Singapore is known for its diverse and vibrant cultural scene. Its streets are brimming with individuals with three primary nationalities—namely Chinese, Malay, and Indian. People from other corners of the globe also flock to Lion City to experience life in a community with a thriving economy. They fly to Singapore and undergo bilingual programme classes to work at or establish companies in various industries such as tourism, food and beverage, electronics manufacturing and machinery, financial services, and cargo.
Due to the country’s ethnic heterogeneity, its people recognise four primary languages—English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. They use these communication systems every day to converse with each other at home or work, keeping their native vocabularies alive. But in the 1960s, authorities urged Singaporean students to learn two languages through bilingual programme classes at national schools or independent academic institutions. They asked young learners to speak in English in schools and workplaces while encouraging them to continue using their mother tongue when conversing casually.
According to education experts, learning English and their native languages allows pupils to connect with their nationalities and keep their ethnic groups bonded while helping them become globally competitive. Bilingual education and its programme classes kept the younger generation from forgetting their roots while providing them with an essential skill to help them achieve success in their educational, professional, and personal endeavours.
But how can bilingualism teach kids about their ethnicities while helping them prosper? How can language lessons in a preschool curriculum in Singapore improve a child’s learning experiences? Are bilingual preschool classes necessary for teaching kids two communication systems, or are they better off studying at home with their families? Read on to find answers to your burning questions about bilingualism.
I. Why Kids Should EnrolTo A Bilingual Preschool Programme
While it is true that youngsters can learn to speak English, Mandarin, Tamil, or Malay at home or in their national schools, signing them up for bilingual preschoolclasses can benefit them in ways you have never imagined. Through lessons tailored to address their learning needs, your child will master two or more languages in a blink of an eye through bilingual programme lessons.
But if you are still unsure about enrolling your kid in an institution with a bilingual preschool curriculum in Singapore, scrolling through these compelling reasons for signing them up for such a facility may change your mind.
A. Bilingualism Is A Requirement In Singapore
Since Lion City’s Ministry of Education requires every student to learn two languages as they grow, mums and dads like you are obligated to enrol kids at an educational facility offering bilingual preschool education. You can choose to teach them by yourself at home, or you can rely on the expertise of bilingual preschool teachers who are experts in helping kids study multiple communication systems.
B. Bilingualism Enhances Cognitive Functions
Believe it or not, signing your child up for a facility with a bilingual programme will help them become more attentive and allow them to be better at multitasking. Lessons teaching them to use two languages for speaking, writing, and reading can help them become masters at switching between tasks without losing focus.
C. Bilingualism Teaches Culture And Traditions
Aside from the technicalities of a specific language, bilingual preschool education also teaches children about the histories, cultures, and traditions of the communication system’s native speakers. They inform their students about the background of the language they are learning to help them understand its roots and correct usage while allowing them to connect with their ancestors.
D. Bilingualism Improves Confidence
Most bilingual speakers are more courageous and determined than monolingual individuals. After attending lessons from a bilingual programme, they develop a vast knowledge of various cultures. These classes give them multiple perspectives on societal and cultural matters—which could translate to their confidence in having a broader understanding of the world.
E. Bilingualism Offers Endless Opportunities
Choosing a preschool curriculum in Singapore with bilingual lessons can help your child become more successful. If they know how to speak two or more languages, they can receive countless offers from schools and companies that could use their communication skills.
F. Bilingualism Allows Kids To Build Lasting Relationships
If you decide to enrol your child in a bilingual preschool programme, you allow them to make friends they can speak to using the things they learn through their lessons. They can practise using English, Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil together and grow up becoming the best bilingual buddies.
II. How To Help Kids With Their Bilingual Preschool Programme
If you decide to sign your kid up for a bilingual preschool in Singapore, you should learn to guide them throughout the programme. Doing so will help them understand their lessons better and allow them to become master English, Malay, Mandarin, or Tamil speakers. Scroll through to learn a few tips to help you support your child with their bilingual preschool education.
A. Talk To Their Instructor
If you want to help your little one ace their bilingual programme, you can collaborate with their teacher to create a learning routine at home. This plan can support your child’s learning and help them understand their language lessons better.
B. Communicate Using Both Languages
If you want their language lessons to stick with your child, use them outside their bilingual preschool classes. Talking to them in English, Malay, Tamil, or Mandarin at home will sharpen their skills in using their chosen communication systems.
C. Schedule Regular Breaks
Your little one cannot ace their bilingual education programme if all they do is study languages all day. Urging them to take regular breaks will relax their minds and allow them to socialise and enjoy their childhood.
D. Celebrate Their Efforts
Aside from their achievements, commend your kid’s efforts in their bilingual preschool lessons. Showering them with praises will encourage them to continue learning and help them become more confident in their communication skills using two languages.
III. Sign Your Kid Up To A Bilingual Preschool Programme Today!
Bilingual preschool programmes have proven to be beneficial for numerous young learners for decades. It allowed them to learn the basics and complexities of two languages that celebrated their roots and helped them become more competitive and confident.
But before enrolling your kid on a bilingual programme, you should understand the benefits of learning two languages to help you set realistic goals and expectations from such lessons. You should also understand your role as a parent of a kid undergoing a bilingual programme to support your young one’s learning.
Sign your kid up for a bilingual preschool today at Little Skool House! Visit their website below to learn more about their language programmes.