No Looking Back
By Aainaa Sofea

Last Saturday was our Toastmasters Club meeting. At Kinder Labz, we are privileged to have in-house training organised for us every month. These monthly sessions are not only quick catch-ups with our team members but also a fun sharing session that we never had time for during everyday operations.

Operating a kindergarten sounds fun and exciting, but there are profound responsibilities entrusted to us as operators. Teachers, administrators, general workers and our Executive Director, Dr Evelyn Chen, are always in top gear. Every day, we seamlessly manage everything from comforting distressed children who miss their mums to reassuring those who are anxious about spelling tests, even though they rarely make mistakes.

During the session on Saturday, we were tasked with impromptu speeches. We were given a few minutes to review our notes from last month regarding tips and methods for creating interesting speech openings and powerful conclusions. After that, we were randomly called to the front to pick a topic. My topic was a two-minute speech on: “What changed me in life, and when?”

Two minutes flew by in a second. I remember saying that there wasn’t anyone in particular who had significantly altered my life’s direction; I had simply navigated each phase as it came.

However, while driving home, I found myself reflecting deeply on that question. Is there really no one who changed my life? Does it mean my life is boring or that it’s a good thing everything is under control all the time?

No, obviously not. My life has taken several turns. Most of those turns were because of people, but I chose not to revisit them. It was all kept deep beneath the sea level of my memory card. I like to think that everything happened for a reason and, most importantly, I have healed. I do not need to dwell on those changes, especially when they were not what I wanted—perhaps they were exactly what I needed. So, why linger on the past?

I am so grateful that I always have my lovely family and truthful friends next to me in all phases of my life. Because of those changes, I also met my “forever after” best friend and life partner. Every time we laugh over trivial things or engage in conversations about global issues (despite knowing we may not change them), I feel an immense sense of happiness.

Happiness is such a big word. If you can genuinely say that you are happy, you are lucky.

As the American author Henry David Thoreau once said:

“Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.”

Let’s be grateful.

Always.

 

Key Vocabulary

Privileged – fortunate / lucky / grateful

Profound – deep / meaningful

Entrusted – trusted with / given responsibility

Distressed – upset / very worried

Seamlessly – smoothly

Anxious – nervous / worried

Significantly – greatly / importantly

Navigated – handled / went through

___________

English is not just a language, it’s a voice. The more you use it, the more powerful your voice becomes.

Come join us at Ipoh Learning & Training Institute (ILTI) where we produce powerful speakers and writers.

Your English learning journey starts here. Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.

Developing Social Skills Through Group Activities – Learning Teamwork While Learning English
By Caroline Samuel

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller

This quote reminds us that learning is often most powerful when it happens together. In today’s classrooms, language learning is no longer limited to textbooks and memorisation. Instead, effective learning environments encourage collaboration, communication, and teamwork. For children and teenagers learning English, group activities provide a valuable opportunity not only to improve language skills but also to develop essential social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

At ILTI, we believe that language learning should be interactive and engaging. When students participate in group discussions, collaborative tasks, and team-based projects, they practise English in meaningful ways while learning how to cooperate, communicate, and solve problems together. These experiences help build confidence, strengthen relationships, and prepare learners for real-world communication.

Learning Through Collaboration

Group activities create opportunities for students to interact with their peers while practising English naturally. Instead of simply listening to a teacher, students actively participate in conversations, ask questions, and share ideas.

For example, during a group storytelling activity, students may work together to create a story in English. Each student contributes a sentence or idea, building the story step by step. This encourages students to listen carefully, think creatively, and communicate clearly.

Through collaboration, students learn to respect different viewpoints and support one another. They also become more comfortable expressing themselves in English because they are learning in a supportive and friendly environment.

These collaborative experiences help students realise that learning a language is not just about accuracy—it is also about communication and connection.

Building Communication Skills

Communication is one of the most important skills students develop through group activities. When learners work together, they must explain their thoughts, ask questions, and respond to others.

Activities such as role-playing, debates, or problem-solving tasks encourage students to practise speaking in real-life situations. For instance, students might act out a scene in a restaurant where one student plays the waiter and another plays the customer. Through this activity, they practise vocabulary, sentence structures, and polite expressions while learning how conversations naturally flow.

Teen learners especially benefit from these interactions because they are developing independence and forming their identities. Group activities give them the chance to practise expressing opinions, negotiating ideas, and listening respectfully to others.

Over time, these experiences improve both fluency and confidence, helping students feel more comfortable speaking English in school and in everyday situations.

