Mother Tongue Language

Mother Tongue Languages

Vision:

Developing effective bilingual communicators

Mission:

To nurture self-directed learners who can exercise metacognitive reflection on own learning and seek self-improvement, to become proficient users of their respective Mother Tongue Languages (MTLs).

Key Approaches:

Excite: In the MTL classrooms, students’ learning will be activated, so that they are excited, aware and eager to learn.
Engage: Students are engaged to learn actively as they enjoy and learn optimally with their teachers and peers in seamless Blended Learning experiences.
Empower: Students are empowered to own and self-direct their MTL learning based on their readiness and interest. They can also use and apply acquired MTL content and skills to serve and advocate for the causes they believe in (e.g. ALP – GreenMakers@Dazhong), and leading their peers, school and the community to be part of the movement. All of which are anchored on strong school and CCE values.

Milestone Programmes

1. Mother Tongue Fortnight Programme (MTFP)

Every year, for two weeks, our students delve into the vibrant tapestry of language, culture, and identity. From lively drama preparation to immersive traditional experiences, every activity served as a gateway to understanding and cherishing our roots. Beyond academic enrichment, our aim was to cultivate a profound appreciation for our mother tongues and cultures, and we're thrilled to witness the blossoming of cultural pride among our participants.

2. Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES)
Our school seeks to evoke in pupils a deep interest in the learning of the Mother Tongue language through enabling them to appreciate the beauty of cultural performances. Through CPES, pupils are provided with opportunities to be exposed to the different ethnic cultures through folk songs, poetry recitation, storytelling based on classics, theatre experiences etc. Through these cultural activities, the school seeks to enable the pupils to appreciate the beauty underlying each language and hence enthuse them to further seek to deepen their learning of the language.

3. MTL Cultural Camp

MTL Cultural Camp is one of the platforms to encourage students to appreciate their own language and culture and also have exposure to other MTL and traditional cultures. The programme seeks to promote the usage of MTL and cultural appreciation in an authentic setting.

4. The MTL Reading Programme

Aligned to school vision and mission, our department implemented The MTL Reading Programme, which consisted of a series of reading activities throughout the year for all students. We aimed to 1) excite, engage and nurture students’ love and interest for MTL languages so as to establish a strong foundation for continual learning; 2) develop students’ awareness of practising their self-directed learnings while developing the habits of reading MTL books; 3) cultivate critical readings skills and empower them to share good reads with peers; 4) broaden students’ language skills and hone SEL and 21st CC skills; 5) cultivate students to be serving leaders to advocate peers or younger readers; 5) strengthen students’ links to our Asian heritage so that they are aware and can better appreciate our cultures as a concern citizen.

The reading activities were:

a) Reading Corner @ Classroom

During the MTL library periods, our teachers encouraged students to choose their favourite MTL storybooks from the library. These books were loaned and used to set up the MTL Classroom Library Corner in each MTL class. Two MTL student librarians from each class were appointed to monitor the loan of these story books. Books at the MTL Classroom Library Corner were refreshed once every term.

b) I Read and I Wonder

Our teachers recommended a series of interesting storybooks via video and post them on the “I Read and I Wonder” Padlet Page: https://padlet.com/dzpsofficial/Chinese_Story.
Students could borrow these books in the library and after they read the books, they could complete reading activities such as making bookmarks, drawing their favourite characters or scene, drawing comics, designing posters to share a good read.

c) A1 Got Talent

Students had the chance to showcase their talents, such as performing short skits, choral reading and role playing, based on the MTL books they read. A1 Got Talent was conducted as post-exam activities during Term 2 and 4 via SLS or in the classrooms.

d) Read With You

Selected P4 to P6 students recorded themselves reading a storybook and posted the videos on the “Read With You” Padlet page, for the P1 and P2 students to access. These videos were broadcasted in the library and canteen during recess for our P1 and P2 students. For each of these videos, QR codes will be generated and attached inside the books.

5. Learn for Life Programme (LLP) - Speech and Drama

In Dazhong Primary school, we provide opportunities and resources to build joyful learning experiences during the Mother Tongue Language lessons. Based on the chosen curriculum from P1 to P6, Mother Tongue Language teachers used costumes and props in class for students to role-play the scenes they read in the text passages. These lessons were designed for students to deepen their understanding of history and culture through the cultural experiences. With these joyful learning experiences and a firm foundation in Mother Tongue Language, every Dazhong student will be motivated to have a better understanding of their own Mother Tongue Language.

6. Conversational Chinese and Malay (CCM)

During Conversational Chinese and Malay (CCM) lessons, student would acquire a basic understanding of how to speak the two target languages in less formal situations. At the end of the course, students would be able to hold simple conversations in various common situations with a native Chinese Language or Malay Language speaker. CCM also aims to bridge the divide between the languages and strengthen racial harmony.

Festive Celebrations

1. Chinese New year Celebration

At Dazhong Primary School, the Chinese New Year celebration is dazzled with colorful performances and engaging classroom activities. Songs and martial arts showcased the school's cultural diversity. Students also participated in classroom activities like making of traditional handicrafts. This helped to foster cultural understanding and create cherished memories of unity and inclusivity.

2. Hari Raya Celebration

Hari Raya is celebrated annually to advocate the culture of acceptance, especially amongst the different racial groups. From engaging in hands-on activities like food tasting and trying on traditional Malay costumes during recess to enjoying a spectacular concert performance during assembly, our students were immersed in the joyous festivities. Further enriching their understanding of Malay culture, they explored craftwork during CCE periods, fostering a deeper appreciation for our diverse society. These experiences aim to promote cultural harmony and cross-cultural understanding among our students, reinforcing Dazhong Primary School's commitment to celebrating diversity and unity.

3. Deepavali Celebration

The school celebrates Deepavali every year with vibrant performances and engaging handicraft activities. Students showcase their talents through traditional dances, music, and drama performances, bringing the festive spirit to life. This annual celebration not only fosters a sense of inclusivity and appreciation for diversity but also provides a platform for students to learn and embrace the customs and significance of Deepavali.

Stretch Programmes

1. Higher Mother Tongue Languages (HMTL) Bilingualism with Authentic Learning Experiences

The HMTL programme for Primary 4 and 5 students aims to develop effective bilingual communicators and self-directed learners. Students engage in projects on disability awareness and explore classic novels, creating digital resources and stories that highlight school values. They are also given opportunities to discuss and research animal protection and the evolution of Chinese characters, using their knowledge to create advocacy materials and promote the joy of learning Chinese. The programme encourages students to make meaningful connections, explore topics creatively, and develop a strong sense of curiosity, commitment, and collaboration.

2. Competitions

Each year, the MTL department offers various platforms for students to develop their potential, showcase their talents, and learn from enriching experiences through competitions such as the National Calligraphy Competition, an annual competition organised by Fo Guang Shan and the Text Recital Competition, an annual competition organised by the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning. At Dazhong, we believe that every student is a high-potential learner!

Mother Tongue Support Programme (MTSP)

The MTSP is designed to enhance the oracy and literacy skills of students in their mother tongue languages. Targeting students identified at Primary 2, the programme is implemented in Primary 3 and 4. Conducted by trained school teachers, MTSP focuses on creating a stronger language foundation through small group sessions comprising 8 to 12 students. This targeted approach ensures personalised attention and effective learning outcomes for the participants.