Mother Tongue Languages Department

Curriculum

Key Pedagogy

Task-based Instruction, E-pedagogy infused with metacognition, Assessment as Learning and Differentiated Instruction.

Learning Outcomes

The Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) department aims to nurture confident communicators, considerate global citizens and forward-thinking individuals who take pride in their MTL and the associated cultures. The department also strives to craft enriching student learning experiences, blending language, culture, and values with the sheer delight of learning.

Key Programmes

MTL Reading Programme

Reading constitutes a fundamental element of language literacy. Proficient reading skills not only benefit students during their academic journey but also empower them for continuous learning and lifelong success. Reading plays a pivotal role in expanding vocabulary, fostering analytical thinking, and broadening students’ perspectives on the world around them.

Through our MTL Reading Programme, YI students engage in diverse reading materials on a weekly basis, encompassing various genres such as current news reports to keep them informed about ongoing events and literary texts that introduce the elegance and artistry of language. To further enrich the process of reading as an active learning experience, students actively participate in discussions during their lessons, allowing them to exchange ideas and negotiate meanings for enhanced comprehension in collaboration with their peers. This interactive learning approach will subsequently be demonstrated and reinforced in their writing endeavors.

Empowering Language Learners: Metacognition, E-Pedagogy, and Assessment as Learning

Language learning frequently involves active production, such as speaking and writing in the language being taught or learned. As expressed in the renowned words of American philosopher John Dewey, “We do not learn from an experience… we learn from reflecting on an experience.” In the context of students learning Mother Tongue Languages (MTL), the incorporation of e-pedagogy and metacognition plays a pivotal role.

Through the integration of technology, students not only cultivate the habit of monitoring, evaluating, and planning for enhanced MTL productions within the school environment, but they also develop these valuable metacognitive skills that prepare them to become lifelong language learners well beyond their school years. This process shifts the focus from mere assessment of learning to assessment as learning, where students actively engage in self-assessment and reflection to optimize their language acquisition and production.

MTL Fortnight Programme

Every year, during the MTL Fortnight, the Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Department orchestrates a dynamic array of activities that transform the learning experience for our students. These activities extend beyond the confines of the classroom, featuring immersive learning journeys to external cultural sites, fostering a deeper connection with MTL as a ‘living language.’

The MTL Fortnight serves as a vibrant platform, providing students with authentic opportunities to engage with MTL and immerse themselves in the associated cultures. Through a diverse range of activities, students not only learn about their mother tongues but also get to experience the richness of their heritage firsthand.

Here’s a glimpse of the culturally enriching activities our students participate in during the MTL Fortnight:

Chinese Theatre Play: Students delve into the world of Chinese theater, witnessing the artistry and storytelling that encapsulates the essence of Chinese culture.

Book Talk by Local Malay Author: This unique opportunity allows students to connect with a local Malay author, gaining insights into the creative process and Malay literature.

Sharing on Chinese Herbs by TCM Physician: Students explore the traditional Chinese medicinal practices, learning about the use of herbs in healthcare.

Experiencing Chinese & Malay Traditional Games: Engaging in traditional games provides a fun and interactive way for students to appreciate the playfulness of their cultures.

Making of Bunga Rampai (Malay Potpourri): Students create Bunga Rampai, a fragrant Malay potpourri traditionally used at weddings, connecting with Malay customs and rituals.

Making of Chinese Herb Sachet: This hands-on activity lets students craft herb sachets, deepening their understanding of Chinese herbs and their uses.

Use of Chinese Herbs in Our Daily Diet: Students discover how Chinese herbs are incorporated into daily diets, promoting health and well-being.

Herbs and Spices in the Malay Community: This activity explores the multifaceted use of herbs and spices within the Malay community, spanning cuisine, medicine, and beauty.

Learning Journey to Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall: Students embark on an educational journey to this historical site, gaining insight into the life and contributions of Sun Yat Sen.

Learning Journey to Gardens by the Bay (Heritage Garden): A visit to the Heritage Garden at Gardens by the Bay offers a tangible connection to the natural, understanding the different herbs and spices as well as the cultural heritage of Singapore.

These interactive activities not only educate students but also kindle a passion for their mother tongues and the vibrant cultures they represent. The MTL Fortnight stands as a testament to our commitment to providing students with opportunities to engage with and cherish their linguistic and cultural heritage.

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration

Our Mid-Autumn Festival celebration is a momentous event where our school community comes together to foster cultural awareness and understanding. We hold this celebration with the primary goals of instilling the values of family reunion and harmony and strengthening our bond as One YI Family. The festivities encompass a variety of engaging activities, such as a photo booth for capturing memories, lantern riddles to stimulate our minds, student-led tea appreciation sessions, delightful mooncake tasting, and captivating performances featuring our talented students, including the Chinese orchestra and wushu demonstrations. Through these activities, we not only celebrate this cherished cultural tradition but also deepen our connections and reinforce our unity as a school community.