Understanding the P1 English Curriculum: A Guide for Parents

At Kim & You Academy, we believe that the Primary 1 English syllabus marks a crucial milestone in your child’s learning journey. It lays the groundwork for essential language skills—spelling, grammar, punctuation, reading, and writing—while nurturing confident expression through both speech and writing. This early stage not only supports academic growth but also cultivates effective communication skills that will benefit your child for years to come.

Key Language Learning Areas in the P1 English Curriculum

As students begin their primary school experience, they’ll focus on five core areas to develop literacy:

1. Reading and Viewing

2. Speaking and Representing

3. Grammar and Vocabulary

4. Listening and Viewing

5. Writing and Representing

These areas are split into receptive skills (like listening, reading, and viewing) and productive skills (such as speaking, writing, and representing). When combined, they empower students to understand and express ideas clearly and creatively.

Although this may sound complex, rest assured—language development is a gradual process. Many children begin learning English even before Primary 1, and the syllabus is designed to nurture a love for the language while strengthening their grasp of its core components.

No Weighted Exams in Lower Primary

In the lower primary years, students won’t face weighted assessments or formal exams. Instead, teachers use informal assessments—like mini tasks or short tests—to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement. These assessments offer valuable feedback and help gauge each child’s readiness for future learning.

Common Primary 1 English Activities

Wondering what your child will be doing in their English lessons? While schools may vary slightly in their approach, here are five activities commonly found in Primary 1 classrooms across Singapore:

1. Big Book Reading

All schools follow the STELLAR 2.0 programme (Strategies for Teaching English Language Learning And Reading), which includes shared reading using big books—either physical or digital. These engaging stories help students read for meaning and enjoyment, while also introducing grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure in context.

2. Guided and Independent Writing

After reading stories in class, students participate in guided writing sessions, often in groups. Teachers model writing techniques and help students brainstorm ideas. These shared experiences—like a classroom tea party inspired by a story—lead to independent writing tasks.

Students may write short paragraphs based on a picture and helping words, typically aiming for at least three sentences in proper sequence. They also work on neat handwriting, letter formation, and spacing.

3. Reading Aloud, Show and Tell, and Readers’ Theatre

To build confidence in speaking and presentation, students engage in activities like Show and Tell, where they share a favourite item with classmates. Teachers guide them in preparing scripts and practising eye contact and vocal clarity.

Some schools introduce Pick and Tell in Primary 2, where students respond to a randomly selected item from a box—encouraging spontaneity and expression.

4. Spelling Practice

Spelling is a regular part of the curriculum. Word lists are often drawn from the shared reading books used each term, helping students reinforce vocabulary in a meaningful way.

5. Journal Writing

Journal writing allows students to express their thoughts and experiences. Prompts like “What did you do over the weekend?” or “My hobby” encourage creativity and self-reflection. Students can write freely, and those who enjoy drawing may add illustrations to support their writing.

This activity helps teachers understand each child’s language development and personal interests while building writing fluency.

Addressing Common Challenges

Young learners may face hurdles such as:

• Short attention spans: Use engaging visuals and hands-on activities.

• Pronunciation difficulties: Provide clear models and frequent practice.

• Vocabulary retention: Reinforce through repetition and real-life examples.

• Limited writing ability: Start with simple tasks and build gradually.

How Parents Can Support Their Child’s English Journey

The shift from kindergarten to Primary 1 can be daunting. Children may struggle with phonics, spelling exceptions, and sentence construction. These challenges become manageable with consistent support.

Here’s how parents can help:

• Create a language-rich environment: Keep books, magazines, and newspapers accessible at home.

• Establish a reading routine: For example, read together for 15 minutes before bedtime.

• Visit the library regularly: Let your child explore different genres and discover books they enjoy.

• Encourage discipline: Help your child stay on top of homework and spelling practice.

• Have meaningful conversations: Talk about what they’re learning to build confidence and communication skills.

• Stay connected with teachers: Regular communication helps you celebrate progress and address areas needing support.