Developing Teamwork and Responsibility

Working in groups also teaches students the value of teamwork. When completing a project together, each student has a role and responsibility. Some students may lead discussions, others may research information, while others may present the final results.

For example, a group presentation project might ask students to research a topic such as environmental protection or healthy lifestyles. Each team member contributes different ideas, and together they create a presentation in English.

This process encourages students to organise their ideas, cooperate with others, and support their teammates. They learn that success often comes from working together rather than competing individually.

These teamwork experiences also build important life skills such as leadership, responsibility, and accountability—qualities that will benefit students in both academic and professional settings.

Encouraging Confidence and Participation

Many students feel nervous about speaking English, especially in front of a class. Group activities help reduce this anxiety because students are speaking with a smaller group of peers rather than addressing the entire class.

When learners feel comfortable with their classmates, they are more willing to participate, share opinions, and practise new vocabulary. Positive encouragement from teammates can also motivate students to try harder and take risks in using the language.

For example, a team quiz game allows students to answer questions together. Instead of worrying about making mistakes alone, students can discuss answers and support each other. This collaborative atmosphere transforms learning into an enjoyable and motivating experience.

As confidence grows, students become more active participants in classroom discussions and more independent learners overall.

Strengthening Social and Emotional Skills

Group learning also plays an important role in developing social and emotional intelligence. Students learn to listen patiently, respect different opinions, and resolve disagreements constructively.

In group discussions, students practise skills such as taking turns speaking, acknowledging others’ ideas, and offering constructive feedback. These interactions help build empathy and mutual understanding among classmates.

For teenagers in particular, these experiences are essential. Adolescence is a time when young people are learning how to communicate effectively and build relationships. Group activities provide a safe environment where they can practise these skills while learning English.

When students feel connected to their peers, they are also more motivated to learn and participate in class.

Preparing Students for Real-World Communication

In the real world, communication rarely happens in isolation. Whether in university, the workplace, or social settings, people often work together in teams and collaborate on projects.

Group activities in English classrooms simulate these real-life situations. Students learn how to express ideas clearly, listen to others, negotiate solutions, and present information effectively.

For example, a problem-solving activity might ask students to work together to plan a school event or design a community project. In the process, they practise discussing ideas, making decisions, and presenting their final plan in English.

These practical experiences prepare students for future academic studies, international environments, and global careers where teamwork and communication are essential.

How ILTI Encourages Group Learning

At ILTI, our programmes integrate group-based learning activities to ensure that students practise English in dynamic and meaningful ways. Lessons often include:

• Pair discussions and group brainstorming
  • Role-play scenarios and interactive storytelling
  • Collaborative presentations and projects
  • Team games and vocabulary challenges

These activities allow students to learn from one another while strengthening their language abilities. By combining structured lessons with interactive teamwork, we create a learning environment where students feel motivated, confident, and engaged.

Our goal is not only to help students master English but also to develop the interpersonal skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

Practical Tips for Parents

Parents can also encourage teamwork and communication skills at home:

• Encourage your child to participate in group activities or clubs.
  • Organise small group study sessions with friends.
  • Play interactive games that require teamwork and communication.
  • Encourage your child to discuss ideas and share opinions openly.

These simple activities help reinforce the social and communication skills students develop in the classroom.

Vocabulary Gallery

Collaboration – working together with others to achieve a goal

Fluency – the ability to speak or write a language smoothly and naturally

Role-play – acting out real-life situations to practise communication

Participation – taking part actively in an activity or discussion

Responsibility – being accountable for a task or duty

Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others

Constructive feedback – helpful suggestions that improve performance

Negotiation – discussing ideas to reach an agreement

Communication – sharing information, thoughts, or ideas with others

Interpersonal skills – the abilities used to interact effectively with people

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Group learning transforms language classrooms into communities where students learn from one another, develop friendships, and practise communication in authentic ways. When students learn English through teamwork and collaboration, they gain more than language skills—they develop confidence, empathy, and the ability to work effectively with others.

At ILTI, we are proud to nurture these skills while guiding students on their English learning journey.

Your English learning journey starts here. Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.

To the Sun and Beyond: Lessons from the Parker Solar Probe
By Loh Ghee Juan

On Tuesday, 14 December 2021, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America announced that their spacecraft, the Parker Solar Probe, had touched the outer layer of the sun for the very first time.

Launched in 2018, the probe travelled through space for three years before finally passing through the corona, the sun’s outermost layer. It is an unimaginable feat, as temperatures in the corona can reach 3.5 million ⁰F. How then is it possible?

