How Parents Can Support Their Children In The Learning of Malay Language in Primary Schools

Read on for some tips on how you can help to reinforce and enrich your child’s learning of Malay Language! 

In primary school, your child will be taught the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition, there will be an emphasis on spoken and written interaction skills. A differentiated approach has been adopted in primary schools to cater to the needs of children with varying language abilities. Interesting instructional materials and activities are used to engage your child in the learning of the Malay Language. 

As a parent, you can help your child by adopting a positive attitude towards learning Malay Language and providing a conducive home environment to use the language. Here are some tips on how you can support your child’s learning:

• Interact with your child in Malay Language and encourage the child to verbalise his/her thoughts in Malay Language. Be nurturing and provide support and encouragement along the way. This will boost your child’s confidence in using the language.

• Read Malay Language storybooks as often as you can with your child. Explain words and phrases that are unfamiliar in simple spoken terms. Explore the content further by letting your child ask questions and discuss with you about the characters, plot events and themes. Write with your child to improve his/her writing skill. Assist the child by giving pointers. Not only will this encourage self-expression, it will also deepen the bond between you and your child.

• Play language games with your child to make learning of Malay Language fun for him/her. Use Word games such as ‘Sahibba’ to reinforce his/her learning of the language in an enjoyable manner. These games will help to break down apprehensions that your child might have towards learning Malay Language.

• Sing along with your child or simply be your child’s audience. Children enjoy singing which helps them learn the language in a fun way.

• Learn with your child. Encourage your child to use the iMTL Portal to learn Malay Language. You can also learn along with your child. Help your child to create self directed learning tasks and guide your child to improve his/her presentation.

• Encourage and support your child to take part in activities organised by community organisations at the community clubs/centres, public libraries or events at the Malay Heritage Centre.

• Expose your child to Malay culture such as celebrating traditional festivals and appreciating Malay music and songs with him/her.

These activities will increase your child’s exposure to Malay Language in authentic settings and support his/her learning of the language. Keep these sessions short and as frequent as you can. Always be positive and encouraging. Do not dwell on mistakes. Use every opportunity as a teaching moment for the language. Make learning Malay Language fun for your child!