Starchild: Malaysian kids share ideas on how to stay safe at home

Fu Rui Yuan, 6

We're looking for more Starchild contributions! Here's our next item.

World Emoji Day is celebrated on July 17. It’s a day dedicated to emojis and the enjoyment that using them brings. There are many emojis ranging from smileys, angry faces, animals and even popular food and drink. What are some of your favourite emojis? If you could create your own special emoji, what would it look like? Starchild wants to know. Don’t forget to colour the drawing too!

Please put “STARCHILD: Emoji” in the subject line of your e-mail. E-mail your contributions to [e-mail].

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.

Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. All letters must reach us by July 10.

Due to the rise in Covid-19 cases, Malaysia has been under lockdown since June 1. During this period, children have not been able to go to school and have been studying via Google Classroom and Google Meet.

To keep busy indoors, many children have been helping with chores and learning to cook and bake. Some have been keeping busy with hobbies like painting, sewing and gardening.

Many readers wrote to us on the topic, Stay Safe. Here’s what they had to say.

Ling Khim Miing, 7

Seven-year-old Ling Khim Miing has started reading The Star newspapers during the lockdown. “I’ve got to know there is a different theme of Lifestyle each day – Tech, Culture, Ecowatch, Style, Showbiz, Carsifu, Family/Living/Senior, Travel, and Food/Spaces. I love Carsifu the most because it features many types of cars and motorbikes. I love reading The Star because I can gain a lot of knowledge and get to know worldwide news even though I am at home.”

Chloe Leong Xizhen, 8

Chloe Leong Xizhen, eight, hopes the number of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia will reduce once more people obtain their vaccination shots. “Hopefully the virus will disappear. Since the lockdown, I have been learning to keep things tidy, studying, helping out in the garden and drawing for Starchild.”

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, three, writes: “I am my parents’ little helper at home. I offer to help whenever I see them busy with house chores. My sister and I are also taking care of a few guppy fishes that my grandpa recently gave us. We have instructions to feed them once a day.”

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 3

“Staying safe at home is not boring when I have my brother and my books with me. I enjoy my indoor time reading my dad’s childhood encyclopedia. Recently I have started gardening by planting some seeds in a pot. I water them and check their growth daily. It’s fascinating how quickly the seeds germinate and sprout, ” says six-year-old Bethany Wang Qi Syuen.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 6

Debria Preethi Jeyarajah, 10, has been doing a number of fun activities during the lockdown. It includes helping her grandmother plant ladies fingers and chillies in the garden. “I worked on a diamond dotz prickles art painting and I’m currently working on my next piece. I am slowly learning how to stitch. I’ve managed to stitch a small blanket for my doll. I’ve also helped grandpa paint the swing and flower stands.”

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12, has been learning to cook. Together with her mother, she finds new recipes from social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. “We choose quality ingredients and practise eating healthy food. Whenever I cook, I learn about ingredients, using the right cooking tools, money management and cleaning up.”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 8

Eight-year-old Jayden Tan Li Sheng planted chillies and long beans during the lockdown. “I obtained the seeds from my mum. The most challenging part is keeping the plants alive. I am constantly learning things to do and not to do. I can’t wait to harvest the long beans next week.”

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 8

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, eight, writes: “I have been reading, going for virtual classes, and helping out around the house like sweeping, mopping, and wiping the table.”

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 6

Six-year-old Claire Yap Jyn Wei writes: “I help out by folding my covers, and tidying my bed. I also planted vegetable seeds and water my plants each day. I also have fun drawing, playing badminton, and reading books.”

Wong Cheng Yang, seven, says: “I am feeling bored during the lockdown because I cannot meet my friends. I also have online classes at home. Every day I watch my favourite cartoon series, My Little Pony. Sometimes, I argue with my little sister. I cannot wait for the lockdown to be over.”

“I’ve been helping my mother bake cakes during the lockdown. The cakes always come out delicious. Our family members love to eat cake and other sweet treats, ” writes Fu Rui Yuan, six.

Florence Chan Zhi Hsuan, seven, is sad that she can’t go to the park and to school during the lockdown. “Even though I can’t meet my friends in school, I must stay safe indoors.”

“I’ve been so bored at home. My parents registered me for coding classes. Sometimes, I help Mummy to cook and clean the house. I hope everyone is staying safe at home, ” says Low Ying Tong, seven.“I’m hoping Covid-19 cases will be very low so I can go out to the playground, ” says Chuah Seng Koon, five. - Compiled by Sheela Chandran

Find the hidden words!