Learning Mandarin 2

There had been much furore in recent days over the government's potential decision to reduce the weightage of the Mother Tongue subject in PSLE. I had been reading many polarised opinions from all walks of life. The debate still goes on, and I am waiting with bated breath for the verdict. 

In my humble opinion, and coming from someone who is not particularly strong in Mandarin, I abhor the imminent policy that may reduce the weightage of Mother Tongue in PSLE. Yes, I heard all sorts of conspiracy theories, from economic to political, but coming from a simple parental perspective, it is sending out the wrong signal to our children. The lucid message that, if you cannot excel in something, or are struggling with something, give it up, we will provide an easier solution for you so you can cease struggling. I am not sure if this is the right type of values I want to inculcate in my children. Certainly, in the traditional ethos of our nation's pioneers, perseverence and determination are 2 fundamental building pillars to the development of our country's current socioeconomic development. 

On a lighter note, I am lucky to have my mum who communicates with my children in Mandarin 5 days a week. It makes a world of difference for them to be exposed to the language on a daily basis. But it is a myth that Mandarin speakers at home will naturally excel in Mother Tongue academically. I think what is crucial is the work of the Chinese teachers in school that make learning Mandarin fun and intriguing for the children. 

I certainly see this transformation in Little Bee, who used to reply my frustrated mother in English for every word of Mandarin my Mum spoke with her. Once she started nursery 2 this year, and with the help of her interesting Mandarin teacher in school, she is now able to read quite a few Chinese phrases (爸爸，妈妈，飞机, etc) and can recite fairly long 儿歌, thanks to my Mom's daily revision in the mornings too. It takes both hands to clap - the family and school. 

On the other hand, Big Bee likes Mandarin - and I am now trying to nurture in her the love of reading Mandarin books. I must highlight that it is not easy to find captivating Chinese storybooks that will enthrall lower primary children though. I am desperately looking for the Chinese version of Enid Blyton so that Big Bee can develop a love for Chinese literature. 

Big Bee has started Chinese 作文 in school this year, and I had become the de facto 作文老师 for her, trying to find ways to teach her to write engaging compositions. In trying very hard not to expose her to tuition centres at this age, I had resorted to surfing the internet almost nightly to find out the rigours of creative writing in Mandarin and English! I suspect I should be able to qualify as a tuition teacher soon enough! 

Here's a sample of Big Bee's first 作文 that she did in school and another one that she wrote for Chinese New Year. 

我的家庭 

我的家里有四口人。他们是爸爸，妈妈，妹妹和我。妈妈和爸爸会照顾我，也会帮我学习华文。妹妹很可爱。我很爱她。爸爸和妈妈很爱我们。我们也很爱他们。

新年

过新年了，我穿着新衣去爷爷奶奶家拜年。我拿着两个柑，对爷爷奶奶说：“新年快了！” 爷爷给我吃肉干和年糕。我说：“真好吃！”

爷爷和奶奶拿出红包说：“祝你学业进步！” 我很开心。我们就去吃晚餐。我很爱今年的新年。