ask?' Before this clock, our family had an old 'Three Cats' clock, but it often malfunctioned, running late by half an hour. Since getting this new digital alarm clock, I’ve been much more organized. Every morning at 6:30, I grab my backpack, put on my hat, say goodbye to my grandparents and parents, and walk to school. Every afternoon, I’m in class by 1:30.
I'm never late like some of my friends. At home, I stick to the schedule set by my parents: study from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, then sleep by 9:45 PM. At 6 AM, when the alarm rings, I wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth, review my lessons for 10-15 minutes, and then prepare for school.
This little alarm clock has become a dear companion to me. It has taught me the value of time, helping me live a balanced life of study, rest, and play. I no longer need to run next door to ask Uncle Hy for the time like I used to.
The clock is more than just a gift; it holds my mother's love. 'Lan, my dear, tomorrow you'll be 10 years old,' she said, hugging me tightly. On many quiet nights, I hear its steady 'tick-tick,' and it feels as though the little clock is whispering, 'Keep going! Keep going!' In the mornings, with the sound of roosters crowing nearby, the clock's chime feels like a melody of dawn, a marching song for the day ahead.
Sometimes, as I gaze at the clock, I whisper, 'I love you so much! You've taught me that time is more precious than gold and silver…'


12. Describing My Piggy Bank
One day, while shopping with my grandmother, I noticed many cute, colorful piggy banks being sold. I exclaimed, 'These piggy banks are so beautiful, aren't they, Grandma?' She didn’t reply, only smiled. To my surprise, the very next day, Grandma bought one and placed it on my bookshelf. When I returned home from school, I saw it and couldn’t contain my joy. I rushed to the back of the house to thank her.
The piggy bank is about the size of a small teapot, shaped like the pig in traditional Đông Hồ paintings. Its back is painted a glossy pink, while its belly is left in the natural reddish color of clay. The head features small, painted eyes and ears using black ink. The pig’s nose is slightly protruding, painted red at both nostrils. Its ears are shaped like little leaves, while its cheeks are flushed pink, like they’ve been dusted with powder. The pig's face looks so sweet and expressive, as if it can smile or frown depending on its mood. Its round, chubby body stands firmly thanks to its flat, sculpted feet. The pig’s tail is a delicate, playful curl, and there’s a small groove on its left buttock, just wide enough to slip in a note of money.
This piggy bank is where I keep my savings. Grandma reminded me to 'feed' it, or it will get 'hungry.' So, every day, I save the money my mother gives me for snacks to fill the piggy bank. Besides being my 'savings bank,' it’s also a delightful little decoration. The piggy bank's playful, naive face brightens up a corner of my shelf. I take great care to avoid breaking it, as it is so precious to me. By saving my snack money throughout the year, I can buy school supplies, which also helps ease the financial burden on my parents. In this way, my piggy bank is truly useful.
I am deeply touched by the gift from my grandmother. The piggy bank, though a simple whim, is filled with her love and thoughtfulness. I promise to study hard and make my parents proud, not only to repay their love but also to honor the affection my grandmother has shown me. I will keep my piggy bank safe and continue saving money, building the habit of wise spending.


13. Describing My Doll
My mother often says that even as a little child, I was always fond of toys that played music. One time, just before the Mid-Autumn Festival, my father bought me a plastic doll with electronic and battery-powered features during a work trip to Ho Chi Minh City. It became my favorite toy ever. This doll was so special—it could walk, crawl, and turn its head, unlike any other doll my friends had.
Look! The doll is sitting right in front of me, its head turning to look at me as if whispering, 'Let me crawl, please!' Each time it crawled, a soft, melodious tune would play from its back, while bright flashes of light blinked from its chest in rhythm with its crawling. When I didn’t let it crawl and made it walk instead, it looked even cuter. With a simple press of a switch on its back, the music would play again, and the doll’s head would swivel, looking first to the left, then to the right. Its blinking eyes were so endearing, and its little legs would take careful steps, as if it were a baby learning to walk.
The doll was dressed in the most beautiful outfit. It wore a large hat that covered most of its head, leaving just a soft pink face with a hint of golden hair peeking out, curled in perfect waves beneath the brim. Its eyes were a stunning shade of sapphire blue, and its long eyelashes fluttered with every movement. After dinner, my friends would gather at my house to watch the doll perform. I was so proud of it! Every day, I would save a portion of the money my mother gave me for breakfast to buy new batteries to keep the doll 'playing tricks.' At night, I would place it at the head of my bed and cover it with a 'warm blanket' I made for it myself.
So, that's my magical little doll. It's incredibly cute and so lovable!


