Free Children's Book to Explain about COVID-19 in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese

The Movement Order Control in Malaysia has just been extended another 2 weeks to 28 April 2020. That means children will be home for another 2 weeks. They will be restless and some of them may be confused. It is not easy to explain something that you cannot see with the eye to children. What is COVID-19? Why do we have to #stayathome ? Why can't we go to see grandpa/grandma?

Children can feel anxious especially if they overhear their parents talk about the daily statistics on the number of cases as well as the demise of more people due to it.



The World Health Organization in collaboration with more than 50 organizations including the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Save the Children and more has come up with a book to explain COVID-19 to children.

This book has been translated into many languages including English, Chinese and Bahasa Malaysia, to reach as many children as possible including

Entitled "My Hero Is You", the book talks about hand washing, staying at home, social distancing etc in simple terms to help children understand the current situation with the help of a fantasy creature called Ario.

This book is suitable for kids from age 6-11 years old.

It is written and illustrated by Helen Patuck, who together with her project team drew on the sharing from 1700 children, parents, caregivers and teachers from all over the world to make sure that the story and its messages are relevant to children from different backgrounds.

Download links (The book is free to download)

My Hero Is You (English version)
Engkaulah Adiwiraku (Bahasa Malaysia Version)
你是我心中的英雄 (Chinese Version)

Interestingly, the Bahasa Malaysia translation is translated by Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha from our own Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia or Ministry of Health Malaysia. :-)

Below is the audio version, a public reading by Howard Donald. You can put this on together with your book for kids to listen and read at the same time. Howard Donald is an English singer, songwriter, drummer, pianist, dancer and record producer. He is a member of English pop-group Take That and a judge on the German reality talent show Got to Dance.

8 Ways To Encourage Children To Read

How do I encourage my child to pick up a book to read and continue reading? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by parents. When you give a child a book, it is a gift. When you teach a child to love reading that book, you give the child a gift for life.

Here are 8 Ways to Encourage Children To Read

1. Use Graded Readers

These are readers that progress in levels. New words and complexity of grammar structures increases as children. move from one level to another. Graded readers features a systematic ‘levelled reading’ approach with incremental vocabulary coverage, careful language recycling and increasing text complexity. Children become more confident as they recognize books found in the earlier series. The confidence that comes from being able to read independently encourages them to keep on reading and discover new words. Children should be encouraged to read books that are within their level of reading comprehension. Too low a level makes them bored while too high a level makes them frustrated and give up. Select books with tiers, levels or bands because these graded readers are written according to children's age and reading level in mind.

2. Read Stories that Children can Relate to

Children are like sponges, absorbing all information around them. They are curious beings. Stories that they can relate to will capture their attention and interest and make them want to continue reading. While there are a wide array of stories from the west, stories rich in Asian culture are also a good way to teach children about the different local cultures because it stirs their natural curiosity.

3. Design Matters - Read Books with Interesting Illustration

Books with colourful illustration and design attract young readers to pick up a book to read. They say pictures speak a thousand words. Words along with pictures tell a compelling story that makes you want to continue reading.

4. Read Different Genre Storybooks

We can broaden the horizon of the young reader and encourage them to read by introducing to them interesting stories across different genres including real-life fiction, adventure stories, traditional tales and non-fiction. Children will learn that reading can take them into a different world, time or place when they imagine the stories that they read taking place.

5. Let Your Child Choose What They Want To Read

While it may be tempting to select all your child’s reading material based on what you think is good for them, it is good to let them choose what they want to read occasionally. Perhaps they may need you to guide them along, allowing them to choose what they want to read will motivate them to pick up that book to read at home. You never know, they might find gems you didn’t plan to pick up. Set up a cozy reading book or mini home library for them to read books they had a hand in picking.

6. Read Books That Encourage Children to Think

Some books have guided questions at the end of the book or supplementary projects and activities. All of these help to facilitate value reflection and critical thinking development in readers. Parents can ask children questions or do projects together with children which encourages parent child bonding and further interest in the books read.

7. Read Stories with Themes

Popular thematic stories about festivals, families, food, animals, transportation etc educate as well as inform. For example, kids may be interested to read about the New Year as the New Year approaches making it something to look forward to and talk about.

8. Read Together and Read Often

Read to your child, or together with your child to encourage them to read. Bring them to bookshops, libraries and book exhibitions to open up the world of books and reading to them. Read often and discuss what you read with your child. Don't look at your mobile while your child is reading. Pick up something and read as they are reading. This will encourage them to read instead of playing with their phones too.

This post was brought to you by Oxford Fajar Malaysia.

