Starchild: Why Malaysian kids are learning with love — thanks to great teachers

Ong Keat Ming, 6

Where would we be today without our teachers? They help us discover new things, answer our big (and small) questions, and show us how to be our best selves.

Teachers are like gardeners. Every day, they help us grow – by teaching us letters and numbers, fun facts about space or animals, and how to work together with friends. They give us the tools we need to bloom, in school and in life.

But teachers don’t just teach subjects. They also teach kindness, patience and courage. If we are feeling nervous, they cheer us on. If we make a mistake, they help us try again. If we are stuck, they find new ways to help us understand.

Lai Zhi Lin, 6

That’s why Teachers Day is so special. It is our chance to say thank you for all the time, care and effort they give us.

Here are the second batch of letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Teachers Day.

Lai Zhi Lin, six, thinks her teachers are special and kind. “I love my teacher because she plays with me.”

Angeline Chin Zi Ying, 6

Angeline Chin Zi Ying, six, enjoys active playtime with her teacher. “You let us play with you. We get to throw balls around!”

Choong Vin Son, 6

Choong Vin Son, six, has grown to love arts and crafts, thanks to his teachers. “We always have arts and crafts lessons together,” he says.

Lim Shan Ni, 6

“You teach me right from wrong. You play cards and reward me,” writes Lim Shan Ni, six.

ITEM: Fathers Day is a time to celebrate the special men in our lives – our dads, grandpas, uncles and anyone who cares for us like a father. 

Colour me

Do you enjoy going on adventures with your dad? Maybe he makes you laugh at his jokes or helps you with your schoolwork.

Tell us why your father or father figure is special. You can write a short letter, draw a picture of you doing something fun together or share a happy memory!

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by June 6. Please put “STARCHILD: Happy Fathers 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.