14. Describing the Tea Set
During a Tet market visit, my father bought a carefully wrapped box from a high-end ceramics store in Thien Huong. I unwrapped it and exclaimed, 'Wow! This tea set is so beautiful!'
Our tea set is truly eye-catching. My father carefully placed it in the glass cabinet in the living room. I’ve never seen such a set in any of my friends' or relatives' homes. Although my father is a man, he has a keen sense of taste and a great appreciation for aesthetics. From its shape alone, this set stands out from all the others. Made from fine porcelain, both the teapot and the cups are thick, durable, and resistant to impact. The set includes six small cups, one teapot, and a matching tray for the cups. Each piece is pristine, with identical decorations. Whenever guests visit, they always compliment how beautiful our tea set is.
The tea set's six small cups are simply adorable. The body of each cup is decorated with a pattern of fans, their edges gracefully connecting. Near the rim of each cup, a smooth white curve is drawn with a small black dot in the center, giving it an elegant touch. The plates that hold the cups are slightly larger than the cups themselves, resembling a crescent moon on a full moon night. The edges of the plates, crafted by skilled artisans, resemble gentle waves from the ocean. The most captivating piece is the teapot itself. It has a unique shape, with a wide middle that tapers toward the base. The spout is coated with a golden yellow glaze, and its handle curves in the shape of a question mark. The spout is long and curved, reminiscent of an elephant’s trunk. The lid of the teapot is a cloudy white, with a small round knob, making it easy to lift.
I truly love this tea set. Although there are other more valuable tea sets, I cherish this one above all. Every day, I carefully clean it. Whenever we have guests, my father proudly brings out the set to serve them.


15. Describing the Tear-off Calendar
Every time I return from school and glance at the calendar hanging in the living room, I can immediately tell what day and date it is.
This calendar was a gift from one of my father's friends for the New Year. It consists of seven large pages, each measuring 50 cm by 40 cm. The pages are made from a special type of sturdy, glossy paper. Each page displays either a beautiful natural scene or a grand historical landmark, both from the past and present. Beneath each image, you'll find the name 'Minh Tri Bookstore' printed in bold capital letters, along with a contact number. On either side of the images, the calendar dates, weeks, and months are carefully organized. Sundays are marked in bright red, Saturdays in dark blue, and weekdays in black ink, all neatly aligned. Alongside the Gregorian calendar dates, the lunar dates are also noted.
When I feel a little down, I like to take the calendar off the wall and circle special days, like exam days, New Year holidays (both lunar and Gregorian), summer vacation, and especially the birthdays of my family members.
This calendar not only enhances the beauty and brightness of the living room but also helps me keep track of time, encouraging me to study and work efficiently, without letting time slip away. Time is the most valuable treasure in life.