Introducing Oxford Fajar Dragonfly Readers

Dragonfly Readers is a new print series by Oxford Fajar. It is designed for the 21st century reader to support the development of reading comprehension skills, featuring: 

• 204 beautifully-illustrated stores and non-fiction texts by Asian authors and artists
• Asian culture, themes and values infused in the series 
• Culture and vocabulary pages, supplementary projects and activities 
• Clear learner progression, based on Oxford Levels and aligned to CEFR 

The Dragonfly Readers is based on a levelling* system with 

• 9 tiered-levelling, each level denoted by a number and colour 
• 6 bands per level; each band offers 3-4 theme-linked reading texts within a printed anthology
• Each reading text introduces a set of topic-related new words with practice and support materials 
• A transparent vocabulary structure, with each reading text presenting new topic-related words and carefully recycling previously learnt new words 
• Text complexity gradually increases through the bands, so learners incrementally gain comprehension skills and reading fluency as they advance through the levels 

The Dragonfly Readers is available for purchase online here.

*Dragonfly readers is currently available up to Level 3. Stay tuned for the higher levels coming soon.

Oxford Big Read 

The Oxford Big Read is an English reading programme and competition for primary school students in Malaysia. Students who participate in the competition will be required to read Oxford Readers and do different age-wise activities based on their levels.

The competition is open to all schools in Malaysia, and features attractive prizes for students and their schools.

Click here to find out more.

CEFR Parallel Assessments in PT3, UPSR and SPM

Last year (2019), PT3 students received grading on their English language proficiency using CEFR standards. Many parents were confused because they did not know about the adoption of CEFR in Malaysia. They also did not understand the grading under CEFR.

What is CEFR and Adoption of CEFR in Malaysia

CEFR is the Common European Framework for Languages. It is an international standard for describing language ability and is used in many countries. CEFR is widely accepted by many countries as an international framework for language teaching, learning and assessment.

Malaysia adopted CEFR under the Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013 - 2025) and Roadmap for English Language Education Reform (2015 - 2025).

With a common framework ie the CEFR,  teachers or learners, employers and educational institutions can see and compare the level of English qualifications of one learner with another. A learner who receives the same grade under the CEFR is similarly qualified irrespective of which school or country they are from.

Implementation of CEFR- aligned curriculum for Malaysian schools

The CEFR-aligned curriculum for both SK and SJK is implemented in stages, beginning with Years l and 2 in 2018. Under this new curriculum, Listening and Speaking are treated as separate skills instead of combined as in the past, and all five language skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Language Arts) are developed based on the CEFR. Phonics is covered separately.

The CEFR-aligned curriculum for Malaysian secondary schools is implemented in stages, beginning with Forms 1 and 2 in 2018. Under this new curriculum, Listening and Speaking are treated as separate skills instead of combined as in the past, and all four language skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) are developed based on the CEFR proficiency levels. Grammar (taught in Language Awareness lessons) and vocabulary are integrated in lessons focusing on the four skills as well as Literature in Action.

CEFR Grading

CEFR describes language ability on a six point scale, from A1 for beginners up to C2 for those who have mastered the language.

Levels:
Pre-A1, A1, A2 = Basic User

B1, B2 = Independent User
C1, C2 = Proficient User
Go to this link to view the CEFR Global Scale with details of each level and what it means.

Parallel Assessments in PT3, UPSR and SPM

The first parallel assessment of Common European Framework of Reference For Language (CEFR) was implemented at the Form Three Assessment (PT3) examination level for the English Language paper in 2019. (Note that students need not sit for an extra exam paper. They are merely assessed twice for the same English paper they sat for.)

Parallel assessment of the English Language paper would be implemented for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in 2021 and Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) in 2022.

"Although the highest grade was C2, equivalent to the proficiency of an English native speaker, PT3 questions were set at B1 level. SPM, would start with the new CEFR format in 2021 with the hope that students would have acquired at least the B1 level. UPSR would follow suit in 2022 with A2 set as the highest grade."  (Ref: First CEFR assessment via PT3 english paper)

Using CEFR aligned books

Parents and educators should use CEFR aligned books as teaching material to guide students and prepare them for their examinations. When buying specific English Language Teaching books, parents and teachers should look out for “CEFR-aligned curriculum”.

 

This post was brought to you by Oxford Fajar Malaysia. Oxford Fajar has a range of ELT (English Language Teaching) books that are CEFR aligned. Oxford Fajar is a subsidiary of Oxford University Press, the world's leading authority on the English Language. Every year more than 33 million students use Oxford materials to learn English.  

References:

About CEFR

What the CEFR is and isn't
The Reform of English Language Education in Malaysia 

Implementation of CEFR in Malaysia:Teachers’ awareness and the Challenges

Universal CEFR English Grading starts with 2019 PT3

Facebook Giveaway

5 readers stand a chance to win Oxford Fajar English Language Activity Books for their children. Join our Facebook Giveaway. Join Now!

