Rainbow Skies for Teachers

This week Ashleigh flips the script as the guest, chatting with Kelsey Sorenson from Educate & Rejuvenate about all things maths, mindset, and making learning joyful.

Ashleigh opens up about her personal maths journey (yes, her dad was a maths teacher!), shares easy ways to bring creativity into the classroom, and offers teacher-tested strategies to help all students feel confident and included. From using UNO cards in the maths block to the importance of mindset and differentiation, this conversation is jam-packed with golden nuggets for any primary educator.

Plus, Ashleigh gives us a sneak peek into her Educate & Rejuvenate conference session, where she unpacks six essential elements of a joyful maths block. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, you're going to walk away inspired and ready to make maths magic happen.

Episode Takeaways:

• Maths differentiation doesn’t need to be worksheet-driven to be effective.
• Using simple resources like UNO cards can powerfully differentiate learning.
• A joyful maths block blends structure with creativity.
• Teacher energy and enjoyment play a huge role in student outcomes.
• Mindset shifts, from “I’m not good at maths” to “Let’s give it a go”, can change everything.

Maths can be fun and this episode is here to inspire you. Join us at the Educate & Rejuvenate conference here.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Join the Educate & Rejuvenate summer conference

Explore K-6 UNO card activities

Episode 53: Our interview with Kelsey

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

Let's hear from you! Text us!

In this episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we’re sharing practical, fun ways to take your maths lessons outside. From number relays to times table soccer, we talk through simple activities that help students move, collaborate, and build confidence in their mathematical thinking.

We also dive into the benefits of outdoor learning—from improving focus and creativity to supporting emotional regulation—and offer tips for setting expectations and routines before heading outside. Whether you're looking to refresh your teaching or just try something new, this episode will leave you with ideas you can use straight away.

In this episode, we cover:

• The learning and wellbeing benefits of taking lessons outside
• Number Bounce or Shoot: A ball-and-chalk game for all ages 
• Algorithm Circuits
• Number Throw & Human Graph
• Times Table Basketball and Soccer 
• Adapting outdoor games for different age groups 

Finally, a takeaway tip: A bit of chalk and a ball can go a long way—let’s make maths hands-on and fun!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Blog: 5 Outdoor Maths Games That Kids Will Love
• Blog: 6 Outdoor Activities Using Chalk 
• Download our FREE Guide: 6 ways to create maths lessons students love
• Listen to episode 88 with Victoria on outdoor learning here.

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

Let's hear from you! Text us!

In this special collaborative episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we honour NAIDOC Week 2025 by exploring this year's theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. We are joined by five inspiring educators, each sharing their unique perspectives on how these pillars can be acknowledged and celebrated in the classroom.

Our guests delve into what strength, vision, and legacy mean to them, and how we can guide our students to embrace these values. Whether you're planning NAIDOC Week activities or seeking ways to embed First Nations perspectives year-round, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies.

Key Terms in this year’s NAIDOC Week theme:

• Strength: Empowering students by sharing stories of resilience and encouraging them to draw strength from their own identities.
  
  
  
• Vision: Fostering a forward-thinking mindset that values inclusivity, innovation, and cultural understanding.
  
  
  
• Legacy: Recognising the importance of history and traditions, and the role educators play in passing these on to future generations.

Thank you to the educators that have generously shared their ideas and experiences today. If you wish to connect with them, find their information below.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Connect with our guests:

Lesley at Wingaru Education or @wingaru_education

Aaron from @mr.j.learning.space or the Teacher Takeaway Podcast

Brooke @lineh_learning 

Jordyn at The Yulang Effect or @ jordyn_yulang 

Erin at @ miss_broughton

Let's hear from you! Text us!

This week we venture beyond the traditional classroom with Victoria Hackett from Outdoor Classrooms, an expert in weaving nature, play, and purpose into everyday teaching. With over a decade of experience championing outdoor education, Victoria shares how learning gardens and nature-based activities can do wonders for student wellbeing, regulation, and overall engagement—and just as importantly, how they can reignite a teacher’s sense of joy and curiosity too.

From the science behind nature’s calming effects to practical ideas that fit even the tiniest outdoor spaces (yes, even city schools!), we unpack how outdoor learning supports child development, deepens inquiry, and aligns beautifully with curriculum goals like literacy and numeracy. 

Key Takeaways from this episode:

• How outdoor learning helps students regulate
• The developmental benefits of sensory-rich outdoor experiences
• Why nature can help teachers as well as their students 
• Creative ways to meet literacy and numeracy outcomes through learning outdoors
• Tips for making the most of small or urban environments
• Why outdoor learning doesn’t stop when the weather turns
• One small action teachers can take tomorrow to bring nature into their classroom

If you’ve ever wished for calmer students, more meaningful learning, or simply a change of scenery, this episode is your gentle nudge to step outside and teach in a way that feels joyful, grounded, and sustainable.

If you enjoyed this episode, we would love it if you could leave us a 5-star review.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Victoria on Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook

Victoria’s Website: www.outdoor-classrooms.com

Listen to Victoria’s Podcast: The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast 

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

Let's hear from you! Text us!

Think playdough is just for the early years? Think again!

In this episode, we explore how playdough can become your secret weapon for teaching maths concepts in Grades 3–6. From creating number lines to measuring angles, they share 8 classroom-ready ideas that will make your maths block more hands-on, differentiated, and downright irresistible.

