Grant Schofeld: The Processed Food & Mental Health Crisis Facing Children
The truth about slushies! After seeing many alarming articles about the risk of slushy ice drinks to children especially under 8, Melissa decided to find out what all the panic was about. In this episode, she speaks with Grant Schofield - a Professor of Public Health at Auckland University of Technology. They look at the importance of whole foods and challenges of preparing healthy school lunches. They also discuss breakfast myths and challenges around youth mental health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
23:23
Gill Connell: The Power of PMP in Early Education (part one)
When Melissa's son came home from school talking about PMP she assumed it was like the PE lessons she knew growing up. There are many differences though and parents can unlock so many key literacy and maths skills for their children if they understand the best ways to help them learn through movement. In this episode, Gill Connell from Moving Smart explains Perceptual Motor Programming (PMP). This is part one of this discussion and begins with a focus on the importance of directional language - how children develop essential motor skills and understanding through physical experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
27:13
Nathaniel Swain: Study tips to combat the 'forgetting curve'
The Forgetting Curve is a useful tool in understanding how best to try and remember all the learning that goes on at school - or anywhere for that matter! Nathaniel Swain is a teacher, researcher and coach of great techniques to help children learn. In this episode he shares the importance of regular review instead of cramming for exams. The discussion also touches on strategies for supporting young learners, the role of cultural context in education, and the need for personalised learning approaches. This episode will be useful for people of all ages who want to remember things! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
21:10
Prof James Chapman on Feedback: False Praise Doesn't Work
Professor James Chapman has been advocating for a move to structured literacy since the early 1990s. Now that it is being brought into schools more widely, he discusses the mixed reviews as to how it is going so far. He also discusses his role in bringing in earlier 'checkpoints' to track students progress through assessments or tests. He cautions against 'false praise', saying feedback needs to be honest and specific to foster self-belief and motivation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
26:41
Daniel Ansari: The Danger of ‘Maths Anxiety’ for Kids - Neuroscience Expert
Is it true that boys are generally better than girls at maths? Can a teacher's maths anxiety rub off on their students?Daniel Ansari is a neuroscientist with a focus on how the brain learns maths. This episode explores common misconceptions when it comes to maths skills.The conversation looks at the need for early detection of learning difficulties like dyscalculia, and the use of some tools that teachers and parents are using to check a child's understanding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
New Zealand