1. Phonics and pronunciation

• The English phonics system
• Different types of phonics instruction for young learners
• How phonics can be taught in literacy-rich classroom
• Challenges of teaching phonics in KGs
• Manipulating phonics activities

2. English Language subject knowledge – different aspects of linguistic knowledge

• Basic concepts of six aspects of linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics that KG teachers are required to understand
• How KG teachers can apply their knowledge of various aspects of linguistics to their English Language classroom
• Manipulating classroom English activities

3. Language enhancement for English Language teachers

• The nature of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills as well as English grammar and knowledge for adult learners
• Effective ways of enhancing the knowledge and techniques of using English and classroom English for a KG teacher
• Language skills enhancement strategies and different resources for teachers’ language development
• Writing reflective action plans on improving teachers’ English Language skills

1. Introduction to second language acquisition of young English children

• Concepts of second language acquisition of English, and the factors that determine children’s English Language learning success
• Challenges of different modes of English learning in KGs and the major concerns of local KG teachers who are in charge of English Language activities
• Common methods of enhancing English Language exposure at the KG level and how to draw children’s attention to a language-rich and interesting environment
• How to boost children’s confidence and ability in interacting with other people using simple English in everyday life

2. Early English Language and literacy development of young children

• Critical stages of second language development of young children and support for the language and literacy development of children bilingual and multilingual backgrounds
• Enhancing language and literacy development in young children with a wide range of strategies
• Using the Whole Language approach to plan English learning activities in the contexts of classroom, school premises and the community
• Strategic allocation of manpower and resources for English Language teaching of KGs
• Effective lesson planning skills, e.g., basics of lesson plan on English Language teaching, adaptation and variation of tasks and materials and delivery techniques

3. Effective English Language teaching strategies for developing oracy and literacy of young children of English as a second / foreign language

• Position statements on the developmentally appropriate practices for children from birth through age 8
• Manipulating English activities
• Principles of child development and learning that inform developmentally appropriate English Language pedagogies
• Methods of designing,  implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate English Language activities and a wide range of effective English Language teaching strategies
• The design and conduct of a developmentally appropriate English activity based on the teaching strategies covered in this module

4. Tutorial: participants’ observation and experience sharing

• How the course materials enhance relevant knowledge and skills of teachers in English teaching and English activities planning
• Manipulating English activities

3 hrs

Total: 31 hrs

1. Introduction to second language acquisition (English Language) of young children

• Concepts of second (or foreign) language acquisition of English Language
• Challenges of different modes of English Learning in KGs
• Major concerns of local KG teachers who are in charge of English Language activities

2. Early English Language and literacy development of young children

• Critical stages of second language development for young children
• Support for the language and literacy development of young children bilingual and multilingual backgrounds
• Enhancing language and literacy development in young children with a wide range of strategies
• Using the Whole Language approach to plan English Learning activities in the contexts of classroom, school premises and the community

3. Effective English Language teaching strategies and developmentally- appropriate English Language activities for young children

• Position statements on the developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) for children from birth through age 8
• Methods of (1) designing developmentally appropriate English Language activities, (2) implementing the activities, and (3) evaluating developmentally appropriate English Language activities
• Different teaching strategies in ECE

4. Design, implementation and evaluation of school plan of English Language exposure of young children in integrated approach

• Review of the current school practice related to the English Language curriculum planning: use tools to review the current school practice related to the English Language curriculum planning
• Evaluation on the effectiveness of the English Language programme
• Examples of early English Language learning in the KG curriculum
• Learning to draft a 1 – 2 year school plan on the English Language programme

3 hrs +
3 hrs +

2.5 hrs

5. Interface between the kindergartens and primary schools in English Language learning / exposure in local context in regard of readiness of young children

• English Language learning challenges faced by children in different educational stages from KG to primary school
• Curriculum, learning mode and ecological environment in primary schools with special reference to early English Language learning and literacy development / learning
• Interface strategies at different levels
• Roles of different stakeholders with the focus on English Language learning for successful transition