Education Going Digital - Are you keeping up?

We are currently seeing a digital transformation in education. Just like every other aspect of life that is going digital, education is also being digitalized.

When classrooms go digital, students receive so much more exposure in the form of e-textbooks with multimedia content such as videos, audios, interactive presentations or quizzes and hyperlinks that lead you to more information on the subject being studied.

Are we keeping up with digitalization in education?

Digital products and companion websites offer students additional access to content on the go

Recognizing a need to incorporate print and digital resources, Oxford Fajar has in its key print series provided additional ready-to-use learning and teaching resources as a value-add in their product offering.

The resources such as videos and website links help students deepen their understanding of certain topics, additional exercises, and audio files for listening components in English and Malay language. These resources are developed to complement Oxford Fajar titles and are tailored closely to each specific title. Students will find this beneficial as all its contents are aligned to the latest syllabuses.

This provides students the tools to take guided control of their learning.

Look out for CW logo (Companion Website Logo) in your Oxford Fajar print books and explore the companion resources.

Other than print books, Oxford Fajar also has interactive ebooks and apps which allow students to study on the go.

Below are some of the digital products being offered by Oxford Fajar.

Fully Worked Solutions ebook for SPM, STPM and Matriculation students - includes step-by-step workings and examples to introduce concepts, build understanding and help students explore subjects like mathematics and science in a more fun and interactive way.

Memory Booster Plus app - effective digital study cards for SPM students for quick revision on the go

Have you tried using digital resources before? Oxford Fajar is offering 50% off on Memory Booster App on Google Play Store starting today! Additionally, all  Mumsgather followers get a 50% discount with the discount code MUMSGATHER50 on Oxford Fajar’s e-learning site. First come first serve limited to the first 100 buyers. Key in the discount code upon checkout when purchasing Oxford Fajar's Digital Solution Books. This discount code is valid till 31 March 2020.

Assessments books focusing on HOTS questions for 21st Century Learning

2020. The start of a new decade. We have been moving away from rote learning to self-directed learning of the 21st century. Schools and teachers have been talking about creative thinking and more and more exam questions are based on HOTS questions or KBAT (in Malay). As parents we have to keep ourselves abreast with what our children are learning at school in order to guide them.

What is HOTS/KBAT?

The acronym HOTS stands for High Order Thinking Skills. KBAT is the Malay equivalent which is "Kemahiran Berfikir Aras Tinggi"

HOTS is based on various taxonomies of learning, and in particularly the 1956 book by Benjamin Bloom the "Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: The Classification of Educational Goals." 

Bloom’s Taxonomy was designed with six levels to promote higher order thinking. The six levels are- knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.  Bloom’s aim was to promote higher forms of thinking in education, such as analyzing and evaluating, instead of just teaching students to remember and regurgitate facts (rote learning). 

Image Source: https://greycaps.com/theteacher/Community/What-is-Higher-Order-Thinking

It is important for educators to guide the thinking process starting from kindergarten so that students can progress from LOTS (Lower Order Thinking Skills) to HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills).

The aim is to help students progress from remembering (gathering information) to understanding (confirming the information gathered), to applying (making use of knowledge), to analyzing (taking information apart) and finally evaluating (judging the outcome).

How Parents Can Help

If students use higher-order thinking skills and practice problem solving regularly, then thinking will become a habit!

“Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking.” – The Critical Thinking Community (2015)

Parents can help their children practice HOTS till it becomes a habit. Parents, especially those with kids from P1 to P3 who are worried about not knowing how their children are progressing can help their children practice by using assessment books focusing on these types of HOTS questions being asked in today's school exam papers based on our National curriculum.

HOTS Practice Books by Oxford Fajar

At Oxford Fajar, Topical Practice Books are designed to enable students to grasp key points  from each topic with HOTS questions and answers.

Primary school titles include, Drill In, Smart Practice and Effective Practice for both SK and SJK.
Let’s Practice Series for DLP schools – Let’s Practice is the series where Maths and Science subjects are taught in English in Schools under the  DLP programme. (DLP = Dual Language Programme where Math and Science are taught in English in participating schools).

Secondary school titles include Drill In, Smart Practice, Effective Practice and Big Ideas

 

Model Test Papers on the other hand are designed for students to prepare for their examinations. The exercises are modelled after actual examination format and are crafted according to the requirements and learning objectives of the national curriculum. Students, parents or teachers can use these test papers to evaluate in preparation for exams which are moving towards HOTS and away from LOTS. Students need frequent practice to embrace this change and make it a habit.

It is important to get relevant and high quality workbooks from trusted publishers because there are many types out there however they may not be valid to the current syllabus.

