Shows
Rainbow Skies for Teachers93. Creative Measurement Lesson IdeasIn this episode we’re showing you how a deck of UNO cards can become one of your most versatile teaching tools, especially for measurement! From comparing lengths in Kindergarten to converting units in Year 4, we’re sharing fun, hands-on activities that make maths more meaningful and less worksheet-heavy.We also take a trip down memory lane with some of our own data lesson experiences (remember those eye colour graphs?) and explore how we can create more memorable and nurturing moments in our maths classrooms today. In this episode, we cover: Using UNO cards to compare, tally...2025-07-2721 minRainbow Skies for Teachers92. Differentiation Secrets that are Simple, Smart, and SupportiveToday we’re joined by the fabulous Julia - an experienced classroom teacher who brings a calm, clear-eyed approach to differentiation that will leave you feeling capable, confident, and ready to make small changes with big impact.Together we explore what differentiation really looks like in action, and spoiler alert, it doesn’t have to mean rewriting your entire lesson plan! From math warm-ups to the powerful “bump it up” wall strategy, Julia offers super practical tips for meeting students where they are, while keeping things simple and sustainable for busy teachers.What You’ll Learn:2025-07-2053 minRainbow Skies for Teachers91. How to Make Math Joyful & Student-Centred with Kelsey SorensonThis 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...2025-07-1346 minRainbow Skies for Teachers90. 5 Outdoor Math Games That Kids Will LoveIn 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.2025-07-0623 minRainbow Skies for TeachersNAIDOC Week. The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and LegacyIn 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.2025-06-2918 min
Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies[TST] How to Create Math Lessons Students Love | Ashleigh & Alisha from Rainbow Sky Creations🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks!We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 24 hours only—just one of 35 practical audio sessions to help you feel calm, confident, and classroom-ready. Grab your free ticket at https://teacherapproved--secondstorywindow.thrivecart.com/teacher-summer-talks-2025-max-pass/ —or upgrade to the MAX Pass for lifetime access, 14 bonus sessions, over $250 in classroom resources, and more. https://teacherapproved--secondstorywindow.thrivecart.com/teacher-summer-talks-2025-max-pass-fast/🎒 Back-to-School Success Scholarship Application: https://airtable.com/app89WVXsQ7LOIxby/pagsprkPLRAOKcP0L/form--------About the Session:Tired of math le...2025-06-2414 minRainbow Skies for Teachers88. Outdoor Classrooms: Big Benefits, Simple StepsThis 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...2025-06-2243 minRainbow Skies for Teachers87. Let’s Get Squishy: 8 Playdough Activities to Supercharge Your Maths LessonsThink 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) to...2025-06-1619 minRainbow Skies for Teachers86. The Veteran Principal breaking all the “rules” - An Interview with Principal LambGet 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 Tak...2025-06-0845 min
The Kids Wellness Podcast#032 Building Confidence and Connection: Essential Tips for New Teachers with AlishaJoin Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Alisha from Rainbow Sky Creations as they talk about how starting out as a new kids yoga teacher can be overwhelming and share invaluable tips and strategies for new teachers. Some highlights: -The importance of keeping lesson plans simple and effective. -How to build strong connections with students by using their names and engaging them as they enter. -Structuring a five-part lesson plan for consistency. -Strategies for managing classroom chaos and staying calm. -Embracing discomfort and unpredictability as essential parts of teaching. 2025-06-0831 minRainbow Skies for Teachers85. 6 Strategies to Help Your Students Love MathAre 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 di...2025-06-0115 minRainbow Skies for Teachers84. Breaking Down Barriers In Teaching Students With AutismBreaking 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 an...2025-05-2547 minRainbow Skies for Teachers83. Becoming a Classroom Champion with Aaron JohnstonIn 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.2025-05-1842 minRainbow Skies for Teachers82. Work Smarter, Not Harder When Writing Report CardsReport 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...2025-05-1118 minRainbow Skies for Teachers81. 