The sun does not technically have a solid surface but a superheated atmosphere made of solar material. To explore the corona, the spacecraft and its instruments must be protected from intense radiation. Scientists managed to build a shield that always faces the sun, even as the spacecraft moves constantly in a circular solar orbit. This shield disperses heat so effectively that while the sun-facing side reaches 2,500 ⁰F, the back is maintained just above a room temperature of 85 ⁰F.

What can we learn from this phenomenal success? The most important lesson is that nothing is impossible when we have a clear objective. We must also not be afraid to make mistakes. By analysing failures and reflecting on our actions, we reduce the likelihood of repeating negative outcomes.

Why then do some students struggle to learn from mistakes? Often, they are too protected by adults who intervene to solve their problems, depriving them of the opportunity to develop foresight, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students should be allowed to navigate the mental maze of “if this, then that… and now what?”

A study by Nate Kornell et al. (2012) at UCLA demonstrated that people retain information better when they initially fail to retrieve the correct answer. This is why teachers provide extended time rather than immediate answers; it allows learning to be constructed and integrated into a student’s mental structure. By embracing mistakes, students grow stronger mentally and cognitively, staying focused on their ambitions. It will not be smooth sailing, but with perseverance and sacrifice, they can reach great heights. Where there is a will, there is always a way!

 

Vocabulary Gallery

Corona: The rarefied gaseous envelope of the sun and other stars.

Radiation: The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles.

Dispersed: Distributed or spread over a wide area.

Objective: A thing aimed at or sought; a goal.

Foresight: The ability to predict or the action of predicting what will happen or be needed in the future.

Retain: To continue to have or keep something in place; in this context, to keep information in one’s memory.

Integrated: With various parts or aspects linked or coordinated.

Perseverance: Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

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Are you ready to build the critical thinking skills needed to conquer your own “impossible” goals?

At Ipoh Learning & Training Institute (ILTI), we don’t just give you the answers—we give you the tools to find them. Join our community of learners today and turn your mistakes into your greatest strengths.

Your English learning journey starts here. Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.

Where Passion Meets Purpose: My Teaching Experience in Rural Nepal
By Venix Teo

Sometimes the most meaningful lessons in education happen far beyond the walls of our own classrooms.

Back in the winter of 2019, I had the privilege of volunteering for two weeks at Everest Academy in Chitwan, Nepal, where I taught English to students in a rural community. Although the experience lasted only a short time, it became one of the most meaningful chapters in my journey as an educator.

My journey began in Malaysia, where I packed a large suitcase filled with stationery for the students, including notebooks, pencils, pens, and other simple learning supplies. These items may seem ordinary to many of us, but I knew they could make a meaningful difference in a school where resources were limited. From Malaysia, I travelled to Kathmandu before continuing the journey with a six-hour bus ride to Chitwan. As the city slowly faded into the distance, the scenery changed to winding roads, quiet villages, and beautiful countryside landscapes.

When I arrived at Everest Academy, I was immediately struck by the warmth of the students. The school facilities were modest, yet the classrooms were filled with bright smiles and curious minds. During those two weeks, I taught English through conversations, storytelling, and simple interactive activities. Many students were shy at first, but as the days passed, their confidence began to grow. The classroom slowly became a place filled with laughter, courage, and the joy of learning.

One of the most memorable moments was distributing the stationery that I had brought from Malaysia. Seeing the students receive their notebooks and pencils with genuine excitement and gratitude was both humbling and inspiring. Despite limited resources, their determination and enthusiasm for learning were remarkable.

This experience reminded me that education is not defined by buildings or technology. It is shaped by passionate teachers, eager learners, and the belief that learning can open doors to a better future. Beyond the classroom, the kindness and hospitality of the local community in Chitwan also left a lasting impression on me.

As Nelson Mandela once said,

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

My time in Chitwan reminded me that the true impact of teaching is not measured by how far we travel, but by the lives we touch along the way.

 

Vocabulary Gallery

Volunteering – offering help or services willingly without payment

Rural – relating to the countryside rather than a city

Ordinary – something that is normal, common, or not special

Countryside – land outside cities and towns, often with farms and villages

Struck – suddenly impressed or affected by something

Modest – simple and not very large or expensive

Interactive – involving communication and active participation

Memorable – something special that is easy to remember

Gratitude – a feeling of thankfulness

Humbling – making someone feel grateful and less proud of themselves

Inspiring – making people feel motivated or encouraged to do something

Determination – the strong will to continue trying and not give up

Enthusiasm – strong excitement or interest in something

Hospitality – the friendly and generous way people welcome and treat guests

Passionate – having very strong feelings, enthusiasm, or dedication toward something

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Venix Teo’s experience at Everest Academy shows us that learning English is about more than just passing exams; it’s about the courage to communicate and the joy of opening new doors. At ILTI, we help you turn “ordinary” English into a powerful tool for your future.