There is Score In and Achieve for all major exams (UPSR, PT3 & SPM). For non major exam years there is Get Ahead or Exam Prep titles

Why HOTS is Good for Students

With HOTS or critical thinking skills students who are talented in many areas have the opportunity to discover these talents. Unlike the previous rote learning models, students with broader interests are encouraged and rewarded.

In today's open society created by advanced digital technology, innovation and creativity is the key towards success. The ability to think critically and creatively, to collaborate with others, and to communicate clearly sets students up for success in their careers and in life.

This post was brought to you by Oxford Fajar Malaysia.

Facebook Giveaway

5 Lucky winners stand a chance to win a set each of Practice Workbooks tailored for their child's level. Join giveaway here.

Digital Textbooks For SK, SJKC, SJKT and SMK for Std 1 to Form 5

I find that one of the things that frustrates parents the most is the lack of information. For example, some parents may know that there are some digital textbooks available somewhere online for SK, SJKC, SJKT and SMK for Std 1 to Form 5 but just where are the download links, few have an idea.

Previously, I did write about the download links for free etextbooks for primary and secondary school. I wrote this in March 2019, now not even a year on, and the links are no longer working.
This is what is so frustrating. The lack of proper dissemination of information to whom it matters, parents, students and teachers.

Perhaps the teachers know it and have passed the information on to the students. I have no idea but as a parent, I have to search very hard in order to find the information I need.

Anyway some of these links have been shared by parents in our group because they received it through whatsapp messages. I am putting them all together here for parents to easily find and access the links to these etextbooks.

The links are for digital textbooks for Std 1 to Form 5 for SK, SJKC, SJKT and SMK or SMJK.
Note that some of the books lists are incomplete.

Std 1 to Form 4  
https://t.me/DigitalTBMsia (Telegram)

SJKC Textbooks Std 1 to Std 6
https://www.facebook.com/littlebooktime/posts/800359434026073 

Std 1 to Std 6 Digital Textbooks download links
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/19Sdzd7n4qwBV4aaRdNZmDWBTHd3xK8sN
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1C4flJbcT1XHBsMZxuUVKuLqB_GyCqdiN

Std 1 etextbooks download link:
BTDA Tahun 1 - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1c1B0CJ_tZETMsYG7BvOdoBASFhxzKxNZ
SJKC P1 - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aH7YXbtBw-TTolBY5wH4LGddfFz5aENh

Std 2 etextbooks download link:
BTDA Tahun 2 - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1V1Mu1Da_I6pkI_xXvts-vF7i519wpo3X
SJKC P2 - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M7QYJ4EyTamBCXJA0t56B5Npip9mhvwt

Std 3 etextbooks download link:
BTDA Tahun 3 - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YD0zU7pbplYWKVnpOhzkfKA592K08Dpe
SJKC P3 - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IGOtL1v_HRsfGZ0RdMZ4NuOwHAwaF8vT

Std 4 etextbooks download link:
BTDA Tahun 4 - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1sRTQMVW3O9gTkWRelsNwe0MxqGKQ5Cr7
SJKC P4 - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gQSmKCFXASkrvALK50NE5QUwaYVi47za

Std 5 etextbooks download link:
BTDA Tahun 5 - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wZSVxoLc6ieTZ3bXowS1BezPFJfeeOcl
or https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1FHF6NSzc_9Eod8hubgwDSfLErntENk0- (2020 syllabus)
SJKC P5 - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13J2FbWaY7aQDXWBFKHHUsMqMal9urv-S

Std 6 etextbooks download link:
BTDA Tahun 6 - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1H81PnAehEV_wmDwS52heeFLcUBg6HnSj
SJKC P6 - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NvELM2s4MLvfa48Pbd32EGqzptOCBnh5

More links for flip books for primary school SJKC here in our group. Only group members can view this link.

If the links above don't work, you can try out the links from the iPendidikan website as well:

Std 1 - SK/SJKC/SJKT - https://www.ipendidikan.my/buku-teks-digital-kssr-tahun-1-hingga-6.html#Buku_Teks_Digital_Tahun_1

Std 2 - SK/SJKC/SJKT - https://www.ipendidikan.my/buku-teks-digital-kssr-tahun-1-hingga-6.html#Buku_Teks_Digital_Tahun_2

Std 3 - SK/SJKC/SJKT - https://www.ipendidikan.my/buku-teks-digital-kssr-tahun-1-hingga-6.html#Buku_Teks_Digital_Tahun_3

Std 4 - SK - https://www.ipendidikan.my/buku-teks-digital-kssr-tahun-1-hingga-6.html#Buku_Teks_Digital_Tahun_4  

Std 5 - SK - https://www.ipendidikan.my/buku-teks-digital-kssr-tahun-1-hingga-6.html#Buku_Teks_Digital_Tahun_5  

Std 6 - SK - https://www.ipendidikan.my/buku-teks-digital-kssr-tahun-1-hingga-6.html#Buku_Teks_Digital_Tahun_6


