My parents are the most important people in my life. My father's name is Samantha and my
mother's name is Miyuri. They treat me well from the time I was born.

They give me food and supply me with everything that I need. When I am sick, they take me to the doctor and cure me. They always bring happiness to me. They teach me good habits. They are like my shadows. They help me in my studies and they do a lot for my studies. Sometimes they scold me when I do wrong things. They guide me always and always protect me. They show me the correct path.

We were entered into good schools by our parents. We must respect them well. When we grow up we must look after them well.

Madduma Bandara

By Mithila Ranaweera (Grade 7), Nalanda College

Madduma Bandara was a brave boy who lived in Sri Lanka. He was only eight years old when he was killed by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. The king needed to capture Madduma Bandara's father, Ehelepola Nilame. But he failed. So, he got angry and took Ehelepola Nilame's family and ordered that they be killed.

The day arrived. The family was taken to Bogambara river bank. The sky was dark. The wind was cold. No-one had a smile on their faces. The kings men came to take Loku Bandara. Loku Bandara cried and ran towards his mother.

Then something exciting happened, Madduma Bandara came towards the man clad in red saying, "Elder Brother, don't be afraid. I'll show you how to die."

Then the king shouted, "Kill him! Kill him! His father is a traitor." Madduma Bandara knew that his father was not a traitor, he was a kind man. So, he knelt down and kept his head on the chopping block. The man who was in red, lifted his sword. When he put down his sword, Madduma Bandara's head was parted from his body.

He was a kind and brave boy. He died showing everyone how a Sinhalese faces death bravely.

I like my English teacher

By Shahnaz Ahamed (Grade 7), Hejaaz International School

Miss. Natashya Chamba is my English teacher. She teaches us English. She is precious to us because she teaches us not only English, but also good manners and shows us the right way. She always helps us with our doubts.

She explains things clearly. She treats everyone equally and is very understanding. She made us all get
interested in English Literature. She gives us good ideas. She makes us participate in
competitions and helps us in every way she can.

My English teacher is very young, that is why she understands us. She is good looking and she always smiles to make us happy. She is very neat, good, kind and helpful. She is very soft spoken and a gentle person. I think God blessed us with her. She is the best teacher.

Dinosaurs

By Rashmi Anuradha (13 years), St. Paul's Girls' School, Milagiriya

Dinosaurs were the most successful animals on earth, about 160 million years ago. There were giant land dinosaurs that were much bigger than elephants. Enormous flying reptiles took to the air and reptile monsters ruled the ocean.

Dinosaurs laid eggs, like most other reptiles. There is evidence that some dinosaurs protected their eggs and looked after their young.

Some dinosaurs such as 'Maiasaura' were careful parents. They made nests, guarded their eggs against predators and stayed with their young until they were able to fend for themselves.

The most likely explanation for the extinction of the dinosaurs is that a comet, asteroid or meteorite hit the earth. Dinosaurs lived from about 225 million to 65 million years ago. This period is known as the 'Age of the Dinosaurs' or the 'Mesozoic Era.'

An unforgettable day

By Aasif Aqthar (9 years), Amal International School

It was on January 21, 2006. It was my first day of school. I had such a wonderful time. My mother woke me up early in the morning. She dressed me in my new uniform. I was so smart when I looked at myself in the mirror. Then she gave me my breakfast.

My parents had brought me a new bag, bottle and books. I was excited about taking my new things. Then they put me in the car and drove me to school.

I remember how impatient I was to go to school. Then we reached school, a lady took my hand and we went to a room filled with lots of children. All of them were wearing uniforms and everybody looked so neat.

Then later I realised that the lady who took me to the class was my class teacher Miss. Amali. She was very kind and nice. We read stories, sang songs and also wrote in our note books. We also had a painting lesson. It was so much fun. I made lots of friends that day too.

Then soon school was over and my mother came to pick me up. I told her all about my wonderful school.
This day is so special to me that I shall remember it for the rest of my life.

