Early Learning Center Chinese Immersion Program at Singapore American School time. I can help my mom order Chinese food; I can speak Chinese with my grandparents as they do not speak English; I can watch shows that are in Chinese; and I can probably speak to the 1.4 billion people living in China! 在中文沉浸班，我 喜欢的是既能学习中文，又同时能用中文学习各种 科目。我能帮妈妈点中国菜；我的祖父母不会说英 语，我能用中文和他们交流；我也能观看中文节 Chinese is the most spoken language in the 目；另外，我还能和生活在中国的14亿人聊天:)” world and with a set of over 50,000 characters SAS is excited to announce that beginning next (3–5,000 needed for literacy in daily life), it is probably one of the most complex languages school year, the Chinese immersion program will to learn. With the introduction of the Chinese expand to include students in the early learning immersion program, students have opportunities center (ELC) and intends to open two classes with integrated into every moment to develop high the same learning community structure. This will capability with the language while learning be a unique opportunity for our youngest learners to begin their language development skills at a in the language. very formative time in their lives and benefit The Chinese immersion program at Singapore from all the advantages of Reggio’s emphasis American School is a highly successful program on developing capable and competent learners, that promotes strong bilingual opportunities in curious about the world around them. English and Chinese for students. The program Immersion in the early years builds children’s was launched in the 2017–18 school year and has expanded significantly since that time. Third oral Chinese language skills and ensures greater grade Chinese immersion student Lauren F. success in literacy skills. Here are five ways muses, “I enjoy being able to learn academically, children can reap the benefits of bilingual learning: but also being able to learn Chinese at the same According to research, children have an innate ability to acquire languages at a young age. Through an immersive model, children are able to learn language the same way they learn their first language and develop better metalinguistic awareness, leading to higher academic achievement.
22 LIVING IN SINGAPORE