Why Choose ILTI?

• Build Real Confidence: Move beyond the classroom with interactive activities designed to help you speak with ease.
• Expert Guidance: Learn from passionate teachers dedicated to your personal growth and determination.
• Global Opportunities: Whether you want to travel to the countryside of Nepal or succeed in a global career, we provide the foundation you need.

Are you ready to be struck by how much you can achieve? Join the ILTI community today and start writing your own memorable story.

Start shaping your own destiny.

Your English learning journey starts here. Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.

Expressions We Don’t Hear Much Anymore
By Agalya Balaguru

Growing up, I attended a convent school where language had a certain charm to it. Our classrooms were run by dedicated nuns and teachers who had a wonderful way with words. Their sentences were rarely plain or ordinary. Instead, they were sprinkled—quite generously—with colourful idiomatic expressions that made us smile, pause, and sometimes even puzzle over their meanings.

Looking back now, I realise that many of these expressions are rarely heard today. Language, like everything else, evolves. New phrases appear, often shaped by social media, pop culture, and technology. Yet those older expressions carried a warmth and personality that made everyday conversations memorable.

One expression I remember hearing quite often—sometimes directed straight at me—was “chatterbox”. I apparently had a tendency to talk… and talk… and talk! From the front of the classroom a gentle but firm voice would occasionally say, “Alright now, chatterbox, let’s be a little quiet.” It was never said unkindly, but it was enough to remind me to pause and listen.

Another phrase we often heard was “butter fingers”. If someone dropped a book, fumbled a ball during games, or let a piece of chalk slip from their hands, a teacher might shake her head and say, “Butter fingers today!” It was a playful way of pointing out clumsiness without embarrassing anyone.

Teachers also had little expressions ready when we struggled to answer questions. If a student circled around a point without getting there, we were told not to “beat around the bush”. The message was simple: say what you mean clearly and get to the point.

There were also expressions meant to reassure us. When we worried about a test or an assignment, we might hear that it would be “a piece of cake” if we prepared well. Whether it truly felt easy was another story—but the phrase always carried encouragement.

And when mistakes happened, as they often do in school life, we were reminded not to “cry over spilt milk”. The lesson was simple: what’s done is done. Learn from it and move forward.

Perhaps the most meaningful expression we heard was “actions speak louder than words”. If students promised to improve their behaviour or study harder, the teachers would remind us gently that real change would be seen not in promises, but in what we actually did afterwards.

These expressions did more than decorate conversation. They made language vivid and memorable, and each phrase carried a small lesson about life—about honesty, responsibility, effort, and resilience.

Today, much of our communication happens through short messages, emojis, and trending phrases. While language continues to evolve, there is something delightful about these older idioms. They add colour, humour, and personality to everyday speech.

Every now and then, when I hear one of these expressions—or find myself using one—it takes me right back to those convent school classrooms, where language was not only a tool for learning but also something to be enjoyed.

Perhaps it is worth keeping a few of these expressions alive. After all, language is not only about sharing information; it is also about preserving the small phrases that carry stories, memories, and a bit of wisdom.

And somewhere, I suspect, there is still a teacher smiling at a student talking just a little too much and saying gently, “Alright now, chatterbox… that will do.”

 

Key Vocabulary

Chatterbox:  A person who talks incessantly or a great deal.

Butter fingers: A playful term for someone who is clumsy or prone to dropping things.

Beat around the bush: To avoid getting to the main point of a topic or failing to say what you mean clearly.

A piece of cake: An expression used to describe something that is very easy to do or achieve.

Cry over spilt milk: To worry or complain about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

Actions speak louder than words: The idea that what someone actually does is more important and revealing than what they promise to do.

Idiomatic: Relating to or using expressions that are natural to a native speaker, often with meanings that aren’t obvious from the individual words.

Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or mistakes.

Vivid: Producing powerful, bright, or very clear images in the mind.

Preserving: To maintain something in its original or existing state to keep it alive for the future.

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Do you want to master the art of expression and speak with confidence? At ILTI, we help you explore the evolution of language while honouring the classic idioms that give it character. Whether you are looking to polish your professional communication or rediscover the charm of English, our courses provide the perfect environment to learn and grow.

Your English learning journey starts here. Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.