Foreign research shows that 20%–30% of preschool children are potentially dyslexic. Local studies have similar findings that 27% of kindergarten 2 children and 25% of kindergarten 3 children in Hong Kong are potentially dyslexic. To support these children, Heep Hong Society’s ‘Read and Write: A Jockey Club Learning Support Network’ Working Group initiated a three-year project of research and development, design, trials and effectiveness studies to develop suitable teaching and learning materials.The Language Learning Package for Pre-primary Children was launched in 2009. In the following year, the Society embarked on a three-year partnership with 18 kindergartens, where The Language Learning Package was incorporated into the curriculum. The effectiveness studies revealed that after receiving one year of support services, the 311 children identified as potentially dyslexic have shown substantial improvement in their listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities. Around 30% of them were no longer identified as having potential learning difficulties.

The Society published The Language Learning Package for Pre-primary Children (Enhanced Edition) in May 2014, compiling the extensive clinical experience and insights of educational psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and preschool teachers. The Enhanced Edition comprises a teacher’s manual, and two learning activities handbooks (each accompanied by a resource CD-ROM) tailor-made for kindergarten 2 (K2) and kindergarten 3 (K3) students. The contents of the handbooks are divided into several learning categories, including listening, speaking, reading and writing. A total of 144 learning activities are included. The Enhanced Edition will help early childhood educators use the teaching materials more effectively and, therefore, make learning more enjoyable for young children.  

The publication was sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.