Person of the Day: Maria Lam

Mama gnome is proud to present the Person of the Day: Maria Lam



Mama gnome also wants to wish Maria, "Happy Special Day!"

Thanks for visiting Mama gnome's little garden, Maria. Please tell us about yourself.

I am a wife and mother of three awesome kids: Kim Mikhael, Raymond, and Eliana.
I am a Special Education Teacher working for Broward Schools.
I spend my spare time tending to my flower and vegetable garden.
Most of our fun family acivities include reading, fishing, biking and walking in the park,swimming, visiting arts and science museums, watching 3D movies,eating out, visiting parks and wildlife,and tending to our koi fish in the backyard pond.

As a teacher, what knowledge do you want to share with your students about the environment?

As a teacher, I want to impart the knowledge and understanding that our environment is our home.
Everyone must take responsibility for any action that will impact our environment.
Caring for our environment means securing their future.

Does the curriculum teach about the environment?

Yes, it is mostly incorporated in the Science subject.

Are there any books you are using now that teaches about this?

There should be an infinite number of books out there that can be useful in teaching about the environment.
A few that I can mention here are the following:

The Dragon and the Unicorn by L. Cherry-- tells of how a dragon and unicorn help a princess save the forest

Tree of Life: The World of the African Baobob-- shows how various life forms live on a tree

Johnny Appleseed---a story which is actually in most reading books used in the classroom

There are also the classics:

The Very Hungry Catterpillar, Where The Wild Things Are, Stellaluna

Is there a need for more kid-friendly books about the environment?

I think that we can always use books that will impart positive values,optimistic rather than pessimistic messages.

Children need both non-fictional and fictional stories that will satiate their curiosity.

What is your favorite vegetable dish?

Chop-suey and grilled asparagus.

(Mama gnome's tummy rumbled at hearing this.)


If you can be a vegetable, what will it be and why?

I'd be a broccolli because it looks like a tree of life to me. And don't forget that it is delicious too.

(Mama gnome nods her head)

What is your favorite animal?

My favorite animal is the peafowl(peacock for males and peahen for females).
These are magnificent animals.

If you can be any animal, what will it be and why?

I'd like to be a peacock because they are the ones with the brightest plumage and if I am one,I can definitely live in the wild.

What advice can you give people/kids about being more eco-friendly?

Before you acquire a piece of man-made stuff, ask yourself these questions:

• Is this good for me?
• Is this good for the environment?
• Do I really need it?

If the answer to all is YES, go for it.

Do you have a favorite book or story that involves the environment or nature?

The Book of Genesis

What are your inspiring quotes?

Take Nothing But Pictures

Leave Nothing But Footprints

Kill nothing But Time

---Motto of the Baltimore Grotto- A Cave Society

Take care of the Earth

And She will take care of You
-Anonymous

Any additional comments or advice, Maria?

Here is a simple guideline for parents to refer to when choosing picture books on the environment:

1. Is it fiction or non-fiction?

2. Does it offer scientific information?

3. Are issues on the environment treated explicitly?

4. Are there nuances of optimism vs. pessimism on environmental issues and human behavior?

5. Use of fantasy vs. realism

6. Needs and actions of humans vs. other inhabitants of the natural environment

7. Human views on homes and habitats
(Source :Picture Books and the Environment:Bibliography and Study Guide By Hanlon)


Thank you so much for sharing your human and teacher ways with us, Maria.


Mama gnome now feels like reading a book and eating chopsuey.

I hope you've enjoyed learning something from Maria Lam.

Please visit our little garden soon for our next Person of the Day.


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