Rainbow Skies for Teachers

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about hearts and flowers, it’s a golden opportunity to weave kindness, connection, and curriculum into your classroom. In this episode,we are diving into creative, curriculum-aligned math activities with a Valentine’s Day twist that your students will LOVE (pun intended!).

Whether you’re planning ahead or need something ready-to-go, we’re sharing engaging, low-prep ideas to bring the joy (and data!) into your lessons.

What We Chat About:

• Why Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate kindness in the classroom
• Easy-to-implement Valentine themed maths activities:

1. Number of the Day (Valentine-style!)
2. Fractions & Decimals of the Day
3. Valentine’s Flip It Games
4. Maths Chatterboxes (Fortune Tellers)
5. Deck-of-cards / UNO card activities for sorting and operations

• How these activities double as informal assessments (hello, teacher win!)
• Freebies and no-laminating-required resources

Whether you’re a Valentine’s superfan or a quiet kindness crusader, these activities will have your students engaged and learning without even realising it.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Number of the Day (Valentine-style!)
• Fractions & Decimals of the Day
• Valentine’s Flip It Games
• Maths Chatterboxes (Fortune Tellers) for Number Bonds and Multiplication
• FREE UNO card number sorts
  
  

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Get ready to kick off 2026 with a rainbow of inspiration! In this episode, we are diving into our top 3 favourite free resources (each!) that you can download and use right now in your classroom. From boosting student confidence to simplifying math lessons and streamlining assessment, these tried-and-tested freebies are classroom game-changers.

Whether you're teaching composite classes, looking for quick wins, or want to inject a little more joy into your everyday routines, there’s something here for you. The best part? Every resource mentioned is completely free and teacher-loved!

What We Cover:

• Hey You! compliment cards – A simple way to build student confidence and connection
• Future World Changers display – A class community favourite with photo fun
• Multiplication Flip It Games – Engaging maths games using playing cards
• Number of the Day routines – Your go-to for warm-ups, relief days or fast finisher tasks
• Exit Tickets – Quick and easy student check-ins that inform your teaching
• UNO taster activities – Test out our famous UNO games for yourself with this limited time freebie

You’ll walk away with fresh ideas to use immediately with these FREE and classroom-ready resources (they are all linked below).

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Hey You! compliment cards 
• Future World Changers display 
• Multiplication Flip It Games 
• Number of the Day 2-digit and Number of the Day 3-digit
• Exit Tickets
• UNO taster activities + workshop

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Does the thought of running smooth rotations or grouping students send your brain into a spin? You’re not alone (and this episode is here to help!).

Join us as we unpack the magic (and the real talk) behind collaborative learning routines that actually work. From tackling post-break classroom chaos to grouping students without the overwhelm, this practical and empowering episode is all about helping you reclaim your time, energy, and confidence.

What you will learn:

• Why collaborative learning is the heartbeat of a thriving classroom
• A simple 5-step January reset to get routines back on track
• How to group students using data without the stress
• What to put in centres so they run themselves
• The #1 mindset shift to keep rotations sustainable 

Whether you’re new to centres or looking to fine-tune your existing systems, this episode will leave you feeling supported, inspired, and ready to make collaborative learning work for you.

If your staffroom whisper this term is “my kids can’t work independently”… this episode is your answer. Let’s work smarter, not harder together. 

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• UNO activities for Kindergarten, Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4 and Grade 5-6 
• UNO activities for every single grade
• Mini courses: Transform Your Reading Groups + Transform Your Maths Groups
• Multiplication card and dice games

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Your students return from winter break full of stories, energy… and having forgotten every routine you spent reinforcing! Sound familiar?

