Mother Tongue Languages

Every JingShanite is an Empathetic and Confident Communicator!

Mother Tongue Language (MTL) learning at Jing Shan Primary aims to help students experience the joy of learning and become confident users of their Mother Tongue. This is in line with the School Vision of ‘Thriving Explorers, Mindful Leaders’ which aims to inspire students to navigate the education landscape and chart their own learning pathways with sensibility and empathy. This is achieved through three curricular goals:

• developing students’ language competency by equipping them with foundational language knowledge, skills and strategies to ensure effective communication;

• appreciating culture and values by equipping them with essential moral values and the ability to appreciate their own MTLs, culture and traditions;

• developing 21^st Century Competencies such as civic, global and cross-cultural literacy, as well as critical, adaptive and inventive thinking; and

• equipping students with the foundational social-emotional competencies.

Differentiated Learning

Differentiated learning is implemented to cater to the different learning profiles as not everyone learns the same. Within the curriculum, there is customised learning for those who are more conversant and ready while bridging support lessons for those who may have limited exposure to the language. The department uses a range of teaching and learning resources to cater to different profiles and readiness. Teachers are trained to adopt and adapt teaching strategies to suit the range of learning profiles.

Leveraging Educational Technology

The department actively taps on the affordances of technology to enhance student engagement in their lessons. Teachers use features from the Student Learning Space (SLS) to customise and personalise learning resources for the students. Teachers also use technology to increase motivation by providing meaningful learning tasks, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning. Some of the learning tasks include audio and video recording of oral responses according to a topic and writing activities which require students to work collaboratively online.

Mother Tongue Language Signature Programmes

Mother Tongue Fortnight

Scheduled in Term 3, this annual 2-week programme is conducted during and after curriculum hours. The programme includes novel and exciting language activities like games and quizzes, cultural immersions, language exchange and learning journeys. As students immerse themselves in fun and meaningful learning, they develop cross-cultural literacy and apply the skills they have learnt in class while simultaneously appreciating the beauty of the language.

MT Read

The MT Reading Programme aims to instil in students a love for reading and encourage them to share the joy with their peers. Through the programme, students develop 21^st Century Competencies, particularly critical and creative thinking dispositions and skills through guided activities. The tasks in this programme are carefully curated to sustain students’ reading interest. The programme allows students to share their insights, diversify their perspectives and thinking and facilitate collaborative learning.

Under the MTL initiative, starting with Primary 1 and 2, 30 minutes of MTL lesson per week will be dedicated to reading and reading-related activities using the supplementary readers. Through the SOAR initiative, our youngest Jingshanites will Spark interest, Open minds, Appreciate cultural roots and Rise as bilingual readers. 

JSPS Creative Writers 

The MT Department is dedicated to nurturing young communicators who can express themselves confidently and creatively, both in speaking and writing. The JSPS Creative Writers eBooks showcase the creative works of JingShanites in the three Mother Tongue Languages. These eBooks highlight the development of creative and inventive thinking among JingShanites, reflecting their growth as budding confident communicators. Featuring an integrated audio playback function, the platform allows readers to not only view the pages but also listen to narrated stories, enhancing the reading experience.  Explore our JingShanites’ works at www.ezhishi.net/JSPSebook/index.html. 

Strength Spotlight Programme

The department recognises the uniqueness of each student and offers opportunities for them to stretch their potential. Showcase platforms and programmes further expose students to the Mother Tongue languages. Examples include competitions, talent shows and ambassador programmes, all of which recognise students’ strength and offer them opportunities to shine.