Form 1 etextbooks download link:
BTDA Tingkatan 1 - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1mGwDaFQ5V140nYO0Di46Y2Yg_1HVl8jo

or
https://www.ipendidikan.my/koleksi-buku-teks-digital-asas-kssm.html#Buku_Teks_Digital_Tingkatan_1
or
https://t.me/Channel1BukuTeksKSSM? (Telegram)

Form 2 etextbooks download link:

BTDA Tingkatan 2 -  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UKJAG_uI4oiMR-U1_ITuURCFpr1n5QDd
or 
https://www.ipendidikan.my/koleksi-buku-teks-digital-asas-kssm.html#Buku_Teks_Digital_Tingkatan_2
or
https://t.me/Channel2BukuTeksKSSM? (Telegram)

Form 3 etextbooks download link:
BTDA Tingkatan 3 -  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rkG6PFTaxxTBLesejbPImNnoCtfApoj0
or 
https://www.ipendidikan.my/koleksi-buku-teks-digital-asas-kssm.html#Buku_Teks_Digital_Tingkatan_3
or
https://t.me/Channel3BukuTeksKSSM? (Telegram)

Form 4 etextbooks download link:
BTDA Tingkatan 4 -  https://drive.google.com/open?id=17kgQm6CFA7QR4xgTro_7a7TGLv55ck_o

or 
https://www.ipendidikan.my/koleksi-buku-teks-digital-asas-kssm.html#Buku_Teks_Digital_Tingkatan_4
or
https://t.me/httpstmejoinchatAAAAAFan6t? (Telegram)

Form 5 etextbooks download link:
BTDA Tingkatan 5 -  https://drive.google.com/open?id=16iHry-5EYHG01Pou4wk5FIfJErGaZ-rj

or 
https://www.ipendidikan.my/koleksi-buku-teks-digital-asas-kssm.html#Buku_Teks_Digital_Tingkatan_5
or
https://t.me/Channel5BukuTeksKSSM? (Telegram)

Revision Books From Oxford Fajar

In our previous post, we wrote about Oxford Fajar's Complete Study Solution which includes resources to help students revise, practise, assess and reinforce their learning.

This post touches on the first level of books recommended for students at the start of a school year ie Revision Books.

Revision Books by Oxford Fajar provide comprehensive notes covering the essential concepts and facts of each topic and present them in a clear manner. Examples and tips are included to bolster students' understanding.

Revision Books published by Oxford Fajar are catered to student's learning styles

Did you know that the Revision Books series published by Oxford Fajar are actually tailored to cater to student's learning styles? This insight will be useful to you when selecting books to buy for your child's revision.

For Visual Learners

The Amazing series is designed for visual learners ie students who study best with diagrams, charts, and full coloured images. These books will have more visual guides for students who study best visually. Below are examples of the Revision Series books. - Amazing Sains and Amazing Matematik Tambahan for Form 4 students.

Additional digital resources such as videos, notes, interactive quizzes help students learn more effectively.

For Comprehensive Learning

The Success Series are for learners that need full comprehensive revision books. These books are detailed with comprehensive notes for each topic including examples and tips. Below are examples of the Success Series - Success Bahasa Melayu UPSR and Success Science KSSM PT3

For Quick Revision on-the-go

The Whizz Thru Series as its name suggest is a compact guidebook with notes and exercises designed for learners on-the-go looking for a quick revision to guide them through their lessons. Below are examples of the Whizz Thru Series - Whizz Thru Matematik KSSM PT3 and Whizz Thru UPSR Express Notes English.

Did you find this information useful? We hope this knowledge of how the publication of these revision books have been done with careful design and purpose will help you choose the right revision guides for your child.

This post was brought to you by Oxford Fajar Malaysia.

Wish to try a set of these revision books? Join our Facebook giveaway. 5 lucky winners will have the chance to win a set of revision guides for your child's level whether primary or secondary school.

Join Giveaway here.

Download Links For Free Digital School eTextbooks for Primary and Secondary Schools

Digital textbooks for primary and secondary schools from Standard 1 to Form 5 are now available for free download online by the MOE (Ministry of Education) or KPM (Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia)

Currently the books are available in pdf format only. It's a good start. With digital texbooks available for free download, we now have an extra reference at home. Kids can leave heavy school textbooks in school and still be able to access their textbooks at home or anywhere from digital devices.