10 Tips for Staying Sane When It Comes To School PoliticsLet’s be honest—school politics can be a lot. Whether it’s gossip in the staffroom, unclear power dynamics, or just the unspoken rules of the workplace, navigating it all can take a toll on even the most passionate teachers .In this episode, we are getting real about school politics. They’re sharing practical, mindset-focused strategies to help you rise above the noise, set healthy boundaries, and stay anchored in your purpose - supporting students. You’ll walk away with 10 powerful tips to help you manage tricky dynamics, avoid energy-draining drama, and protect your joy as...2025-05-0525 minRainbow Skies for Teachers80. Brain Breaks That Work with James Robinson from AmplifyHow often do you pause during the school day to give your students (and yourself!) a chance to reset?In this energising episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we’re joined by the wonderful James Robinson from Amplify to talk all things brain breaks—what they are, why they matter, and how to use them effectively in your classroom.James shares practical tips, simple activities, and must-know strategies to make brain breaks a seamless part of your day. From improving focus and behaviour to supporting emotional regulation and student wellbeing, this conversation is full of gold...2025-04-2740 minRainbow Skies for Teachers79. Mother’s Day Magic: 3 Thoughtful Gift Ideas That Are Easy, Inclusive, and MeaningfulMother’s Day can be such a special time in the classroom—but it can also feel tricky to navigate with diverse family dynamics, packed schedules, and the pressure to create something meaningful. Don’t stress! In this week’s episode, we are sharing their go-to Mother’s Day activities that are thoughtful, easy to prep, and adaptable for any special person in a child’s life.From heartfelt writing tasks to creative art projects, these ideas put student voice and choice at the centre. You’ll walk away with 3 flexible gift ideas that celebrate appreciation and love—without t...2025-04-2014 minRainbow Skies for Teachers78. Clever Teaching Strategies To Make Division Lessons FunLet’s be real—division can feel like one of those topics students just don’t click with straight away. But it doesn’t have to be dry or difficult! In this episode, we are sharing fun, hands-on, and brain-boosting strategies to help your students understand and enjoy division.From fact family fun to paper plate crafts, peer mentoring, and clever games, this episode is full of easy-to-implement ideas that build confidence and fluency. Plus, we chat about why it’s so important to teach division alongside multiplication—and how to make that inverse relationship stick.Key ide...2025-04-1325 minRainbow Skies for Teachers77. Transforming Learning Through Connection: Why Relationships Matter in EducationIn this episode, we explore the transformative power of connection in education. Joining us are two incredible educators, Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns, co-authors of Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students. Erika and Tiffany share their insights on how meaningful conversations can shift the focus from managing behaviour to building connections that foster student growth, improve classroom culture, and enhance academic outcomes. Through this engaging discussion, you’ll hear about:The story behind Erika and Tiffany’s partnership and what inspired them to write Connecting Through Conversation.What "connected relationships" mean in education and w...2025-04-0633 minRainbow Skies for Teachers76. Differentiation Strategies to Support Every LearnerDifferentiation is one of the most effective ways to meet the diverse needs of students in your classroom. We break down simple, practical strategies that you might already be using without even realising it!We explore learning profiles, scaffolding, flexible seating, project-based learning, open-ended questions, peer teaching, and technology—all powerful tools to create a student-centred learning environment. Plus, we discuss the importance of fostering a safe and respectful space, particularly when implementing peer teaching, and share real-life examples of differentiation in action.By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with fresh idea...2025-03-3028 minRainbow Skies for Teachers75. Banish Those Sunday ScariesTeaching is more than a job—it’s a passion. But that doesn’t mean it should take over your entire life. In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer, from Everything Just So, to tackle one of the biggest challenges teachers face: work-life balance.Feeling burnt out? Overwhelmed by endless to-do lists? Constantly battling Sunday dread? You’re not alone. Today, we share practical strategies to help you:Set boundaries and protect your personal timeEliminate time-wasting tasks such as excessive laminatingCreate daily and weekly schedules to stay organisedSay “no” to extra responsibilities without guiltReduce stress by turning o...2025-03-2339 minRainbow Skies for Teachers74. Save your Voice With These StrategiesThis year, we are taking part in Podcasthon, the global charity podcast event! This week’s episode is dedicated to Street Smart, a charity that believes no one should be without a safe and secure place to call home.Ever feel like you’re losing your voice trying to get your students' attention? We have been there! This week we are sharing ways to get your students attention while saving your voice. Non-verbal Strategies for Capturing Students' Attention:Utilising Instruments: Introducing instruments like bells and tambourines can serve as signa...2025-03-1619 minRainbow Skies for Teachers73. Our Students Are So Much More Than a TestNAPLAN or any testing season can bring a mix of emotions for both teachers and students—stress, pressure, and sometimes even frustration. But what if we approached it differently? In this episode, we discuss how to navigate NAPLAN (testing season) in a way that prioritises kindness, resilience, and