Dear parents,
I would like to share a few key points regarding the EP Programme.
1. Speaking English in class and at home
We here at the English Programme department are very proud when we see and hear our children speak English all the time and we also want you to be just as proud. Because of this we encourage our children to speak a little bit of conversational English to their family when they return home every day. Speaking English outside of the classroom in a family environment will increase a child’s English speaking skills and allows the child to practice what they have been taught in the classroom and show off to their family.
In the classroom, I elicit full sentences vs “baby talk”. Ex: I will not answer or react to “finished” but expect to hear “I am finished”.
Speaking is a priority in every class but there is also….
2. Writing
I believe first-graders should have the opportunity to write every day. Each student is creating their own alphabet book. I ask them to present neat work when we write as the way they are learning to write today will determine their handwriting.
3. Reading
Every week, we go to the school’s library to spend some time reading. We also pick a new reading book that we will keep for a week or two. We read this book in class on a regular basis. Some days, reading will be part of the homework. I encourage parents or guardians to have their children read out aloud to them. When they can read, children develop a great sense of pride and confidence.
Also, students create their own little booklets which we read in class.
4. Family and Friends CD.
Your child came home with a CD this week. This Cd has games and activities and I encourage parents to listen to it in the car as it reinforces what we are doing in class.
5. Homework
Students have English and Thai homework every day. We encourage them to stay after class to do their homework as most days Kru Mai or I are available to help.
Everything we teach in the classroom can be reinforced by you, the parents, by making sure your kid reads his/her English book on a regular basis, do his/her homework and speaks English as much as possible.
Thank you, I am looking forward to it all and I hope you are too.
Teacher Sandy
