English learning is pervasive in Hong Kong kindergartens. Hong Kong children start to learn English as a school subject as early as three years old. However, the practices are diverse and there is a lack of understanding in current practices of English language teaching and its impacts on early literacy outcomes. The present paper will report the development of an observational system for English teaching in the Hong Kong classroom. The system developed by the researchers focused on evaluating the amount of code-based and meaning-based instruction provided to Hong Kong Chinese ESL children and the pedagogical strategies teachers employ in the classroom. Around 30 English lessons from 13 kindergartens located in various geographical districts in Hong Kong were coded using the observation system. The coding results provide information regarding the current practices adopted by Hong Kong kindergartens. School characteristics (e.g. SES, teachers’ qualification, teachers’ nationality) and the pedagogy and teaching content of English language teaching will be discussed. Preliminary findings of the impacts of teaching content on language and literacy skills of around 300 children from the 13 kindergartens will be presented.

The present study explored the home literacy environment for Chinese ESL kindergarteners and examined the relationships between home literacy practices and language and literacy skills. Ninety Hong Kong Chinese ESL kindergarteners were assessed for English vocabulary, phonological awareness, letter knowledge and word reading. Their parents completed a questionnaire about home literacy practices. Results showed that these practices can be classified into three aspects: shared reading, exposure to English materials and home teaching. Shared reading uniquely predicted receptive and expressive vocabulary, syllable awareness and word reading in English. Exposure to English materials predicted expressive vocabulary and home teaching predicted letter knowledge.
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