School Shorts

Adele Diamond is one of the world-leading neuroscientists in the field of executive functions. Executive functions are often discussed in relation to ADHD and they are especially relevant in that study ..however, executive function is crucial for all of us in our ability to plan, organise and achieve goals.

It impacts working memory or ability to regulate and manage our behaviour and it shapes our children's ability to learn, adapt ...

If you've ever wondered whether the month you were born in impacts your educational achievement, there is now evidence to say yes it can have an impact. Dr Jo Knox has been doing research around the world into the different policies for when children start school.

This conversation explores the complexities of New Zealand's enrolment system in education. It explains why some children will have more terms at school than others and w...

Gill Connell from Moving Smart returns with part 2 of the Power of PMP. This time we are talking about the often-overlooked topic of midline development in children.

The ability to cross the midlines of the body is foundational for reading, writing, co-ordination and cognitive growth.

Gill offers great advice for parents or teachers who want to practise this at school or at home.

Hosted...

This episode was recorded in front a live audience at Spark NZ for the launch of the Spark Kids Plan.

Melissa Chan-Green speaks with Leela Ashford about the first mobile plan for families and the Parent Hub which has been developed in conjunction with Child Psychologist Dr Emma Woodward.

Sheridan Eketone of the Parenting Place shares lots of practical tips for how to manage device time and have conversations with your children abou...

This week marks just the second year Women's Health Week has been marked - remarkable when you think we have been talking about Men's Health Week for years.

In this episode we speak with Tend's Cecilia Robinson. A passionate advocate for both health and education.

Here she combines those two interests to talk about the challenges that commonly face women that stem from unhealthy standards or lack of education for girls.

As a bold lead...

Dyscalculia is likely to be not far behind dyslexia in the numbers of people it affects, but it is often called the 'learning difficulty no one talks about' because awareness and research are still decades behind.

In this episode, Head of Maths Australia Esther White talks about the learning challenge that affects people's ability to understand numbers and perform mathematical tasks.

She shares the differences between dyscalculia a...

To address a child's behavioural challenges, an adult must first understand their own behaviour according to relational neuroscience educator Jase Williams.

Jase is a former Principal himself and speaks at schools about emotional regulation and how to redefine resilience.

This episode the impact that covid 19 has had on emotional regulation of our students. Jase also gives his views on how to help children navigate success and fail...

This is a MUST watch for any family who is just beginning the reading journey with their child. If you missed the parent information session at your school or if you just want to review the information your school may have already given you about the learning going on in the classroom - this is the episode for you.

It has all the basics of what you need to know about how teachers will be teaching your kids to read, write and spell....

The most common parenting challenges that psychologists are called in to help with in schools and among families. Jackie Riach from the Positive Parenting Program works with schools who ask for help with a range of challenges.

Jackie and Melissa discuss various topics including the importance of friendships, the impact of bullying, the role of chores in fostering responsibility, and the significance of self-esteem in children's dev...

From nurse to clinical nutritionist and Mum of 4, Gina Urlich has seen the importance of good nutrition from all sides.

In this episode, Gina speaks about the challenges of navigating food labels and advocates for better food regulations. She shares the critical role of nutrition in early childhood development, particularly during the first thousand days. We also talk about the significance of gut health and the impact of nutrition...

Looking for some STEM inspiration for your weekends and school holidays? Motat's Education Lead Julie Baker joins us in this episode to discuss all the fun ways you can encourage your children to become more engaged in the subjects of science, technology and maths.

Unfortunately enrolment in these subjects is in steady decline. Motat however is making it a mission to find the spark in more children - and has just won a major award ...

Simon Brown is worried about the impact of declining levels of literacy on girls and ethnic minorities. In this episode, Simon talks about the worrying stats that have lead to financial literacy becoming a 'key' part of a refreshed social sciences curriculum.

Banqer has been working with some schools already to provide this education through schools. Simon discusses the feedback from students and gives some practical advice for par...

If your handwriting flows with ease it gives you more space to think, remember what you've learnt and helps with reading and writing! All amazing reasons why handwriting is so important yet it has been largely ignored in many classrooms. Helen Walls is on a mission to change that through her work as 'The Writing Teacher'.

She says the impact of handwriting in education is undervalued but it is crucial for overall learning.

Helen talk...

Sir John Kirwan reveals his struggles with reading and how that contributed to his sense of self worth in his school years. We know him now for his remarkable achievements in sport and as a campaigner for mental health - but JK says there is much work to be done to raise awareness among our young people.

Thanks to his organisation, Mitey, many schools are now incorporating mental health as part of the curriculum. In this episode, J...

It's the hot take that ignites debate among teachers and parents. One of the most respected names in literacy education says parents and educators often have muddled perceptions of their roles in teaching reading and writing. In this episode, Pam Snow explains what she believes is crucial to do at home to help your child read - and what is better left to those who are trained in the science of literacy.

Want to think like some of the greatest geniuses of our time? Barbara Oakley is the expert to teach you how to unlock the secrets to learning.

As the creator of one of the most popular online classes in the world 'Learning How to Learn', Barbara explains in this episode how you can overcome procrastination and start to think in ways you might never have known your brain was capable of.

The conversation highlights how learning differe...

New Zealand's Minister of Education, Erica Stanford, announces a new information tool for parents to help their children with reading, writing, maths and more.

The Minister also reflects on the progress of the new structured literacy and maths curriculum - and reveals the one particular challenge that keeps her up at night. Minister Stanford hints at further announcements to come around extra funding and additional changes to the cu...