What do our students really think about the way we teach?

We spend so much time planning lessons, building relationships and trying to create classrooms where every child can thrive. But sometimes, the best thing we can do is simply ask a kid what they think. So, that’s exactly what we did!

In this episode, we’re handing the mic to 11-year-old Monte to get his completely unfiltered take on what makes a great teacher, what makes learning actually fun and what teachers might not realise about the students sitting in front of them each day.

And let’s just say… he has thoughts!

Monte shares why trust matters so much, why some kids won’t ask for help even when they’re completely stuck, and the simple things teachers can do from day one to help students feel safe, liked and believed in.

We also chat about what makes a lesson memorable (spoiler: worksheets aren’t high on Monte’s list), why kids need opportunities to move, play and learn outside, and how the timing of different types of lessons can make a difference to how students engage.

Then, we put Monte through a rapid-fire round covering everything from partner work and reading aloud to maths games, choosing seats, hard questions and what teachers should STOP and START doing in their classrooms.

This episode is a fun reminder that while we’re busy thinking about curriculum, assessment and everything else on our never-ending teacher to-do lists, our students are experiencing school from a completely different perspective.

And sometimes, their insights are exactly what we need to hear.

In this episode, we chat about:

• What an 11-year-old thinks makes a truly great teacher
• Why feeling liked, trusted and believed in matters to students
• What makes lessons genuinely fun and engaging
• Why some students don’t ask for help when they’re struggling
• The classroom activities kids would choose over worksheets
• Monte’s rapid-fire classroom likes, dislikes and teacher recommendations

If there’s one takeaway from this conversation, it’s that relationships matter. When our students know we like them, believe in them and are there to support them when things get hard, we’re creating the conditions they need to take risks and learn.

And perhaps we can throw in a few more maths games while we’re at it!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

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If you’re loving Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we’d be so grateful if you could subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a teacher friend. Your support helps us reach more educators and continue inspiring teachers around the world.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Check out Monte’s favourite UNO Math Games

Find Halloween Inspired Math Resources here

About Today’s Guest

Monte is a Grade 5 student, sports lover and maths fan who, like many kids his age, has his ups and downs when it comes to loving school!

As the eldest of three children and the only boy in the family, Monte loves surfing, bike riding, sport and pretty much anything that gets him outdoors. He also has a special connection to Rainbow Sky Creations because it all began when his mum was on maternity leave with him, making Monte the little inspiration behind where it all started.

Over the years, Monte has been an unofficial Rainbow Sky product tester, trying out countless games, sharing his ideas and suggesting clever tweaks to maths activities to make them even better for students in classrooms around the world.

About the Podcaster: Ashleigh Smith

Ashleigh Smith is an experienced primary educator, former school leader and Co-Founder of Rainbow Sky Creations. With almost 20 years in education, Ashleigh has taught in Australia and internationally in Dubai, UAE. Today, she draws on her classroom and leadership experience to create practical, engaging resources that save teachers time and make learning meaningful and fun. A passionate cheerleader for teachers, Ashleigh is all about helping educators work smarter, not harder. She also co-hosts the Rainbow Skies for Teachers podcast, sharing practical ideas, strategies and encouragement with primary teachers around the world. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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Ever handed out a “math game” that was really just a worksheet with a dice on top? You’re not alone, and this episode will change how you choose games from now on.

This week Ashleigh sits down with James Russo, a maths education researcher from Monash who spends his days in real primary classrooms testing what actually works. James unpacks the difference between a genuine math game and a gamified worksheet, why the maths has to be baked into the game rather than bolted on top, and the small teacher moves that turn a bit of fun into real mathematical thinking. If you love a good classroom game but sometimes wonder whether your students are actually learning from it, this one’s for you. 

In this episode, we cover:

• What separates a real math game from a gamified worksheet, and why it matters
• 3 things every good math game needs
• How to pause a game for a quick mathematical investigation
• Using “beat the teacher” and pair play to harness competition without the chaos
• Why your energy as the teacher is the secret ingredient to engagement

What’s the one math game your class begs to play? Come tell us over on Instagram, we’re always hunting for new favourites to try.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Enjoying the Podcast?

