The Early Childhood Chinese Language Symposium - 25 Sep 2021

ABOUT THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CHINESE LANGUAGE SYMPOSIUM - 25 SEP 2021

On 25 September 2021, we held the inaugural nationwide Early Childhood Chinese Language Symposium 2021, where more than 220 educators, parents and stakeholders came together to learn and discuss about the learning of Chinese, bilingualism and its importance for young children. We are encouraged that many feedback that the symposium was impactful in their teaching of Chinese and meaningful.

Organised by the Christian Preschool Alliance and Chinese Kindergarten, the objectives for the symposium are to:

Raise awareness of the importance of our children learning their mother tongue at preschool age.
Advocate that learning of the language goes beyond mastery but also enjoyment.
Celebrate the journey of Chinese language education in the early childhood sector.

This symposium is also held in conjunction with Chinese Kindergarten’s 100th Anniversary celebration this year.

CHINESE KINDERGARTEN - SINGAPORE’S 1ST KINDERGARTEN | PIONEER IN CHINESE LANGUAGE LEARNING

Chinese Kindergarten was the first and oldest kindergarten in Singapore, and the medium of instruction then was only Chinese. Albeit the change in the landscape and the increasing shift in the usage of English, the learning of Chinese still remains a core component in the curriculum.

Chinese Kindergarten celebrates their 100th anniversary this year and is the co-partner for this symposium.

Click <HERE> for the newspaper article by ZaoBao to read about Chinese Kindergarten’s rich history and its 100th year anniversary!

If you wish to attend their 100th anniversary dedication service on 9 Oct 2021, you may check out the details <HERE>.

SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS & TOPICS

The speakers for the symposium are renowned experts in Singapore in Chinese language and its development. They shared on the below topics, reminding parents and educators on the importance of bilingual learning and their roles, approaches of teaching Chinese in a fun way, and the contributions of Christianity in the learning of Chinese language in Singapore’s history and landscape.

Dr Connie Lum

林美莲(博士)

Currently the Director of Mother Tongue Languages in NTUC First Campus, Dr Lum had been in the early childhood field for over 20 years and holds a doctorate in education. She works closely with preschool principals and teachers in developing & delivering Chinese curriculum & programmes to children & the continual review of curriculum tools & techniques.

TOPIC 1: LANGUAGE IMMERSION THROUGH ACTIVE LEARNING

In this session, Dr Connie shared how Active Learning can be used in both classrooms and at home to support pre-school children’s development in oracy skills. She also demonstrated key steps in setting up utilising teaching aids , music and movement and craft to make Mother Tongue Language learning fun for children.

Dr Aw Guat Poh

胡月宝副教授(博士）

Currently the Assistant Head for Asian Languages & Cultures (ALC) at National Institute of Education (NIE), Dr Aw specializes in the teaching & learning of Chinese & Teachers’ education. She is an active practitioner who works together with teachers from preschools, primary & secondary schools in the teaching & research of Chinese language.

TOPIC 2: PARENTS’ ROLE IN SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S BI-LINGUAL LEARNING IN THE 21ST CENTRURY CONTEXT

In this session, Dr Aw shared her rich research and teaching experience about the strengths and challenges of learning the Chinese language in today’s local bilingual context; as well as strategies on how parents should and could participate in their children’s bilingual learning journey in the 21st century context.

Professor Dr Lim Teck Peng

林德平牧师(博士）

Currently the Academic Dean of Trinity Theological College, Dr Lim’s long-term research interest lies in developing Christian educational ideas & practices for church and society. Serving as the general editor of Shengjing Tiandi（圣经天地）, he is currently spearheading a project with churches to develop a preschool Bible-based curriculum using the mother tongue.

TOPIC 3: CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE LEARNING OF CHINESE LANGUAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF SINGAPORE’S BILINGUAL EDUCATIONAL POLICY

This session helped participants gain a better appreciation of the contributions of Christianity to early childhood education. And, particularly in the context of Singapore’s bilingual educational policy, it highlighted the opportunities and challenges that the churches face in offering a sustainable bilingual preschool education to the public.