Experts suggested that teaching Vietnamese to overseas children should begin by fostering emotional connections, thereby sparking their interest in the mother tongue.

Overview of the seminar. Photo: The Hanoi Times

This information was shared during the seminar “Sharing Methods for Teaching Vietnamese to Children Abroad,” held on the morning of December 2, 2024, as part of the Training Program on Vietnamese Language Teaching Methods for Overseas Vietnamese Teachers in Hanoi, running from December 1 to 15, 2024.

The program was organized by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs in collaboration with the Vietnam Education Publishing House. It aimed to enhance exchanges and support for overseas Vietnamese teachers in teaching the Vietnamese language to children abroad.

The seminar featured Dr. Nguyen Thuy Anh, the author of the award-winning textbook series  “Chao tieng Viet” (Hello Vietnamese), which won the prestigious A Prize at the 2023 National Book Awards and has garnered significant interest from readers at home and abroad.

During the seminar, Dr. Nguyen Thuy Anh shared her experiences and compelling stories from her journey teaching Vietnamese to children overseas. Participants had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Thuy Anh, learn effective approaches to using the “Chao tieng Viet” curriculum, and explore practical classroom activities. These included strategies for engaging and capturing children’s attention, fostering enthusiasm for their mother tongue, and creating an engaging learning environment.

“Vietnamese is a mother tongue that children inherit, not a second language they learn. In an environment dominated by foreign languages,  children may feel pressured and discouraged if their interest is not nurtured. To encourage children to learn Vietnamese, it is essential to create motivation, provide a supportive environment, and introduce fresh and engaging methods,” Dr. Nguyen Thuy Anh told participants.

She emphasized the importance of eliminating fear and tailoring lesson content. Each session should present manageable knowledge—neither too simple nor overwhelming. She advocated for a natural approach to learning, integrating play and repetition of familiar Vietnamese keywords through games, music, and other creative activities to make the learning process enjoyable and memorable.

The seminar was held in a warm and interactive atmosphere, with participants actively engaging in simulated activities and specific teaching scenarios designed by Dr. Nguyen Thuy Anh. These activities allowed attendees to gain practical experience and draw valuable lessons.

As part of the broader training program, additional sessions were conducted to improve teaching effectiveness and diversify teaching methods. The State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, in collaboration with the Vietnam Education Publishing House, provided training on guiding students in creating imagery (through folk songs, proverbs, and poetry) and on the theory and practice of incorporating games into education.