Rainbow Skies for Teachers

Today, we’re diving into multiplication and how to help students build the fluency they need while still keeping math lessons engaging and enjoyable.

Teaching multiplication can sometimes feel like endless worksheets and rote memorisation! Today, we are moving away from teaching multip[lication like that and sharing simple ways to help students practise multiplication in ways that feel interactive, meaningful, and fun.

We’re sharing practical strategies that help students build confidence and develop a deeper understanding of multiplication, while also creating lessons they genuinely enjoy being part of. From games and hands-on activities to rich tasks and student voice, these ideas help move students from practising facts to becoming multiplication masters.

And the best part? Many of these ideas are easy to implement and can fit seamlessly into your existing maths block.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Simple multiplication games you can start using in your classroom tomorrow
• Why hands-on learning helps students build stronger number understanding
• How math groups can support differentiation when teaching multiplication
• Using rich tasks to deepen multiplication thinking and strategy sharing
• Ways to incorporate student voice to build confidence and engagement in maths
• How Uno cards can become a quick and effective tool for multiplication practice

If you’re looking for ways to help your students build strong multiplication fluency while still enjoying the learning process, this episode is packed with ideas you can try straight away.

Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources Mentioned in this episode: 

Speedy Number booklets

Flip it Multiplication free game and full set

UNO ideas for Multiplication (blog post)

Multiplication Dots and Boxes

Multiplication Battleship

Multiplication Dice and Card Games

Multiplication Spinner Games

Multiplication ‘Guess Who’

Brain breaks

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Does grammar feel heavy in your classroom? Overwhelming? Like something you should be better at teaching?

You are not alone.

In this powerful and refreshing conversation, we’re joined by grammar expert Patty McGee, who helps us unpack why grammar often feels so hard, and why it’s not a teacher problem. It’s a system problem.

Patty shares practical, realistic strategies that make grammar feel lighter, more engaging, and far more effective. We explore how to move from rigid rule-teaching to creative, hands-on exploration that actually improves student writing.

Key Takeaways

• You are not “bad at grammar.”
• Grammar should be embedded in authentic reading and writing.
• Sentence-level instruction creates powerful results.
• Hands-on, collaborative exploration deepens understanding.
• Confidence grows when we release perfection.

Patty shares practical, hands-on strategies that work in real classrooms, even with limited time and diverse learners. If grammar has ever felt like a box to tick or a weight on your shoulders, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Patty’s Website: www.pattymcgee.org
• Check out Patty’s book, Not Your Granny’s Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful and Engaging Grammar Instruction, here
• Connect with Patty on LinkedIn or Instagram.

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About Today’s Guest

Patty McGee is a nationally recognized literacy consultant, speaker, and educator with a passion for transforming classrooms into spaces where language and learning come alive. With decades of experience as a teacher, coach, and advocate for delightful literacy practices, Patty has worked alongside educators across the country, partnering to unlock the full potential of their students through innovative and practical teaching strategies. Not Your Granny’s Grammar is her third book. Connect with Patty at www.pattymcgee.org

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Have you ever wondered how you’re meant to fit meaningful movement into an already packed school day?In this energising conversation, we sit down with Kelly Bell to unpack PDHPE and how it looks on a daily basis at school. 

Kelly helps us rethink what quality physical education actually looks like, and why it matters so much for every child, not just the “sporty ones”. 

We also explore how classroom teachers can confidently integrate movement through simple brain breaks and intentional activity, even without specialist training.

In This Episode, We Chat About:

• Why sport and physical education are often confused
• What high-quality PE actually aims to develop
• The mindset shift classroom teachers need around movement
• How brain breaks can transform focus, regulation and learning
• Simple ways to integrate movement into your classroom without adding to your workload
• Why sport or PE isn’t a reward

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not sporty enough to teach this well,” this episode will shift your perspective in the best way.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources Mentioned in this episode: 

You can ask Kelly any questions at: [email protected] 

Find Kelly’s membership for Primary Teachers here

Connect with Kelly on Instagram

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About Today’s Guest

Kelly Bell understands the challenges of teaching PDHPE and CAFS because she has lived them. With over two decades in education, Kelly transformed from classroom teacher to becoming NSW's trusted voice in PDHPE, Community & Family Studies and Health and Movement Science. 

Since 2007, Kelly has empowered over 4,000 Primary, PDHPE and CAFS teachers and supported more than 8,000 students across NSW. Today, 

The Learning Network stands as NSW's premier resource hub for K-6 Primary PDHPE, 7-10 PDHPE, Health & Movement Science, Community & Family Studies and Dance education.

The Learning Network is dedicated to helping NSW teachers reclaim their work-life balance while maintaining teaching excellence. Our comprehensive suite of resources, memberships and professional learning workshops are designed to reclaim your afternoons, holidays and weekends. 

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In this episode, we’re sharing simple ways to make your math lessons more engaging and enjoyable, for both you and your students.

