English and School Library
Discover how Bendemeer Primary nurtures confident English learners and a love of reading through engaging language programmes, reading initiatives, events, and welcoming library spaces.
Vision
The vision of the English Department is to ensure that every Bendemeer student becomes a confident and competent communicator. To realise this vision, the department has planned a six-year, progressive programme that develops a strong language foundation and provides rich, meaningful learning experiences.
Our mission is to inspire a love for learning through engaging learning activities and positive role modelling. To achieve this, the English Department has adopted Strategy-Based Instruction as our core pedagogical approach and has also incorporated Thinking Routines to deepen students’ meaning-making, strengthen their reasoning skills, and nurture reflective, independent learners.
Programmes
STELLAR (Strategies for English Language Learning and Reading)
STELLAR’s vision is for all children to develop a love for reading and hence the use of interesting and engaging stories in the STELLAR curriculum. The lower primary STELLAR strategies are the Shared Book Approach (SBA), the Modified Language Experience Approach (MLEA) and Learning Centres. The strategies at the Upper Primary are Guided Reading, Supported Reading, KWL and Retelling.
Reading
Reading is crucial to a child’s success across all contexts in school. The school has embarked on the “I Read, You Read, We Read” approach to reading where teachers positively role model reading. One period in the weekly timetable is set aside for reading. The objective of the reading period is to inculcate in students a love of reading. During the reading period, teachers weave in discussions based on Critical Literacy, and use newspapers to share about current affairs as well as visit the library to be immersed in the wonderful world of books. Other reading programmes include:
Book Talk: Primary 1 to Primary 5 Students are encouraged to write a synopsis of a book read. Then they would stand in front of their classmates and share what they have written. This also fosters confidence building and student-student relationship.
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Book Stop: To build a strong reading culture, Book Stop, which features the school mascot driving a mini-library of books, is brought to the canteen. By creating a print-rich environment in school, students are encouraged to read avidly at every opportunity.
Writing
A spiral progression of skills is key to systematic teaching and learning of writing. Building on the principles of the Modified Language Experience Approach (MLEA) at the Lower Primary, the Writing Process Cycle (WPC) continues to provide students with guidance in planning, writing and reviewing their work at the Middle and Upper Primary levels.
In addition, Bendemeer Otter Times is the school’s annual publication that showcases good English compositions by our very own budding writers. In each issue, readers follow Ben, the school mascot, on an adventure to get inspiration and tips for good writing. In the process, our students are also inspired to adopt a Growth Mindset, taking concrete steps to improve their writing.
Celebrate Writing through our Bendemeer OTTER Times
We celebrate our young authors with our very own Otter Times. The attractive format of the publication inspires students to write well while earning a chance to be featured.
Volume 1(2022)
Issue 1
Issue 2
Volume 2 (2023)
Issue 1
Volume 3 (2024)
Issue 1
Volume 4 (2025)
Issue 1
Flipbooks for Lower Primary Students
Let’s explore the stories written by our Primary 1, Primary 2 and Primary 3 students through flipbooks.
Stories By Our Primary 1 Writers 2024
Stories By Our Primary 2 Writers 2024
Stories By Our Primary 3 Writers 2024
Stories By Our Primary 1 Writers 2025
Stories By Our Primary 2 Writers 2025
A Pocketful of Phrases
The EL department has also come up with a compilation of useful words and phrases for students to widen their vocabulary for speech and writing.
A Pocketful of Phrases (P4 to P6)
Oracy
The objectives of the Bendemeer Oracy Programme are to build confident and competent communicators who 1) understand the key features of spoken language; and 2) can craft presentations using a variety of skills and strategies, according to the purpose, audience, context and culture.
A Vibrant English Environment
Come as a Book Character Day
On 24 April, the school came alive in a vibrant celebration of imagination and creativity as students participated in our much anticipated Come as a Book Character Day, themed “Genres Come Alive.” From beloved classic figures to contemporary heroes, students arrived dressed as their favourite literary characters, transforming the school into a colourful tapestry that reflected the richness and diversity of stories. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students eagerly shared about their characters, bringing narratives to life through their voices and expressions.
Book characters came alive as both staff and students stepped into the shoes of their favourite literary figures
A key highlight of the celebration was the exploration of literary genres. Through peer sharing and thoughtfully designed activities, students were introduced to a wide range of genres, including fantasy, adventure, mystery, folklore and non-fiction. These experiences deepened their understanding of genre characteristics and themes, while nurturing a genuine curiosity about the world of books.
Our talented teacher-actors, who truly brought their characters to life!
Throughout the week, students engaged in interactive activities such as storytelling sessions led by the Principal, Vice-Principals and parent volunteers, as well as hands-on book-making experiences in the Maker’s Space. These platforms provided meaningful opportunities for students to express their ideas, think creatively and collaborate with their peers. In the process, they developed essential communication, collaboration, adaptability and social awareness.
