In this episode of Parent Teacher Interview, Joshua chats with Anna O’Connor — a passionate kindergarten teacher, mum of two, and one half of the creative duo behind SoundSlam.
Anna shares how phonological awareness forms the foundation for early reading success and how she and her co-creator, Lucy, designed SoundSlam to make learning fun, engaging, and screen-free.
Together, they explore practical ways parents and educators can build literacy skills through everyday moments, the power of play in learning, and the story behind developing an educational game that’s already making an impact in classrooms and homes.
🔗 Resources Mentioned
SoundSlam
Websites & Reading Resources
Five from Five — Created by Dr. Jennifer Buckingham, focusing on the five pillars of reading.
Reading Rockets — A U.S.-based resource offering practical tools and articles for parents and teachers.
Books & Authors
Reading for Life by Lyn Stone
Language at the Speed of Sight by Mark Seidenberg
Research and work by Dr. Pam Snow and Dr. Jennifer Buckingham
Podcast
🎙️ Sold a Story by Emily Hanford — A deep dive into the science of reading and how children learn to read.
🎒 Ready to ace the parent-teacher interview? Dive into our latest episode where we unravel the mysteries of school meetings with a sprinkle of humor! From decoding teacher lingo to avoiding the classic "Karen" pitfalls, we've got the tips to make you the MVP of the classroom. Whether you're prepping for NASA-level discussions or just trying to remember your kid's teacher's name, this episode is your cheat sheet to success. Tune in, laugh a little, and let's make those school meetings a breeze! #ParentingWins #SchoolLife
Title Music and Sound Effects - Sourced from Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/
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Get ready to chuckle as we dive into the whimsical world of parental sleep sacrifices! Ever found yourself frozen like a statue, hoping not to wake the baby? You're not alone! Join us for a lighthearted look at the hilarious lengths parents go to for a few extra Z's. From mastering the art of the stealthy escape to pondering if street performers have secret parenting skills, this episode is a fun-filled exploration of sleep-deprived parenting. Tune in for laughs, relatable tales, and a reminder that you're not alone in this sleepy adventure!
Key Highlights:
*The art of remaining motionless to keep the baby asleep. *Hilarious stories of sleep-deprived parenting.
*The balancing act of nurturing young minds.
*Why parents might have a future in street performance.
In this open and deeply honest episode, Lauren Lores shares her journey through some of life’s biggest shifts — from becoming a mother and navigating changing identity, to facing a breast cancer diagnosis and choosing to go flat.
Lauren talks about the raw moments, the personal decisions, and the growth that came with it all. She reflects on what it means to embrace imperfection, to let go of old expectations, and to find strength in vulnerability.
As both a parent and educator, she also shares powerful insights into how we can better support kids emotionally and advocate for their needs — at home and in the classroom.
This conversation is real, empowering, and full of heart. Tune in for an inspiring look at how life’s hardest chapters can also bring the deepest connection and clarity.
ABC Compass Episode - https://iview.abc.net.au/video/RN2411H008S00
Cancer Council - https://www.cancersa.org.au/support/
Fame Flexible Learning Centre - https://aafie.org.au/programs/australia/south-australia/christie-downs/separate-unit-or-school/youth-fame/
In this episode of Teacher Triggers, we dive into the quirky and sometimes challenging dynamics of communication between parents and teachers. Join us as we explore the humorous and relatable moments that arise when messages are sent with hesitation, and how these interactions can lead to unexpected insights and solutions. Discover how a simple pause can foster deeper understanding and resilience, both in the classroom and at home. Tune in for a light-hearted yet thought-provoking discussion on the art of communication in education.
Title Music - Sourced from Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/
Find Parent Teacher Interview on Instagram @parent_teacher_interview
Ever been stuck behind the broom or vacuum a lot longer than you had hoped? Or feel as though no matter how much you trail around behind your children with a vacuum that you never seem to get all of it?
Here is another everyday pondering that is associated with being a parent and a thought that I have now pondered on just a little too long!
It is reaching a point now with three small children attending school and day care that I have begun to wonder if the vacuuming, sweeping and mopping will ever end. It seems relentless and at times as though someone has played a cruel joke and collected bags of sand from the beach to dump them in the lounge and dining room. When will it end?!?