16. Describing My Family's Sofa Set
The wooden sofa set, adorned with floral patterns, in our living room is a cherished heirloom from my grandfather. It was gifted to him by the Second Corps Command upon his retirement.
My grandfather passed away six years ago, leaving behind a deep sense of loss for the family. Today marks four years since his passing. The sofa set has developed a rich, dark brown sheen over the 20 or so years it's been in our home. My parents live in an old five-room house with a tiled roof that was passed down by my grandparents. To this day, this sofa set remains the most valuable possession in our family. In the middle room, we have an altar for my grandparents and the sofa set. The table is covered with a beautifully thick glass sheet that takes two people to move. The leftmost chair is where my grandfather used to sit, reading the newspaper, drinking tea, and receiving guests. He never smoked tobacco or the local herbal cigarettes. The table was always set with a traditional teapot and six neatly arranged cups on a large green dish.
I vividly remember seeing my grandfather brewing and drinking tea every morning while the rest of us were still asleep. His silver hair, reclining in the chair, his face radiating warmth—he looked peaceful and content. The spot where he sat is now where my father sits. Many times, I have seen my father quietly gaze at the altar, reflecting on my grandparents’ presence and the three honorable medals my grandfather left, framed in glass. Every year on his death anniversary, my father brews a pot of my grandfather’s favorite tea from Thai Nguyen, placing it on the coffee table. He carefully pours it into the six cups, murmuring prayers as the incense smoke rises. Every day, my father polishes the sofa set once or twice. Recently, my parents discussed how next year, after my brother Ngoc graduates from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, he will help renovate the floor tiles and hire craftsmen to re-varnish the sofa set. For my grandfather, the sofa was a symbol of comradeship and shared experiences. Whenever his old comrades from the military visited, the sofa set became the gathering place for deeply cherished bonds. To me and future generations, this sofa set is a sacred keepsake, a piece of my beloved grandfather’s legacy. Every time I’m tasked with washing the dishes and place them on the coffee table, I feel a pang of nostalgia, imagining my grandfather silently sipping tea in the morning and afternoon.
As the years go by, the warm home of our family still holds the precious memories and deep affection of my grandparents. The small garden with its vegetables, the flower pots, the tiled courtyard, the rainwater tank, and the floral-patterned wooden sofa set serve as a living reminder of our ancestors' presence, echoing in the hearts of the family, especially on memorial days and during the Lunar New Year.


17. Describing the Wall Calendar
My father is a police officer. Every year, as the Lunar New Year approaches, his department gifts each officer a beautiful wall calendar. My father hangs it in the living room so everyone can easily check the date.
The calendar resembles a vibrant painting. The predominant color is a fresh, lively green. It features a beautiful policewoman with a radiant smile, clad in her official uniform. A star-shaped emblem rests neatly on her cap. The design of the calendar cleverly captures a vast background behind the officer. In the distance, the Turtle Tower emerges through a misty spring haze. The branches of the silk trees droop gracefully over the tranquil waters of Hoan Kiem Lake, which reflect the vast sky above. Beneath the image is a neatly arranged calendar for the twelve months, with each date lined up rigidly, resembling disciplined soldiers standing at attention. The phrases “People’s Police,” “Happy New Year,” and “Spring of the Dog Year 2018” are printed in bright red. Four corners of the calendar are decorated with vibrant yellow apricot blossoms. Looking at this calendar, one immediately thinks of a joyful, warm spring.
Wall calendars are undoubtedly essential in every household. Thanks to this calendar, I can easily keep track of the days. I’ve even circled the birthdays of all my family members so no one forgets.


