Starchild: Why Malaysian kids think learning is fun

Ariel Li Xin Yue, 9

In school, we learn many subjects, and each one is special in its own way. Some students like Science because they love doing experiments and discovering how things work. Learning about animals, plants, and space makes them feel like little scientists! Do you enjoy Mathematics? Maths is useful in our daily life, from counting money at the store to reading the time on the clock.

Desiree Sundram, 12Other students enjoy English because they love reading books and writing stories. Learning English also helps us communicate with people from different countries. It is also exciting to read adventure books and imagine new, fantasy worlds.

Every subject you learn in school is important because it teaches you something valuable. No matter what your favourite subject is, learning makes you smarter and helps us move a step forward to achieve your dreams.

Recently, Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, My Favourite Subject. Here’s what they had to say.

"My favourite subject is Science because I love learning about animals and the environment. Malaysia is home to so many amazing creatures, like the Malayan tiger and the orangutan. In class, we learned how important it is to protect them from extinction. I also enjoy doing experiments. Recently, I learned how to make a volcano using baking soda and vinegar. It was so exciting to see it bubble and fizz," says Desiree Sundram, 12.

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, writes, “My favourite school subject is Mathematics. First of all, I like my Maths teacher. He makes lessons fun and exciting. Sometimes, we play games to understand Mathematics concepts better. Mathematics is an important subject because we use it in our daily lives. For example, I need to know how much pocket money I bring to school, how much I spend during recess and how much I have left for saving. Mathematics and numbers also help improve my problem-solving skills. That is why I enjoy learning it so much!"

Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 9

Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, nine, writes, "My favourite school subject is English. I think it is the easiest subject because I have been exposed to the language since I was young. I love watching cartoons, which are mostly in English, and listening to English songs. I also enjoy reading English storybooks. My favourite authors are Enid Blyton and Beatrix Potter. Every day, I learn new words to expand my English vocabulary, which helps me improve my speaking and writing skills."

Ngeoh Yue Qi, 7Ngeoh Yue Qi, seven, writes: "The subject I like the most is Science. I love it because I enjoy listening to my teacher explain all the interesting topics. I enjoy the activities and experiments we do together."

"My favourite subject is Mathematics because my mother introduced me to it when I was young, and I found it fun. I enjoy calculating, counting money, measuring things, telling time and learning about shapes.

"Discovering something new in Mathematics and applying it in real life makes the subject even more exciting. My teacher always helps me when I feel confused and ensures I understand the lessons. Mathematics can be challenging, but solving problems is fun, and that’s why I enjoy it," says Ariel Li Xin Yue, nine.

Kya Loo Qing Xin, nine, writes: "My favourite subject is Science because I love discovering how things work. My teacher makes lessons exciting by sharing fun stories about nature. I especially enjoy learning through hands-on experiences – like when we talked about animals' skin covering, and I got to feel the soft feathers of a chick sitting on my shoulder! Every new lesson makes me happy because it helps me understand the world around me."

Kya Loo Qing Xin, 9

Seven-year-old Gian Zhe Chang, says: "My favourite subject is Mathematics. I love it because I like to count and solve maths problems. I learn a lot of new things each time we have a lesson. I would like to win maths competitions in the future."

Gian Zhe Chang, 7

"My favorite subject is Physical Education (PE). I like it very much because I can run and play. I like basketball because I enjoy shooting the ball into the hoop. PE keeps me healthy and strong," says Gian Zhe Cheng, nine.

Gian Zhe Cheng, 9

"My favorite subject is Science because I enjoy doing experiments. I am curious and am always eager to learn more. One of the most exciting experiments was watching how a plant's stem transports coloured water to its flowers. It was amazing to see it happen! When I grow up, I hope to be a scientist so I can help both humans and animals," says Ho Shin Hong, nine.

Ho Shin Hong, 9

ITEM: Have you ever imagined what a perfect day is like? Would you spend it at the beach, explore a theme park or have a fun adventure with your best friends? Maybe your perfect day includes eating your favourite food, playing your favourite games or meeting someone special. Tell us all about it! Where would you go? Who would be with you? What exciting things would you do? Send us your letters and drawings – we can't wait to read about your perfect day!

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by April 4. Please put "STARCHILD: My Favourite Day" in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.