What He Taught Me About Growing
By Ms Lee Hwee Theng, Mandarin Language Specialist, Knewton Global Schools Rawang

Every child has their own rhythm of growing.

And my son, now eight, has spent these years teaching me what growth truly means.

Before he was even one, a nurse at a government clinic asked us to complete a developmental questionnaire. Based on the results, she told us that he had limited eye contact, did not respond when his name was called, and would stare intently at things that spun. She suspected that he might be showing signs of autism.

At the time, I never imagined that the word “autism” would become part of my life. We struggled to accept it. There were tears, and we constantly worried about his future. I spoke to friends about what we were going through, but many did not truly understand autism. Perhaps when something has not happened to you, it is difficult to understand the pain that comes with it.

At three, he was formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He was also registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM), received his OKU card, and began his journey with EIP (Early Intervention Programme).

The years between three and six were challenging. He struggled to express himself, and when he could not have what he wanted, he would easily become frustrated. Taking medicine, brushing his teeth and using the toilet were all daily challenges.

But slowly, time taught me something: children really do grow.

He loves numbers and enjoys creating questions to test us. At first, they were simple, such as, “What is 10 + 5?” Then, one day, he asked:

“300 + Dinosaur = ?”

We said we did not know.

He answered very seriously:

“300 dinosaurs!”

When he had a cold and kept sneezing, he once told me:

“Mama, I want Ah-Choo medicine!”

He also enjoys rewriting the lyrics of familiar nursery rhymes. Before almost every sentence, he calls out, “Mama”. If I do not respond immediately, he simply changes his tone and calls again until I answer.

These little things may seem insignificant, but they are among the everyday moments I treasure most.

At five, he came home from kindergarten and called us “Daddy, Mummy” for the first time. At eight, he began quietly observing the world around him. The things we thought he would not notice were often the very things he had been watching all along, only to suddenly tell us about them.

Last year, he attended a PPKI special education class in a government primary school and achieved first place in his class. His teacher told me that he could complete his classwork independently and had begun speaking some Malay. Sometimes, when he saw a classmate behaving badly, he would even imitate the teacher’s tone and “tell them off”. I was incredibly proud—and could not help but laugh.

Being his mother has also changed the way I see children as a teacher.

When I see a student being naughty, not following instructions, or becoming deeply curious about something, I now pause and ask myself:

“Is there something I have not yet understood?”

I do not always get it right, but I have learnt to observe more, be more patient, and understand more.

I often remind myself:

If I do my best to teach other people’s children well, perhaps there will also be a teacher who will patiently teach my child well.

Back then, I was deeply afraid of his future.

If I could speak to the tearful mother I once was, I would tell her:

Do not be afraid. You will discover that he is far more wonderful than you imagined.

A child does not have to follow the path we once imagined for them. Let them grow at their own pace and walk their own unique path.

Because every effort, every little achievement and every step forward shines brightly—and deserves to be celebrated.

And the “future” that once frightened me is now becoming the view I treasure most.

 

Key Vocabulary

Developmental – relating to the process of growth and change in a person, especially during childhood.

Questionnaire – a written set of questions used to collect information from people.

Spectrum – a range of different levels, types, or degrees within a particular condition or group.

Formally – in an official or recognised way.

Intervention – action taken to help improve a situation or provide support when difficulties arise.

Frustrated – feeling upset or annoyed because you cannot achieve or express what you want.

Insignificant – not important or meaningful.

Independently – without needing help or support from another person.

Imitate – to copy the way someone speaks, behaves, or does something.

Curious – wanting to know or learn more about something.

Every effort, every milestone and every achievement of a child means so much to their parents. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the opportunity to experience the best possible education journey.

At ILTI, we believe every achievement deserves to be celebrated. From their first step to their biggest milestone, we are here to celebrate every achievement with them.

Come to ILTI, where every achievement matters.

Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.

 The Bonding of Friendship
By Ms Alagammai, Head of Teachers, Kinder Labz

Friendship is one of the most valuable things in life. A good friend is someone who makes us happy and stands by us during difficult times. If you have one, you must be the luckiest person. There is a Japanese proverb that says, “No road is too long in the company of a good friend.” Likewise, my article this time is about my dear best friends and the cherished bond we share.

