Divna Stakic, Mother Tongue Program Coordinator
The Chinese Mother Tongue (MT) Program at the International School of Belgrade is a dynamic and thriving part of the Primary School community. Designed as an after-school activity for students from Kindergarten through Grade 5, it helps children develop their Chinese language skills while connecting with their culture. Primary students are very enthusiastic about the course. They eagerly signed up at the start of the school year and continue their active participation with excitement as the Spring season begins.
A key strength of the after-school language program is its dedicated team of parent volunteers: the main instructor, Ms.Yuehan Xu, who plans and leads lessons, as well as Ying Chen and Likun An, who provide support and create a dynamic, engaging learning environment. At the beginning of the year, the coordinator held a workshop for all parent volunteers. This comprehensive session covered the significance of the Mother Tongue Program, strategies for differentiated instruction, and effective classroom management. Notably, it also included a child protection workshop, which is crucial for guaranteeing a safe and productive learning environment.This teamwork allows for more individual attention and a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
The Chinese MT sessions are interactive, with activities that build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills while exploring Chinese traditions and values. Multiple instructors ensure all students are supported, making the learning experience accessible and enriching.
In addition to the MT Program, the school offers Chinese as a Foreign Language (FL) on Mondays after school. This program has been extremely popular in Primary School, with more than 20 students enrolled throughout the year, and is also offered to a smaller group in Secondary School.
Beyond language learning, the MT and FL programs together help build a strong and inclusive community within the school. While the MT program brings together families who share a common linguistic and cultural background, the FL program creates opportunities for students from different backgrounds to engage with the Chinese language and culture. The enthusiasm of both students and parents reflects the growing success of these programs and the meaningful connections they foster between home, school, and the wider international community.