of English and me~

Assalamualaykum.

Being an English teacher, people [especially parents], always ask me this particular question:

"How do we/our children become good in English?"

That's one helluva trickiest question to answer, I might say.
Because I don't think I'm good in the language at all.
But my answer is always simple and the same to everyone.
You've got to love the language.

Don't think of it as an alien language, especially these days when English is used everywhere and anywhere.
Even if you're watching Datuk Yusof Haslam's "Sembilu ", the subtitle is in English.
Or the cartoons.
In a way, we are learning the language without realizing it.

When my housemates asked me how did I end up being an English teacher, I told them I had great teachers inspiring me since I was in primary school.
Teacher Zabedah, Teacher Ong, Mr Thank Swee Hong, Mrs Hiew.
And when I went to Tunku Kurshiah, I was taught by Mr Pillay, Mr Shamser, Puan Hafizah.
They were equally great.
When I was doing my diploma, I had a group of inspiring lecturers like Puan Ros Amisha, Puan Rozanah, Puan Azizah, Puan Aziah, Puan Umai, Miss Ong and Mr Joseph.
They taught me as a student, advised me like I was their own child and hang out with me like I was one of their friends.
So, how can I not be inspired by all of them?

And as I was watching a show @ E! [Astro channel 76], I thought of another reason why I developed a liking in the language.

I grew up with it.

I've always love watching TV series, even until now.
And back in the late 80s and early 90s, there were loads of shows that I liked.
To name a few..,

Full House
Growing Pains
21 Jump Street
Doogie Howser M.D.
Anne of Green Gables
Twin Peaks
My Secret Identity
The Girl From Tomorrow

And when I was in primary school, I was Tommy Page's die hard fan,you know?!
I remembered waiting for his "Time" or "A Shoulder To Cry On" music video when I got back home right after school. *giggles*


You may laugh, but I don't think my students listen to any English songs at all.
I don't know what went wrong, but the only nursery rhyme that they are familiar with is "Twinkle² Little Star".
They don't know "Baa Baa Black Sheep", "London Bridge", "If You're Happy" etc.
My school was in a kampung too, for Goodness sake, if that's their excuse for not being exposed to the songs/rhymes.
Or maybe the current curriculum is to be blamed?
My lips are sealed.~

The most important thing is what you read.
It's a great way to learn, be it English or anything at all.
Don't you think so?
I have my father to thank when it comes to developing my interest in reading English stuff.
Though Abah doesn't read much English, but he bought me a Sidney Sheldon for my UPSR gift.
And that was my first time reading an English book/novel that's an inch thick.
Hehehehe..

Please don't get me wrong, this entry was not meant to 'mengagung-agungkan' English.
But being in the education field, especially in the current curriculum, English knowledge is vital.
I pitied my little kids that had to struggle learning Science and Mathematics in English when their skills in the language is not to be proud of.

I pray that Allah will give me the strength.
Amin~

Wassalam.