Mother Tongue Languages

Mother Tongue Languages

Philosophy

Nurturing a child to be effectively bilingual is not an easy journey. “Active Learner, Confident Communicator of Mother Tongue Language and Culture” is our vision. At KCPPS, we aim to develop pupils as individuals with a positive spirit in the pursuit of excellence in Mother Tongue (MT) language skills and the love for their cultures.

Key Programmes & Approaches

The complete implementation of the new MT syllabus for all levels in 2020, the teaching of MTL is conducted progressively, and anchored in the fundamental skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

Reading Programme

KCPPians are encouraged to read beyond their textbooks. To cultivate a love for reading and to encourage pupils to read MTL books widely, every classroom has a class library. To complement this, the department has a subscription to educational magazines. Primary 1 and Primary 2 pupils learning Chinese Language also subscribe to DuduTown, an adaptive online Chinese reading programme with a suite of e-books that caters to each pupil’s reading ability. Parents can support their child’s daily reading at home by listening to their child's reading and writing words of encouragement in the Reading Aloud Logbook.

All Primary 1 to Primary 3 pupils are on board the MTL SOAR (Spark interest, Open minds, Appreciate cultural roots, and Rise as bilingual readers programme which aims to instil a love for reading MTL materials in pupils. As part of the MTL SOAR programme, teachers use the supplementary readers which are aligned with the refreshed MTL syllabus to develop positive reading habits in pupils from young.

The Extensive Reading Programme (CL), in partnership with parent volunteers, provides additional reading support for reluctant readers. Through storytelling and reading comprehension activities, the programme aims to improve pupils’ word recognition skills and develop their reading confidence. Annually, the MTL Department also organises the World Book Day @ School Programme to further promote a love for reading, encourage regular reading habits, and cultivate an appreciation for books among pupils.

The department believes reading is the key to developing multiple skills. Through extensive reading, pupils will be able to apply the language efficiently, broaden their range of vocabulary and acquire comprehension skills. This will, in turn, enable pupils to express their thoughts both verbally and in writing.

Reading in the classroom

Writing Programme

In order for KCPPians to write confidently, we have adopted a spiral approach to teach writing. Teachers have designed a series of writing programmes, aimed at levelling up pupils’ writing competencies. At the lower primary level, pupils learn basic writing skills through words, grammar, vocabulary and sentence structures. At the middle primary, pupils are taught how to write introductions and conclusions, and organise their ideas with effective sequencing and paragraphing. At KCPPS, Primary 3 pupils start to use the CL Composition Reference Book 《一小笔，一大步》/ ML or TL Composition Reference List to guide them in writing introductions and conclusions. Primary 3 and Primary 4 pupils go through open book assessments for composition writing to encourage them to write confidently. At the upper primary levels, pupils learn to enhance their plots with different but realistic turning points as the focus.

Annually, a Chinese Composition Compilation and Publication 《小笔迹，大创意》is published. It is a compilation of pupils’ lively and individual voices with interesting content and descriptions. This publication not only recognises the pupils’ writing proficiency, but also preserves the memories they have created using ink and paper. We hope that the authentic, age-appropriate publication can inspire pupils to think positively about composition writing.

Cultural Programmes

Being able to appreciate our diversity and rich cultures is crucial to every child in Singapore. The MTL Department strives not only to achieve academic excellence but also provide rich cultural learning experiences for the pupils. We strongly believe that learning comes “alive” through authentic learning experiences. Pupils are exposed to all aspects of language and culture through various activities and learning journeys, where learning is extended beyond the classroom.

Celebrations of festivals (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali) are introduced purposefully at KCPPS to enhance pupils’ knowledge and appreciation of these diverse cultures.

Biennially, the Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration “月儿圆圆庆中秋” is an evening celebratory event for our lower and middle primary pupils and their parents. As part of our cultural programme, the celebration aims to immerse KCPPians in the festive mood as they bond with their families to create awareness of the Chinese traditional culture and customs.

The department seizes opportunities at annual festive seasons to encourage our pupils to show Amazing Love for the residents of Bishan Home for the Intellectually Disabled. The food donation drive, “Share The Joy!”, is done through the Primary 5 Hamper Wrapping Competition during Chinese New Year while the mooncake donation drive, “A Thoughtful Mid-Autumn!”, is organised for Primary 1 to Primary 4 pupils.

MTL Fortnight cum Racial Harmony Day Celebration is another highlight of the KCPPS MTL Cultural Programme. During the fortnight, the MTL Department creates an environment that encourages pupils to use their MTL and appreciate the cultures associated with the languages. Apart from concerts, an array of exciting classroom activities for all levels are organised to allow pupils to experience a wide range of cross-cultural activities related to the Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures and the respective language. Different traditional games and cultural activities, as well as food, are introduced to the pupils during the recess activities.

A pupil learning the art of lantern-making

A pupil learning to play the traditional game of chapteh

Indian pupils showcasing traditional Indian attire

Mother Tongue Language & Cultural Centre (MTLCC)

The MTLCC is a designated space for KCPPians to explore Mother Tongue Languages and cultures. It was set up for pupils to learn their MTL independently or interdependently. With the objective of “Explore, Learn and Socialise”, the MTL department hopes to promote socialisation through engaged learning of various cultural activities in enriched settings, where pupils from different age groups and races learn together using the interactive materials provided.

Pupils discovering the art of tea appreciation