Early Bloomers

Mark your calendars. The Mother Tongue Languages Symposium 2016 is back, with more activities and surprises to get you and your child excited about learning his mother tongue language.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Mark your calendars. The Mother Tongue Languages Symposium 2016 is back, with more activities and surprises to get you and your child excited about learning his mother tongue language.

My Reading Room
My Reading Room

Learning mother tongue languages is important as it not only helps to preserve one’s cultural and ethnic identity, but it can also be advantageous in this globalised world. If you are looking for interesting and creative ways to encourage Junior to learn his mother tongue, then it’s time to take him to the Mother Tongue Languages Symposium (MTLS) on Aug 20.

Now in its fifth edition, this year’s MTLS promises another meaningful exchange of ideas between families and educators. With the theme “A Garden for Joyful Discoveries”, parents and kids can expect a fun and fulfilling experience outside of the classroom. So take the whole brood along – here’s what everyone can look forward to.

FIRE UP YOUR IMAGINATION

Stop by any of the 43 exhibition booths presented by preschools, primary and secondary schools, and community partners for a dynamic introduction to MTL learning, and the ways in which your family can benefit from it. Each booth offers interactive MTL Challenge games the kids will love – especially since they get to receive and collect stamps for claiming cool prizes after.

GET EXPERT ADVICE

Got a question about MTL? Attend the 28 sharing sessions and workshops for lively discussions with experts, parents and educators. You can find out from Ministry of Education (MOE) curriculum developers about the new curriculum that focuses on oral interaction, reading and writing, and get tips on how you can support your child’s MTL learning journey in fun and engaging ways. Also look out for celebrity parents like Diana Ser, Elamaran Natarajan and Sujimy Mohamad, and community partners. Their tried-and-tested tips, creative solutions and suggested activities can help your family build a nurturing environment to boost Junior’s confidence in MTL learning.

SNAG GREAT BUYS

Gain more knowledge and insight from MOE, parents and community partners, about the perks of MTL learning, and equip your family with the right tools. A range of MTL resources not widely available elsewhere in the market, including books, CDs and picture cards, will be available for sale. Browse through recommended picks and specially produced books by community partners such as the Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism. They’ll make learning a breeze and much more enjoyable.

IT’S PLAYTIME!

Keeping the little ones entertained won’t be a problem at MTLS 2016. Head to the MTL Wonderland area for all-day performances – think storytelling, short drama skits and singing. Want more hands-on activities? The MTL Sensory Trail with four interactive stations will excite the senses of both parent and child. Set in a garden environment, it’s a fun way to discover the joy of learning MTL for the whole family.

The Mother Tongue Languages Symposium (MTLS) 2016 Admission is free!

WHEN: August 20, 2016 (Saturday), 11am to 8pm WHERE: Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Level 3, Summit 1 and 2

GUEST OF HONOUR:

Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Trade and Industry

Parents must register at www.mtls.com.sg to reserve a seat at the sharing sessions and workshops. Exhibitions and performances at the event are free.

PLUS! Goodie bags will be given away! Available while stocks last. For more information, visit www.mtls.com.sg.

MTLS 2016 is co-organised by MOE and the Mother Tongue Language Learning and Promotion Committees. It is supported by the Early Childhood Development Agency, Chinese Language and Culture Fund, Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism, Bicultural Taskforce, Singapore Press Holdings, and National Library Board.