By Ryan Chan
A total of 13 teachers were recognised at the recent Outstanding Pre-School Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Teacher Award 2015 in two categories – the Outstanding Award and Merit Award.
Of the 13 awardees, two were from the NTUC First Campus umbrella for their out-of-the-box approach to cultivating a curiosity for learning among the pre-school students.
Ms Li Li, Little Skool House – Merit Award
With 22 years of teaching experience, Ms Li Li, 45, knows how to bring out the best in a child.
“One of the most important things in a child’s education is good communication. It is then they will enjoy the lessons,” she said.
“A lot of families now speak English at home, so we familiarise them with Chinese through singing and games while learning good everyday habits such as the washing of hands and queuing up in an orderly manner.”
Prior to joining Little Skool House, she held the position of Head Teacher at other kindergartens and pre-school institutes. Her experience in making learning interesting keeps the kids inquisitive and always willing to learn.
Ms Wang Yanli, My First Skool – Outstanding Award
With an interest in teaching from a young age, Ms Wang Yanli, 29, is living her dream job as a teacher. Her passion comes through clearly when she explains how her approach has led to students expressing a sincere curiosity in learning Mandarin.
Ms Wang takes learning outside the classroom, often bringing students for walks and teaching them the Mandarin names for everyday objects. These walks become mini thought-provoking adventures, with the kids asking about anything that catch their eye.
“Instead of a fixed system where the teacher teaches and the kids listen, it becomes a conversation. It is through their questions that I can learn where their interests lie,” shared Ms Wang.
Striking A Balance
Both Ms Wang and Ms Li Li feel that having the balance of speaking English and MTL is important. The dual income structure of society does not often leave parents with time to continue their child’s MTL development at home.
But incorporating learning into family time goes a long way. For example, a family trip to the zoo is an opportunity for children to find out the Chinese words for the animals they see and learn how to write it out together at home.
“Mandarin isn’t as widely used as English, but having this development allows a child to be proficient in both languages. Learning MTL is like studying culture and it is something that should be passed down the generations,” said Ms Wang.
Source: NTUC This Week
