In Singapore, every child in primary and secondary school is required by the curriculum to learn the Mother Tongue Language (MTL), which can be either Chinese, Malay or Tamil. A lot of students who follow Chinese have trouble catching the basics of it, and as a result, they struggle to master the language. Since English is the medium of instruction in school, children may not have many opportunities to practise their Chinese language skills. Furthermore, as many Singaporean families speak English at home, students have even less exposure to the language. Therefore, more and more parents are turning towards Chinese enrichment classes and tuition to help their children build a stronger foundation in the language as well as to perform well on the PSLE.
Students are more likely to receive personalised attention under the supervision of an expert tutor, and they will also have more time to devote to the subject. As the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a key milestone in a student’s education, both children and parents give a significant amount of dedication to its preparation. Its importance stems from two factors: how well the exam evaluates a student’s proficiency across a range of subjects, as well as its influence on their educational path.
What is the Significance of the Chinese PSLE?
Even if your child excels in other subjects, a low grade in Chinese at PSLE can affect their overall score and jeopardise their admission to the secondary school of their choice. Moreover, if your child’s Chinese language foundation is unstable, it can lead to more frustration later on since they will have to continue learning their Mother Tongue in secondary school. Therefore, it is crucial for your child to make time to improve their Chinese language skills. As a parent, here are some tips to prepare your child for the Chinese PSLE effectively.
1. Develop a Study Plan
A study plan enables your child to understand where their efforts are going and helps them prioritise their tasks. You can start by making a list of the topics covered in the exam for each subject. As the PSLE format for Chinese differs slightly from other subjects, your child needs to properly understand how to approach the exam. This can be achieved by becoming familiar with the format and determining the areas in which your child requires assistance. You can also incorporate materials from their Chinese enrichment classes into the schedule. As they work through their study plan, your child will feel more confident in their approach to answering questions from various topics.
2. Set a Revision Timeline
While studying is necessary, revising is more important when it comes to memorising information. Doing practice papers throughout your child’s Chinese PSLE preparation can help them become accustomed to the examination format. It can also help them manage time during the exam. Moreover, practice exams will help your child understand areas of the Chinese language that require extra attention during revision. You can mimic an exam setting during these tests and ensure that your child is not distracted while completing each practice paper. If they are having trouble with any specific Chinese language competency, make a note of it so you may consult their teacher later.
3. Incorporate Chinese into Daily Life
Successfully completing the Chinese PSLE is a marathon rather than a sprint. For your child to be in tune with the Chinese language through daily practice, they need an immersive Chinese environment. As the exam includes four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking (oral), students should be exposed to the Chinese language on a regular basis. One way to help your child integrate Chinese into their daily lives is by making an effort to speak proper Chinese at home. Other leisure activities, such as watching Chinese TV shows together and reading Chinese storybooks will also be beneficial. There are also a number of online resources that can help your child learn Chinese in a fun and engaging way.
4. Sign Up for PSLE Chinese Tuition Classes
Consider enrolling your child in a Chinese tuition class in Singapore to help them prepare for the demanding PSLE preparation path ahead. A qualified tutor can provide them with the extra help they need outside of school. This would be especially beneficial if you are unable to guide your child as often as you would like owing to work or other obligations. Moreover, a tutor will be familiar with the syllabus and what examiners look for. For instance, at My Bright Education, some of our tutors have been Chinese teachers in government primary schools for over a decade and have served as oral examiners and composition paper assessors. They are, therefore, well-versed in the requirements of the PSLE exam.
5. Take Good Care of Your Child’s Health
When preparing for the PSLE, it is critical to ensure that your child is healthy both physically and mentally. Getting enough sleep has a significant impact on your child’s learning process. It helps them remember and retain what they learn, as well as maintain a healthy immune system. During this time, avoid putting them under undue stress and pressure, as it can be counterproductive. Encourage your child to confide in you, as it is crucial for them to understand that they can rely on you. Your child will perform better with a healthy body and mind.
Enrol Your Child in One of the Top Chinese Tuition Centres in Tampines
While Chinese enrichment classes can provide your child the extra support they require, it is crucial to find the right Chinese education centre for them. At My Bright Education Centre, we help your child enhance their Chinese language skills and achieve their full academic potential. We offer Chinese enrichment classes for preschool and primary school students in Singapore, which are conducted by our qualified tutors. Our courses are designed to meet the needs of each individual student as well as the curriculum requirements. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our programmes!
Comments