If you’re loving Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we’d be so grateful if you could subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a teacher friend. Your support helps us reach more educators and continue inspiring teachers around the world.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

James’s free math games: surfmaths.com/games

Email James: [email protected]

Rainbow Sky Creations UNO Math games

About Today’s Guest

James Russo is a mathematics education researcher and teacher educator with a strong interest in how mathematical games support meaningful learning in classrooms. He’s a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education at Monash University and spends a lot of time in primary classrooms working alongside teachers, trying out ideas, tinkering with tasks and games, and exploring how small design choices shape students’ mathematical thinking. James has written extensively for teacher audiences and is a former editor of Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom and Prime Number. He’s known for hands-on, classroom-focused presentations drawn straight from everyday teaching practice.

About the Podcaster: Ashleigh Smith

Ashleigh Smith is an experienced primary educator, former school leader and Co-Founder of Rainbow Sky Creations. With almost 20 years in education, Ashleigh has taught in Australia and internationally in Dubai, UAE. Today, she draws on her classroom and leadership experience to create practical, engaging resources that save teachers time and make learning meaningful and fun. A passionate cheerleader for teachers, Ashleigh is all about helping educators work smarter, not harder. She also co-hosts the Rainbow Skies for Teachers podcast, sharing practical ideas, strategies and encouragement with primary teachers around the world. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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A positive school culture doesn't happen by chance, it grows through the little moments we create every day.

In this episode, Ashleigh and Alisha share a simple but powerful five-day staff morale challenge designed to bring more connection, kindness and joy into your school. Whether you're a classroom teacher, team leader or school administrator, these easy-to-implement ideas will help create a workplace where everyone feels seen, valued and supported.

We'll also chat about why our brains naturally focus on the negatives, why intentionally creating positive moments matters, and how even the smallest gestures can have a ripple effect across your whole school community.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why staff morale matters more than ever.
• The science behind why we naturally notice the negatives.
• Our simple five-day staff morale challenge.
• How gratitude can strengthen workplace relationships.
• Fun whole-school activities that build connection.
• Extra ideas to keep positive school culture growing all year long.
• Free printable Staff Morale Challenge resources (linked below).
• Our popular Staff Morale blog post.
• Rainbow Sky Creations teaching resources.

Have you tried any of these staff morale ideas at your school? Come and share your favourite ways to spread kindness and build a positive school culture. We'd love to celebrate your ideas with our teaching community.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Enjoying the Podcast?

If you're loving Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we'd be so grateful if you could subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a teacher friend. Your support helps us reach more educators and continue inspiring teachers around the world.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Free printable Staff Morale Challenge

Our popular Staff Morale blog post

Where’s Wally free printables

About Rainbow Sky Creations

Ashleigh Smith and Alisha Hughes are experienced primary educators and the co-founders of Rainbow Sky Creations. With more than 30 years of combined classroom experience teaching in Australia and internationally, they create practical, engaging resources that help primary teachers save time and make learning meaningful and fun. Together, they also host the Rainbow Skies for Teachers podcast, sharing classroom ideas, teacher tips and real-world strategies with educators around the world. Connect with us on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your students (and yourself) is press the reset button!

In this episode, we share their favourite classroom and teacher reset strategies to help you bring calm, focus and fun back into the school day. Whether your class is feeling restless or you're running on empty, these simple ideas will help everyone recharge and return ready to learn.

We'll explore why taking a reset isn't wasted time, it's actually one of the best ways to improve focus, wellbeing and productivity. From quick classroom activities to simple self-care ideas for teachers, you'll walk away with practical strategies you can use straight away.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why classroom and teacher resets are so important.
• Quick activities to help students refocus and re-engage.
• Creative reset ideas including drawing, origami and games.
• Fun ways to lift the mood when your class needs a fresh start.
• Simple self-care strategies teachers can use after a busy day.

Have a favourite classroom reset or self-care strategy? We'd love to hear it! Come and share your go-to ideas with our teaching community and help inspire other educators.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Enjoying the Podcast?

If you're loving Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we'd be so grateful if you could subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a teacher friend. Your support helps us reach more educators and continue inspiring teachers around the world.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Art for Kids Hub
• Origami resources
• Listen to previous episodes on brain breaks - Episode 147 and Episode 80

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About Rainbow Sky Creations

Ashleigh Smith and Alisha Hughes are experienced primary educators and the co-founders of Rainbow Sky Creations. With more than 30 years of combined classroom experience teaching in Australia and internationally, they create practical, engaging resources that help primary teachers save time and make learning meaningful and fun. Together, they also host the Rainbow Skies for Teachers podcast, sharing classroom ideas, teacher tips and real-world strategies with educators around the world. Connect with us on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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Teaching math isn't just about delivering great lessons. It's about juggling fast finishers, planning engaging activities, differentiating for every learner and somehow finding the time to prepare it all.

