Psychosocial Skills
The Heart of an English Lesson
Date: 16 March 2026
Time: 1400-1530
Venue: Teams
Presenters:
1. Mrs Cindy Simon (St Hilda’s Primary School)
2. Mrs Fong Wee Miang (St Hilda’s Primary School)
Higher-Ability learners (HALs) often exhibit heightened moral concerns and sensitivities. Teachers can capitalise on these characteristics and introduce moral issues that resonate with their interests and values. By incorporating authentic life lessons such as ethical dilemmas and fostering empathy, educators can create learning experiences that are personally meaningful, thereby fostering the development of positive core beliefs that contribute to a healthy sense of identity.
The teaching of the English Language affords multiple opportunities to engage the students’ hearts and minds beyond the syllabus. In this session, the presenters’ focus is on the integration of life lessons into the teaching of the English Language for HALs. By embedding relevant moral and ethical issues into English lessons, we hope to captivate their curiosity and help them to make personal connections and reflection in their learning. Day-to-day teaching strategies such as Quick Writes, comprehension, concept units and discussions are affordances that can be tapped on.
By seizing opportunities presented in an English Language classroom to make real-world connections, students learn to engage deeply with the materials and contemplate everyday scenarios with heightened awareness. This not only enriches their learning experiences but also cultivates a deeper understanding of ethical complexities, thereby promoting the growth of empathetic learners.
Mrs Simon teaches English Language, Social Studies, and CCE in mixed form classes. Attuned to the diverse backgrounds of her students, she is committed to instilling strong values and guiding them in developing a sound moral compass. Through authentic discussions and rich texts, she fosters ethical reasoning and helps students appreciate multiple perspectives. Her goal is to equip them with the wisdom and compassion needed to navigate life’s complexities with a heart for others.
Mrs Fong is an English Language, CCE and Social Studies teacher with a strong passion for nurturing young minds to become motivated and responsible individuals. She believes in preparing students not only as engaged learners but also as thoughtful, compassionate members of society. Through respectful dialogue, shared experiences, and purposeful reflection, students learn to demonstrate empathy, cultivate self-awareness, and build meaningful connections with those around them.