I’m taking this great opportunity to dedicate this article to my dear best friends as Friendship Day has just passed last month. We make friends at every stage of life. Some become very close while others are only part of our journey for a while. Some friendships may be transient while others can become a profound part of our lives. Whatever the case may be, friendship is a relationship formed not by blood but by love. So, I believe I am a very fortunate person because I have collected so many beautiful memories throughout my journey with many friends. However, as I grew older, I came to have only a few close friends whom I can always turn to in any situation without hesitation. Their unwavering support has always been a source of comfort whenever I need them.

Lately, we had a reunion with my closest school friends after fifteen years which we planned just a month ago. Most of them are married and settled with their families while some of us are still enjoying our happy single lives. We left our families, children and partners behind to rekindle our friendship and recreate some beautiful memories after so many years. We spent two days and one night together despite our busy lives. Honestly, it was a tension-free and fun-filled getaway that we had not experienced in so many years.

We organised many fun games to reminisce about our school days and had so much laughter along with plenty of little jokes. We also had a song-humming game which was probably the funniest game we had ever played. The camaraderie between us made every moment even more enjoyable. We spent our days and nights well even though it was only a short getaway. Besides happiness and laughter, we also shared our experiences and life journeys with one another. It was wonderful to see how much everyone had grown and how life had taken each of us along different paths yet our lives remained intertwined through our friendship.

Finally, we packed our bags and left with heavy hearts because we did not know when our next gathering would be. Everyone has friends at each stage of life but only the lucky ones have the same friends throughout all the stages of life. I am one of the luckiest and proudest people to have friends who have been part of my journey through so many stages of life. No matter how much time passes or how far life takes us, the enduring bond we share will always remain special. That, to me, is the true beauty of friendship.

 

Key Vocabulary

Cherished – Loved and valued greatly

Unwavering – Remaining strong, steady and determined without changing

Transient – Lasting only for a short period of time

Profound – Very deep, meaningful or significant

Fortunate – Having good luck or being in a favourable situation

Rekindle – To bring back a feeling, relationship or interest that has faded

Camaraderie – A feeling of friendship, trust and closeness among people who spend time together

Reminisce – To talk or think about pleasant memories from the past

Intertwined – Closely connected or mixed together in a way that makes them difficult to separate

Enduring – Continuing for a long time and remaining strong despite difficulties or changes

At ILTI, we don’t just develop English proficiency — we build lifelong friendships too! From the day we learn how to introduce ourselves in English to the day we graduate, we learn, grow and make unforgettable memories with our friends. Because at ILTI, learning English is not just about the language — it’s about the friendships we build along the way! ❤️

Your 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.

 Growing Up with My Boys
By Mdm Agalya Devy Balaguru, Head of School, Knewton Global Schools Ipoh

People often say that children grow up too quickly. Looking back, I realise something else was happening at the same time—I was growing up with them.

When we become parents, we imagine we’ll show our children how the world works. But children have a wonderful way of turning the tables. They introduce us to new worlds, new interests and adventures we never expected.

Take football, for example.

Before my two boys came along, football was simply twenty-two people chasing a ball. Then suddenly I was learning the offside rule, discussing Premier League teams, watching matches and celebrating goals as though my own reputation depended on them. Somewhere along the way, I had become a football fan.

Then there were the PlayStation years.

One game became legendary in our household: Small Soldiers. The fearsome Commando Elite, led by Major Chip Hazard, battled the peaceful Gorgonites under Archer. My boys loved the game, but they were just frightened enough that they preferred not to play it alone. Their solution was simple: Mum would be the hero.

So, I became the hero.

One child would hide behind each of my shoulders while I held the controller. They acted as my tactical commanders.

“Shoot!”

“Jump!”

“Behind you!”

“Attack!”

It felt less like playing a video game and more like flying a fighter jet with two very enthusiastic co-pilots shouting contradictory instructions. I don’t remember how many levels we completed, but I vividly remember the excitement. Those moments are memories I’ll always treasure.

Then there was the day they proudly announced they had “rescued” a tortoise.

They were convinced it had been abandoned. I suspected it had simply wandered away from the pond in the nearby park. Nevertheless, the tortoise temporarily became part of our family, and together we researched what tortoises eat, built a home for it, and learnt that not every wandering animal needs rescuing!

I learnt about Lego cities, superheroes, Pokémon, dinosaurs, Harry Potter, remote-controlled cars, Nerf battles and the curious fact that children can survive on seemingly endless amounts of energy while their parents cannot. There were countless other adventures along the way.

Each stage of childhood invited me into a new world. Then, almost without noticing, the roles slowly reversed. The children who once asked me to fix everything became the ones patiently teaching me how to use new technology and navigate a rapidly changing world.