If math sometimes feels like a subject that’s hard to bring to life, you’re not alone. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to create lessons your students genuinely love.

We’re talking about practical strategies that help build engagement, encourage mathematical thinking, and make learning feel more interactive in your classroom. From games and hands-on learning to student voice and rich tasks, these ideas are designed to help you work smarter, not harder.

And the best part? Many of these strategies require very little prep and can easily fit into your existing maths block.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Why making math lessons fun benefits both students and teachers
• How to easily incorporate simple math games into your lessons
• The power of hands-on materials for building understanding
• How math groups can support differentiation in your classroom
• Using rich tasks to promote deeper thinking and discussion
• Ways to include student voice and encourage mathematical risk-taking
• How Uno cards can become an instant engagement tool in your maths lessons

If you’ve been looking for ways to bring more energy, curiosity, and confidence into your math lessons, this episode is full of practical ideas you can start using straight away.

Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Freebie: 6 Ways to Create Maths Lessons Your Students Love

Free Uno Maths Game: Place Value and Volume Conversions

Free Multiplication Flip it games

Free Friends to 10 spinner game 

Free Friends to 20 spinner game

Math Chatterboxes for Grade 1-2 and Grades 3-4

UNO Math games for all ages (K-6)

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In this episode, Alisha sits down with Robby Cobbs, an international educator and the founder of Tech My School, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting underfunded schools in Puerto Rico through thoughtful technology integration and teacher training.

Robby shares his personal journey from growing up with limited resources, to teaching around the world, and eventually settling in Puerto Rico, where he witnessed firsthand the deep educational inequities facing local schools. What began as donating computers to a single school grew into a scalable nonprofit model supporting educators, students, and school leaders.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Robby’s path from international teaching to founding Tech My School
• Why access to technology alone isn’t enough
• The difference between EdTech (technology supporting instruction) and TechEd (student skill-building)
• How AI can support teachers without replacing human connection
• The importance of balancing digital tools with hands-on learning
• Building trust with educators, parents, and school communities

Key Takeaways

• Technology works best when paired with strong relationships and clear educational goals
• Teachers need ongoing support and training - not just new devices
• AI can be a powerful planning and reflection tool when used responsibly
• Student learning improves when technology is intentional, balanced, and culturally responsive

Change with technology doesn’t have to be scary and overwhelming. This conversation explores how technology can meaningfully enhance learning when it’s implemented with intention, balance, and trust.

Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources Mentioned in this episode: 

Tech My School – A nonprofit providing technology, training, and strategic planning to schools

TechPlan Genie – An AI-powered tool that helps schools create, track, and refine strategic technology plans

Connect with Robby on Instagram 

Check out Robby’s book, Tech Centered, Learning Driven.

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About Today’s Guest

Robby is a life-long international educator who started Tech My School, an educational non-profit dedicated to serving underprivileged schools that has grown from a single school in 2021 to serving over 50 schools by the end of 2025.  In 2024, he authored his first book, "Tech Centered, Learning Driven" and in 2025 he developed his first piece of commercially available software called "Tech Plan Genie".

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Harmony Week is such a special time in Australian classrooms… but let’s be honest, it can sneak up on us!

In this episode,we chat all things Harmony Week and how to plan meaningful, inclusive lessons without adding to your already full plate. If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond “wearing orange” and truly embed the message of inclusivity and kindness in your classroom, this episode is for you.

We’re sharing simple strategies, ready-to-use ideas, book recommendations, and interactive activities that will help your students understand what Harmony Week is really about — and how they can live it every single day.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• A series of lessons you could teach about Harmony Day and the themes
• Picture book recommendations
• 2 reflective craft ideas that will look great hanging in your classroom
• A freebie to help spread the message of Harmony Day / Harmony WeekA

And remember, these conversations don’t stop after one week. Harmony Week is the starting point, not the finish line.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Harmony Day / Week Teaching slides (PowerPoint)

7 Picture Books to Celebrate Harmony

Harmony Hands craft

3D Harmony Heart

Freebie: Harmony Badges

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Reading groups… we love the idea of them. But let’s be honest, sometimes they feel overwhelming, noisy, and just plain stressful.

In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about the challenges teachers face during reading groups!

If reading groups feel chaotic instead of calm in your classroom, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and rebuild with systems that actually work.

We’re sharing practical strategies to help you feel organised, confident, and back in control, without adding more to your plate.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The biggest frustrations teachers face during reading groups (and why you’re not alone)
• How clear routines and expectations can completely transform your sessions
• Why a consistent, predictable timetable reduces stress for you and your students
• The power of starting with a “top five” set of independent activities
• How a dress rehearsal can set your groups up for long-term success
• Planning tips like batching, reusing resources, and using simple templates
• Tools like The Hive platform to streamline your reading group organisation
• A practical guide to help you transform your reading groups step by step

Reading groups don’t have to feel chaotic. With the right systems, routines, and ready-to-go resources, they can become one of the most powerful parts of your literacy block.

