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© Melissa Chan-Green
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School Shorts is the podcast for busy parents who want to help their children succeed in school.
Hosted by Melissa Chan-Green, a journalist and mum of two, this show covers practical tips on reading, writing, spelling, and maths for preschool and early school years.
Learn about structured literacy, phonics, and foundational maths skills like counting, patterns, and sequences, plus how to support your child’s learning at home.
Quick, easy, and packed with helpful advice—School Shorts is here to help your child thrive!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
48 Episodes
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How well a child does at school is often linked to how they feel there. That can depend on so many factors. We know that academic achivement is one of them and the previous episode covers some of the best tips for maximising ability in reading and writing. This episode looks at all those other factors in mental and physical health. Melissa Chan-Green looks back at some of the advice that has been shared from parenting insights in Gemma McCaw, the importance of adult self awareness with Jase Williams and physical development with Gill Connell. It also looks at some of the conversations around neurodiversity and the need for a holistic approach to support children's learning and development. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A deeply personal account of life with dyslexia and the journey of finding out as a child but also as an adult. Father and Son, Arvid and Mattias Eriksson share their thoughts on the power of dyslexic thinking.They discuss the early signs of dyslexia, the importance of support and tutoring, and how Matthias navigates school life with dyslexia.It also covers the emotional journey of families dealing with dyslexia, the advantages of thinking differently, and the importance of self-advocacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
An expert in the field of gifted students, Rhonda Filmer explains that some students are 2e. That means twice exceptional - those who are gifted and have a learning disorder. There are some common misunderstandings about these students which may impact their education. Rhonda explains how teachers and parents can better support students with these unique qualities, emphasising the importance of tailored teaching strategies and early intervention. We discuss how these students have incredible potential but are often those who fall through the cracks of traditional education systems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Does your family routine go completely out of the window when it comes to daylight savings? All of a sudden the kids are grumpy and harder to get to school. Never fear, Victoria Newport from Early Parenting is here. Victoria shares some of her tips around how to adjust timings to make the transition to changing the clock easier on everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There are a range of different school types from state, state integrated and independent - but what do all of these things mean? Guy Pascoe from Independent Schools NZ talks about the range within the independent category and why some cater to specific learning needs. Guy Pascoe explains the misconception that independent schools are only private schools that the wealthy can afford. He discusses the reason why some parents choose independent schools, the diversity within the sector and the challenges faced. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Literacy expert Lorraine Hammond explains the difference between the skills of reading and spelling. If your child is able to read a word and/or sentence but has challenges with spelling, this will help to explain why. Also the way in which parents were taught at school has changed significantly from the way children are being taught now. The scientific research around how our brain actually retains and retrieves information has informed changes in teaching strategies in the classroom. For parents who want a greater understanding of what all the fuss is about over the term 'explicit instruction', this episode will answer those questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1If you have a child in an early learning centre, there is a chance they will be taking part in the ENRICH oral language programme created by Elaine Reese. This has received funding in the New Zealand 2025 Government budget to roll out across hundreds more early learning centres over 4 years. It looks at the importance of oral language development, especially in children aged one to three. There is a significant connection between language skills and a child's ability to self regulate. Elaine talks about the outcome of the programme so far for the early childhood centres it has been running in and the lessons parents can take from strategies that are being used to help their own child's language abilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 and thrive.Adele shares valuable insights and practical tips for parents to support their children at home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 what impact that has on achievement for some. Dr Knox looks at the disparities it can cause and advice for parents who have children about to start school. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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