Willow Hewitt
A student can learn anything they’re passionate about. I work hard to find the best way to make my students interested in what they’re learning. No matter the topic, whether it’s grammar, poetry or letter writing, there’s always a way to make it exciting for each individual.
Willow Hewitt has degrees in both the arts and sciences, and enjoys working with young people who are keen students in both of these fields. She writes a regular column in the Education section of Playtimes, Hong Kong’s leading English medium parenting magazine. In her spare time, Willow continues to dedicate herself to writing and is currently working on a series of mystery novels set in the Peak District in the north of England.
Qualifications
- BA (Natural Sciences) University of Cambridge
- MA (Creative Writing) Manchester University
Articles
New Hobbies, New Habits
As a teenager, I had a busy schedule of extracurricular activities, from fencing and choir to Girl Guides and Venture Scouts. It was fun and easy to pack my calendar with these things, especially since my parents paid for and drove me to the after-school sessions and weekends away. As an adult myself, though, it can feel like I’m busy enough simply going… Read More
Succeeding at IELTS for Overseas Studies
People wanting to study overseas commonly take a test called IELTS (pronounced ‘eye-elts’, and short for International English Language Testing System) to prove their English competence. There are many similar tests, which range in popularity around the world, with IELTS being the gold standard in the UK, where the test originates. There are actually two types of IELTS test: General Training and Academic. Those applying… Read More
How I Write: Structuring a Book
I’ve loved writing for as long as I can remember, but it took years before I was able to complete anything that I was happy with. As a child and teenager, I started new projects regularly but didn’t know how to shape them into a novel. I stuck with fragments and short stories for a while, always wanting to create something longer. Undertaking a Creative… Read More
Free BBC Listening Resources to Boost English Skills
BBC Sounds is available for free worldwide and has excellent content that can boost the skills of all English learners. The app is a great addition to the learning tools on your device (you can also listen through your browser here), and I’d recommend starting with the following programmes: BBC Learning English Drama Great adaptations in clear English and engaging language. It’s particularly… Read More
Effective Short Story Plotting for Students
Many students come to me with excellent vocabulary, an imagination packed with fantastic ideas, and an ability to organise their writing into paragraphs. However, they still score poorly on creative writing assignments. The problem isn’t that they’re weak writers; it’s often the exact opposite. These students can develop whole worlds in their minds and give characters a fascinating flaw to overcome in a way that… Read More
Video Resources to Learn from and Enjoy
When we’re at home, it’s fun to relax by watching videos online. They can be great ways to learn new vocabulary and natural phrases. They can also teach us about things we don’t learn at school. Check out these fantastic video resources, chosen by i-Learner teachers, and discover something new today! For Kindergarten students… Read More
Virtual Field Trips
Our students are doing so well studying from home. They’re working hard in class, doing their homework, and learning lots even during this difficult time. Did you know, students can not only go to school at home, but take a field trip there as well? Go to the zoo, visit a museum, or even fly through the universe, all from the comfort of home! Check… Read More
Free Online Reading Resources
As well as reading lots of books, i-Learner teachers also love to find stories, poems and articles online. We’ve put together lists of our favourite free resources to keep you learning wherever you are. Take a look and find something new today! For Kindergarten students For Lower Primary (P1-3)… Read More
Wider Reading Suggestions
i-Learner teachers love reading. Books are a fun way to engage with languages and to jump into new and exciting worlds. We’ve put together lists of the books we love for students of all ages. Take a look and find your new favourites! For Kindergarten students For Lower Primary (P1-3) students… Read More
Imagination Building in Primary School
Little children are full of imagination. The stories they tell are wild rides that connect together a thousand different ideas and never want to end. However, once students reach eight or nine, this freewheeling creativity often comes to an end. Children want to find the right way to tell a story, or they are so focused on spelling, grammar and punctuation that their imaginations are… Read More