18. Describing My Vietnamese Language 5 Textbook, Volume 2
To prepare for the new school year, my father bought me a set of textbooks for Grade 5, which includes the second volume of the Vietnamese Language 5 textbook, a book that left a lasting impression on me.
The textbook is a small, rectangular book, its cover adorned with a colorful illustration. The surface is smooth and glossy, and as it is a new book, it gives off the fresh scent of paper and ink. It is fairly thick, consisting of 176 pages. The title “TIẾNG VIỆT 5, Volume 2” is printed in blue and red ink on the top of the cover. Below the title, the cover shows a vibrant scene of children from various ethnic groups chatting happily, while farmers work diligently on rice fields in the background.
In the distance, a small village with red-tiled roofs is nestled beneath swaying bamboo groves, while further beyond, the vast sea stretches out with fishing boats setting sail. Overhead, a flock of seagulls soar through the clear blue sky. Turning the page, the first page lists the authors of the book, and the title “TIẾNG VIỆT 5, Volume 2” is repeated, perhaps to remind us to focus on learning this subject well. The third page introduces the theme “Citizenship” with a drawing of young students, their red scarves proudly displayed, casting votes to demonstrate the role and responsibility of being a good citizen.
Page four marks “Week 19” and introduces the reading exercise “The First Citizen,” which tells the story of Nguyen Tat Thanh’s journey in search of a path to rescue the nation and its people. The lessons are arranged according to weekly themes such as: Citizenship, For Peaceful Living, Remembering Our Roots, Men and Women, and Future Leaders. The pages are printed on high-quality paper, with black text standing out against a crisp white background. To aid in learning, the lessons are cleverly organized by topic, week, and subject.
In addition to the text, the book includes lively illustrations that engage students and make learning more enjoyable. Weekly subjects include Reading, Spelling, Word Formation, Storytelling, and Writing. Key points are highlighted in boxes with a bright green background to draw attention. Before each topic, there is a dedicated page with a corresponding illustration. Each lesson is accompanied by a colorful and appealing visual aid.
The Vietnamese Language 5, Volume 2 textbook will be my companion throughout the second semester, helping me broaden my knowledge and excel in learning Vietnamese. I treasure this book greatly! Every day after my lessons, I place it carefully into my backpack. Even when I move on to Grade 6, I will continue to regard this textbook as a trusted friend that helped me build a strong foundation for entering middle school.


19. My Lovely Pencil Case
Among all the school supplies I’ve used throughout the year, such as books, notebooks, rulers, and pens, the one I like most is the pencil case my mother gave me for my 8th birthday.
Oh, how beautiful this pencil case is! It's made from a special waterproof fabric, and it’s entirely covered in a vibrant green color, representing the freshness of nature with its leaves and flowers. On the front, there’s a 20x5 cm patch of paper in bright pink. The words “SAY HELLO” are written in a creative font, next to which is a cute, small drawing of a rabbit. Every time I look at it, I feel so happy!
The stitches around it are neatly done, and a zipper was added for easy access to my pens. The pencil case has two compartments: a larger one where I keep pens, erasers, rulers, and a compass, and a smaller one for tiny items like chalk. Once a week, I take some time to clean it, which keeps it looking fresh and new.
I really love this pencil case. Whenever I feel down, I share my thoughts with it, and it feels like it understands me, quietly listening to my stories. “I love you so much, please continue to be my companion, always and everywhere!” That’s what I say to my beloved pencil case.


20. My Backpack: A Loyal Companion
As the new school year began, my dad bought me a new backpack from a children’s store. From the first day of school, this backpack became my dear little companion.
My backpack is rectangular in shape. It’s about the length of two adult hand spans and about one and a half hand spans wide. The base of the backpack is almost as wide as my hand. It’s made of synthetic blue leather, which is smooth and glossy to the touch. Every time I run my hand over its surface, it feels cool and silky, which I find very delightful. The stitching around the backpack is done with red nylon thread, and the stitches are neat and straight. The corners are rounded and trimmed with white nylon piping, adding a charming touch.
There is a handle at the top, about the width of half my wrist, curved in a gentle rainbow shape and securely attached with two flat rivets. The straps at the back are made of durable nylon webbing, very sturdy. I tried it on and stood in front of the mirror, and I looked so grown-up and strong. The front of the backpack features a small compartment with a thin plastic sheet, inside of which is a picture of two little bears, Misa, holding hands and walking on a busy street. I press the shiny silver zippers, which click delightfully, like the sparkling eyes of the bears. 'Click! Click!' The sound is so pleasant to hear. When I open the backpack, I find two compartments lined with soft, thin felt fabric in striped patterns, elegant and neat. In the first compartment, I keep my books. In the second, I store my school supplies, like my pencil case, ruler, compass, protractor, whiteboard, and printed test papers.
Every day, the backpack follows me as I skip happily to school and class, and it quietly waits in the drawer while I study. When I return home, I gently set my backpack aside before putting it in its proper place. I treat my backpack like a close friend. I take great care of it, making sure it stays clean and I regularly wipe it down with a soft cloth to keep it in good condition.