a love of learning, rather than just test scores.What We Cover in This Episode:The realities of tests and how it impacts teachers and studentsWhy compassion, creativity, and resilience matter just as much as academic performanceSimple ways to balance test preparation with fun an...2025-03-0920 minRainbow Skies for Teachers72. Harmony Week Inspo for the Entire School CommunityHarmony Week is a special time in Australia to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and connection in our communities. In this episode, we explore some meaningful and engaging ways to bring Harmony Week to life in the classroom and across the whole school.From math activities that encourage data collection to school-wide displays and read-alouds, this episode is packed with practical ideas that will help students develop a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and embrace the values of inclusivity.In this episode we share 5 whole school initiatives you can put into action this Harmony Week:2025-03-0221 minRainbow Skies for Teachers71. The Magic Trick to Develop Number FluencyAs teachers who've been there, we know that building number fluency is about more than just drilling facts—it’s about creating engaging, confidence-boosting experiences that help students develop essential skills for problem-solving and critical thinking.In this episode, we explore how to make fluency fun, effective, and stress-free for all learners. Alisha shares a personal classroom challenge—her highly competitive Year 2 students—and how a simple Speedy Numbers booklet transformed their motivation and engagement. We also discuss alternative approaches to traditional timed tests, ways to foster autonomy in learning, and how to differentiate fluency activitie...2025-02-2321 minRainbow Skies for Teachers70. Your Year-Round Guide to Free Teaching ResourcesAs teachers who've been there, we understand the importance of having reliable, ready-to-use resources at your fingertips. In this episode, we walk you through 12 months of free teaching resources that will make your classroom life easier and more engaging.We're sharing our favourite freebies that we've created specifically for primary teachers, breaking them down month by month so you can plan ahead and feel prepared all year round. All 14 freebies are linked below in the resources section. We dive into practical ways to use these resources, share real stories from teachers who've implemented them, and d...2025-02-1629 minRainbow Skies for Teachers69. Making Play-based Learning Work In Your ClassroomIn this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of play-based learning with Amy from Planning Playtime. Whether you're new to play-based learning or looking to enhance your current approach, this episode is packed with practical insights and actionable strategies.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Amy's inspiring journey into education and the story behind Planning Playtime The science-backed benefits of play-based learning in early education Common misconceptions about play-based learning and how to overcome them Practical tips for implementing play-based activities in your classroomJoin Amy as she unveils the m...2025-02-0931 minRainbow Skies for Teachers68. Reading Group Shortcuts You Will Want To TryIs organising reading groups at the start of the school year stressing you out? We get it. This episode is all about making your back-to-school prep for Reading Group setup smooth, efficient, and effective.We share practical shortcuts, time-saving tips, and proven strategies to help you set up reading groups that work for you and your students. From gathering the right materials to ensuring groups are manageable and purposeful, this episode will help you feel confident and prepared. Whether you’re a new teacher or just looking for a refresh, you’ll walk away with ideas you can...2025-02-0218 minRainbow Skies for Teachers67. Creative Teaching and Sustainable Impact with Rianna from Creations in EducationAre you looking for ways to bring more creativity and joy into your teaching? In this episode, we sit down with Rianna, the educator behind the popular Instagram account, @creationsineducation. Rianna shares her unique approach to blending curriculum goals with fun, hands-on activities that ignite excitement in her students and foster a love for learning. Rianna kicks off the conversation by sharing her approach to balancing the demands of the curriculum with her desire to make lessons fun and engaging. She encourages teachers to think outside the box—bringing lessons outside, incorporating collaborative projects, and using interactive act...2025-01-2633 minRainbow Skies for Teachers66. 5 Things We Wouldn’t Be Doing If We Were In the Classroom This YearIn this episode we’re keeping it real and sharing 5 things we would not be doing if we were teaching in the classroom this year. With years of experience in teaching and supporting educators, we’re reflecting on what really matters, what teachers can let go of, and how to approach the school year with more purpose and less stress.We talk about setting boundaries, prioritising student learning, simplifying homework, and the importance of preparation and transparency. If you’re ready to rethink some habits, focus on what makes a real impact, and reclaim some of your time...2025-01-1940 minRainbow Skies for Teachers65. 