Don’t worry, this episode is here to help you press the reset button in a way that feels calm, supportive, and purposeful. We share simple, actionable strategies for rebuilding routines, re-establishing classroom expectations, and reconnecting with your students.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why after the winter break is the perfect opportunity to reset classroom routines
• How to reteach procedures like it's Week 1 of school (without overwhelm)
• Strategies to reframe behaviour expectations with your students
• Rebooting collaborative learning routines and regrouping based on mid-year data
• Simple connection-building activities to ease back into learning
• Goal-setting ideas for your students (and yourself!)
• How to give yourself grace and embrace a slower start

If your classroom feels a little wobbly post-break, this episode is your friendly roadmap back to confidence, calm, and connection. Let’s make the rest of the year your best yet!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Classroom Detective Freebie

Brain Breaks Podcast Episode 80 

New Year Code Crackers For Grade 1-2 and Grade 3-6

Lighting Up the School Year (3D Display)

3D Easels (About Me + Goals)

The Year Ahead Goal-Setting Booklet

Spinning Stars Goal-Setting Display

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Starting out in teaching is exciting, but let’s be real, it can also feel completely overwhelming. That’s why we’ve teamed up with six amazing educators to share the advice they wish they knew when they first stepped into the classroom.

This episode is full of heartfelt, practical, and encouraging tips to remind you that you’re not alone and that teaching is a journey - not a race. Whether you’re just starting out or supporting new teachers in your school, you’ll find wisdom here to guide and inspire.

Our incredible contributors share:

• Bridget Canty – Why it’s ok to stop, reteach, and take the pressure off yourself
• Jessica Werner – The importance of guilt-free time for yourself and your passions
• Jo Edgar – How to set up your teacher planner as your ultimate hub of organisation
• Ash Curmi – Why showing students it’s ok to make mistakes builds classroom culture
• Kylie Altier – The value of bringing community experts into the classroom
• Amy Green – The ripple effect of self-compassion and looking after your wellbeing

This episode is a must-listen for early career teachers. It is packed with strategies, encouragement, and reminders that teaching is a marathon, not a sprint.

Together, we’re growing a supportive teacher community, one story at a time.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• YAY I’m a Teacher FREEBIE
• Surviving your First years FREEBIE
• Transform your First Years - The self-paced course 

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In this conversation, Ashleigh joins host Mat Green to reflect on the joys and challenges of teaching, resource creating, and creating space for wellbeing. From the importance of slowing down in the classroom to her evolving views on technology and her journey from teacher to education business owner.

You’ll hear candid moments about spelling struggles, teacher wellbeing, and how the most magical classrooms often leave the biggest imprint, not because of the content, but because of how students feel. Plus, Ash shares the story behind the most popular Rainbow Sky resource UNO card games!

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Ashleigh's views on technology have evolved
• Why she’s saying "no" to rushing and “yes” to herself in 2025
• The teacher who changed her life (and what happened when she met her again 20 years later!)
• How Rainbow Sky Creations began (spoiler: it started with iPad drawings and a pregnant coffee date!)
• The philosophy behind their wildly popular UNO card maths games
• Why differentiation in teacher PD matters just as much as in student learning
• The Rainbow Sky mantra every new teacher needs to hear

This episode is full of golden takeaways, encouraging reminders, and lots of laughter. A must-listen for every teacher who’s ever felt overwhelmed, rushed, or in need of a gentle reset.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Books mentioned: Untamed by Glennon Doyle, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

View our UNO Card Maths Activities

Rainbow Sky PD Hub – On-demand, actionable professional development

The Art of Teaching Podcast – Hosted by Mat Green

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In this special replay episode, Alisha joins forces with the wonderful Giselle from Kids Yoga Stories to unpack one of the most common challenges teachers face - overwhelm during the back-to-school season.

Originally presented earlier in the year, this session is packed with practical strategies designed to help you walk into Term 1 (or any fresh start) feeling clear, confident, and calm. 

What You’ll Learn:

• Why feeling overwhelmed doesn't mean you're failing
• How to identify what really matters on your to-do list
• The power of building consistent routines early on
• Why setting boundaries is essential for sustainability
• How collaboration and community make teaching lighter
• The importance of connection in the first weeks of school

Whether you're tuning in during your holiday recharge or saving this episode for your new-year prep, you'll find simple, actionable tips to support your wellbeing and help you focus on what matters most - your students. Let’s work smarter, not harder… together.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Weekly Checklist Template

Classroom Detectives Activity

Giselle from Kids Yoga Stories

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Get ready to meet the principal who’s rewriting the rulebook - one hallway conversation at a time. In this energising chat, we’re joined by Jared Lamb (commonly known as @principal_lamb), the dynamic school leader known for ditching the principal’s office in favour of a rolling cart, 20,000 steps a day, and a relentless commitment to connection.

