Rainbow Skies for Teachers

Ashleigh and Alisha

Hey there, amazing teachers—this podcast is for YOU! Whether you’re just starting your teaching journey or you're a seasoned educator seeking inspiration, Rainbow Skies for Teachers is here to help you thrive in and out of the classroom. We’re Ashleigh and Alisha, your enthusiastic hosts and co-founders of Rainbow Sky Creations. With 20+ years of combined experience in primary education, we’re dedicated to sharing  practical advice, supercharged tips, and game-changing strategies to help you succeed as a teacher.  Whether it’s crafting engaging  lessons or perfecting your  classroom management, we’ve got your back. We're on a mission to lead an education revolution; one inspired teacher at a time…. There are rainbows ahead, and together, we're unstoppable! You can follow us on Instagram or TikTok @rainbowskycreationsTo  discover more helpful tips + tricks for teachers, head to http://www.rainbowskycreations.com

  1. FEB 8

    121. No More Math Meltdowns: Six Ways to Help Your Students Thrive

    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 differenceWhy hands-on learning isn’t just for early yearsHow to differentiate without creating 27 different lesson plansMaking explicit instruction powerful (not painful!)Supporting risk-taking and growing confidence in your studentsHelping students recognise what success in maths really looks likeWhy offering multiple learning modes helps every child access the curriculumOur 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 MathsTransform Your Maths Groups course – Learn the exact model Ash & Alisha useGrowth Mindset Mini Tags FreebieSkip Counting GamesAPPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON Let's hear from you! Text us!

    29 min
  2. JAN 25

    119. Our Favourite Freebies to Set 2026 Up for Success

    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 connectionFuture World Changers display – A class community favourite with photo funMultiplication Flip It Games – Engaging maths games using playing cardsNumber of the Day routines – Your go-to for warm-ups, relief days or fast finisher tasksExit Tickets – Quick and easy student check-ins that inform your teachingUNO taster activities – Test out our famous UNO games for yourself with this limited time freebieYou’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-digitExit TicketsUNO taster activities + workshop APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON Let's hear from you! Text us!

    16 min
  3. JAN 18

    118. Collaborative Learning That Actually Works

    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 classroomA simple 5-step January reset to get routines back on trackHow to group students using data without the stressWhat to put in centres so they run themselvesThe #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 gradeMini courses: Transform Your Reading Groups + Transform Your Maths GroupsMultiplication card and dice games APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON Let's hear from you! Text us!

    30 min
  4. JAN 11

    117. How to Reset Your Class After the Winter Break

    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 routinesHow to reteach procedures like it's Week 1 of school (without overwhelm)Strategies to reframe behaviour expectations with your studentsRebooting collaborative learning routines and regrouping based on mid-year dataSimple connection-building activities to ease back into learningGoal-setting ideas for your students (and yourself!)How to give yourself grace and embrace a slower startIf 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 APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON Let's hear from you! Text us!

    21 min
  5. JAN 4

    116. Advice Every New Teacher Needs to Hear: Tips from 6 Inspiring Educators

    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 yourselfJessica Werner – The importance of guilt-free time for yourself and your passionsJo Edgar – How to set up your teacher planner as your ultimate hub of organisationAsh Curmi – Why showing students it’s ok to make mistakes builds classroom cultureKylie Altier – The value of bringing community experts into the classroomAmy Green – The ripple effect of self-compassion and looking after your wellbeingThis 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 FREEBIESurviving your First years FREEBIETransform your First Years - The self-paced course  APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON Let's hear from you! Text us!

    20 min
  6. 12/28/2025

    115. Slow Down to Soar: Teaching, Tech & Trusting the Process

    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 evolvedWhy she’s saying "no" to rushing and “yes” to herself in 2025The 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 gamesWhy differentiation in teacher PD matters just as much as in student learningThe Rainbow Sky mantra every new teacher needs to hearThis 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 Let's hear from you! Text us!

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hey there, amazing teachers—this podcast is for YOU! Whether you’re just starting your teaching journey or you're a seasoned educator seeking inspiration, Rainbow Skies for Teachers is here to help you thrive in and out of the classroom. We’re Ashleigh and Alisha, your enthusiastic hosts and co-founders of Rainbow Sky Creations. With 20+ years of combined experience in primary education, we’re dedicated to sharing  practical advice, supercharged tips, and game-changing strategies to help you succeed as a teacher.  Whether it’s crafting engaging  lessons or perfecting your  classroom management, we’ve got your back. We're on a mission to lead an education revolution; one inspired teacher at a time…. There are rainbows ahead, and together, we're unstoppable! You can follow us on Instagram or TikTok @rainbowskycreationsTo  discover more helpful tips + tricks for teachers, head to http://www.rainbowskycreations.com