The BTDA (Buku Teks Digital Asas) or Basic Digital Textbooks in pdf format can be downloaded from the following links:

Download Links For Digital Textbooks for Form 1, Form 2, Form 3, Form 4 and Form 5

From One Drive: http://gg.gg/bukuteksdigital

From Google Drive: http://gg.gg/bukuteksdigitalKPM

From BTP Portal (BTP = Bahagian Teknologi Pendidikan): http://btp.moe.gov.my/article/240

Download link for digital textbooks for Standard 1, Standard 3,  Standard 5  (Note that at this point of writing, the links for Std 2, 4 and 6 are not working. Hopefully they will upload them later). You will find separate folders for SK, SJKC and SJKT.

From BTP Portal: http://btp.moe.gov.my/article/240

This post has been updated here: https://mumsgather.blogspot.com/2020/01/digital-textbooks-for-sk-sjkc-sjkt-and.html

Book Review: Hayley's Fruitastic Malaysia by Mohana Gill

Book Details

Hayley's Fruitastic Malaysia
ISBN Code:9789674154929
By (Author):Mohana Gill
Format:Paperback

No of Pages: 64
For whom: Kids aged 4-8
Publisher:MPH PUBLISHING
Published Date:01 Nov 2018

Brief Synopsis

With the help of the animals in the tropical jungle, Hayley and Zac go in search of the "Treasures of Fruitastic Malaysia" as shown in the treasure map they found by chance. On the way, they discover up to 15 fruits including the king and queen of fruits, the durian and mangosteen, the juicy mango,
the fragrant and crisp jambu air, the sweet and mushy bananas and many more.

This colourful and beautifully illustrated book introduces children to two of Malaysia's best treasures, the animals and fruits. It is both delightful and educational too as the history and benefit of the fruits are explained.

This educational story book is suitable for kids from aged 4 to 8. Younger kids can be read to while older children can practice their reading skills on their own.

In addition, parents and children can cook together using the simple recipes found at the end of the book. Ingredients for the recipes include the 15 nutritious and delicious fruits introduced throughout the book. The recipes like coconut agar-agar, banana fritters, mini pineapple upside down cakes, starfruit smoothie, cream-filled strawberries etc. are simple enough for children to try on their own or with some guidance.

Sneak Peek into the book:

About the Author

Hayley's Fruitastic Malaysia is by Mohana Gill. Mohana came from a teaching background and decided to pursue writing in 2005. She started by writing books about healthy living and wellness for adults, and quickly moved on to writing for the younger generation. She has also written a number of cookbooks, all of which have been recipients of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. Images below are with courtesy of the author, Mohana Gill.

We are currently running a giveaway and group buy for members of our group, the Malaysia Primary School Parents on Facebook. Members who wish to participate, please head on over to this thread.

Where To Buy Malaysian School Text Books And Workbooks

This is a frequently asked question on our group the Malaysia Primary School Parents on Facebook.

That is why we are writing this list for easy reference by parents. School text books are given out on loan to all students under the Skim Pinjaman Buku Teks (SPBT). Why do parents still buy textbooks when they loaned to students? You can read our previous post on this topic.

Here are the list of places both online and at physical stores where you can buy school textbooks. Some bookstores may carry more SK or SMK books then SJKC or SJKT so it is advisable to call up to check before visiting the stores. This list is not exhaustive. They are mostly recommended places by our members. If you would like to recommend a store, just drop us a comment on this post. Feel free to recommend bookstores outside of the Klang Valley too.

Where to buy school text books - Physical Stores

Where available, website or Facebook page links are included in the list so that you have more ways to contact the stores.  Opening Hours and Phone Numbers are obtained from Google Search and may or may not have changed after listing.

Tip: Always call up before going to check stocks to save you a trip.

1. Mehraj Book Distributors
Add: 10, Jalan Pandan 8/8, 55100, Pandan Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, 55100

Hours:  9AM–7PM
Phone: 03-9287 8786

Website: https://mehrajbooks.com.my/

2. Kedai Buku DPB
Address: 21, Jalan AU 3/1, Taman Keramat, 54200 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor
Hours: 9AM–5PM
Phone: 03-4101 0028

Website: https://dbpniaga.my/

3. Pustaka Rakyat

Pustaka Rakyat has outlets in Ampang, Cheras, Bangi, Gombak, Setapak and more

Go to their Facebook About page as shown below for the full list of stores and contact numbers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/pustakarakyatpr/about/?ref=page_internal 

4. Minerva Bookstores Sdn Bhd
Address: 114, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 9AM–6:45PM

Phone: 03-2692 4416

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minervabookstore104/

5. The Book Garden

Address: Atria Shopping Mall, Jalan SS 22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: 10:30AM–10:30PM
Phone: 03-7733 0060

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sinaranthebookgarden/ 

6. Sri Tanjung Bookstore Sdn Bhd

Address: Mayang Plaza, 1G - 1 , 1H - 1, Jalan SS 26/9, Taman Mayang Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours:  9AM–10PM
Phone: 03-7803 1362 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sri-Tanjong-Bookstore-Sdn-Bhd-220520707967680/

7. Ilmiah SBL Sdn Bhd
Address: 15, Jalan SS 2/55, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: 10AM–7PM
Phone: 03-7874 3528

8. Popular Bookstore
Not all Popular carries school text books. Only the bigger stores like IPC, IOI, Cheras Leisure Mall, Sunway Pyramid or Paradigm does. Even then, you are advised to call up to confirm this as well as to check stock availability before going to the store. Go to the Popular Store Locator link below for the address  and phone numbers of the stores.

