This is a MUST watch for any family who is just beginning the reading journey with their child. If you missed the parent information session at your school or if you just want to review the information your school may have already given you about the learning going on in the classroom - this is the episode for you.

It has all the basics of what you need to know about how teachers will be teaching your kids to read, write and spell. It has lots of helpful advice about how you can support at home by explaining the role of decodable books and authentic texts in fostering a love of reading.

Join Melissa Chan-Green as she speaks with teachers Sam Allis and Jude Tabuteau. They are both early years teachers and literacy leads in their respective schools and have also been involved in professional development for other teachers in the science of reading.

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The most common parenting challenges that psychologists are called in to help with in schools and among families. Jackie Riach from the Positive Parenting Program works with schools who ask for help with a range of challenges.

Jackie and Melissa discuss various topics including the importance of friendships, the impact of bullying, the role of chores in fostering responsibility, and the significance of self-esteem in children's development.

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From nurse to clinical nutritionist and Mum of 4, Gina Urlich has seen the importance of good nutrition from all sides.

In this episode, Gina speaks about the challenges of navigating food labels and advocates for better food regulations. She shares the critical role of nutrition in early childhood development, particularly during the first thousand days. We also talk about the significance of gut health and the impact of nutrition on children's learning and behavior.

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Looking for some STEM inspiration for your weekends and school holidays? Motat's Education Lead Julie Baker joins us in this episode to discuss all the fun ways you can encourage your children to become more engaged in the subjects of science, technology and maths.

Unfortunately enrolment in these subjects is in steady decline. Motat however is making it a mission to find the spark in more children - and has just won a major award as Exhibition of the Year at the Museum of the Year Awards in London. Find out more about the winning exhibit here.

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Simon Brown is worried about the impact of declining levels of literacy on girls and ethnic minorities. In this episode, Simon talks about the worrying stats that have lead to financial literacy becoming a 'key' part of a refreshed social sciences curriculum.

Banqer has been working with some schools already to provide this education through schools. Simon discusses the feedback from students and gives some practical advice for parents on how to help discuss money at home.

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If your handwriting flows with ease it gives you more space to think, remember what you've learnt and helps with reading and writing! All amazing reasons why handwriting is so important yet it has been largely ignored in many classrooms. Helen Walls is on a mission to change that through her work as 'The Writing Teacher'.

She says the impact of handwriting in education is undervalued but it is crucial for overall learning.

Helen talks about the role of parents in supporting handwriting and shares details about the Great New Zealand Handwriting Challenge - a project that is aiming to make New Zealand students the best in the world at handwriting.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir John Kirwan reveals his struggles with reading and how that contributed to his sense of self worth in his school years. We know him now for his remarkable achievements in sport and as a campaigner for mental health - but JK says there is much work to be done to raise awareness among our young people.

Thanks to his organisation, Mitey, many schools are now incorporating mental health as part of the curriculum. In this episode, JK talks about the role of teachers and parents, and the importance of vulnerability and open dialogue about feelings.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.