Come along for a little listen while we pop this thought bubble and consider what cleaning the floors really looks like in the family home.
Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment and don't forget to share with those family and friends that you think this might resonate with as well!
This episode was written, recorded and produced by Joshua MacWilliams.
Sound effects provided by Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/
Teacher Triggers is a quick and entertaining look at those little things that drive teachers mad. Although they might not say it at the time, there are a number of moments throughout the day that get teachers rolling their eyes, grinding their teeth and taking some deep breathes to make it through the day. No doubt these types of moments happen in all jobs and walks of life but in these episodes we will focus on moments that are a little more unique to educators and the interactions that have with students, colleagues and parents throughout the year.
This episode is about those moments when teachers get asked to be the lunch police. Those interactions where parents feel their child hasn't eaten enough from their lunchbox and it becomes the teachers responsibility to make sure nothing is left in the lunchbox by the end of the day. This 100% is a teacher trigger and hopefully this episode might outline just why.
Music and sound effects for this episode were sourced from UppBeat.
https://uppbeat.io/
Parental Ponderings is a new concept in which we explore the basic everyday situations associated with being a parent and ponder them in a little more depth. No interview, no guest, just a thought, musing or story that has led to pondering longer and harder than you would usually have thought necessary. Come along for the ride and see if these Parental Ponderings are things that you may have pondered too.
In what situation is it too much for you to want to share your baby wipes?
Have you ever had that situation where you ran out of baby wipes? You're in a bind and you either have to duck to the shops or rely on a friend or stranger to bail you out and snag some more wipes. It has happened to all parents at some stage or another, I am sure. But how far should we go with the generosity of our wipe sharing? I have been pondering this since a chance encounter recently and my pondering got the better of me! This episode is where I got to with my pondering.
In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Dr Mike Poulsen, a chiropractor with a special focus on paediatric chiropractic care and supporting neurodivergent children. Dr Mike shares his deep knowledge and passion for helping families through gentle, nervous system-focused chiropractic care designed especially for children.
Together, we explore how chiropractic care can support children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences and other neurodivergent presentations—improving regulation, connection, and overall wellbeing. Dr Mike also addresses common concerns around chiropractic care for young children and shares practical advice for parents navigating this space.
Whether you're a parent, carer, educator or allied health professional, this episode offers a wealth of compassionate insight and empowering information.
About Dr Mike Poulsen:
Dr Mike Poulsen is a dedicated family chiropractor based in Adelaide, South Australia, with advanced training in paediatric and prenatal chiropractic. With a warm, gentle approach and a strong commitment to supporting neurodivergent children and their families, Dr Mike brings a unique and heart-centred perspective to nervous system health and chiropractic.
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:
https://www.coastfamilychiropractic.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/coastfamily.chiro/
https://www.facebook.com/coastfamilychirosa/
https://drdansiegel.com/book/the-whole-brain-child/
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In part two of our conversation with Alana Potter, we dive into her journey from classroom teacher to educator and advocate in the areas of sexual health, respectful relationships, and inclusion. Alana now works across diverse educational settings, empowering both students and educators to build safe, inclusive environments where these crucial topics can be explored openly and confidently.
What You'll Hear in This Episode:
Practical strategies and tips for parents and carers on how to start meaningful conversations with kids about sexual health and relationships
How to foster inclusive, respectful dialogue at home and in the classroom
Resources and conversation starters to help guide tricky or unfamiliar discussions
Why building understanding and inclusivity from a young age can have a lasting impact
🎧 Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone wanting to create a more inclusive space in your community, this episode is packed with thoughtful insights and practical tools to help you get started.
Resource Links
The Birds and The Bees - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3MyLt6l5n0
Tea Consent - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGoWLWS4-kU
Queer Australia - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/queerstralia
Shine SA - https://shinesa.org.au/
The Hunting - https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/the-hunting
Corey Silverberg - https://www.corysilverberg.com/
Alana Potter shares with us about her early teaching experiences in New Zealand and the differences between her Teachers College experience and current teaching degrees. We also learn about what it was like for Alana when she moved to Australia with her partner and decided to live and work in some of Australia's most remote Aboriginal communities-building relationships and learning about and from community and community members.
