How our English class for kindergarten nurtures confident communication
In the right learning environment, kindergarten will prepare young children with the speaking and literacy skills needed to enter Primary 1 with confidence. In this blog post, we explore the transition from kindergarten to school and how the British Council, together with parents, can help to ensure a positive experience.
The transition from kindergarten to primary school
Starting school marks one of the first significant transitional periods in your child’s life. On the first day, they will encounter a new environment – much bigger than the pre-school learning space they are used to – together with new teachers and new peers. In adapting to this change, they will need to build new relationships, understand new rules, and start a new routine with subjects they have not yet encountered. There is much to adjust to in going from the familiar to the unknown, and it is important that children feel able to communicate to teachers when they need some friendly assistance.
Parents can help children to settle in by talking them through what to expect, and introducing them to some of the changes gradually. Showing your child how to pack their school bag or encouraging them to be excited about wearing their uniform will help to turn nerves into excitement. A successful transition from kindergarten to primary can have long-term effects on a child’s enjoyment of learning; here’s how the British Council’s focus on language and literacy can set them up for happy school years and academic success.
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Language and literacy focus areas
Independent reader
By the end of Kindergarten 2, we aim to have our learners reading with greater ease and fluency. Children will begin an individualised reading programme and develop a curiosity for books through shared reading activities. In addition, children will improve their language ability by playing games, and become familiar with common word patterns, sight words and phonics.
Writing and written accuracy
We equip children with foundational writing skills so that they are able to write simple paragraphs with good spelling. Each child will lead ‘Show and Tell’ presentations to develop an awareness of spelling and punctuation rules, patterns and generalisations, while boosting their confidence and giving them a headstart for Primary 1.
Comprehension
Children will develop their comprehension skills through story related activities. Classroom tasks include employing simple reading strategies, reviewing phonics and blends, and building on knowledge of sight and high frequency words. Your child will be given the opportunity to speak individually, in pairs, in small groups and with the whole class, helping them to learn co-operation and to listen to others.
Learn more on English courses and camps for kids and teens
What to expect at the British Council
We aim to encourage a love of reading by equipping students with the early-literacy phonic strategies needed to develop reading independence and prepare for Primary 1. Reading is foundational to communication and early nurturing will help to give your child the best possible start to their school years.
Our courses are aligned to the syllabus set by the MOE and led by passionate, dedicated teachers who believe in developing the whole child. Learn more about our English class for kindergarten and come and visit us by registering for a trial.