New values syllabus for Pri 1 and 2
Lessons will incorporate everyday scenarios, more parental involvement
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 3 Jan 2014
LEARN about respect by listening and taking turns to speak during group discussions, and count to 10 to calm yourself when you are angry.
These are some examples of how values will be taught through everyday scenarios in the new character and citizenship education (CCE) syllabus to Primary 1 and 2 pupils beginning this year.
The syllabus also places a bigger focus on parents' involvement, with suggestions on what they can do with their children to inculcate good values in them.
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat launched the new textbooks on the first day of school yesterday at Rivervale Primary in Sengkang.
Addressing the parents of Pri 1 pupils, he said the ministry is making "a concerted effort to focus on holistic education" comprising three components: Focusing on academics, cultivating a curiosity for learning and developing social emotional skills.
On getting parents involved, Mr Heng noted that "parents are the first and most important teachers to a child".
The new textbooks will replace the civics and moral education (CME) textbooks that students used until last year, and will incorporate topics like national education and community involvement.
Pri 1 and 2 pupils will be taught the syllabus this year, before it is rolled out to those in Pri 3 to 6 next year.
Secondary school students will participate in school-based CCE activities instead of using textbooks from this year.
The way the values are taught to primary school pupils has also changed: They will act out roles and think about how they would respond in real-life scenarios.
Ms Ng Wan Jun, 30, CCE subject head at Rivervale Primary, said that in the past, teachers usually just held discussions in class after reading a story to pupils.
Ms Ng Wan Jun, 30, CCE subject head at Rivervale Primary, said that in the past, teachers usually just held discussions in class after reading a story to pupils.
"But in the new textbooks, there are more points for discussion throughout the stories that allow for greater interactivity, and help pupils reflect on themselves."
The stories are mostly set within a school to make it easier for pupils to relate to them.
In the topic on resilience, for example, they are encouraged to muster the courage to ask for help if they are lost in a school.
Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to spend time with their parents to discuss topics in the textbooks. For instance, parents are encouraged to share how they felt on the first day of school to help the young ones adapt to the new environment.
Like the previous CME format, CCE lessons are conducted either in the students' mother tongue or in English.
Mrs Pauline Tey, a 35-year-old mother of two, said she finds the CCE textbooks useful in imparting values to her Pri 1 son.
"There are more things and topics to talk about with him," said the housewife.
Post by Heng Swee Keat.
Practical lessons
Learning about...
RESILIENCE: Being brave enough to ask for help when you get lost in a school compound.
RESPECT: Find out and understand more about other races.
RESPONSIBILITY: Keep yourself safe during an emergency in school, such as when a fire alarm goes off.
CARE: When participating in group activities, be polite and gracious to friends and schoolmates who are more reserved.
Post by Heng Swee Keat.
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