Developing foreign language skills from primary school.

Along with the trend of increasingly deep international integration, English has become one of the most important skills for students in recent years. Therefore, the education sector has focused on implementing English teaching and learning for students from primary school onwards. Strengthening early English instruction not only helps students build a solid foundation in the language but also contributes to the development of comprehensive abilities, meeting the demands of the new era.

English lesson with the teacher and students at Phan Thiet Primary School, Minh Xuan Ward.

Build a foundation in English from an early age.

Introducing English into primary school education at an early age is considered a significant step in current educational reform. At a young age, students have a natural ability to absorb language, memorize quickly, and easily develop communicative reflexes. This creates favorable conditions for them to become familiar with English in a relaxed, stress-free way, through lively learning activities such as games, songs, or simple conversations.

Tran Huong Giang, a 5th-grade student at Phan Thiet Primary School in Minh Xuan Ward, shared: “I started learning English in 3rd grade. Thanks to early exposure, dedicated teaching from my teachers, and self-study through television, I can now communicate basic sentences. Knowing another language besides Vietnamese makes me much more confident when communicating.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Tuyet, homeroom teacher of class 5 at Phan Thiet Primary School, Minh Xuan Ward, said: "Strengthening English teaching in primary schools not only means equipping students with knowledge but also contributes to forming their abilities, skills, and positive learning attitudes from their early years. Currently, the curriculum includes 2-4 English lessons per week, depending on the class. Most primary school students are just getting acquainted with the language, so they learn very quickly. Many also discover a passion and love for the new language, resulting in quite good achievements. Some students have won high prizes in primary school English competitions at the school and higher levels."

In reality, to help students become familiar with English at an early age, many schools have implemented English language instruction for students from grade 1, using lively teaching methods that are suitable for children's psychology. Some schools even combine the use of technology such as projection screens, English learning apps, or interaction with foreign teachers to increase learning interest. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Principal of Phan Thiet Primary School, said: “When implementing English instruction for young children, the school focuses more on teaching methods. Children mainly learn through songs, games, pictures, animated videos , and simple communication activities such as greetings, self-introductions, or naming objects around them. Teachers also use flashcards, illustrative images, and organize group activities to help students easily memorize vocabulary and become more confident in communication. In addition to classroom lessons, the school also encourages parents to accompany and support their children by letting them watch children's English programs, listen to music, or practice simple communication at home.”

Working together to improve

quality of teaching and learning

Currently, many schools, especially primary schools in mountainous areas, still lack English teachers. The provincial education sector has taken many positive measures to address this, but these have only partially met the learning and teaching needs of schools in central areas.

In the 2022-2023 school year, Marie Curie School in Hanoi supported online teaching for all 3rd-grade students in the former Meo Vac district with a total implementation cost of over 1.7 billion VND. The project involved 23 young teachers, including working professionals and final-year students majoring in English language or English pedagogy. Each class had 4 lessons per week, with 3 lessons taught online via virtual classrooms on the Zoom platform from Hanoi, and the remaining lesson taught by teachers in the area. By the 2025-2026 school year, Marie Curie School will continue to implement the online English teaching project for students in the communes of Meo Vac, Son Vi, Sung Mang, Khau Vai, Tat Nga, and Niem Son. The program is expected to be maintained until students complete 5th grade, with a total of 267 lessons per week across 18 primary schools.

Mr. Cao Duy Chuong, Principal of Meo Vac Primary School in Meo Vac commune, said: "With the support of Marie Curie School, the school and other primary schools in several highland communes have successfully completed their teaching and learning tasks. The curriculum is age-appropriate, ensuring a lively, engaging, and stimulating learning experience for students, so they are very enthusiastic about their lessons. In particular, with the well-organized English class schedule, students are provided with everything they need, from homework and textbooks to learning materials. To date, the shortage of English teachers has been resolved, and the quality of English education at the school has improved, creating a solid foundation for students to be confident in the future."

During the period 2025-2030, Tuyen Quang province will focus on improving the overall quality of education, striving to be among the leading provinces in the country. Simultaneously, the province will also develop a comprehensive strategy to make tourism a key economic sector, aiming to establish it as a leading economic sector.

Text and photos: My Ly

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/giao-duc/202605/phat-trien-nang-luc-ngoai-ngu-tu-tieu-hoc-3d05d28/