5 Fun Icebreaker Games to Kick Off the School YearStarting a new school year can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking for both students and teachers. In this episode, we share 5 simple and engaging icebreaker games that will help you build connections, break the awkward first-day silence, and create a positive classroom culture from day one.These games are perfect for primary classrooms, require minimal preparation, and will get your students interacting and learning about one another while having fun. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, this episode is full of practical, easy-to-implement tips to make your first few...2025-01-1222 minRainbow Skies for Teachers64. 7 Habits of Highly Effective TeachersWhat sets successful educators apart? We’re diving deep to uncover the secrets behind the habits that drive highly effective teachers! Join us as we explore the core practices we believe shape exceptional teaching, helping students thrive and teachers flourish.The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers:They use their time efficiently – Prioritising and managing time effectively is essential for achieving daily goals and fostering a productive classroom environment.They plan ahead and know where they’re heading – These teachers have a clear vision and a roadmap, ensuring their lessons align with larger learning objectives.They’re on top of...2025-01-0527 minRainbow Skies for Teachers63. 7 Game-Changing Time Management Strategies for TeachersWe know that as a teacher, time is one of your most valuable resources. That’s why, in this episode, we’re diving into practical strategies to help you reclaim your time so you can focus on what really matters: teaching and connecting with your students. From organisation hacks to simple routines, we’re sharing tips to keep you one step ahead in your teaching life!We break down 7 time management strategies for teachers:Start with Organisation – Get organised from the start by giving everything in your classroom a “home.” Think about setting up d...2024-12-2920 minRainbow Skies for Teachers62. Practical Tips for Thriving in the ClassroomWe are so excited to share this special replay episode of Ashleigh’s interview on The Teacher Approved Podcast with Emily and Heidi! We had a great conversation about supporting new teachers and how veteran educators can play a key role in helping them thrive. In this conversation we dive deep into the challenges of teaching, from managing imposter syndrome to finding a healthy work-life balance, our favourite tips and strategies to help teachers feel more confident and connected in their roles. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, there’s something here for everyon...2024-12-2231 minRainbow Skies for Teachers61. Kindness is King in the ClassroomThe holiday season is here, and there’s no better time to embrace the spirit of giving! This episode is all about ways to encourage kindness in the classroom, showing students how small acts can make a big difference. Kindness doesn’t cost a thing, yet it holds the power to brighten someone’s day—especially during Christmas! Here are 7 easy, heartwarming ideas for incorporating kindness into your classroom this holiday season.7 Ways to Promote Christmas Kindness Lessons in the Classroom:Daily Reminders – Start each day with a simple reminder or quote about kindn...2024-12-1523 minRainbow Skies for Teachers60. Magical Teaching Moments With Jo EdgarThis week we chat with Jo Edgar, a veteran teacher and the creative mind behind the beloved educational brand, Mrs Edgar. Jo shares her journey into entrepreneurship, fueled by a passion for creating resources that bring both joy and practicality to classrooms. We dive into the magical moments that make teaching so rewarding and explore the core values that guide Mrs Edgar's beautifully crafted teacher planners and resources.Jo opens up about the best parts of teaching, along with some of its biggest challenges, and offers her top tips for staying organised as a teacher. S...2024-12-0831 minRainbow Skies for Teachers59. The Great Equaliser in Classrooms with Kate MinehanIn this episode, we chat with Kate, a passionate educator and author who writes decodable readers. We dive into the importance of reading as a life skill and explore how it acts as a 'ticket' to broader opportunities. Kate shares her non-negotiables when teaching literacy and walks us through the process of writing engaging decodable books. We also discuss the debate between digital texts and physical books, weighing the pros and cons of each.Kate addresses a common criticism of decodable books—that they can be boring and lack a storyline—and offers her perspective on how to m...2024-12-0132 minRainbow Skies for Teachers58. 