If you've ever felt like you're reinventing the wheel every math lesson, this episode is for you!

In this episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we're tackling nine of the most common challenges when teaching math and sharing practical, low-prep solutions that will help you save time while building confident, engaged mathematicians. From reusable games to simple classroom routines, these ideas are designed to help you work smarter, not harder.

In this episode, we'll chat about:

• Simple strategies for keeping fast finishers meaningfully engaged
• Fun alternatives to repetitive maths fact practice 
• How to build maths centres without constantly creating new resources
• Ways to cut down on prep time 
• Tips for helping students work independently 
• Easy ways to differentiate without doubling your workload
• How games naturally encourage rich mathematical conversations 
• Why reusable resources are a better investment than one-off activities
• Practical ideas for keeping students motivated and excited about math

One of the biggest themes throughout this episode is the power of using familiar, flexible resources in multiple ways. Whether it's a simple deck of cards, dice or reusable game templates, you'll discover how versatile resources can support a wide range of math concepts while giving your students the confidence that comes with familiar routines.

If you're looking to make math lessons more engaging, more manageable and a lot more fun, this episode is packed with ideas you can start using straight away.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Times table games

Math Chatterboxes

Flip it Games (for all operations)

UNO Math Games collection for all grades

Check out our Rainbow Coins Loyalty program here

Previous Podcast Episodes mentioned:

Episode 54: Unlocking 9 Differentiation Strategies

Episode 78: Making division fun

Episode 148: 5 Math Warmups with Jess Stedman

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Looking for fresh ways to spark mathematical thinking without spending hours preparing? This week we sit down with Jess from The Sydney Teacher to talk about five simple, engaging math warm-ups that you can take straight into your classroom tomorrow.

These warmups are fun, flexible, require little to no preparation, and best of all, they're designed with a low floor, high ceiling approach. That means every student can join in, experience success, and be challenged at their own level.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why low-prep math warm-ups can have such a big impact.
• How to encourage rich mathematical thinking through open-ended tasks
• Simple activities that promote problem-solving, reasoning and discussion
• Ways to engage every learner, regardless of ability
• 5 math warmups you can add to your toolbox and start using tomorrow!

Whether you're filling the first ten minutes of your math lesson, reviewing concepts, or simply looking to build excitement around math,this episode is full of practical inspiration that you can implement straight away.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Jess on Instagram @the.sydney.teacher - Send her a DM with the word MONDAY to get on her Monday morning maths club list. 

Check out her website here.

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About Today’s Guest

Jess, also known as The Sydney Teacher, is an experienced Australian primary school teacher with a passion for helping children build confidence and success in maths. After becoming frustrated with resources that didn't align with the curriculum or stand up to the realities of everyday classrooms, she began creating her own. Today, she designs classroom-tested, curriculum-aligned maths resources that are practical, engaging, and easy for teachers to use—helping educators save valuable time while giving students meaningful learning experiences.

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Sometimes your class doesn't need another lesson, they just need a reset…

In this episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we're sharing 6 quick, engaging brain breaks that are perfect for those moments when your students need to move, laugh and refocus. The best part? They all use one simple classroom resource that you probably already have sitting in a drawer.

These games are low-prep, easy to explain and flexible enough to work across a range of year levels. Whether you're filling the last five minutes before lunch, breaking up a long maths block or simply bringing the energy back into your classroom, we've got you covered.

In this episode, we'll chat about:

• Why brain breaks are essential for student focus and learning.
• How one simple pack of cards can become your new favourite classroom tool.
• 6 fun brain break games that are quick to set up and easy to play.
• Ways to adapt each activity for different ages and abilities.
• Tips for keeping students engaged without adding to your workload.

If you aren't using brain breaks regularly in your classroom, consider this episode a sign to get started!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

28 Brain Breaks using UNO cards 

Check out our Rainbow Coins Loyalty program here

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What do your students remember most about their time in your classroom?

