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English Foundation

Primary English: Guide to Improve English at Home

By December 18, 2023December 28th, 2023219 Comments
As parents, we understand the pivotal role English plays in our children’s lives. It serves as a foundational skill that is not only about academic excellence but also about equipping individuals with the key to effective communication and a bright future.

 

But here lies the dilemma: how do we know if our child is effectively learning English or if they need help?

Nurturing English skills doesn’t always mean enrolling your child in a tuition center. You can establish a consistent practice routine for all English components to improve English at home. To effectively plan your child’s English practice, start by:

  1. Understanding their specific needs and challenges
  2. Work together to create daily calendar
  3. Use the right learning materials
  4. Craft a Balanced Activity
  5. Empower Them Through Praise and Support

1) Understanding their specific needs and challenges

The first step is to familiarize yourself with what your child is expected to learn at each primary level. Knowing the curriculum benchmarks helps in setting realistic goals and identifying areas where your child might need extra support.

Regularly ask your child about their experiences and if they’re struggling with reading, writing, comprehension, and oral communication. Understanding their struggles from their perspective can provide invaluable insights into where they might need more help or encouragement.

Observing your child’s results can offer clues about their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, seeking advice from your child’s school teachers can provide a professional perspective on their progress and areas that require attention.

Here is an overview of what is expected for students to learn at each primary level. Click on each box to dive deeper into these components and gain a better understanding of what your child is learning in school.

 

What is expected to learn

Primary 1 to Primary 3: Building a Foundation

Early primary school years are crucial for establishing a strong foundation in English. It’s essential to provide the support and guidance needed to ensure that our young learners not only acquire language skills but also develop the confidence to express themselves effectively.

Primary 1

  • Basic Writing Skills
  • Vocabulary Building
  • Basic Grammar and Sentence Structure
  • Speaking and Pronunciation
  • Listening Skills
  • Introduction to Comprehension

Primary 2

  • Creative Writing
  • Expanding Vocabulary
  • Grammar and Sentence Complexity
  • Speaking and Conversation Skills
  • Listening and Interpretation
  • Comprehension Skills Development

Primary 3

  • Narrative Writing
  • Further Vocabulary Expansion
  • Advanced Grammar
  • Oral Communication Skills
  • Listening Comprehension
  • Comprehension with Higher Complexity
What is expected to learn

Primary 4 to Primary 5: Consolidating Skills

This phase is pivotal as the curriculum becomes more challenging. Students are introduced to more complex grammar, vocabulary, and composition writing. If your child starts to show signs of difficulty during these years, it might be wise to seek additional help to consolidate their skills before they progress further.

Primary 4

  • Expository Writing
  • Advanced Vocabulary
  • Complex Grammar Structures
  • Enhanced Oral Communication
  • Listening for Details
  • Comprehension with Inferential Questions

Primary 5

  • Varied Writing Styles (Narrative, Expository, Descriptive)
  • Sophisticated Vocabulary
  • Mastery of Grammar
  • Effective Oral Presentation
  • Advanced Listening Skills
  • Comprehension with Critical Thinking
What is expected to learn

Primary 6: PSLE Preparation

The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) year is often a time when many parents opt for tuition, regardless of their child’s prior performance. The focus here is on refining skills, mastering exam techniques, and building the stamina needed for this crucial exam.

Primary 6

  • Refined Writing Techniques
  • Extensive Vocabulary
  • Grammar Proficiency
  • Persuasive Oral Communication
  • Critical Listening and Analysis
  • Analytical Comprehension Skills

2) Work together to create daily calendar

Working together with your children to meticulously plan their daily activities is a valuable practice that can greatly benefit both you and your child. By sitting down together and mapping out the day, you not only provide them with a clear understanding of what their day entails but also involve them actively in the process. This collaboration is a stepping stone for your children to slowly but confidently start taking charge of their own planning.

3) Use the right learning materials

Each level in primary school focuses on different parts of the English language, so it’s key to have a strong start. To support this, your child can utilize workbooks and online resources. Explore our sample materials for helpful insights on how to guide your child’s English learning at home.

4) Craft a Balanced Activity

Consider your child’s overall schedule. It’s important to find a balance between school, extracurricular activities, play, and rest. Over-scheduling can lead to burnout and stress.

5) Empower Them Through Praise and Support

Acknowledging their hard work and dedication goes a long way in building their confidence and resilience. Every child faces challenges and problems, and your support and encouragement are crucial in helping them overcome these hurdles. Your belief in their abilities and your constant support provide them with the strength and motivation to persevere and grow.

Would like to know which English component your child needs to improve or how you can better assist them? Feel free to WhatsApp us and we can arrange a one-hour consultation and assessment to support their learning journey.

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