RIVERVALE PRIMARY SCHOOL P1 INDUCTION PROGRAMME (ENGLISH) A new English Language Curriculum for Primary Schools in Singapore 1
STELLAR : Strategies for English Language Learning and Reading A new English Language Curriculum for Primary Schools in Singapore 2
What is STELLAR? The STELLAR Vision STELLAR & language learning What makes up a STELLAR unit The STELLAR programme in a school s EL curriculum STELLAR & Parents 3
The STELLAR Vision Children who love reading have a strong foundation in the English Language 4
STELLAR & Language Learning Teaching and learning of English using more speaking and listening activities Children learn reading and writing using rich and interesting books, with discussions led by the teacher 5
STELLAR is different because Classroom environment is: Focused on children s interaction rather than on teacher talk filled with various reading materials for children s use 6
STELLAR is different because English language learning is achieved through: vocabulary learned in books expression of thoughts in oral and written forms 7
STELLAR is different because English language learning is achieved through: discussions with other children and the teacher informal peer interaction 8
What is a STELLAR lesson like? 3. Language Use Activities in Learning Centres 1.Shared Reading Experiences The teacher prepares mini lessons based on specific needs of children to prepare them for reading & writing activities; e.g. grammar, vocabulary, word recognition, decoding skills, spelling Children read storybook with the teacher and engage in oral discussions with teacher and peers 2. Shared Writing Experiences The teacher models writing using children s language. Children engage in writing together and in writing independently 9
Why books? Books: open up the world for children help children think and wonder increase children s vocabulary and knowledge about the world around them provide good examples for reading and writing 10
Each STELLAR unit includes Focused Reading using Big Books reading for enjoyment reading for knowledge 11
Each STELLAR unit includes Key Teaching Points concepts about print (i.e. spacing between words, reading from left to right, punctuation) vocabulary (i.e. meaning of words, phrases) 12
Each STELLAR unit includes word identification activities (i.e. spelling patterns, letter-sound relationships) grammar (i.e. present tense, past tense, singular/plural forms) 13
Each STELLAR unit includes Development of the four language skills listening speaking reading writing 14
Each STELLAR unit includes Development of social skills: oral interaction among peers in non-threatening situations working in partnership with other children turn taking & respect for others during class discussions 15
Shared Reading Experience 16
Tuning-in Students sing tuning-in song Three little ice-cream cones standing in a row, each had a scoop and an ice-cream cone, out came the sun and it shone all day, one little ice-cream cone melted away... 17
Introduce the New Book First Reading Teacher uses questions to get students to discuss or predict the story Re - Reading 18
Giant s Ice Cream Students will listen to the story and reread the story in the second and third lessons. Teacher will teach vocabulary, word identification and grammar after first SBA lesson. Students will complete their worksheets. 19
Shared Writing Experience 20
STELLAR Curriculum (Lower Primary) The STELLAR curriculum is very comprehensive. Integrates all language skills Skills are enhanced through daily practice Key language items are explicitly taught to children 21
STELLAR needs Parents Support 1. Home support Help your child learn English by providing English language reading materials at home. 2. Activate child s interest Show your child that you believe learning English is both enjoyable and useful in your daily life. 22
STELLAR needs Parents Support 1. Role models Read/write in front of your child. 2. Understanding English Language learning requires frequent exposure to listening, speaking, reading and writing opportunities and activities rather than the use of worksheets alone. 23
How you can help your child? Go to the library together Have lots of books, magazines and newspapers in your home Give your child books on their special interests 24
How you can help your child? Allow your child to choose books to read and reread Read to and with your child (or, have your child read to you) Talk about the books and characters read 25
Books that interest children have Clear print and colourful, attractive illustrations or photographs A strong storyline Interesting characters 26
Books that interest children have Are about everyday life Are repetitive and have rhyming words to help children remember words 27
Some language activities you can do with your child include 1) Playing language games like word scavenger hunt. (Looking for a word in print materials.) 2) Reading aloud a book and asking your child to identify words beginning with the same sound, for example, p pancake, pick, put, police, pat, etc. 28
Some language activities you can do with your child include 3) Helping your child learn more interesting words by thinking of new words to replace known words, for example, big huge, enormous, large, gigantic, etc. 4) Getting your child to retell a story to you in his or her own words 5) Suggesting that your child give a different ending to the story read 29
Stellar WebSite http://www.stellarliteracy.sg/ 30
Reading Read accurately and clearly Read with expression Able to make predictions using prior knowledge or contextual clues 31
Listening Identify consonants, vowels, consonant clusters and vowel combinations (beginning/ending sounds, rhyming words) Identify key words and phrases in a text Listen and respond to a variety of spoken and visual texts 32
Speaking Speak clearly and fluently Speak with confidence before an audience 33
Writing Use regular and appropriate spacing between letters, words and sentences Use accurate spelling to write sentences Able to write sentences with appropriate connectors, pronouns, vocabulary and grammatical structures 34
LEARNING OUTCOMES Semester 1 Semester 2 1. Listen attentively and follow simple instructions 2. Speak clearly to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas 3. Demonstrate basic word recognition skills (eg, know the letters of the alphabet, able to pronounce words accurately) 4. Demonstrate writing readiness and handwriting skills such as letter formation, placement, sizing and spacing) 1. Listen attentively and follow simple instructions 2. Follow communication etiquette such as taking turns, and using appropriate eye contact and volume in conversations or discussions 3. Read aloud Primary 1 texts (eg, STELLAR texts) with accuracy, fluency and expression 4. Understand Primary 1 texts (eg, STELLAR texts) and are able to identify simple aspects of fiction (eg, main characters, setting) 5. Write a simple paragraph of at least 3 sentences to recount appropriately sequenced events 35
Formative Assessments Picture Matching/Sound Discrimination Speaking about myself Pick & Tell Storytelling Letter Recognition Reading Aloud Spelling Comprehension Able to write sentences with appropriate connectors, pronouns, vocabulary and grammatical structures Penmanship 36
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