The Parent-Teacher Project

Reading is one of the most important foundations of a child's learning, but how do we help children move beyond simply being able to read and develop a genuine love for books?  In this episode of the Parent Teacher Project, we speak with Joshua Woolnough, primary teacher, mentor and literacy coach at Redfield College, about the role literacy plays in a child's development and the simple ways families can nurture a culture of reading at home.  The conversation also looks at the challenge of screens and distraction, the value of shared reading experiences within families, and how stories can help children—and adults—develop empathy, imagination and a deeper understanding of the world around them.  Discussion Points:  How to nurture a genuine love of reading at home and create an environment where books are part of everyday family life.  Giving children some freedom to choose what they read, while gently encouraging them to explore books that challenge and expand their interests.  Making reading a shared experience through conversations, reading aloud and simply spending time together with books.  Building healthy reading habits and finding balance with screens and devices.  Helping children navigate the growing world of books and online recommendations, while creating space for open conversations.  Book recommendations for children, teenagers and parents, including classics, modern fiction and stories that can support imagination, empathy and personal growth.  References mentioned in the episode: Books  For younger readers: Redwall Series — Brian Jacques   The Chronicles of Narnia — C.S. Lewis   The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien   Charlotte's Web — E.B. White   Bridge to Terabithia — Katherine Paterson   I Am David — Anne Holm   The Wind in the Willows — Kenneth Grahame   Grimm's Fairy Tales — Brothers Grimm   Fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen   Dog Man — Dav Pilkey   Airborn series — Kenneth Oppel   Artemis Fowl series — Eoin Colfer   Eragon — Christopher Paolini   Alex Rider series — Anthony Horowitz   Ranger's Apprentice — John Flanagan   For older readers and adults  Watership Down — Richard Adams  The Lord of the Rings — J.R.R. Tolkien  Books by Brandon Sanderson   Life of Pi — Yann Martel   The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas — John Boyne   The Book Thief — Markus Zusak   Frankenstein — Mary Shelley   A Farewell to Arms — Ernest Hemingway   All Quiet on the Western Front — Erich Maria Remarque   Books by Jane Austen   Middlemarch — George Eliot   Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine — Gail Honeyman  A Man Called Ove — Fredrik Backman   The Wheel of Time series — Robert Jordan   Study Mentioned: "Fiction and Empathy" — Dr Raymond Mar / I think he is referring to the paper by the same author: Stories and the Promotion of Social Cognition  Apps and Tools for Device Management: Brick - a physical device and accompanying app that allows users to block selected apps and reduce distractions.   Shift / Shift Your Focus – a platform designed to help users reduce distractions and be more intentional with their device use.   Goodreads - useful platform for reading reviews, finding recommendations and connecting with groups that share suitable book suggestions.  Join the Conversation   We'd love to hear your thoughts. What resonated most with you from this conversation, and what is one reading habit or tradition you would like to try with your family?  You can:   Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject   Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes    

Teaching has never been easy, but many educators today are facing increasing pressures, growing workloads, and a profession that can sometimes feel isolating. In this episode, we speak with Eugene Choi and Milad Khalil from the Pared Foundation about the vision behind I Am A Teacher (IAT)—an initiative created to support teachers not just as professionals, but as people. They explore the importance of reconnecting educators with their original sense of purpose and how authentic community, personal growth, and renewal can help teachers move from simply surviving to truly flourishing. Discussion Points The challenges contributing to teacher burnout and shortages Why teachers need support beyond professional development The vision behind the I Am A Teacher initiative Rediscovering purpose and meaning in teaching The impact of authentic community among educators Lessons from the first IAT event The teachers who inspire us and why they matter What teachers can expect from future IAT gatherings Join the Conversation You can:   Learn more about I Am A Teacher and its upcoming events on the PARED Foundation website  Register for our next IAT Event here Follow this initiative on Instagram @iamateacher.au Know a teacher who would benefit from encouragement and connection? Share this episode with them.

School refusal, anxiety around camps or school events, and the daily struggle of getting children out the door are becoming increasingly common challenges for families.  In this episode, we speak with Dr Jenny Brown, an experienced child and family health practitioner with over 35 years working in child and adolescent mental health and founder of the Parent Hope Project. She offers a refreshing perspective grounded in family systems theory, helping parents understand the "worry cycle", the difference between support and over-accommodation, and how staying calm, connected, and curious can help children recover confidence and resilience.  Discussion Points:  Why focusing first on fixing the anxiety may unintentionally reinforce avoidance and dependency.  Understanding the "worry cycle" and how parental over-monitoring can unintentionally fuel a child's struggles.  The difference between protecting and over-protecting children during difficult moments.  What it means to be a "loving leader" — calm, supportive, and steady without over-controlling.  Practical ways to respond to difficult school drop-offs and emotionally charged mornings.  How to navigate situations like camps, athletics carnivals, and school events without simply giving children a "leave pass".  The importance of parent-school partnerships when supporting children through school-related challenges.  Why managing parental anxiety and staying emotionally regulated can help children rebuild confidence and resilience.   Helpful Resources: www.parenthopeproject.com.au https://www.jennybrown.info/ The Parent Hope Podcast New Book: The Parenting Paradox Australia Join the Conversation   When your child faces discomfort or reluctance, how do you usually respond — do you tend to rescue, reassure, problem-solve, or pause? How can you support your child through challenges while still encouraging their independence and resilience?  We'd love to hear your thoughts. What resonated most with you from this conversation, and how have you helped your child navigate moments of school reluctance or anxiety?  You can:   Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject   Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website   Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday   Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes  

How can hobbies help children grow—not just in skill, but in confidence and self-understanding? In this episode, we are joined by Abi Lee, who shares her personal journey with neurodiversity and how hobbies and interests have played a powerful role in shaping her identity. Together, they explore why hobbies are more than just "extra activities"—they are essential spaces where children, especially those who are neurodivergent, can thrive, connect, and discover their strengths. Discussion Points:  What neurodiversity means and how it shapes the way children experience the world Abi's journey with autism, ADHD, and self-understanding Why hobbies are essential for confidence, identity, and emotional regulation The role of hobbies as a safe outlet—especially for neurodivergent children How parents can support children who jump between interests or hyper-focus The importance of patience, communication, and giving children agency Using children's interests as a powerful way to build connection Join the Conversation   What hobbies or interests help your child come alive? How can you create space for them to explore what they love—without pressure or comparison? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share this episode with another parent or continue the conversation with us. You can:    Follow us on Instagram @theparentteacherproject  Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website    Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday    Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes   

Daryl Castellino is the current Director of Teaching and Learning at Redfield College. He shares practical tips on how our children can become the best learners. In this episode, we talk about why it's so important that your child learns beyond the test. This episode is designed to help your child become a lifelong learner.  You don't want to miss: Identifying your child's learning style Why we need to learn beyond the test Resources: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/documents/childhood/professionals/support/egsls.pdf Related Episodes Helping Diverse Learners What Is Deep Learning In The Classroom? The Importance Of Sleep For Academic Performance You can:    Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast    Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website    Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday    Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes