As I write, I’m working through many thoughts. Let me start with this overwhelming one: today is a good day. Today is a good day
Category: Child Development
#HiveSummit 2020
Every summer, wherever I am in the world, I always make time for the Hive Summit. Organised and hosted by Michael Matera, the Hive offers
My thoughts on George Floyd, racism and the important role of education
I’ve written over two hundred blog posts for Mr. Hill’s Musings, but I don’t think I’ve ever had less idea of what to write or
Digital leadership with Olivia Van Ledtje and Louie DaCosta
Last week, our Y4 students and teachers were treated to a special Zoom session with Olivia Van Ledtje (better known as LivBits) and Louie DaCosta
Ten steps to develop a meaningful class mission statement
At the beginning of the new school year, it is common for teachers to establish rules and norms for the class that set the tone
Trialling a new approach to bilingual education
The day before the next academic year kicks off, I’m thinking about the biggest challenge that faces me as a Head of Year this term:
Introducing Media By Example
The Google Certified Innovator Academy included a deep dive into my chosen issue through the design thinking process. From there, I developed an idea for a
Guest post: Teaching our Languages #TeachingOurLanguages (by Graham Noble)
Graham Noble is a Grade 4-6 ESL teacher at Delia School of Canada but will be starting an English-Humanities position at Han Academy, Hong Kong,
21st Century Learning Conference 2019
This weekend, I was lucky enough to attend the 11th Annual 21st Century Learning Conference (my first time at this event) and it was even
TCRWP: a pedagogical overview of writing
As a school, we are gradually implementing Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP). This is already well established in our lower grades
Self-Organized Learning Environments (SOLE)
My first experience of Self-Organized Learning Environments (SOLE) was spontaneous. It was the beginning of November and so I was wearing a poppy. In Hong
What are ‘soft’ skills and why do students need them more than ever?
In a recent workshop with Tania Lattanzio, she shared this video. As you watch it, consider its accompanying question: will our children be prepared? The
Anti-Bullying Week 2018: five books to inspire empathy
With Anti-Bullying Week 2018 kicking off tomorrow (Monday 12th November) and Tuesday 13th marking World Kindness Day 2018, it seems like an ideal time to
Sketchnoting: what, why and how?
I have been interested in sketchnoting since Carrie Baughcum‘s session at the Hive Summit. I have been sketchnoting myself, promoting it in class and learning
Guest post: How children experience creative writing (by Brett Healey)
Brett Healey is a Literacy Coach at Victoria Shanghai Academy in Hong Kong. He specialises in the teaching of writing which led him to complete
Year Four Camp 2018
I am loving my new role as Head of Year because it challenges me every day. More so than any other year in my career,
Why everyone should see ‘Wonder’
I had a whole other blog post planned for today. I’m halfway through writing it and planned to finish it off after getting back from
#CaptureKindness on Seesaw blogs
Last year, we promoted and celebrated Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week across the school. This year, I’d like to take it further. Starting on
Screen time: what does research say?
The issue of screen time is one that has fascinated me for a while. It is something that teachers and parents often express a concern
Genius Hour: dream BIG
This year, my students have been enjoying their passion projects. I still have a lot to learn and there are certain things that I want