Foundational Skills Before School with Melissa Chan-Green

Welcome to ECE Conversations by 1Place—a podcast where we talk with leading voices in New Zealand’s early childhood education community, exploring key topics shaping the industry.

In our first episode, Melissa Chan-Green of School Shorts joins us to discuss the importance of foundational skills that children learn before school.

Our Expert Melissa Chan-Green

Melissa Chan-Green is an award-winning broadcast journalist with over 20 years of experience, covering major global events from the Arab Spring to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Passionate about community, connection, and education, she is currently researching Chinese Anzacs and hosting the School Shorts podcast, helping parents support their children's literacy. An experienced MC and communications advisor, Melissa works with organizations that share her commitment to meaningful community engagement.

About School Shorts Podcast

​School Shorts is a weekly podcast designed to fit around parents' busy schedules. Hosted by Melissa Chan-Green, a journalist inspired by educators who nurtured her passion for language, the podcast aims to help parents support their children's learning potential in areas such as reading, writing, and math. By engaging with leading educators worldwide, School Shorts offers insights into small actions that can make a significant difference in a child's education.

In this episode, we cover:

- The importance of foundational skills
- Parenting perspectives and experiences
- Movement and learning readiness
- Engaging with experts and parents

A sneak peek inside the episode:

“That rich background knowledge is so important when you get to start school. So that's why I realized that actually all those foundational skills and the skills that our teachers teach in preschool are crucial to that learning journey."