Perhaps that’s the greatest surprise of parenthood.

We think we are raising our children, but all the while they are raising us too. They make us more patient, more adventurous and more willing to see the world through curious eyes. They remind us that joy is often found in the simplest moments—a football kicked around the garden, a PlayStation battle won together, or a “rescued” tortoise that probably wasn’t lost in the first place.

Looking back, I don’t remember every goal that was scored or every game that was won. What I remember most is the privilege of growing up all over again—this time through the eyes of my children.

The greatest inheritance our children leave us is not found in photographs or keepsakes. It is the part of ourselves that they awaken: our curiosity, our imagination, our willingness to laugh at ourselves and our capacity to love without limits. In helping them become who they were meant to be, they quietly shaped who we became. And for that, every football match, every PlayStation battle, every “rescued” tortoise and every wonderfully chaotic day was worth it.

 

Key Vocabulary

• Reputation – The opinion people have about someone or something.
• Legendary – Very famous and admired; often talked about for many years
• Fearsome – Looking or seeming very frightening.
• Tactical – Done with careful planning to achieve a goal.
• Enthusiastic – Showing great excitement and interest.
• Contradictory – Saying or showing the opposite of something else.
• Privilege – A special advantage or benefit that not everyone has.
• Inheritance – Money, property, or qualities received from family members.
• Willingness – Being ready or happy to do something.
• Chaotic – Very messy, confusing, or out of control.

As parents, our default instinct is often to teach. Yet, as we step into the new worlds and unexpected adventures of parenthood, something incredible happens: we learn without even realising it. In those moments, we discover that our children are actually teaching us.

At ILTI, we embrace this same spirit. We make it a priority to truly understand our students, fostering a warm, close connection where they feel heard, valued and inspired to grow.✨

Your 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.

More than a Game, A Way of Life
How Golf Shaped My Character
By Mr Muhammad Aimran Faiz, Deputy Head of Secondary, Knewton Global Schools Rawang

Some of life’s greatest lessons are not always learnt inside a classroom. Sometimes, they are discovered on a quiet golf course, one swing at a time.

My journey with golf began when I was still a young boy. It was my father who first introduced me to the game, patiently teaching me how to hold a club, perfect my stance, and understand that golf was never simply about hitting a ball. To him, golf was a sport that built character, discipline and respect. Looking back today, I realise he was teaching me lessons that would stay with me for life.

In the early years, I spent countless weekends following my father around the golf course. Every round became an opportunity to learn—not only about technique, but also about patience. Golf is a game that rewards consistency rather than perfection. There were days when my shots flew exactly where I wanted, and there were many more when they did not. Yet my father always reminded me that every bad shot was simply another chance to improve.

As I grew older, golf became more than just a hobby. It became a part of who I am. This sport taught me to stay calm under pressure, to think before making decisions, and to accept that success comes through practice, perseverance and resilience. Unlike many other sports, golf challenges you as much mentally as it does physically. Every hole presents a new problem to solve, and every round teaches you something new about yourself.

What makes golf truly special to me is the bond it created between my father and me. Some of our best conversations happened while walking from one hole to another. There were no distractions—just the sound of birds, the fresh morning air and valuable conversations that I still remember today. Those moments strengthened our relationship and gave me memories that I will always treasure.

Today, whenever I step onto a golf course, I am reminded of where it all began. Every swing carries a lesson from my father, every round reminds me to stay humble and every challenge encourages me to become a better version of myself. Although golf is often described as a game, to me it represents much more. It is a lifelong journey of learning, growth and self-improvement.

As the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer once said,
“Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.”

Golf has taught me that life is much like the game itself. There will always be obstacles, unexpected challenges and moments of disappointment. However, with patience, determination and the right mindset, every setback becomes an opportunity to improve. For me, golf will always be more than a game—it is truly a way of life.

 

Key Vocabulary

• Character – the personal qualities that define a person’s behaviour and actions.
• Discipline – the ability to control yourself and work consistently towards a goal.
• Technique – the method or skill used to perform an activity effectively.
• Patience – the ability to remain calm while waiting or facing difficulties.
• Consistency – performing at the same high standard over time.
• Perseverance – continuing to work hard despite difficulties or setbacks.
• Resilience – the ability to recover quickly from challenges or failure.
• Treasure – to value something or someone greatly.
• Self-improvement – the process of becoming a better version of yourself.
• Determination – having a strong will to achieve something despite challenges.
• Mindset – the way a person thinks and approaches situations.

