Primary school pupils have fun learning the language in playgroup

Primary schoolchildren have been given an opportunity to learn English the fun way thanks to a playgroup programme.

The eight-session class, organised by the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society, aims to help children develop an interest in learning English and enhance their confidence in speaking the language.

The class is run by Canadian volunteers Frank Caligiuri and his wife, Gina. Mr Caligiuri is a teacher at an international school and Ms Caligiuri is a native English-speaking teacher (NET) at a local school.

Ms Caligiuri said children benefited from exposure to English at an early age.

'The earlier the better. Children are just like a sponge - they can absorb whatever you teach them. So it is better to teach them before they have got used to one specific language'

Only English is used in the playgroup. 'Perhaps it's a bit difficult for them when they first join. But children learn very fast and can catch up real soon,' Ms Caligiuri said.

Mr and Ms Caligiuri use different media, such as songs, radio, games, cooking and arts, to teach new vocabulary and lively English.