SINGAPORE - Registration is open for sharing sessions and workshops at the Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) Symposium to be held on Aug 23.

The event, which is in its third year, brings together Singapore schools and the community to share creative efforts in promoting mother tongue languages.

The focus of the symposium will be on the importance of children's developmental years from pre-school to lower primary, as well as the key role their home language environment plays in acquiring language.

Participants at the 12 sessions and workshops, which take place from 11am to 8pm at Suntec Singapore Exhibition and Conference Centre, can learn from experts and educators on using teaching aids and picture books to help children learn mother tongue languages.

They can also pick up tips on promoting a home environment that better supports language learning.

There will be 40 exhibition booths run by pre-school centres, schools and partners featuring innovative teaching methods and community programmes.

The symposium is organised by the Ministry of Education Centre and three mother tongue language promotion committees.

Admission is free and the first 4,000 visitors will also receive a goodie bag. Registration for the sharing sessions and workshops is on a first come, first served basis. Members of the public can register at www.mtls.com.sg.