Mother Tongue Language Department

Our Programmes 

The MTL teachers are motivated to provide our students with an enriching cultural experience. Hence, the department redesign the whole structure for the Mother Tongue Language (MTL) Fortnight with themes covering from traditional food to traditional practices.

Designated cultural learning themes at respective level:

·         Traditional Food

·         Martial Art

·         Musical Instruments

·         Dramatisation

·         Art & Craft

·         Custom and Practices

With the designated programmes at the different levels, we aim to provide our students with a whole array of enriching cultural learning experiences that span across 6 levels and 3 cultures as well as languages, so as to broaden their horizon and getting to know their roots better. Other than learning and experiencing their own culture, students will also have the opportunity to experience cross-cultural learning.

CL Cultural Activities

Primary 1 to Primary 6 students participates in different cultural activities which enables them to know more about the Chinese Culture. Primary 1 students learn making Ang Gu Kueh, Primary 2 students learn Wushu, Primary 3 students made bean craft, Primary 4 students learn how to play drum, Primary 5 students learn Chinese Opera and Primary 6 students learn how to appreciate Chinese Tea. 

ML Cultural Activities 

Primary 1 to Primary 6 students partake  in different cultural activities to immerse the Malay culture. Primary 1 students participate in communal dining ( Nasi Ambeng) . Primary 2 in partake in the traditional martial art           (Silat),   Primary 3 participatein Batik painting, Primary 4 participate in a folklore performance (Dikir Barat), Primary 5 Wayang Kulit, Primary 6 learn on the process of traditional birth rites.

TL Cultural Activities

Primary 1 to Primary 6 students took part in various Indian and cultural activities, which helped them to know more about the Indian Culture. Primary 1 and Primary 2 students learnt about Kolattum (Folk dance). Primary 3 to Primary 4 Students learnt about significance of an authentic Indian meal and health benefits. Primary 5 and Primary 6 students participated in Escape room activity. Students enjoyed going through the maze to solve puzzles and riddles related to Tamil language. 

Pre and Post Birth Ceremony

As a part of cultural awareness, P1 to P6 students learnt about the pre and post birth ceremony. The students got to know the reasons behind some of the customary practices when the child is born. They learnt why Hindu conduct a bangle ceremony for the mother-to-be as well as about the naming ceremony.  

While students participate in the programme, it is also essential that they document their reflections for the cultural learning. A customized file entitled ‘My Cultural Journey’ to allow students to document their learning and experience is given to accompany the students in their learning journey. 

Last but not least, in this ‘My Cultural Journey’, students get to collect a set of collectible customised magnets, unique to  E’Lights in the respective cultural themes, after they have completed the level-designated activity at the end of each of their six years in East Spring Primary. 

Lower Primary Magnets	Cultural Files

• Cultural Exposure Series 

As part of MOE’s focus on a Student-Centric, Values-Driven Education, MTL Department strongly believes that while we build up students’ foundation and strength in academic learning, we also need to provide invaluable lessons and learning experiences to help students internalise and practise good values and skills, and develop competencies that are critical to character and citizenship development of our students.

The Cultural Exposure series set out to educate our students in the different aspects of traditional wedding custom and traditions by the three races. It serves to expose students to the intricate details of a wedding preparation and the customs behind that set the stage of a traditional wedding, such as betrothal, dowry, bed setting etc.

Authentic setting gives students a tangible feel of the celebration and students also participated in tasting of traditional wedding cakes and parts of the wedding ceremony activities.

CL Wedding Exhibit

ML Wedding Exhibit

Tamil Wedding Exhibit

MTL Cultural Wall 

The MTL Cultural Wall sets to provide a platform for students to interact with teachers or peers in the area of cultural learning. The wall featured a 3D setting of traditional shop-house owned by Chinese, Malay and Indian. Besides showcasing students’ work, the wall serves also to allow students to pen down their thoughts and comments. 

• P5 Parents’ Workshop 

• Outdoor Learning  

MTL Department believes in bringing MTL learning out of the classroom and allows students to see that MTL learning can take place anywhere and anytime.

The Outdoor Learning aims to provide students with an authentic learning experience and be engaged in learning that draws relevance from their MTL textbook. It also serves as an opportunity for students to explore collaboration learning and develop skills such as map-reading, problem solving, decision making and even potting.

• Primary One – My Neighbourhood
• Primary Two – My Vegetable Farm (CL)
• Primary Three – My Singapore Zoo

The Outdoor Learning lessons are conducted in Mother Tongue languages and students completed activities that requires to apply their language skills and learning. With these external setting, students do see that MTL learning does not stay in the classroom but rather, Mother Tongue Languages has its place and value in our authentic world. 

Primary Two – My Vegetable Farm

Primary Three – My Singapore Zoo