Mother Tongue

Mother Tongue

Focus

To Nurture Anchorlites to be Active Mother Tongue Language Learners, Steeped in Culture, Anchored in Values

Objectives

The MTL department seeks to achieve the following objectives:
i. Foster cultural awareness, language literacy, and inculcation of values to help students develop a deep understanding and appreciation of their cultural heritage and linguistic abilities.
ii. Shape upright individuals who are active learners and proficient communicators, capable of using their language skills effectively in various contexts.
iii. Engage and empower learners to take charge of their educational journey, ensuring they become confident and competent users of their Mother Tongue languages.

Pedagogical Approaches

Our department employs a variety of teaching methods including Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL), Differentiated Instruction (DI), and e-pedagogy to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

The following framework guides us to develop the important skills in our students whilst ensuring that students experience joy of learning through language learning.

**MTL Framework -3As Approach**
The icon of a stylised upright Anchor centred at the framework represents students with an upright character and embrace the love for learning of mother tongue languages.

In preparing our students for the future, skills , knowledge , attitudes and values are incorporated into the MTL curriculum to support the goals of achieving the desired outcomes of education.

The wave represents the stakeholders such as Parents , School Advisory Committee and external organisations who play a big part in supporting the holistic development of the child in learning MTL..

All these elements are encapsulated within the connecting perimeters of a triangle - triple ‘A’ approach to the MTL Framework in AGPS to bring about joy of learning.

Key Programmes

MOE-initiated:

MTL Fortnight
The Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Fortnight aims to create an immersive environment for learning and appreciating Mother Tongue Languages and Cultures by enriching the students with learning experiences beyond the textbooks and confines of the classroom.

Each level will be engaged in cultural activities related to their Mother Tongue Languages based on the assigned theme. Students will cover all the 6 different themes at the end of their 6 years with Anchor Green Primary School. The level themes and activities are as follows:

Primary 1: Festivals
CL: Lantern making
ML: Ketupat paper weaving
TL: Rangoli design
Primary 2: Food
Chinese/Malay/Indian traditional food dough magnet
Primary 3: Art
CL: Chinese Painting
ML: Batik Art
TL: Pot Painting
Primary 5: Plants
CL: tea appreciation
ML: Ketupat weaving (or related to coconut tree)
TL: Flower tying (or related to banana tree)
Primary 6: Traditional Games
Chinese/Malay/Indian Traditional games

P3 CCM
The Conversational Chinese Malay (CCM) Programme is introduced as an enrichment programme for our Primary 3 students. This programme immerses students in Chinese/Malay language and culture, fostering basic oral skills in a third language. Through peer interaction, students practice everyday conversation and develop the ability to comprehend and respond effectively.

Students playing the Malay traditional game Chapteh

Chinese students learning to converse in Malay Language

School-based:

Talent Management Programme: Junior Journalist Club
2024 marks the inauguration of the 'Anchor Green Junior Journalist Club', with the aim to develop students’ communication skills, observational abilities, writing skills and computer technology proficiency. Students made their debut with self-introductions, gearing up for independent learning and producing stellar news reports.

Reading Programme with Library Storytelling
In our endeavour to foster a passion for reading Mother Tongue Language (MTL) books, our MTL department introduced ‘MTL Storytelling @ Library’ for our lower primary students during their recess period. Weekly sessions in Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, are led by our dedicated parent volunteers, who have captivated our students with enchanting narratives, sparking a passion for reading.

Pictured here with his P1 grandson Golden Horse Awards Nominee Grandpa Yong Ser Pin led a captivating Chinese storytelling session

Mr Vikhram engaging our Primary 2 students with an exciting story

Ms Aini engaging our students with a cheery story

A mini prize ceremony for our Primary 1s with Ms Chen Si

Our PV Mentor Ms Loh Tang Ling and Ms Regine Zhuang with our excited Primary 1s

P1 Word Games
To ignite students' interest in Chinese Language and facilitate effective learning, Primary One teachers often incorporate interactive games into their lessons. Additionally, we have developed radical games to deepen students' understanding, where they write characters based on drawn radicals. These activities are conducted in small groups to encourage interaction and enhance engagement.

P2 Speech and Drama
P2 Speech and Drama offers a dynamic platform for students to immerse themselves in the intricacies of their Mother Tongue Languages. By exploring diverse drama techniques and honing dramatic interpretation and dialogue delivery, students enhance their linguistic abilities and cultivate confidence in expressing themselves in their respective Mother Tongue Languages.