This episode provides a great understanding of what life is like for an early career teacher and how important it is to be adaptable and open to new thoughts, ideas and experiences when working in different cultures and communities.
In this episode, we (a husband and wife duo) dive into the everyday realities of parenting - messy morning, school drop-offs, and all the moments in between that test and teach us.
Hannah MacWilliams (my wife) shares honestly about the pressure of being the primary carer and about how we are all learning as we go. We both agree there is no such thing as perfect parenting and that's kind of the point.
Whether you are in the thick of raising young children or just trying to survive the morning routine without losing your mind, we hope that this episode gives your strength, encouragement, makes you laugh a little or simply reminds you that you are not alone.
In this thoughtful episode, Sam Healy shares his journey from being a dedicated teacher and student wellbeing leader to his career change as a meditation teacher. Drawing from his experience in the classroom and his personal growth, Sam discusses the crucial role of mental and emotional health in education. He delves into the importance of meditation as a powerful tool for de-stressing, fostering resilience, and improving overall wellbeing—both for parents, educators and students.
Throughout the conversation, Sam explores how meditation practices can help us manage the pressures of daily life and why it's essential to carve out time for self-care. He also offers practical tips on how to integrate moments of calm into our routines to boost productivity, reduce burnout, and nurture a healthier mindset.
Resources Mentioned:
Follow Sam Healy:
Get Involved:
In part 2 of our conversation with Brett Horsfall, we pick up where we left off discussing Brett's time in the classroom and his key takeaways for how this has shaped the way he interacts with and raises his own children.
We chat about how being a teacher has impacted Brett's experience with his own children's school and teachers. The fact that at times this has created a distance and what he has done to try and combat that.
Brett also shares his thoughts and feelings about raising independent and resilient children and what this might look like for students and teachers in the classroom day to day.
We conclude Brett's time on Parent Teacher Interview by sharing with is his top 4 philosophies about what he believes it means to be and raise amazing humans! Superb!
Another fantastic chat and brilliant insight into the choices we make in raising childen.
Brett Horsfall (parent and educator) joins us to discuss his children's school journey, the quest to raise quality humans and being intentional and open about the discussions you have in making choices for your family.
Brett has been a teacher for close to two decades and shares about the experiences and understandings he has from his years in the classroom, that have shaped the way that he and his wife have made choices for their own children's education.
We discuss choosing between public and private schools, the difference a child's personality can have on their experience of school and the successes and challenges that his children have had as they navigate life in the classroom.
A great chat that explores some of the building blocks that Brett and his family have been building on as they look to raise and educate independent and resilient children ready to tackle the world.
Kim Gwatking (Reception Teacher and parent) speaks about the process she and her husband Jack went through in seeking support for their daughter with her speech and language prior to starting school.
We walk through the process from realising that there may have been the need for further information and investigation and how they went about that journey. Kim also outlines the importance of hearing screeners and how these can help families to have the necessary information to understand what next steps might be appropriate if they have concerns about speech and language challenges their children may have.
We also discuss the hopes and aspirations that Kim has for her daughter Haylie in her first year of school and the positive outlook she has for her as she begins her schooling journey.
Sound Scouts Website - https://www.soundscouts.com/au/
Hearing Australia Website - https://www.hearing.com.au/
The transition to school is a big one and for both parents and students is a giant step into the unknown. There are a whole range of experiences and emotions that students will be exposed to and how to we best support our children through this and process all of this as parents.
Kim Gwatking is a parent and teacher who has been supporting students with this transition for almost a decade. She has helped students to feel comfortable and confident in the classroom as they begin their schooling experience and has a range of experience and strategies in having a successful and enjoyable beginning to the early years.
Kim is now on the other end of this experience as her eldest daughter now gets ready to start school for the first time. Throughout this episode we get to speak with Kim about what the preparation has been like for them as a family and what they are both looking forward to and bracing for as they get ready to explore the next chapter of their families educational journey.
Throughout the conversation we discuss building confidence and independence in students who are starting school, what different challenges may look like and how we can prepare our children or discuss with them ways they can problem solve different situations and what it is like for our children to begin building a world and an identity outside of the family home.
A very interesting and insightful conversation that is really helpful in supporting our children to have a positive and enjoyable start to school!