Feature: "Teaching in Mandarin, this is the right way!"-Entering Hong Kong's first government-subsidized Mandarin primary school

　　Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong, October 12th, title: "Teaching in Putonghua, this is the right way!"-Entering the first government-subsidized Putonghua primary school in Hong Kong

　　Xinhua News Agency reporter Lu Min

　　In Hong Kong in October, there was a hint of early autumn in the air.

With the resumption of classes in all primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong, the campuses that have been empty for a long time due to the epidemic have returned to life.

　　It was during class time that I was walking along the corridor of the teaching building. What I saw from the window was a pair of childish faces and a pair of concentrated eyes.

　　"An ancient Chinese scholar named Xunzi, he once said,'Don't let it go without breaking the rotten wood; Perseverance, gold and stone can be pierced'. It means..." Lang Lang's reading sound came from classroom 602 to the reporter. Stop.

　　This is a Chinese class in the fifth grade of Hong Kong Putonghua Yanxishe Technology and Creativity Primary School ("Puxiao"). Teacher Li Wenxiu is leading the students to read the text "A Lively Lesson" and guide students to discuss the usage of "quotation" in Chinese .

The fluent Putonghua question and answer between teachers and students is quite different from other Hong Kong primary schools that teach in Cantonese or English.

　　Founded in 2001, "General Primary School" is the first government-subsidized school in Hong Kong that uses Putonghua as the medium of instruction. There are no more than five Putonghua primary schools in Hong Kong so far.

　　The reporter noticed that there was a tablet computer on the first row of desks in the classroom, which was broadcasting the classroom content simultaneously.

It turned out that there were 4 mainland students in this class. Due to the impact of the epidemic, they are currently studying online at home.

　　"There are more than 700 students in the school, and more than 90% are local students in Hong Kong." said the principal Tao Qunjuan.

　　During class, the first-year Huang Zimo tenderly recited the Tang poem "Quiet Night Thoughts" in Mandarin. The little guy proudly said that he would recite more than 20 such ancient poems.

　　Is it difficult to learn Mandarin?

　　Huang Yongxi, a sixth-grade student, said that it was a bit difficult at first, so read more and try.

Now she has tasted the benefits of learning Mandarin. Traveling to the mainland, she has no problems with communication.

　　When Lin Zhentao, who is also in the sixth grade, introduced his name, he grouped three words in one breath-"The forest of the forest, the vigorous vibration, the surging water."

Lin Zhentao, who likes Chinese classes, enjoys learning Mandarin. He said that teachers sometimes add animations and they find it very interesting to learn.

After learning Mandarin, “When students from sister schools in the Mainland come to Hong Kong to communicate, we can communicate better and share our lives on campus.”

　　During the interview, the campus radio broadcast a notice in Mandarin.

Principal Tao told reporters that every Monday to Wednesday, campus broadcasts are in Mandarin, and on Thursdays and Fridays in English. “Language learning requires an environment. Putonghua as the campus language has always been our school philosophy.”

In addition to teaching in Mandarin, they also create language application scenarios through various methods such as "Chinese Colorful Day", Peking Opera, radio drama, storytelling competitions, nursery rhymes and games to stimulate children's interest in learning.

　　Guo Hanjie, the vice-principal who has worked in Puxiao for about 20 years, is a Chinese teacher and still teaches fifth-grade Chinese.

He believes that learning Mandarin well is not only to master a language tool, but also to improve students' language ability through "speaking first and then writing, reading and writing".

When students are used to speaking and thinking in Mandarin, the process of translating Cantonese into written language is virtually reduced.

Teachers generally report that using Putonghua to teach Chinese can achieve "I write by hand, I speak", students' composition is more fluent and fluent, and Chinese reading comprehension ability is also significantly improved.

　　The school-running group that founded the "universal small" is the "Hong Kong Putonghua Research Society", a civil society that has been promoting Mandarin in Hong Kong for decades. The goal is "the whole world is a family of Chinese, and everyone speaks Mandarin".

School Supervisor Liang Zhaotang said that language is the core symbol of culture, and teaching in Mandarin will convey more Chinese cultural connotations.

Today, China is playing an increasingly important role in the world. Only when students learn more about China can they better grasp the world and plan for the future.

　　The "General Primary School" has entered the 20th year of its establishment this year. So far, more than 2,000 graduates have become "seeds" and "messengers" for the promotion of Mandarin in Hong Kong, and they themselves have benefited a lot from it.

　　In September of this year, the school sent letters to some graduates from 2002-2014 to learn about the current situation, schooling and employment.

In all the responses, more than 91% of alumni agree that Mandarin learning at the primary level is "very helpful" for employment and further studies.

　　Twenty years of teaching practice is like a large-scale educational experiment. Liang Zhaotang believes that the "experiment" of "General Primary School" has proved that "this road is on the right path"!

Teaching in Putonghua, especially Putonghua to teach Chinese, is completely feasible in Hong Kong and should be vigorously promoted throughout Hong Kong. "Popular Small" is willing to contribute talents and experience to this.

　　It's time for school, and there is a lively scene on campus.

Principal Tao stood at the school gate, smiled and waved goodbye to the passing classmates, and from time to time stepped forward to hug the younger students.

"Principal, goodbye!" "Teacher, goodbye!" The children's silver bell-like Mandarin greetings one after another echoed happily on the campus.