We dive into Jared’s bold decision to lead from the heart (and the hallways), why joy should be part of every school’s strategic plan, and how teachers can embrace servant leadership—no matter their role.

Key Takeaways with Principal Lamb:

• How to lead with your feet - Why Jared traded his office for a cart
• What servant leadership looks like in action.
• What teachers really need right now, and how schools can step up.
• How fun, laughter, and play build stronger school cultures.
• The power of perspective as a leader and teacher
• How social media helps Jared support educators globally.
• Jared’s non-negotiables for building a connected, thriving school.

Whether you’re an early-career teacher looking for a spark or a seasoned educator craving authentic school culture, this episode will leave you inspired to lead, teach, and connect in ways that truly matter.

If you loved this episode, please leave us a review!! OR if you have a principal with a rolling cart, send us a DM, we would love to hear about it!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Jared on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube

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About Today’s Guest

Jared Lamb is a veteran educator with over 16 years of experience. Three years ago, he made a transformative decision to trade his traditional office for a rolling cart, aiming to increase his visibility and accessibility within the school. This innovative approach allows him to engage directly with students and staff throughout the day, fostering stronger relationships and a more connected school community. His commitment to being present has not only enhanced school culture but also contributed to a remarkable teacher retention rate.

Beyond his school, Principal Lamb has become a social media sensation, sharing his journey and insights on platforms like TikTok and Instagram under the handle @principal_lamb. His authentic and relatable content has resonated with educators worldwide, amassing a following of over 800,000 across his channels. Through his posts, he advocates for servant leadership, teacher support, and the importance of joy in education, inspiring a global community to rethink traditional educational leadership models.

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The countdown is on, the energy is high, and if you’ve ever looked around your classroom and thought, “We need a reset right now,” this episode is for you.

In this episode, we’re opening up our Brain Break Toolbox with eight quick and cheerful ideas to help your students reset, refocus, and release that festive season energy in a purposeful way.

These aren’t time-fillers. They’re intentional, effective, and designed to help you maintain calm and / or connection in the final stretch before the holidays.

From silent snowflakes to Christmas countdown breathing, these tools will help you create balance, boost student focus, and support your own wellbeing as the end-of-year buzz ramps up.

What You’ll Learn:

• Simple movement-based brain breaks that promote calm
• Quick energy-burners to reset the vibe fast
• Festive activities that still encourage teamwork and focus
• How to use brain breaks as a proactive classroom management tool
• Why small resets can make a big difference to behaviour and learning

You’ve got this, teachers. Keep breathing, stay playful, and finish the term feeling proud.

Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Episode 80: Brain Breaks That Work with James Robinson

Grab our favourite Christmas freebie here.

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The countdown to Christmas is officially ON, and if your classroom is starting to feel more festive frenzy than focused fun, this episode is for you!In this episode, we share 10 practical and playful classroom management ideas to help you keep calm, maintain learning momentum, while sprinkling in some festive joy as the year wraps up.

From creative countdowns to calm-down corners, gratitude circles to secret elves, these strategies are designed to bring structure and sparkle to your classroom, without exhausting you in the process.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to maintain classroom routines when festive chaos hits
• Fun and easy incentive systems that work
• Simple ways to keep learning purposeful in the final weeks
• Tips for protecting your teacher energy during the busiest time of year
• Why gratitude, calm, and connection are the real Christmas magic 

Let’s work smarter (not harder) this season and finish strong, together. You’ve got this!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the 7 Days of Christmas freebies here. 

Christmas Blooms Activities Grades 1-2

Christmas Blooms Activities Grades 3-6

Kindness Christmas tree (freebie)

Grades 1-2 Holiday Math Code Cracker

Grades 3-6 Holiday Math Code Cracker

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