Students perform confidently in class

Students show confidence when they perform movement

Students eagerly watching their classmates perform

Students engaged in warm up activity on Day 1

P3 & P4 ICT Day
The MTL Department teachers also leverage on technology to foster self-directed and collaborative learning among Primary 3 and 4 students. By using the Student Learning Space (SLS) and interactive apps, the lessons incorporate engaging elements on environmental conservation and traditional musical instruments.

P4 Cultural Camp
As part of the Mother Tongue Fortnight activities, our school conducts the annual Mother Tongue Cultural Camp for Primary 4 students. This activity provides opportunities for students to use their Mother Tongue Language in an authentic setting and experience their culture's uniqueness through various activities. Students are introduced to traditional instruments like Chinese waist drums, angklung, and parai.

P4 CL Cultural Camp

P4 ML Cultural Camp

P4 TL Cultural Camp

P5 Cultural appreciation
P5 students get to embark on a mindful journey into flavors, aromas, and traditions through the ‘P5 Tea Appreciation Programme’. Through selecting from a variety of teas, brewing, and savoring each sip, students uncover a symphony of flavors. This hands-on experience fosters mindfulness, celebrating craftsmanship, terroir, and cultural heritage, enhancing cultural appreciation and sensory awareness.

P6 Good Writer and Language Games
Anchor Green Primary School fosters lifelong learning by offering engaging language games for P6 students during post-PSLE period. These activities seek to deepen students’ Chinese understanding and nurture a love for the language, promoting continuous learning beyond exams. Through games like guessing idioms and brain teasers, students reinforce skills and embrace lifelong learning values, fostering curiosity and critical thinking essential for life and for work in future.

Chinese New Year Celebration
Anchor Green Primary School embraces sustainability and sustainability has always been part of Chinese New Year (CNY) Celebration. We strive to raise environmental consciousness at the same time deepen our students’ cultural appreciation. Students enjoy eco-friendly activities like upcycling crafts, games, and vibrant performances by Guzheng Ensemble, Wushu, and Festive Drums, while immersing themselves in the festive spirit of Chinese New Year.

CNY concert in the hall

CNY Recess activity learning 12 Zodiac sign stories

Students up-cycling ang bao to decorate classroom

Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration
Anchor Green Primary School celebrates Hari Raya Aidilfitri annually. This year, students' artworks adorn the school, with P1 to P3 crafting money packets and P4 to P6 creating ketupat paper quilling. The celebration also showcases vibrant performances by students and teachers. Additionally, cultural activities are also conducted during recess, to promote awareness of Muslim traditions in Singapore.

A group photo with our principal Mr Cheong

Our confident emcee engaging the crowd

Students enjoying the activity planned for them

Pongal Celebration @AG Village
The AGPS Tamil Language Unit plans the annual Pongal celebrations. Our Anchorlites have the opportunity to develop a greater awareness about the significance and meaning behind the celebration of Pongal (to thank the Sun, Mother Nature, and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest). Pongal-making with the School Leaders, Recess activities are carried out by our beloved Parent Volunteers are just a few in the plethora of festivities at AGPS. As we celebrate our diversity and embrace our multicultural heritage, we can only continue to be stronger together.

Deepavali
The AGPS Tamil Language Tamil Unit organizes Deepavali Celebration concert every year. The celebrations provide valuable insights into the importance of preserving our culture and taking pride in our identity, serving as a beautiful platform to usher in Deepavali. It provides a platform for Anchorlites to celebrate the traditional festival and through the celebration, it helps to strengthen the racial harmony among all races.

Useful Websites

Chinese Language
     a. P1-P6 eZhishi (Online Chinese Magazine)知识网
    Website: https://www.ezhishi.net/ ↗ (opens in new tab)

     b. P1-P6 Singapore News for Children早报（大拇指和小拇指）
    Website: https://www.zbschools.sg/ ↗ (opens in new tab)

Malay Language

     a. https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/whats-on/melayu-programme ↗ (opens in new tab)

     b. https://www.beritaharian.sg/ ↗ (opens in new tab)

Tamil Language

     a. https://www.tamil.org.sg/en ↗ (opens in new tab)

     b. https://www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary2/c/30307529/ ↗ (opens in new tab)