Diverse ways to introduce English to primary school students.

Diverse forms

The biggest shift in the mindset of many schools today is the movement from a "teaching English" approach to a "using English" approach, creating more opportunities for students to be exposed to, listen to, speak, read, and use English in their studies, daily lives, and experiential activities.

At Minh Tan Primary School (Nhi Chieu Ward), an English-speaking environment has been comprehensively developed, from the bilingual Vietnamese-English landscape with nameplates, directional signs, functional areas, classrooms, etc., to experiential activities such as the English Corner, Word of the Week, and bilingual products created by students. The school is also gradually adding English/bilingual books and stories, building an English reading corner, and organizing appropriate reading activities.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Van, the school principal, starting this school year, the school is implementing the "Minh Tan English Club" model for administrators and teachers. Notably, for the first time, the school is organizing the "Minh Tan English Radio" program with relatable content such as greetings, stories, songs, riddles, book introductions, and school news. Students directly participate as broadcasters, telling stories, introducing books, and presenting their work in English. Since its implementation, the program has added a new highlight to school life, making English more interesting and accessible, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere and spreading interest in learning, listening to, and using English throughout the school.

Ms. Van stated that the goal is not to create another extracurricular activity, but to foster an environment where English becomes familiar to students. By frequently listening to and using English in relatable situations, students have more opportunities to develop reflexes and confidence in communication.

From creating an environment for interaction, schools continue to expand practical learning spaces. On September 22nd, Chu Van An Primary School (Gia Vien Ward) launched the "Igniting Passion for English" Club, concretizing the goal of the Project "Making English the Second Language in Schools in the period 2025 - 2035, with a vision to 2045".

With its "English Passport" program, intellectual games, public speaking competitions, and cultural exchange activities, the club creates more opportunities for students to practice their four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Ms. Pham Thi Dien, the school principal, believes that the important thing is to help students transform learned knowledge into practical application, so that English becomes more natural in their studies, communication, and experiences.

At Nui Deo Primary School (Thuy Nguyen Ward), practicing English has become a daily activity. Every morning, students and teachers participate in songs and movements to music; English communication commands and songs are frequently used. From the schoolyard to the classroom, English is being incorporated into everyday communication, creating opportunities for students to listen, respond, and develop natural reflexes, becoming an integral part of school life.

Towards English becoming a second language.

The foundation for Hai Phong to implement the goal of making English the second language at the primary school level is relatively solid. In the 2025-2026 school year, nearly 340,000 primary school students will be learning English, reaching 99.18%; grades 1 and 2 will reach 97.9%, and grades 3, 4, and 5 will reach 100%.

According to the 2018 General Education Program, English is an elective subject in grades 1 and 2, and compulsory in grades 3, 4, and 5, achieving 100% enrollment. The Department of Education and Training has reviewed the teaching staff, students, and teaching conditions to advise on the development of a plan to make English a second language, in accordance with Decision 2371/QD-TTg dated October 27, 2025.

Building on that foundation, schools are seeking to shift from simply "learning English" to creating more opportunities to use English. Nguyen Thi Van, Principal of Minh Tan Primary School, believes that implementation must be tailored to the learning capacity of each grade level, the abilities of the teachers, and the practical conditions. The English Department plays a core professional role, supporting colleagues, developing teaching materials, and advising on activities; teachers with sufficient capabilities are encouraged to proactively integrate English into their subjects and educational activities.

At Nguyen Doc Tin Primary School (An Hung commune), Principal Ngo Thi Thu Giang identified improving the capacity of the teaching staff as a key factor. The school focuses on training and developing teachers, utilizing the summer break to strengthen their English language skills and activity organization methods. When teachers are confident in using English, an English-speaking environment in the classroom can be maintained regularly and effectively.

Meanwhile, Pham Thi Dien, the principal of Chu Van An Primary School, believes that introducing English into schools, especially at the primary level, doesn't necessarily have to start with grand requirements. It can begin with simple conversational phrases and greetings, incorporating certain words, concepts, and activities into daily life and teaching. Students also need to overcome their reluctance to speak due to fear of inaccurate pronunciation; the important thing is to confidently use the language, thereby developing reflexes and greater self-confidence in daily activities.

Making English the second language is a major policy of the education sector, in line with the current trend of global integration. According to Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training Vu Tri Quang, this requires high effort and determination from schools, first and foremost from the management staff, teachers, and students. Each educational institution needs to proactively choose a suitable approach. Based on practical models, Hai Phong can continue to refer to, select, adjust, and replicate effective methods, gradually creating a real transformation in the teaching and use of English in schools.

BUI HANH