At Hope Academy International, our English curriculum for P1 and P2 is designed to enable students to develop proficiency in the English language, which will cover speaking, reading, and writing skills. Our program follows a UK-based approach, emphasizing the acquisition of English fluency and establishing a solid foundation for language skills that will serve students well throughout their education and beyond.
Reading Skills
In P1 and P2, our English curriculum places a strong emphasis on word reading. Students are taught to apply their phonic knowledge and skills to decode words effectively. They learn to swiftly associate the correct sounds with graphemes (letters or groups of letters) for over 40 phonemes or sounds. This enables them to read unfamiliar words accurately by blending sounds according to the grapheme-phoneme correspondences they have been taught. Additionally, they become proficient in reading common exception words, which are words frequently used but do not follow standard spelling rules.
The curriculum also focuses on developing reading comprehension skills. We strive to instill a love for reading and motivation among students by exposing them to a wide range of poems, stories, and non-fiction texts. Through listening and discussing these texts, students enhance their vocabulary and understanding. They are encouraged to relate what they read or hear to their own experiences and make connections. Key stories, fairy tales, and traditional tales are introduced to students, who are then encouraged to retell these stories while considering their specific characteristics. By recognizing and participating in predictable phrases, appreciating rhymes and poems, and even reciting some pieces from memory, students further enhance their reading comprehension abilities.
Writing Skills
Moreover, our English curriculum emphasizes writing skills, including transcription (spelling) and writing composition. Students are taught to spell words containing the phonemes they have learned, along with common exception words and days of the week. They develop a strong understanding of letter-sound relationships and are able to distinguish alternative spellings for the same sound. Additionally, they learn to apply simple spelling rules and write simple sentences dictated by the teacher using the grapheme-phoneme correspondences and common exception words they have acquired.
Writing composition is also an essential part of our curriculum. Students are guided to express their thoughts and ideas through writing. They learn to plan their writing by articulating their ideas orally before putting them on paper. By sequencing sentences to form short narratives, they develop skills in organizing their thoughts effectively. Furthermore, students review their written work to ensure coherence and meaning. They engage in discussions with both teachers and peers to receive valuable feedback and improve their writing skills. They are also encouraged to read aloud their writing, enhancing their clarity and communication skills.
Grammar Skills
Vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation are integrated into the English curriculum as crucial components of effective communication. Students are taught to leave spaces between words, join words and clauses using the conjunction “and,” and punctuate sentences correctly with capital letters and appropriate end marks. They become familiar with grammatical terminology and use it to analyze and discuss their own writing.
Lastly, handwriting is an important aspect of the English curriculum. Students are taught proper sitting posture, pencil grip, and the correct formation of lowercase and uppercase letters. They practice writing digits 0-9 and develop an understanding of letter groupings or “families” that share similar handwriting techniques.
What to Expect with Online English Curriculum
Instead of traditional classroom settings, students will engage in virtual lessons facilitated by their English teacher. These lessons can be conducted through video conferencing platforms or online learning management systems. Hope Academy International teachers will utilize various multimedia resources to deliver the content to our students effectively. Students will have access to a range of digital resources to support their learning. These may include e-books, online reading materials, interactive spelling and grammar exercises, writing prompts, and educational websites. These resources can also be accessed remotely, allowing students to learn at their own pace and revisit materials as needed.
Writing tasks can be assigned and completed online and students may use word processing software or online writing platforms to compose their work and their teachers can provide feedback and suggestions electronically and guide students in improving their writing skills. Collaborative writing activities, where students collectively contribute to a piece of writing through online platforms, can also be incorporated to foster teamwork and peer learning. To develop spoken language skills, virtual language practice activities can be utilized. Students can interact with their peers and the teacher in real time, engaging in conversations to enhance their fluency and communication abilities.
By providing a comprehensive English curriculum that covers various language skills, including word recognition, reading comprehension, writing transcription, writing composition, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and handwriting, we aim to equip our students with the necessary tools to become confident and proficient users of the English language. This not only facilitates their academic success but also prepares them for future educational opportunities and personal growth beyond school. Learn more about Hope Academy International curriculum on our website and consider giving a gift to support our transformative educational opportunity for missionary families.