School Shorts

Numicon is a maths teaching tool is a maths teaching tool that is used across the world and through thousands of schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. Catherine Huxford of the Edushop team explains how it is a multi-sensory approach that helps children visualise and understand maths concepts. There are lots of tips here about how to introduce maths skills from a young age and how useful that can be for long-term love of maths. If you want some ideas around how to introduce easy games into everyday activities, this is a useful listen ..and there's a demonstration at the end to give an example of how it works in the classroom.

How technology impacts kid's dopamine, attention span and language development with Dr Emma Woodward. As a Mum to four boys, Dr Woodward finds each of them have different needs, just as each of them are wired differently. So while this episode looks at the impact of tech on child development and regulation, it is also full of realistic and reassuring advice for parents.

Malindi Maclean shares stories and research that highlight the profound impact on brain development from connecting with nature, not just for kids, but for adults too. If you've done Outward Bound before you will find much to reminisce about here. If you haven't it will give you more information about whether it is something that could be right for your children - or you! Malindi also talks about managed risk and how she encourages independent play.

What young women want you to know about the challenges they are facing and the social issues they are trying to address, such as the impact of social media.This episode features inspiring stories from three of the 10 young women recognised at the Girlboss Awards for their achievements in STEM, leadership, and community service.They have achieved so much even before they have finished high school and tell us what they think has made the biggest difference for them in education, support from their families.Thank you so much to Amelia McKenzie, Phoebe Driscoll and Sylvie Macfarlane.

Jenny Turner is an adhd coach with Human Fabric. Diagnosed later in life with adhd herself and mum to two children diagnosed with two different types of adhd.Jenny discusses her personal experience, why it is so important for the workplace to understand and get the best out of those with adhd - and how that is a journey of education that should begin from school.This episode covers the complexities of ADHD and some of the factors that impact it, like sleep and nutrition.

If you want to know about how to have some of these conversations with your kids yourself, Jo gives some practical advice about what to say (and what NOT to say!) Relationships and Sex Education in school has been under revision and subject to feedback. In this episode, Jo Robertson from Tricky Chat Parenting talks about how the topic has evolved in schools, the role of parents in these discussions and the importance of online safety. Jo talks about some of the curriculum changes and the challenges schools face in addressing diverse needs and opinions on these topics.

Does your child dread the school speech competition? or feel nervous about speaking in front of their peers? Drama teacher and Oral Language Coach, Ashleigh Gulliver, shares the tips for how to gradually increase their speaking confidence in the classroom and at home. The episode covers the critical role of oral language and drama education in literacy development. You'll learn strategies for building confidence from a young age and how teachers can help to offer small steps for encouraging communication that will help when it comes to preparing students for future challenges in public speaking and communication.

In this episode for Dyslexia Awareness Month, we’re diving into the real experiences of parents and educators who are supporting children with dyslexia. You’ll hear from mums navigating the ups and downs at home, as well as teachers who see first-hand the challenges—and strengths—that come with dyslexia in the classroom. We explore what dyslexia really is (and isn’t), how to spot the signs early, and practical ways to support children.