Our very own Attiya has published a children’s book—titled "Molly's first day at gymnastics"—and we had the opportunity to learn all about it!
Read all about it in this interview with her here:
What made you want to write your book?
From the very beginning of my teaching career I like to tell stories. Even when my daughter was little I would make a story setup and would try to include characters and things of her interest to be focused with some learnings aspects in it.
My Preschoolers are the main inspiration for me to write a book. As I am also a gymnastics coach at YMCA location as my part time job.
I have a vision to see children in my care and classroom enjoy the journey of their early learning with lots of fun. Story-telling and story writing was always my passion. In October 2022 I promised myself to follow my dream and take a first step in the field of authors to write Children book. The New year made my first progress in this field with a success.
Where did you get the idea for the story?
About a few months ago a little girl from classroom started to the class with me, she was very excited about gymnastics skill to learn but the same time I noticed some fear and concerns on her face. She was given all the encouragement and support to overcome her fear as she was very emotional (one of the common skills to develop at this age).
That moment was a click in my mind to bring it out in a story to help many other children at this age with emotions and fears and showing how little encouragement can help them to believe in themselves.
As an Early childhood educator I always believe to focus on the social and emotional development skills at this age is most important. With all other learning skills we must focus and help children to build a strong foundation. My main purpose of the story is social and emotional support from small and large group of friends can make a huge impact on their learning.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Recently back in October, during the time of Halloween, I got an opportunity for story telling in a parent child event. This evening was all setup for the story style. I wrote the story about how children can be scared of some costumes or some be excited, it was a great hit as children love it. I had all the props I made so it was visual story time with props.
This story was also inspired by my Preschoolers as I have some kids who love Dinosaurs and I turned it into fun story.
My next book is coming in three months and I am excited about it. It’s also about social and emotional development at early age. The name of the story is “Jack needs a Hug”.
Congratulations to Attiya and we can’t wait to see what she writes next!