Popular Store Locator: https://www.popular.com.my/store.php

9. Pustaka Gemilang

Address: Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Hours:  9AM–7PM
Phone: 03-6276 7125 

Website: http://www.pustakagemilang.com/

10. Casamac Enterprise

Address: No. 30, Jalan SS 19/6, Subang Jaya, 47500, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 47500
Hours: 10AM–6PM
Phone: 03-5621 1906 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Casamac-bookstore-1499123280415335/

11. MRKB Agency

Address: 22 & 24, Jalan Nelayan 19/B, Seksyen 19, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor
Hours: 10AM–9:30PM
Phone: 03-5542 5835

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrkbagency/

12. Hai Soon Books And Stationery Supplies

Address: No. 5, Ground Floor, Lorong Gopeng Kawasan 18, Dataran Ocean, Klang, 41400, Klang, Selangor, 41400
Phone: 03-3342 0390

13. Jasema Enterprise

Address: 159, 161, & 163, Jalan Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 7AM–11PM
Phone: 03-7727 5341
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jasema-Enterprise-ttdi-644724175566019/

14. Cziplee Malaysia

Address: Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 10AM–8PM
Phone: 03-2287 0699

Website: https://www.cziplee.com/

15. Pustaka Shiny Jaya

Address: 11 Jalan Sysyen, 41000 Klang, 41000, Klang, Selangor, 41000
Hours: 9AM–8PM
Phone: 03-3381 9666

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PustakaShinyJaya/

16. Ma Tu Book

Address: 16, Jalan PJU 5/20D, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Where to buy school text books online 

1. Mehrajbooks Online
2. Peekabook.com
3. igemilang.com
4. bukudpp.com
5. Koopdbp.com (Can get books at a discount)

You can also buy school textbooks on shopee from different sellers. Here is our list of  textbook sellers which sell school textbooks and activity or workbooks on shopee. 

Where to find online versions of school text books

If you are desperately in need of referring to a school textbook because of a homework due the next day for example, here are a few places you can find online Malaysian school textbooks. You won't be able to find everything. Just try your luck.


Where to buy or sell second hand text books

Finally, if you want to buy or sell second hand school text books or workbooks, you can always browse or post on our other group: The Malaysia Market For Children Preloved And Educational Items On Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/malaysianprimaryandsecondaryschoolparentsmarket/

Back To School 2018 Shopping Deals

We're coming towards the end of the school year now and already parents are planning and looking forward towards the new academic year 2018. Retailers have all started their back to school 2018 promotions so now is the time to go shopping!

As with previous years, we do a compilation of the back to school 2018 shopping deals from various supermarkets for your convenience. Check it out. We will be updating this page as more deals become apparent so bookmark this page so you can easily compare the various shopping deals and discounts for back to school 2018.

Aeon Big Great Deals for Back To School 2018 is from 17 November to 2 January 2018. Uniforms are currently going at 20% off with brands like Canggih, Unggul, U-Cemerlang and WHH School. Prices start from RM22.90 to RM44.90 for primary school uniforms and from RM25.90 to RM52.90 for secondary school uniforms.

Go to the website to download the full 16 page Aeon Big Back To School brochure filled with deals on school uniforms, bags, shoes, stationery, tumblers, food containers and including book shelves and other home organization items to get your home ready for school. 

Parkson's Back To School 2018 Promotion starts from 15 November 2017 to 1st January 2018. Uniform Brands sold include Parkson School Shop and Canggih. Shoe brands include Kiki Lala, Justice Leaque and Thomas and Friends for primary or Bata, Pronic and Rhummel for Secondary school shoes. There is a 10% discount for primary school uniforms.  Click here to download the 12 page Back To School Promotion 2018 Brochure from Parkson.

Giant's Bajet Cun Balik Sekolah Lagi Cun Promotion from 16 November 2017 to 9 January 2018. Ending on 9 January, you know where to go for late deals after school has started. Giant sells brands like Canggih, Unggul, WHH School and JT by Jolly Tots. Download the full 24 page Back To School 2018 Brochure From Giant here.

Tesco's Bijak Segak Kembali Ke Sekolah Promo is on from 16 November to 6 December 2017 so you have to hurry on this one. Tesco sells Aplus and Canggih school uniforms. You can view and download the full 20 page Tesco Back To School Catalogue here. 