It's probably not the math lesson or the spelling test. It's how you made them feel.

This week, Ashleigh sits down with James to explore one of the most powerful aspects of teaching: building genuine relationships that help every student feel seen, valued and connected.

From creative morning roll calls and fun call-and-response routines to greeting every child at the classroom door, James shares the simple strategies that have transformed the culture of his classroom. Together, Ashleigh and James unpack why the smallest moments often have the biggest impact, and how making time for connection doesn't mean sacrificing learning.

They also dive into leadership, discussing how school leaders can encourage fun and creativity without adding pressure, and why giving teachers permission to build relationships in ways that suit their own style is so important.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why students remember how you made them feel long after they've forgotten the learning
• Creative ways to transform routines into a relationship-building opportunities
• Simple greeting rituals
• How listening to students' interests can completely change engagement, behaviour and confidence.
• Practical classroom ideas 
• Why teachers need permission to have fun without feeling like they're creating extra work for everyone else

Relationships aren't something you fit in around the curriculum, they're the foundation that makes great learning possible. If you've ever wondered whether those little conversations, silly moments or personalised gestures really matter, this episode is your reminder that they absolutely do.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Listen to our previous episode with James about brain breaks here.

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About Today’s Guest

James is an innovative educator and passionate primary teacher with over 12 years of experience in education, including 6 years in senior leadership. Throughout his career, he has specialised in curriculum implementation, coaching, innovation, creative arts, and wellbeing—always striving to inspire and engage both students and teachers through creative and out-of-the-box approaches. 

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Book Week is one of the most exciting events on the school calendar, but let's be honest, it can also feel like one more thing to organise!

In this episode, we share a collection of fun, low-prep, and creative Book Week ideas that will have your students excited about reading without adding unnecessary stress to your week.

From engaging classroom challenges and hands-on crafts to whole-school activities that build a love of books, you'll leave this episode with plenty of inspiration to make Book Week memorable for everyone.

In this episode, we chat about:

• What Book Week is and why we love it
• The Book Detectives challenge that gets students exploring books 
• Creative ways to use your school library to encourage curiosity and conversation
• A fun book swap that builds excitement around reading 
• Turning cereal boxes into impressive 3D book displays 
• Emoji-inspired reading response activities 
• A global reading challenge that introduces students to stories from around the world
• Book tastings that help students discover new authors or stories
• A whole-school Where's Wally treasure hunt 

Book Week doesn't have to be elaborate to be memorable.

The most successful celebrations are the ones where teachers and students genuinely share their excitement for books and stories. When we create opportunities for curiosity, conversation and creativity, we're helping students build a lifelong love of reading, and that's what Book Week is all about.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned

• Book Week costume inspiration
• Costume inspiration using your Where’s Wally Striped shirt
• Our Book Week classroom activity collection
• The Book Detectives activity for Grades K-2 and Grades 3-6
• Cereal box book covers - Learn how here 
• 3D Book Week craft
• The FREE Where's Wally treasure
• Our blog packed with even more Book Week ideas

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Want to help your students become faster, more confident mathematicians?

In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful number skills you can teach in the early years: doubles and halving. These foundational strategies help students move beyond counting, build number fluency and free up valuable brainpower for more complex mathematical thinking.

Best of all? Learning doesn't have to feel like drill and practice.We're sharing our favourite hands-on activities, low-prep games and engaging classroom ideas that make doubles and halving fun, memorable and meaningful for students in Grades 1–3. 

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why doubles and halving are high-impact skills for developing number fluency
• How these strategies support stronger mathematical thinking
• Fun classroom games like Spot the Number and Flip It and Doubling with Dice
• Ways to adapt activities for independent work, partner tasks or small-group challenges
• Simple ideas for sending math games home to reinforce learning with families

When students know their doubles and halves automatically, they're free to focus on solving bigger mathematical problems instead of using all their energy to count.

By making practice hands-on, playful and engaging, you're building strong number sense while helping students develop confidence that lasts well beyond the primary years.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

FREE Doubles Speedy Number booklet

Doubles Ladybug CraftDoubles 

Spot the Number game

Flip It - Doubles and Halves

Doubling and halving chatterboxes

Guess Who game

Doubling card and dice games

Digital Doubling games

Find more doubling lesson inspo on our blog

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