A Journey of Discovery and Learning at The Harbour School

As a Grade 1 teacher at The Harbour School, my mission is to create vibrant and engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and foster collaboration among my students. This year, our unit on Hong Kong has transformed into an unforgettable adventure, allowing students to explore this city in ways that are both meaningful and memorable.

Engaging Curiosity: The Power of Provocation

We launched our unit with a provocation called "Mess Around," featuring intriguing materials related to Hong Kong. Students were invited to explore and wonder, leading to a delightful mix of interpretations. While some quickly linked the materials to our unit, others humorously thought they were simply my favorite items. This playful misunderstanding set a collaborative tone, encouraging open dialogue and creativity.

We implemented the "Give One, Get One" routine to enhance engagement. This strategy paired students who needed support with those who had strong observations, fostering a community of shared learning. Witnessing their collaborative spirit was a heartwarming reminder of the strength found in teamwork.

Firsthand Experiences: Sensing Our City

Living in Hong Kong provided us with unique opportunities for firsthand experiences. We began our exploration with a tram party! During the ride, students used their senses to absorb everything around them—the sights, sounds, and even smells of the bustling city. In small groups, they shared their insights using the "See, Think, Me, We" routine. The variety of observations was staggering; some noticed the colourful buildings, while others were captivated by the lively street markets. This diversity of thought enriched our discussions and helped students appreciate different perspectives.

Understanding Our Global City

Next, we delved into what makes Hong Kong a global city. Our goal was for students to understand that people from around the world come to live here, contributing to our vibrant community. We marked where each student came from on a map, illustrating the distances travelled to reach Hong Kong. This visual representation effectively highlighted our rich diversity, making the concept of a global city tangible and relatable.

Then, we zoomed in on our local area, discussing distances from their homes to school. This exercise not only fostered a sense of belonging but also ignited curiosity about their neighbours and the world beyond.

Student Autonomy in Exploration

To empower students in their learning, we let them vote on what they wanted to explore about Hong Kong. The overwhelming favorites were food, popular places, and transportation. Weekly field trips brought this exploration to life; for example, we took the MTR to Repulse Bay Beach and a ferry to the Avenue of Stars. Using diamond ranking, students identified their favorite and least favorite places, then wrote persuasive letters to friends about their top choices. This process not only honed their writing skills but also taught them to articulate their opinions and share their experiences, making learning more relevant and impactful.

Culinary Adventures: Tasting Hong Kong

We encouraged students to immerse themselves in local cuisine by visiting a wet market to explore ingredients for their favorite dishes. Thanks to our Mandarin team, everyone participated in making tang yuen, turning the cooking session into a celebration of culture! After tasting various foods, students drew their favorite dish and described it in one word, fostering creativity and personal expression while reinforcing their connection to the culture.

Guest Speakers: Voices from the Community

To enrich our understanding of what makes Hong Kong special, we invited guest speakers, including parents and teachers, to share their insights and perspectives. They explained why they came to Hong Kong and what makes the city unique. With this newfound knowledge, students created a mind map listing the reasons why people move to Hong Kong. This collaborative effort showcased their ability to synthesise information and engage with diverse viewpoints.

Reflecting on the Learning Journey

Reflecting on this journey, I’ve come to realise that while outcomes are important, the process of learning is equally vital. What truly matters is how students engage with the material, collaborate, and develop crucial skills along the way. For instance, when they work together on a project, they learn to share ideas, solve problems, and appreciate each other’s contributions—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

This unit has not only deepened my students' understanding of Hong Kong but has also emphasised the importance of collaboration and active involvement in learning. I look forward to continuing this journey of discovery, knowing that each exploration brings us closer together and enriches our understanding of the world around us.

Let’s keep exploring and learning together!