New Chinese language curriculum for preschools, kindergartens: reports
A new localised Chinese language curriculum for Singapore preschools and kindergartens has been launched, according to media reports.
Catering to four preschool levels – Nursery 1 and 2, and Kindergarten 1 and 2 – the curriculum, called Chinese for Early Learners, has 17 themes featuring vignettes of Singaporean life.
The books in the syllabus also include illustrations by local comic artist Wee Tian Beng, as well as five language games, which can be accessed online.
Developed by language experts at the Confucius Institute of Nanyang Technological University in conjunction with academics and educators, it comprises a set of 68 books, 544 lesson plans, 2,800 flashcards and 16 student activity books.
The curriculum is aligned with the Ministry of Education’s Nurturing Early Learners framework.
It was developed after Institute staffers examined the Chinese curriculum of preschools here, and found that some materials used to be sourced from other countries or were of insufficient quality.
Each set costs $1,800. The Institute plans to share the curriculum with anchor operators and private childcare centres.
The curriculum was launched on Wednesday (3 January) at the People’s Action Party Community Foundation Sparkletots Preschool at Gambas Blk 408 in Yishun by Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung.
