The Playbook For Modern Learning

EP6: Are Screens Destroying Our Children's Creativity And Focus?

Featuring Cindy Mi, Founder & CEO, VIPKid, joined by Dr. Neil Hopkin, Director of Education, Fortes Education In today’s tech-saturated world, helping kids grow up healthy—emotionally, mentally, and socially—has never felt more complex. In this eye-opening episode, Cindy Mi—Founder and CEO of global edtech platform VIPKid—opens up about her own parenting approach to screen time and digital balance. She’s joined by Dr. Neil Hopkin, a leading international voice in whole-child education and Director of Education at Fortes Education, who shares powerful reflections on the long-term impact of screens, shrinking attention spans, and the rise of AI in children’s lives. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about technology, parenting, and the values we pass on in a connected world. 🎧 New episodes every Friday — subscribe and be part of the conversation! #ModernParenting #DigitalWellbeing #TechAndKids #EmpathyInAI #ParentingByExample #WholeChildDevelopment #VIPKid #FortesEducation #ThePlaybookPodcast #ScreenTimeMatters #ConnectedGeneration

EP5: Positive Education: Are we Spoiling a Generation With Positivity?

Featuring Stephenie Lee, Founder & CEO, Beacon Learning & Katrina Mankani, Director of Positive Education, Fortes Education As parents and educators, we all want to help our children succeed—but success isn’t just about results! In this heartwarming episode, Stephenie Lee and Katrina Mankani invite us to rethink how we support kids through praise, failure, and growth. They share how the right kind of praise can build confidence, why focusing on strengths can unlock potential, and how embracing mistakes helps children develop the resilience they need to thrive. With deep professional insight and personal reflections, they explore the small, intentional ways we can shift our language and mindset to raise stronger, more self-aware learners. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation about what really matters in childhood: the journey, not just the destination. 🎧 New episodes every Friday — subscribe and be part of the conversation!

EP 4: Mental Health in Schools: are we enabling dependence or resilience?

Featuring Lorenza Bruno, Senior Community Specialist, VIPKid & Devika Mankani, Chief Positive Psychologist, Fortes Education With the rise of mental health awareness in schools, are we truly building resilience — or fostering dependence? In this thought-provoking episode, Lorenza Bruno and Devika Mankani open up about the realities of supporting student wellbeing in today’s classrooms. Drawing from both their professional expertise and personal parenting experiences, they explore the fine line between helping students feel safe and teaching them to stand strong. Together, they reflect on what young people really need to grow into emotionally healthy, confident individuals — at school and at home. It’s an honest, compassionate conversation about mental health, resilience, and the responsibility we share in shaping young minds. 🎧 New episodes every Friday — subscribe and join the conversation!

Ep3: VIP Kid and Fortes Education Fast Tracking English Fluency

Featuring Kim Fortner, Learning and Development Manager, VIPKid & Hannah Casey, Head of English, Sunmarke School, Fortes Education Is there really a fast track to English fluency? And how can we support students who didn’t get an early start? In this heartfelt episode, Kim Fortner and Hannah Casey share their experiences teaching English as a second language — the wins, the challenges, and the moments that stick with them. From young learners soaking up language like sponges to those facing real hurdles later on, we talk about what it takes to help every student feel confident, capable, and seen. It’s a warm, honest conversation about language, connection, and why it’s never too late to learn — or to believe in someone. 🎧 New episodes every Friday — subscribe and join the conversation!

EP2: The Controversy of Over Globalization in Language Learning

Featuring Dr. Neil Hopkin, Director of Education, Fortes Education & Christina Lopez Botello, School Partnership Manager, VIPKid As classrooms become more diverse and globally connected, a complex question emerges: In trying to create fairness and unity, are schools unintentionally asking students to leave parts of themselves behind? In this episode, Dr. Neil Hopkin and Christina Lopez Botello join us for a heartfelt conversation about cultural sensitivity in education. Together, we explore the growing concerns around overglobalization in language learning — and the delicate balance schools must strike between inclusion and identity. What are the benefits of creating a shared learning environment? And what do we risk losing when cultural uniqueness gets smoothed over? It’s a warm, honest, and sometimes emotional dialogue that touches on belonging, language, and the power of honoring where each child comes from. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about the role culture plays in the classroom, this episode will leave you with plenty to reflect on. 🎧 New episodes every Friday — subscribe and join the conversation!