Tiny tots learn about Vietnam from English-language textbook   Students of Nguyen Thanh Tuyen Primary School in Ho Chi Minh City learn English in their class. Photo courtesy of Tuoi Tre Newspaper Ho Chi Minh City primary schools said students greatly like an English textbook that provides them general knowledge about Vietnamese history, geography, and culture, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reported. “I am proud to be a Vietnamese” has been part of the curriculum for two years now. Used as a reference textbook for extra English classes, it is significant for being the first English textbook written by Vietnamese. It provides basic knowledge of Vietnam in a simple manner that primary students can understand easily and find enjoyable since it also requires them to cut, stick, color, and do other things. It also contains information usually meant for older students, such as the location of Truong Sa and Hoang Sa archipelagos and presidents in Vietnam’s modern history. The textbook aims to make fourth graders “tour guides” of Vietnam by providing information about people's favorite dishes, beaches, markets, etc. “'I am proud to be a Vietnamese' not only helps primary school students learn English but also helps them use English to introduce Vietnam to [foreigners] and make them more confident and proud of their country,” Le Ngoc Diep, a former official at the city Department of Education and Training, said. Diem Trang, a teacher at Nguyen Truong To Primary School in District 4, said the textbook has helped her students speak confidently about Vietnam when they meet exchange students. Do Thanh Thuy, a teacher in Hoc Mon District, said her students are very excited to use the textbook since they can do various things with it such as sticking and coloring. “They [also] feel excited to learn about Vietnam,” she added. Thanh Nien News