You don’t need more ideas - you need a foolproof system. Let’s work smarter, not harder, together!

Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Transform your Reading Groups (course for teachers)

The Hive - Use the code ASHLEIGH15 for a 15% discount

Ready to print reading group activities for:

• Kindergarten
• Grade 1-2
• Grade 3-4
• Grade 5-6

*Note: These activities are included in Transform your Reading Groups

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Today we welcome back occupational therapist, educator advocate, and all-round legend Dave Jereb to dive deep into understanding and responding to challenging classroom behaviours.

Dave shares practical, teacher-friendly strategies to better connect with students, support regulation, and ultimately create more inclusive and calm classrooms. From quick connection anchors to brain-based regulation tools, Dave reminds us that meaningful change often starts with the simplest actions.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why connection changes the brain—and what happens in just 10 seconds
• Reframing “challenging behaviour” and what’s really going on beneath the surface
• A breakdown of Dave’s ABCIDEAS model for understanding student needs holistically
• Practical co-regulation tools teachers can implement immediately
• Why supporting the adults who support the kids is essential for long-term success
• The “Connected Caregiver Model” and what it looks like in action
• Using rhythm, breath, and music as tools for regulation and attention
• Making lessons meaningful by tapping into student interests

“Everything is downstream from regulation and connection.” – Dave Jereb

Key Takeaways:

• Connection comes first: A simple 10-second moment of eye-level, intentional connection can dramatically impact behaviour and learning readiness.
• Environment matters: You don’t need to “fix the child”—adjusting the activity or environment is often the fastest way to success.
• Behaviours are communication: Looking at what’s behind attention-seeking, oppositional, or sensitive behaviours helps us support rather than react.
• Support the supporters: Dave champions the idea that when we support teachers and caregivers, everyone wins.

Whether you're just kicking off the school year in Australia or you're mid-term elsewhere in the world, this episode is packed with real-life examples, refreshing reframes, and game-changing strategies you can try today, especially with those students who can make or break the energy of your day.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Check out Dave’s Book: Challenging the Story
• Dave’s Online Course: Challenging the Story of Behaviour
• Other courses offered by Move About OT linked here
• Connect with Dave on Instagram
• Say G’Day on Spotify (Dave’s sister Genevieve Jereb) 
• Episode 19 - Our first interview with Dave Jereb

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About Today’s Guest: Dave Jereb is a paediatric occupational therapist, author, and co-founder of MoveAbout Therapy Services. With over 20 years of experience, Dave is passionate about helping families and professionals rethink how we understand and respond to challenging behaviours. Dave is also the founder of The OT Sanctuary, a community for OT and allied health professionals.

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In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a topic that sits at the heart of our mission: teacher well-being. We’re unpacking the everyday challenges teachers face, like juggling too many tasks, feeling pressure to “do it all,” and navigating leadership expectations, while also offering practical, empowering strategies to help you protect your energy, set boundaries, and find your own rhythm.

We talk honestly about breaking free from the “busy culture,” why multitasking is not your friend, and how small moments of joy can truly be game-changers in a teacher’s week.

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need to do it all
• Boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re essential for long-term impact.
• A notepad, a pause, or even a walk can help clear the clutter.
• Modelling wellbeing helps your students thrive too.
  Saying no today doesn’t mean saying no forever.

Whether you're just starting out or deep into your teaching journey, this episode is your friendly reminder that your wellbeing matters, and you’re allowed to take care of it. Let’s work smarter, not harder, and build a teaching life that brings joy, balance, and longevity.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Episode 44: A conversation about Teacher Wellbeing with Amy Green

Episode 106: Real Teacher Wellbeing with Daniela Falecki

Teacher Self-care Journal

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Math shouldn't feel like a mystery or a battle, and this week, we’re breaking down the REAL reasons students struggle with maths and sharing practical solutions to help every learner thrive.

From lack of hands-on learning to low confidence and everything in between, we talk about the six key reasons students find math tricky and offer evidence-based, heart-filled strategies to turn those struggles into success. If you've ever faced a room full of groans when you say, “Time for maths!”, this episode is for you.

What We Chat About:

• The myth of “not having a maths brain” and how mindset makes all the difference
• Why hands-on learning isn’t just for early years
• How to differentiate without creating 27 different lesson plans
• Making explicit instruction powerful (not painful!)
• Supporting risk-taking and growing confidence in your students
• Helping students recognise what success in maths really looks like
• Why offering multiple learning modes helps every child access the curriculum
• Our go-to resources to make it happen (including a freebie and a PD course!)

Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned educator, this conversation is full of practical tips and heartfelt encouragement to help you create maths lessons your students will actually look forward to.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Free Guide: 6 Strategies to Boost Student Success in Maths
• Transform Your Maths Groups course – Learn the exact model Ash & Alisha use
• Growth Mindset Mini Tags Freebie
• Skip Counting Games

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