Beyond the festivities, the event played a significant role in cultivating a sustained love for reading. Students demonstrated enthusiasm in discussing stories, making connections across texts and embracing diverse perspectives. The immersive nature of the activities encouraged them to step into different roles and viewpoints, strengthening their adaptability and confidence as learners.
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Come as a Book Character Day was more than a celebration - it was a powerful reminder of how stories can inspire, connect and shape young minds. It underscored the school’s commitment to nurturing reflective, curious and future-ready learners through meaningful and engaging literacy experiences.
Superspeaker Programme
The EL Department aims to build a culture of communication and conversation within the classroom. This is done in order to give students voice and build their confidence. We believe that by providing platforms for students to present in class as well as by giving them autonomy in the topics they would like to talk about, we can build their confidence in speaking to an audience. Every child will have an opportunity to present to their class in this programme that aims to nurture and culture of conversation within the classroom.
School Library
Our school library committee aims to promote and cultivate a positive disposition towards books and support students in their learning. Our activities aim to help students develop a lifelong habit of reading for enjoyment. We aim to continue our efforts to enthuse and nurture a love of reading in all our students.
We seek to achieve this by
1) conducting reading programmes and
2) providing inviting and conducive spaces / resources for students to read, collaborate and learn.
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Programmes
1. Reading Programme
Getting students to experience the joy of reading is a regular part of the school’s curriculum.
Two periods (one for English, one for Mother Tongue) are set aside each week for our reading programme. Students enjoy a range of activities during these periods. These include engaging read alouds, storytelling and book recommendations. In alternative weeks, students are brought to the library to borrow books.
Chinese Lesson Sharing
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Malay Lesson Sharing
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Tamil Lesson Sharing
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Storytelling is brought to life with the use of puppets, pop-up books and Kamishibai (i.e., story cards). Students are given opportunities to do book talks and share their reads with their classmates too.
Through reading circles, students have opportunities to engage in rich discussions about their reads with their peers as well. With the use of critical literacy books, students are also encouraged to think critically about what they read. In addition, students also learn more about current affairs by reading and viewing newspapers. Students’ complete reflections in the I Love Reading booklets.
2. Assembly Programmes
Students enjoy various reading assembly programmes aimed at nurturing a love of reading in them. These include Book Buzzes (held in collaboration with the National Library Board (NLB)) and book talks by local authors. Videos of staff recommending books are broadcasted during pre-assembly as well.
Resources
School library
Our school library is an inviting and conducive space for students to read, collaborate and learn. It has a modern 21st century look to attract students and caters to their evolving needs. Besides shelves that are stocked with a wide range of books to cater to our students’ interests, the library has four distinct zones for different purposes:
Imagination Room – a Makers’ Space for both staff and students to work on projects and carry out generative discussions
Thinkers’ Space – a cosy space for reading
Reading Nook – a cosy space for younger learners to read
Digital Corner – digital learning devices available for learners to explore e-books, audio books and the Internet
Book Stop
The Book Stop was created to bring a snippet of the library to the canteen. This eye-catching mini library allows students to easily pick up a book during their recesses/lunch.
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Useful Links
Good for online stories and games
https://www.storylineonline.net/
https://www.abcya.com/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/
http://www.roythezebra.com/
Good for downloading poems and teaching poetry
http://www.poetry4kids.com
Good for downloading Children's Songs
http://www.songsforteaching.com/animalsongs.htm
Good for teaching reading through phonics
http://www.starfall.com
Reference Resources
Advice on Teaching English and Reading
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/
http://www.pbs.org/launchingreaders/
Library Resources
NLB online catalogue
http://www.nlb.gov.sg/
NLB Overdrive
https://nlb.overdrive.com/
School eResource Repository (SERR)
https://schoolibrary.moe.edu.sg/eresourcespri/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/HOME
The School eResource Repository (SERR) is a virtual school library. It aims to promote recreational reading as well as support learning for students across various subject areas. The repository provides easy access to online resources.
Bendemeer Primary School Library OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue
https://schoolibrary.moe.edu.sg/bendemeerpri
Perform a search of books and resources available in the school library at this website.
NLB discoveReads (Children & Teens Services
https://childrenandteens.nlb.gov.sg/
Access storytelling videos, e-books, book recommendations and other reading-related resources at NLB discoveReads. You will need an account to borrow e-books. Students may sign up for an account, with their parent's Singpass, here.
Unite for Literacy
https://www.uniteforliteracy.com/
Enjoy simple books at Unite for Literacy.
Audible
stories.audible.com/discovery
Enjoy free (for a limited time) audio books at Audible.
National Geographic Kids
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
Science News for Students
https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/