Alhamdulillah.

26 days ago, I finally completed Perky Piung’s Story Island.

As I looked at the finished workbook on my screen, I smiled. It wasn’t because every page was perfect. It was because I remembered where it all began—with a simple idea to help my Year 5 pupils enjoy writing.

When I returned to the classroom, I met learners who were afraid of writing. They struggled to build sentences, lacked confidence, and often stared at a blank page without knowing where to begin. I knew they didn’t need more worksheets. They needed a reason to write.

That was how Story Island was born.

I wanted writing to feel like an adventure rather than an exercise. Instead of asking pupils to complete another page, I invited them to explore an island with Perky Piung, my cheerful turtle companion. Every completed topic earned them five adventure steps. Every pitstop unlocked a new discovery. Most importantly, every sentence they wrote helped them grow—not only as writers but also as confident learners.

Along the way, I made a promise to myself. This module had to feel close to home. So, instead of reading about places they had never seen, my pupils would write about Kuala Terengganu, Pulau Redang, the Crystal Mosque, keropok lekor, Malaysian sea turtles, and even their own school. I wanted them to see that their own surroundings are worth writing about.

Story Island became more than a writing module. It became a reflection of how I believe children learn best—with encouragement, imagination, and a little bit of magic.

Of course, this journey wasn’t one I travelled alone. Every activity was revised, rewritten, and refined countless times. Ideas changed, layouts improved, and new adventures appeared along the way. Looking back, I realise that creating this module taught me as much as it will hopefully teach my pupils.

Next week will be the real beginning.

Story Island will finally meet the children it was created for.

I’m excited. I’m nervous. I’m curious.

Will they smile when they meet Perky Piung?

Will they laugh at the pitstops?

Will they proudly colour their adventure steps?

I don’t know yet.

But I do know this:

If even one child who once believed, “I can’t write,” finishes the book thinking, “Maybe I can,” then Story Island has already achieved its purpose.

To everyone who has supported me, encouraged me, and believed in this little dream, thank you.

And to my future Story Island Explorers…

Perky Piung and I will be waiting for you.

Because here on Story Island…

🌱 Words Grow on Story Island.

“Every great adventure begins with a single step. Every great writer begins with a single word.”

Teacher Asniem
Creator of Perky Piung’s Story Island 🐢💚