Language and literacy through interactions
PCF Bedok Blk 30 focuses highly on the core of language and literacy through interactions and communications. “With a strong foundation in English, children can achieve big things,” said Ms Aida Ja’afar, the centre’s teacher. The centre has a diverse language enrichment classes: Speech and Drama in English (Tues 12 – 1 p.m.); Speech & Drama in Chinese (Wed 12 – 1 p.m.); and most uniquely, Japanese Classes (Sat 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.)!
In the Japanese class, the child will not only learn about the Japanese language, but its culture as well. The class is taught specially by a Japanese teacher. Other subjects such as Maths in Japanese will also be introduced. “We have students doing well in that class,” said Ms Aida.
The activities are done “toast-master” style through hands-on activities like show and tell, discussion and teamwork by the children. All of these help the children to be more independent. “The children can work well even when the teacher is not around,” said Ms Aida.
In fact, this is done throughout the centre as the centre strongly believes that interactions and communications are the way a child learns. As mentioned by Ms Aida, “Everything is in line in getting a theme of a strong language core to the students and encouraging the students to work on their speech.”
To enhance the children’s language further, the teachers use their own personal resources to buy suitable books such as Dr Seuss series for the children. The language and literacy corner in class encourages children to speak in complete sentences and recognise vocabulary words.
The teachers also have strong bonds with parents. They integrate and work hand-in-hand through partnering with parents, sharing and workshops. The centre believes in working with the community, which is especially important with our roots of a diverse culture. The importance of a community and other values are incorporated into the centre’s curriculum, to instil them into the children.