5 Asian Folk Tales For Preteens And Teens

When it comes to storybooks, I like the idea of exposing kids to as many genres as possible. Kids should be encouraged to pick up and read all sorts of books. For preteens or teens, there's only that many Wimpy Kids and Geronimo Stilton books they can read. While its good to read chapter books, one should not limit oneself to continue chasing the latest book from the same series. It's not easy I know. I made that very same mistake and my shelves are filled with titles from limited series.

Kids learn through reading. They learn new vocabulary. They learn to express themselves better. They learn about life. That is why I have always loved locally published books in addition to our other collection. Kids can learn so much from reading local folk tales. They will also be better able to identify with the characters and the situations describe. With folk tales, they can learn a little bit of history about the people, food and games in a local setting, which is a lot more interesting then just reading history books.

Here are 5 Asian Folk Tales For Preteens And Teens. The good news is members from our Parenting platform can get them at a discount from now till 31 July 2017.

RM19.90 Normal Price (excl shipping)
RM15.92 Member Price (excl shipping)
Author: Tutu Dutta-Yean
Paperback 154 pages
Publisher: MPH Group Publishing

RM19.90 Normal Price (excl shipping)
RM15.92 Member Price (excl shipping)
Author: Tutu Dutta-Yean
Paperback 148 pages
Publisher: MPH Group Publishing

Miyah and the Forest Demon and its sequel Rigih and the Witch of Moon Lake can be purchased separately but better read as a two part series also known as The Jugra Cronicles. Set against the backdrop of a power struggle in Tanjungpura, an ancient trading kingdom with centuries-long ties to the Han Kingdom, Hindustan, Majapahit and Melaka, this is the story of Miyah and her friends and how their sleepy village is turned upside down when politics and magic collide. Readers will be taken back to historical times when trading thrived and relationships were formed in busy ports. Fans of supernatural and fantasy genre will enjoy this two part story suitable for readers aged 11-16.

RM24.90 Normal Price (excl shipping)
RM19.92 Member Price (excl shipping)
Author: Tutu Dutta-Yean
Paperback 160 pages
Publisher: MPH Group Publishing

Eight Treasures of the Dragon is a collection of Dragon Tales from different parts of Asia.  The Dragon of the East is a legendary creature associated with fluid energy. It is said to influence weather, rain and moving bodies of water. Did you know that the Chinese Imperial Dragon has five toes, the Korean Dragon has four toes, and the Japanese Dragon has only three toes? This interesting snippet plus the magical tales of the mythical and awe inspiring Dragon found in this book will take you from Malaysia to China and India, from Singapore and Indonesia to Japan. The folklore and legends in Eight Treasures include The Dragon of Tasik Chini, Sang Nila Utama, Ho-Wori and the Princess of the Sea, The Cave of the Pearl Dragon and more exciting stories. These are timeless tales that will appeal to both young and old alike. 

RM19.90 Normal Price (excl shipping)
RM15.92 Member Price (excl shipping)
Author: Tutu Dutta-Yean
Paperback 154 pages
Publisher: MPH Group Publishing

The phoenix is a mythical creature, a legendary bird that is often depicted as colourful, manificient and magical in many ancient and medieval literature. It is also known as Cendrawasih in Malay or called Feng Huang in China. Here the phoenix makes an appearance in 8 folktales filled with love, sacrifice, fortunes made and lost including a charming story of a Malay Cinderella. In reading the Eight Jewels of the Phoenix, you will be exposed to the richness and diversity of the cultures of Malaysia, the Philippines, China, India, Japan, Thailand and North America. The Girl With The Snow White Hair, The Princess of Mount Ledang, Chandrika and The Festival of Lights and Bawang Putih, Bawan Merah are among some of the legendary tales you will find in this book.

RM19.90 Normal Price (excl shipping)
RM15.92 Member Price (excl shipping)
Author: Tutu Dutta-Yean
Paperback 154 pages
Publisher: MPH Group Publishing

Eight Fortunes of the Qilin brings together eight legends and folk tales from countries around the Asia-Pacific Rim including Borneo, Central America, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Philippines and Vietnam. The Qilin is a chimera, a fabulous creature said to be an omen of great fortune and blesses all who are lucky enough to gaze upon it. The legendary Princess Santubong and Princess Sejinjang are featured in it along with other folktales like Keong Mas, The Singing Bamboo, Princess Firefly, The Amber Tea-Bowl and more. As the fabled Qilin represents compassion, wisdom and respect for nature and life, these qualities are echoed in the stories. Humans, spirits and deities cross paths, and unseen worlds collide in Eight Fortunes of the Qilin. Best for those who love adventure, fantasy, magic and the supernatural.

About the author: Read our interview with the author Tutu Dutta-Yean.

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