Like golf, learning English also requires patience, perseverance and the courage to keep improving.✨

At ILTI, we are committed in helping every learner develop not only strong English skills but also the confidence to communicate, succeed and embrace new opportunities. After all, every journey towards excellence begins with the willingness to learn.

Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.

A Lesson from Sigiriya
By Mrs Florence Gerald, Deputy Principal, Knewton Global Schools Ipoh

Birthdays are often celebrated with family, friends, laughter and cake. Mine was a little different. To mark my 60th birthday, I travelled to Sri Lanka with some teacher friends. It was a trip filled with laughter, sightseeing and unforgettable experiences. Yet one particular day left an impression on me that I will carry for years to come.

A few days into our holiday, we arrived at Sigiriya Lion Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, this ancient rock fortress has stood proudly for centuries, challenging visitors from around the world to make the climb to its summit. As I looked up at the towering rock, one thought crossed my mind: What have I got myself into?

From the word go, I had second thoughts. The climb looked daunting. I have always been afraid of heights, and standing at the foot of Sigiriya, I questioned whether I should even attempt it. Part of me wanted to stay behind and simply admire its beauty from below. Yet another part of me knew that if I walked away without trying, I would always wonder, “What if I had?”

Eventually, I took the first step. The climb was more demanding than I had imagined. About a quarter of the way up, exhaustion began to set in. I wasn’t sure I had the energy or stamina to continue. Yet it wasn’t the physical effort that challenged me the most. It was the fear. I stayed close to the rock face, avoiding the side with the railing where I could see the steep drop below. I didn’t dare look down. Strong gusts of wind only added to my anxiety. The higher we climbed, the more my mind began to race. What if something happened to me? I was so far away from my family. Was I doing the right thing? Looking back, I realise it wasn’t the wind that was controlling me. It was fear. Fear has a way of filling our minds with endless “what ifs”, making us doubt ourselves before anything has even happened. For a moment, I seriously considered turning back. Then came a quiet conversation with myself.

“If I don’t try, I’ll never know. And if I turn back now, I’ll always wonder whether I could have done it.”

Those words became my resolve. Instead of worrying about how many steps were still ahead, I focused only on the next one. Then the next. Slowly, one step at a time, my determination became stronger than my fear. The climb did not suddenly become easier, but I began to believe that perhaps I could do it after all.

When I finally reached the summit, the feeling was difficult to describe. There was an overwhelming sense of relief, followed almost immediately by elation. Standing high above the breathtaking landscape, I felt as though I was on top of the world. The panoramic view was spectacular, but what filled my heart was not just the scenery. It was the quiet satisfaction of knowing that I had not allowed fear to make the decision for me.

The journey down felt very different. I was still careful, but I was no longer controlled by fear. I found myself more confident, more relaxed and quietly smiling to myself. The steps had not changed, but I had.

Looking back, I realise that climbing Sigiriya was never simply about reaching the top. It was about discovering something within myself. Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t age; it’s the limits we place on ourselves. Fear often convinces us that we are incapable long before we have even tried.

As teachers, we spend much of our time encouraging our students to believe in themselves, to persevere when learning becomes difficult and to step outside their comfort zones. Standing on the summit of Sigiriya, I realised I needed to listen to my own advice. Even after many years of teaching, life still has lessons to offer if we are willing to learn.

I returned home with wonderful memories of Sri Lanka, but I also came back with something far more valuable. I returned with a renewed belief in myself and a reminder that it is never too late to challenge our own limitations. We all have a Sigiriya in our lives. Mine happened to be in Sri Lanka. Yours may take a very different form. It could be a new beginning, a difficult decision, an unfamiliar challenge or a dream that has been waiting far too long. Whatever it may be, I hope you find the courage to take the first step. You may be surprised by what you discover about yourself along the way…

 

Key Vocabulary

• Iconic – Very famous and easily recognised
• Daunting – Seeming difficult, frightening or challenging
• Exhaustion – Extreme tiredness after physical or mental effort
• Stamina – The strength to continue doing something for a long time
• Anxiety – A feeling of worry, nervousness or fear
• Determination – The strong decision to keep going despite difficulties
• Summit – The highest point of a mountain or hill
• Persevere – To continue trying even when something is difficult
• Limitations – Things that stop or restrict what someone can do
• Panoramic – Showing a wide, complete view of an area or landscape

Learning English begins with the courage to try. Every word you speak is a step forward. If you never try, you will never know how far you can go. ✨

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.