This episode was inspired by a content planning session where we explored how to bring more fun and engagement to maths groups. What came out of it? A treasure trove of unique, brain-boosting ways to bring maths to life using one humble (and squishy) tool: playdough.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How playdough supports cognitive and social-emotional development
• Creative activities for teaching multiplication, area, perimeter & more
• Ideas for using playdough to make abstract maths visible and tactile
• A simple recipe to whip up your own classroom batch
• A free bonus guide to help you plan engaging maths lessons students will love

Whether you’re looking to reach visual learners, build fine motor skills, or simply change things up, these strategies will help you teach key maths concepts with confidence and creativity.

If you loved this episode, please leave us a review!!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Our fave Playdough recipe

Free Guide: 6 ways to create math lessons your students love

Find visuals of the activities we spoke about today here. 

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

Let's hear from you! Text us!

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

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

Let's hear from you! Text us!

Are your students groaning when it’s maths time? Let’s change that—starting today!

In this energising episode, we dive into six tried-and-true strategies for turning your maths block into one of the most engaging parts of the school day. If you are looking for fresh inspiration, these tips will empower you to create lessons that are hands-on, inclusive, and loved by all learners.

This episode is a repurposed gem from an audio summit we have contributed to. The summit is linked below. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to differentiate maths lessons without doubling your workload
• The power of concrete materials and open-ended tasks
• Ways to promote a growth mindset and celebrate every learner
• How identifying “good mathematician behaviours” can boost confidence
• The importance of engaging all learning styles
• A fun and free game, Multiplication Flip It, to bring fluency practice to life

From embracing risk-taking to making the most of mini whiteboards, we’re covering the essentials of engagement in maths. Let’s make it the best part of the school day for both you and your students. 

Rainbows ahead, 

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Free Multiplication Flip It Game

Free eBook: 6 ways to create math lessons your students love

Audio Summit Access Pass

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

Let's hear from you! Text us!

Breaking down barriers starts with small shifts, big heart, and the belief that every child deserves to thrive.

In this empowering episode, we explore what it really takes when it comes to teaching students with autism—with real-life strategies, heartfelt stories, and a whole lot of teacher-to-teacher encouragement.

We sit down with educator and author Eliza Rudston, whose book Confidently Teach Students with Autism is already making waves in classrooms across the country. Eliza shares the moment that inspired her work, the lessons that surprised her, and the tools that help teachers feel more confident and capable every day.

In this episode, we explore:

• What autism is and why it’s important to understand
  
  
  
• Practical strategies for teaching students with autism
  
  
  
• Common classroom barriers—and how to break through them
  
  
  
• The role of peers in creating inclusive learning environments
  
  
  
• Resources to support you on your inclusion journey
  
  
  

Whether you're just beginning or looking to deepen your knowledge, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts to feel empowered when teaching students with autism.

Rainbows ahead,
 Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Confidently Teach Students with Autism – Eliza’s book 
• You can reach out to Eliza at [email protected]
• amaze.org.au
• autismspeaks.org
• inclusionED

Let's hear from you! Text us!

In this energising episode, we sit down with classroom champion and education leader Aaron Johnston to explore what it really takes to thrive as a teacher, especially when navigating the challenges of composite classes and high expectations.

Aaron brings his signature practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement as we chat about his career in teaching and what he has learned along the way.

Together, we unpack the misconceptions around teaching multi-age classes, realistic strategies for differentiation that won’t double your workload, and Aaron’s brilliant ideas to boost student engagement through voice and choice.

Key Takeaways in this episode:

• How to teach composite classes with confidence
• Smart differentiation strategies
• Tapping into resources and using what you’ve got
• How student voice matters in the classroom
• How to make big impact with small tweaks
• Overcoming teacher overwhelm

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in perfectionism, or simply curious about what sustainable teacher growth looks like, this one’s for you. Grab your coffee and get ready to take notes—you’ll leave this episode feeling empowered, supported, and ready to embrace the “classroom champion” within.

Rainbows ahead, 

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Listen to the Teacher Takeaway Podcast here.

Connect with Aaron on Instagram or TikTok

NSW DoE Units of Work

• K-2 Engish 
• K-2 Maths 
• 3-6 English  
• 3-6 Maths  

Find Mr J's Resources here

Book Links:

The Pruning Principle - https://ambapress.com.au/products/the-pruning-principle

De-implementation - https://www.corwin.com/books/de-implementation-281294

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

Let's hear from you! Text us!

Report card season doesn't have to mean late nights and coffee-fuelled stress! In this episode, Ash and Alisha are diving into practical, time-saving strategies to make report writing smoother, more efficient, and—dare we say it—more enjoyable.

From creating systems that actually work, to harnessing the power of assessment books and AI tools, this episode is packed with helpful ideas to support you during one of the busiest times in the school calendar. You’ll learn how to manage your workload, maintain a positive mindset, and even turn writing reports into a task that feels a little more satisfying.

7 Report Card tips:

• A reporting timeline is your friend
• Have your assessment book ready
• Allocate blocks of time
• Teamwork makes the dream work (Ai might be part of your team)
• Follow a system
• Remember it is part of your job
• Reward yourself

Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you feel more organised, empowered, and in control. Because report writing doesn’t need to be a solo struggle—let’s work smarter and not harder!

For more report writing help, check out our blog.

Rainbows ahead, 

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Steal our Report Card Writing Timeline

Check out the Report Companion - all the help you need to write reports

Rainbow Sky’s Assessment Book

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

Let's hear from you! Text us!