Good food sources for good health

By Gayanda Madurapperuma (Year 7), Sri Lankan School, Muscat

To be in good health we must take good food. Proteins, calcium, carbohydrates, vitamins, water, fibre and fats help to make us healthy and strong. Sugar and starch are all carbohydrates.

Fats give us energy too. There are two types of food that we take; fast food and healthy food. Fast food is what we get from hotels. They all contain chemicals, flavours and a large amount of oil and fats. Fast food is available everywhere as it is easy to prepare.

Some of these chemicals can be harmful to our body and they make our bodies weak and sick. Healthy food is mostly found in our homes, and prepared by our parents. Too much of salt intake can damage our kidneys. If we smoke, our lungs will contain tar (a sticky black liquid) and alcohol can damage our mental health too.

To maintain a healthy body, we have to exercise. Yoga refreshes our bodies. Some people walk to be in good health. Sports help us to be strong. To have a strong and healthy body, we should take a well
balanced diet and exercise as well.

Senior citizens are a wealth

By Nimashi Silva (Grade 9), A/Central College

Senior citizens are a wealth for a country. Most of them have experiences in different fields. Some are full of knowledge. Some have various talents, such as singing, acting etc. Some are very creative in handicraft.

As the younger generation we can get advantages from them. They are the people who pass knowledge, talents and experiences to us.

Almost all countries in the world provide relief to elders. There is a special day of the year named World Elders' Day to felicitate them. In Sri Lanka, seats in trains and buses are allocated for them. Discounts are given for elders at pharmacies.

With the development of the world it seems that there is a gap between elders and youngsters. I think the reason for this is that everybody is busy in the society. Now children have no time to be with their elders. But whatever the problems, we have no right to leave them aside. We must visit them and we have to spend time with them. I think that's the only thing they expect from us.

My class teacher

By Noel Dhanujan, Methodist College, Batticaloa

My class teacher's name is Mrs. Mannikaraja. She is short in appearance and fair in complexion. She wears beautiful saris everyday. She is a God fearing Christian lady. She loves children and gives them advice in a polite way.

All the children like her very much and they listen to her advice. She tells us to keep our books neat and clean always.

She never gets angry with us. She tells us many religious stories and she guides us spiritually, also she helps the poor children and she prays for them daily.

I thank God for giving me such a nice teacher. I want my dear teacher to teach me till I leave school.

A day in the life of a teacher

By Anjalika Dilmi, Sailan International School, Negombo

Teaching is regarded as the noblest profession in the world. A person who has chosen teaching as a
profession is always fortunate. Teaching opens the gate of knowledge to the students and guides them along the correct path.

A teacher goes to her school on time. As soon as she enters the classroom she is welcomed by her
students warmly. The students salute her saying "Good morning teacher." When she sees the smiling faces of the students her mind is filled with delight.

The first task of the teacher is to mark the attendance register. Next she begins the lesson of the day. The students listen to the teacher attentively. She understands the students well. The teacher has the ability to identify the weaknesses of her students.

She pays her personal attention to those students. The teacher is respected by all her students. A teacher has many responsibilities.

She has to keep a watchful eye on her students and see that they are honest in speech and behaviour. Sometimes she has to take disciplinary action against the students who are mischievous and who violate the rules. School closes at 2 p.m. But a teacher's responsibilities are not over, with the end of day's work in the class.

My grandfather

By Masha Fawas (Grade 3), Ecole Internationale, Kandy

My grandfather's name is Shafee. He is seventy years old. Still he is smart and rides his bike. He is a retired jailor. He lives with his pension money.

My grandfather visits us very often. He buys me sweets. During the holidays he takes us to the children's park. Sometimes he takes me to school too. He never scolds us. He tells us lots of stories.

We all are nine grandchildren for him. My grandfather is very happy to play with us. He wants us to sing for him. I wish him a good, long, healthy life.