They light up English lessons

IN AN effort to make learning English fun, primary school teacher Matthew Ong developed a game populated by knights and armies that sees his pupils conquer territories on a map.

The game acts as an incentive for pupils, who gain rewards like bigger armies for doing things such as writing the best poem in class.

'I try to get my pupils to see the importance of English and how they can use it to their advantage in different contexts,' said the Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) teacher.

Yesterday, the innovation landed Mr Ong, 28, an inaugural Inspiring Teacher of English Award. He joined eight others in winning the first national award to recognise teachers who have helped their students improve their English skills.

Jointly presented by The Straits Times and the Speak Good English Movement, the awards were handed out at a ceremony last night at the National Library.

Each winner received a trophy and a cash prize worth $2,000 from Rear-Admiral (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Senior Minister of State for Education and Information, Communications and the Arts.

The winners beat 154 other teachers nominated by students, parents and colleagues. They emerged following a rigorous selection process that included classroom evaluations and interviews with judges from The Straits Times, the Speak Good English Movement and the British Council.

Madam Nordiana Sani of Mayflower primary was among yesterday's winners. The 28-year-old was lauded for getting her pupils to act out - literally - while studying short children's stories.

'I stop at important points in the story and get my pupils to step into the role,' she said. 'They then think about what the character will do next.'

In a speech, RADM Lui said it is not easy for teachers to inspire students when they have so many demands on their time, such as marking. He believes the role of the English teacher is to infuse students with the 'excitement of the language' so it will stay with them long after they leave school.

Another winner, Mr Tan Ying Kiat, 34, said the award also works to inspire teachers.

The Nanyang primary instructor said the honour 'will keep me going. It is an indicator that I am on the right track'.