School Shorts

In this special episode of "School Shorts," I look back on a year of conversations with some of the most influential people in education across New Zealand, Australia, the U.S and U.K. This is a wrap of some of the key highlights of advice for helping children with reading and writing. It looks at educational reform, the opportunities and challenges that presents and the role of parents to support their kids at home.

The fascinating world of AI in education with Michael Johnston who has authored a report titled Opportunities and Risks of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Michael shares some thoughts about how relying too much on tech, like calculators or Google Maps, can undercut foundational skills. We also chat about the social impacts of AI, especially on young people, and the importance of teaching critical thinking in schools.

How kids are being introduced to the world of financial literacy with the help of ASB's GetWise program. Joined by guests Hamish Russell and Lucinda Howarth, the discussion delves into the importance of teaching financial skills to young students. We talk about the Big Little GetWise show featuring Captain Cash-tastic, a superhero character designed to make financial education engaging and accessible. The discussion also looks at how financial education has changed because of the changing role and method of banking as we operate in a more digital landscape. This episode gives practical tips for parents about how to start introducing money concepts at home and equipping children with essential life skills to manage money.

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.