1. Technology and Mother Tongue in Preschool Classrooms
Dr Weelai Suwanarat
20 May 2017

2. Importance of Mother Tongue in Preschool Classrooms
Impact the individual child’s psychological and personality development
Shape our thoughts and emotions
Expresses first feelings, fear and happiness
Indicator of cultural identity
Connects to family, relatives, culture and religion through the Mother Tongue
Powerful tool to preserve and convey culture and cultural ties
Basis for learning another language
Develop stronger literacy abilities in the language used at school
Familiarity with the nuances of their Mother Tongue, how to learn it and use it, enable children to learn other language

3. Children use MTL to interact with their friends, family and community
“Singapore’s bilingual policy has served us well. Knowing Mother Tongue Language helps to centre us as an Asian society and retain our Asian roots and values, and gives our people an edge in the global economy… We must do our utmost to maintain our linguistic heritage and advantage.”
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, In MOE (2011), Nurturing active learners and proficient users: 2010 Mother Tongue Language review committee report, p.5
Children should be given more opportunities to learn the Mother Tongue Language (MTL)
Children use MTL to interact with their friends, family and community
Children participate in the ethnic cultured, and begin to appreciate its customs and traditions
As Educators, we must grow in our understanding of the teaching and learning of MTL for children

4. Overview of Framework for Mother Tongue Languages
VISION
Children as active learners who
enjoy using Mother Tongue Language, communicate with confidence and appreciate the local ethnic culture
LEARNING GOALS
Have an interest in learning Mother Tongue Language
Develop foundational language and literacy skills
Be aware of the local ethnic culture
OBJECTIVES
Communication
Culture
Connection
Nurturing Early Learners Curriculum for Kindergartens in Singapore. Framework for Mother Tongue Languages, MOE, 2013.
3. Learning of Mother Tongue Language is active and interactive, taking place in authentic settings
2. Teaching of Mother Tongue Language should cater to diverse learners
1. Mother Tongue Language is a living language to children
GUIDING PRINCIPLES

5. Digital Native or Digital Immigrant

6. Role of Technology The goal of technology is not
To enhance computer skills
For earlier acquisition of academic goals
Support learning by
Incorporating play
Incorporating child-centered activities

7. Role of Technology Books Technology Manipulatives
Written information about concepts
Technology
Digital cameras, computer, audio & video equipment
Manipulatives
Other objects that explain the concept

8. Role of Technology Used in a way that promotes social interaction
Used only when necessary
Use multiple technologies
Create opportunities for creative problem-solving

9. Role of Technology
Provides educators resources and materials to improve their teaching
Can be used to integrate the curriculum with the educational objectives of the centre

10. Technology and Mother Tongue
Tools for Learning & Teaching
Collaboration – negotiate and compromise
Critical Thinking –
promotes
problem-solving skills
Communication – promotes language and enhance expression of ideas
Creative Thinking –
promotes
spatial reasoning

11. Technology and Mother Tongue
Bee-Bot
Designed to teach sequencing, estimation, planning and problem-solving skills
Grid mats

12. Technology and Mother Tongue
KIBO
Allows children to create a series of instructions by scanning the wooden KIBO blocks
KIBO blocks

13. Technology and Mother Tongue
Curriculum Integration
Retell a story
‘Choreograph’ dance movement
Recognize and identify words, characters

14. Technology and Mother Tongue
Curriculum Integration
- Phonics

15. Technology and Mother Tongue
Curriculum Integration
Word recognition
Language expression

16. Technology and Mother Tongue in Preschool Classrooms
Catalysts for interaction, conversations and discussions
Increase language and literacy development
Allows children to respond and represent their learning in individualized ways

17. THANK YOU !