Learning through play, and vice versa

In March, Hà Nội - Điện Biên Phủ Primary School, in collaboration with the provincial Foreign Language - Informatics Center, organized an English exchange festival as part of an extracurricular activity. The event kicked off with a lively and impressive dance performance by the center’s teachers, setting the tone for the entire event. The performance energized the entire school, with teachers and students joining in the dance, creating a dynamic and engaging learning atmosphere. Students then participated in interactive activities to improve their listening and speaking skills, such as greetings, answering questions, and engaging in fun and educational games. Additionally, students had the chance to interact with foreign teachers, listen to stories in English, and answer questions to win attractive prizes.

Lê Thị Nga, Principal of Hà Nội - Điện Biên Phủ Primary School, stated that extracurricular activities are not only creative playgrounds, providing students with opportunities to learn English in an engaging way, but also help them develop language skills, build confidence, and express themselves through interesting exchange questions, making English more familiar and natural in everyday life. Through these extracurricular programs, teachers’ teaching methods will gradually adapt to suit the language learning levels of ethnic minority students, enhancing their practical and communication skills, and contributing to promoting the English learning movement throughout the school.

To create a stimulating intellectual environment and help students enhance their knowledge, develop their thinking, and especially apply English in real-life situations, Tô Vĩnh Diện Primary School, in collaboration with the Điện Biên-based Việt Mỹ Foreign Language Center, organized the “Ring the Golden Bell” competition for students in grades 3, 4, and 5.

From the very beginning, the program attracted attention due to its professionalism and high level of challenge. A series of intellectual questions were presented, covering subjects like science, history, culture, life skills, and, especially, English. These questions not only tested memory but also challenged logical thinking, quick reflexes, and analytical skills. The competition, conducted in a knockout format, was lively and intense.

Vũ Thu Hiền, a parent from Tân Thanh ward (Điện Biên Phủ city), whose child participated, shared: “I am very happy to see my child participate in such meaningful events. The program not only helps children practice their knowledge but also creates an environment for them to interact and learn. This helps boost their confidence in studying, especially in English. I hope there will be more programs like this in the future.”

Encouraging passion for learning foreign languages

Nguyễn Nguyệt Nhi, a 5th-grade student at Hà Nội - Điện Biên Phủ Primary School, happily shared: “Before, my English learning was limited to memorizing vocabulary and understanding grammar structures, but I was very shy in communication. Since participating in the extracurricular English sessions organized by the school, I feel more confident and bolder in speaking.”

This reflection shows that in regular English lessons, students learn vocabulary and grammar but often don’t have many opportunities to use what they’ve learned in communication and daily activities. Therefore, when extracurricular activities are organized, students are excited to participate.

Lê Thị Nga, Principal of Hà Nội - Điện Biên Phủ Primary School, confirmed that since the launch of foreign language activities in schools, students’ English proficiency has improved, and more students are participating in English competitions. In the recent extracurricular event, the Foreign Language - Informatics Center awarded 132 scholarships, each worth VND 1.2 million, to students who scored 1,000 points or more in the provincial IOE English Olympics. This positive reinforcement encourages students to continue learning and improving their language skills.

In the 2018 National Education Program, English became a mandatory subject from primary school, aiming to equip students with essential language skills for a globalized world. Extracurricular activities have become increasingly popular, thanks to their benefits. In Điện Biên province, students have also participated in these activities to enhance their foreign language learning experience. This is a practical solution to modernizing teaching methods, helping students become proactive, confident in their studies, and develop practical communication skills, thereby improving the overall quality of education.

Nguyễn Thị Hòa, Deputy Director of the Provincial Foreign Language - Informatics Center, emphasized that these English extracurricular activities provide students with the opportunity to apply the new language in real-life situations. These activities not only help students become more flexible and responsive in using English but also serve as a valuable playground for them to improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Furthermore, students will have the chance to compete with others, enhancing their abilities and boosting their confidence in their language skills.