Why does student writing often feel uninspired or seem to lack purpose? The absence of a clearly identified relevant audience is a prime factor. Without that, the teacher becomes the de facto audience. When teachers are the audience, there’s a disconnect because the topics are often meant for someone else. When there’s an outside audience with a vested interest in the topic, you don’t have this problem.

Knowing their writing has an audience besides their teacher helps motivate students to do their very best work.

By integrating NLP principles with understanding individual learning preferences, we can create more effective, engaging and personalised learning experiences for our students.

The intricacies of human learning have been a subject of scientific exploration for centuries. In our quest to prepare the next generation for the future, we must continually evolve our teaching methodologies. Today, I want to explore the fascinating intersection between Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Learning Preferences, and how this synergy can inform how we instruct young people. First, a...read more →

The development of an entrepreneurial mindset is increasingly recognised as a crucial skill set for young people.

Why is an entrepreneurial mindset important for teenagers? The world is evolving rapidly, demanding innovative solutions and adaptable individuals. Teenagers, with their boundless energy, curiosity and fresh perspectives, are uniquely positioned to be the change-makers of tomorrow. Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in them equips them with the skills to identify problems, create solutions and turn ideas into reality. What does...read more →

5 Steps to Become a Smarter Learner | A Student-Centred Approach 1. Be an Active Learner: Be active and not passive. Set your intentions. Be open to new ways to learn. Focus on the process, not the content. 2. Be an Inquisitive Learner: Use open-ended questions. Remember, the 5Ws and How. Why? What? Who? When? Where? How? 3. Be a Discerning Consumer: Adopt an inquiry-based approach to learning and dive deep through lateral reading and thinking. 4. Be a Responsible Creator: Know your purpose. Know your audience. Respect your sources. Choose the right medium. Get to the point. 5. Be a Reflective Learner: Take time to reflect on the learning experience, the process, the new knowledge and the impact.

🌍 **𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀** 🌍 Emphasising a student-centered approach, I help learners understand their unique strengths. Exploring examples of young people making a global impact inspires learners to brainstorm meaningful topics they want to investigate. By teaching students how to effectively search for information and introducing them to various tools and databases they gain practical digital literacy skills. Continuous monitoring ensures personalised growth. Check out my blog post that provides more detail ... 📚🔍🎓

Ever wondered how to integrate real-world learning experiences in classroom settings to enhance digital literacy skills? Here’s a sneak peek into a recent project with a group of teenagers that aimed to achieve just that. Step 1: Setting the Stage We began by working with the teens, using an online multiple-choice questionnaire, to identify their natural ‘genius’, skills and capabilities....read more →

11 Tips for Communicating with Your Teen - 🚀 How to approach conversations with empathy and understanding 🚀 Are you ready to transform the way you communicate with a teenager? Connecting with your teen is the basis for effectively supporting their mental well-being and social and emotional learning. When we love someone, we are interested in them and their thoughts and feelings. As your child grows, communication is one way of showing your love and respect for your growing child. 👉 Read the full article and start your journey to better communication today! https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/11-tips-communicating-your-teen

Is Your Teen Future-Ready? A Free Masterclass to Unlock Their Hidden Potential!! Limited virtual seats are available, so reserve your spot for this FREE masterclass today! Register now at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsfumrpzkpGNJ8z7Dw1RLdZklRyTo8BslI The world is changing faster than ever before and the skills needed to succeed are constantly evolving. But what if you could equip your teen with the tools they need to thrive in this ever-changing landscape? In this engaging and interactive session, you’ll: * Understand the Future Landscape. * Identify Key Skills * Explore a Proven 3-step Process * Discover Practical Strategies * Surprise Element ... Discover an opportunity to develop the skill set at an accelerated rate.

The world is changing faster than ever before and the skills needed to succeed are constantly evolving. But what if you could equip your teen with the tools they need to thrive in this ever-changing landscape?

It’s common for teachers, after students do an individual exploration (for example: reading a short text and marking it up for keywords or questions), to ask them to form groups and compile their thinking on poster paper, which they share with classmates through a gallery walk. Why not try to create a collaborative slide deck where each group takes ownership of their slide and then this becomes a living document.

With a little bit of prep, teachers can set up a digital version of the popular gallery walk to foster collaboration in the classroom.

Are you tired of feeling like the 'drill sergeant' constantly reminding your child to complete their school work? I've just finished recording a masterclass on using intrinsic motivation to help tweens and teens become more self-directed learners who can take the initiative to set their personal learning goals. Let me know if you'd like to get the link to the recording by sending me a message or comment below - "Send me the link please".

6 ideas for when you want to have a break from technology but still engage in activities that develop knowledge and skills for your young learners.

Challenging students to do projects without technology has benefits for creativity, critical thinking, and student engagement.

Teenage years: a potent mix of independence, curiosity and a yearning for purpose. It’s a time to embrace a learning model that ignites their passions and fuels their desire to make a mark. Enter purpose-based learning, a vibrant approach that transforms education into a thrilling adventure of self-discovery and meaningful impact.

https://kb.com.au/ | In this short video Karen addresses different purpose-based learning opportunities for students aged between 14 and 21 years old, includ...

Do you wish your tween or teen could take ownership of their learning journey? Tired of feeling like the sole driver of your child’s education? Maybe you are looking to guide your children towards becoming self-motivated and independent learners. This FREE 75-minute masterclass will equip you with the tools and strategies to help your tweens and teens set clear intentions, fostering a sense of independence and a love for lifelong learning. In this masterclass, Karen Bonanno, a Genius Educator & Mentor, will share her future-focused approach to teaching and learning. With her extensive experience in providing personalised learning experiences, Karen has helped educators and students discover inspiring futures and develop into leading learners. ## See the comments below for the direct link to register for this live masterclass ##

One of the keys to personalising learning for your kids is to get to know how they learn at their best. Understand their genius. What great feedback from Cassie, especially on identifying the different genius types for her girls. Yes, I do believe everyone is a genius. I'm thinking of natural talents, skills and capabilities. Also, making the connection to the origin of the word 'genius'. Two Latin terms - Genii (guiding spirit) and Ingenium (innate dispositions, talents, and inborn nature). This blends the concepts of the divine and the talented

What great feedback from folk who attended the masterclass, Unlock the Power of Real-World Learning, held last week. As the weekend unfolds it is easy to find events and activities that can become part of real-world learning experiences for kids. Whether you are a parent of a young person, a homeschooling parent, or even a grandparent there are indoor and outdoor local and community happenings that can become a springboard for youngsters to learn new bits and pieces of information. Art galleries, museums, libraries, historic villages, cultural festivals, markets, walks in nature, car shows, and more. Connecting new knowledge with what they already know allows them to develop knowledge and understanding of the world around them. If you or someone you know would love to get some insights into how you can empower a child's learning journey with enriching, real-world experiences, then comment "Send me the link" and I'll share the recording from the masterclass.