你是如何选择从事学前教育这份职业？是有什么特别的经历启发了你吗？

我选择从事学前教育这个职业是因为我热爱与孩子们相处，并且我自己也是一位母亲。我深知家长们在忙于工作的同时，还要照顾孩子们所面临的种种挑战。因此，能够借助我的专业知识，有效地帮助他们解决孩子成长过程中遇到的问题，亲历并见证孩子们的进步与成长，这不仅令我深感成就，也让我对自己所从事的职业感到无比满足。

What drew you to a career in early childhood education? Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you?

I chose to pursue a career in early childhood education because I really enjoy being around children. As a mother myself, I fully understand the various challenges parents face as they juggle work and caring for their little ones. With my professional knowledge, I can assist fellow parents in addressing and solving issues their children encounter during their formative years. And as I witness their children’s progress and development, I am filled with not only a strong sense of accomplishment, but also a deep sense of fulfilment in my chosen profession.

在Star Learners工作这段期间，你最引以为豪或觉得最有成就感的经历是什么？这经历对你产生了怎么样的影响？

让我分享一个小故事: 疫情过后，今年学校全面开放，幼儿园也开始举办各种活动，并向家长们发出邀请。其中是华人新年的庆祝活动。作为开年首个活动的负责人，我在准备过程中有些小紧张，连每天晚上梦中都在思考活动方案！但我也意识到，这是一个展现我们团队合作和创意的机会。

在庆祝活动当天，虽然仍有改进的空间，但整体效果非常令人满意。从校园的布置到老师们精彩的讲故事，再到孩子们欢快的歌舞及家长热烈参与其中。老师们也配合的非常默契，让活动能顺利谢幕。

这个经历让我们同事之间的关系更加紧密，孩子们和老师之间也更加亲近，同时拉近了家长和老师们之间的联系。这样的氛围让我感到非常开心和满足。我也意识到团队合作的重要性，并且更加深刻地理解到，通过共同努力，我们可以创造出美好的回忆，为孩子们的成长贡献力量。

What has been your proudest moment or most rewarding experience while working at Star Learners? How has it impacted you personally or professionally?

After the pandemic, we resumed various activities this year and welcomed parents back to join us in the festivities at the centre, one of it being the Chinese New Year celebrations. As the teacher-in-charge of the first event of the year, I felt a little nervous during the planning and even dreamt about the preparations every night! I did not want to miss out on an incredible opportunity to showcase our teamwork and creativity.

From the centre decor and engaging storytelling sessions by the teachers, to the children’s lively performances and parents’ active involvement, the event was a success. Though there were still areas for improvement, the entire celebrations ran smoothly — owing to the seamless cooperation of my fellow teachers.

Through this event, bonds among our colleagues were strengthened. It also brought children and teachers closer together and built stronger rapport between parents and teachers. The outcome made me feel extremely happy and fulfilled. I have also come to realise the importance of teamwork and fostered a deeper understanding that through collective effort, we can create wonderful memories and contribute effectively to the growth of the children.

以你的经验来说，有哪些较有效的方法可以鼓励害羞或比较排斥学华文的孩子参与学习华文的种种活动？

对于害羞或对学习华文有些排斥的孩子，我们可以采用温和、耐心和支持性的方法, 建立起与孩子的良好关系。下个关键是创造一个舒适、轻松的学习环境，尊重并理解他们不愿意参与活动的原因。

我们也可以鼓励孩子参与那些他们感兴趣的活动，及时肯定他们的努力和尝试。了解孩子的兴趣爱好，并根据他们的个性和需求，鼓励家长一同参与同样能帮助他们建立学习华文的兴趣和自信心。

In your experience, what are some effective techniques for encouraging shy or hesitant children to participate and engage in Chinese language learning activities?

When working with shy children or those hesitant in taking part in Chinese language learning, establishing a positive rapport with them is crucial. We can do this via gentle, patient and supportive approaches. First and foremost, we have to create a comfortable and relaxed learning environment for them, while understanding and respecting their reasons for non-participation.

We can then encourage the child to engage in activities that interest them, while promptly acknowledging their efforts and attempts. With a firm understanding of the child’s likes and preferences, we involve parents to work closely with us to help foster interest and confidence in the language, through activities that suit their personalities and learning needs.

作为一名中文学前教育教师，你希望在职务中实现什么？对自己和你所教的孩子又有什么具体的目标或愿望吗 

首先，我希望保持持续的学习热忱，不断提升自己，让自己成为出色的中文教育者，也为我的学生树立学习的模范。其次，我致力于为我所教的孩子们奠定稳固的中文学习基础，通过我的努力和投入，激发他们对中文学习的浓厚兴趣。我希望继续创造生动有趣的教学方法，以创意和互动的方式激发孩子们的学习热情，使他们乐意参与，享受学习过程。

What do you hope to achieve in your role as a Chinese language preschool educator? Are there any specific goals or aspirations you have for yourself and the children you teach? 

I hope to keep my excitement for learning alive while continuously improving myself to become an exceptional Chinese language teacher. I want to be a role model for the children I teach and show them the joy of learning. I am also committed to establishing a solid foundation in Chinese language learning for my children, and ignite their interest in the language through my various efforts. I love being creative and interactive in the classroom, coming up with fun and engaging lessons to ensure that learning Chinese becomes something they eagerly participate in and enjoy. My ultimate dream is to see their enthusiasm for learning and for them to embrace the process of discovering the language.