9 Creative End of Year Classroom Management ideasToday we are sharing the mic with some amazing Aussie teachers to hear some of their secret strategies to help manage their class as the year comes to an end.By the time December rolls around, everyone is tired and often our tried and true classroom management strategies that we have been using all year long aren’t working as well.Now is the time to mix it up! Today, we are sharing 9 different strategies you could try in your classroom, including:VIP desksClass wishlistsBrownie pointsKindness activitiesBucket fillersChristmas ma...2024-11-2419 minRainbow Skies for Teachers57. The Teacher TikToker That is All About Classroom ManagementIntroducing the “Basketball classroom" - Ash is a teacher of 11 years who focuses on not only academic success, but also importantly personal and social success! Ash aka @mrcurmisclassroom on TikTok is passionate about embedding real-life experiences into his lessons, such as using the Olympics to teach decimals or incorporating Wordle into language activities. He discusses why this approach is effective and how he comes up with his innovative ideas. With a significant presence on TikTok, Ash uses his platform to share his teaching experiences and offer opinions on various educational topics. He a...2024-11-1732 minRainbow Skies for Teachers56. STOP! We Have Exciting News To ShareWe’ve hit a huge milestone! This episode is extra special as we’re celebrating our one-year anniversary of podcasting! Over the past year, we’ve shared tips, inspiration, and conversations with passionate educators like you. But the journey doesn’t stop here—big changes are coming!We’re excited to announce that our podcast is getting a new name—Rainbow Skies for Teachers—to reflect our mission of supporting all teachers who want to inspire their students and bring creativity, simplicity and joy into their classrooms.In this episode, we chat about:The journey over the...2024-11-1018 minRainbow Skies for Teachers55. Bringing Yoga to Your Classroom: Practical Tips and Fresh Ideas with Giselle from Kids Yoga StoriesIf you have been sitting on the fence when it comes to incorporating Yoga in the classroom but wasn’t sure how, or you’ve started but need some fresh ideas, then Giselle from Kids Yoga Stories in your gal. Giselle has taken her passion for yoga, mindfulness and education to created books and resources with the intention of sharing the benefits of yoga for children everywhere. Not only will your students benefit from yoga practising but you will to! In today’s chat we talk about: How yoga pract...2024-11-0330 minRainbow Skies for Teachers54. Unlocking 9 Differentiation Strategies“Help! How do I differentiate?”—It’s the number one question we hear from teachers time and time again.Gone are the days when teaching was a one-size-fits-all approach with students simply following along. Now, we understand so much more about how the brain works and how students learn in their own unique ways. That's why differentiation is absolutely essential in today’s classroom. It’s all about ensuring every student can thrive, no matter where they’re starting from!But we know, it isn’t as easy as clicking your fingers and your lessons are differentiat...2024-10-2728 minRainbow Skies for Teachers53. Navigating Teacher Burnout with Kelsey Sorenson: A Life Coach's PerspectiveIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Kelsey Sorenson, a teacher, homeschool mama, certified life coach and author, to dive deep into the issue of teacher burnout. With educators leaving the profession at an alarming rate, we explore what's driving this exodus and how teachers can protect their well-being.A recent Gallup panel shared that 44% of teachers said they are “always” or “almost always” burned out, outpacing all other professions. Perhaps a more shocking statistic than this is most teachers are surprised this statistic isn’t higher!Kelsey shares eve...2024-10-2046 minRainbow Skies for Teachers52. It Takes a Village to Educate a Child with Kylie AltierYou have probably heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child” but what if we applied this to teaching? Kylie Altier has explored this exact idea of it taking a “village” to educate a child and what she discovered was career changing!Throughout today’s episode Kylie shares how she has gone about this transformation of building a village outside the four walls of her classroom and sprinkles through some amazing stories of how doing this has impacted her and her students. Not only that, Kylie shares 5 wa...2024-10-1348 minRainbow Skies for Teachers51. Confessions of a teacher that has walked in your shoesIt is often comforting knowing that someone has walked in your shoes before you. Today’s guest, Bridget, has been teaching for 18 months and is here to share all the truths about the good times, the not so great times and what has helped her survive and thrive in the first year of teaching - and Bridget is in fact thriving. Bridget aka Miss Inclusivity on Instagram, is not only a new teacher but also a business owner so she knows first hand what it is like to be juggling lots of balls. 2024-10-0631 minRainbow Skies for Teachers50. Mark Student Work in Half the Time with These Tested Tips!Looking for ways to mark student work faster and in a more effective way? You have come to the right place!Marking or grading work can be extremely time consuming and let’s face it, as teachers we can often feel very time poor. At the end of the day, marking/grading is all about giving students adequate feedback about their learning and for you as the teacher to monitor their progress. Too often we get caught up in the ‘rules’ our admin gives us, such as: You must mark every piece of work, written feedback needs to be...2024-09-2933 minRainbow Skies for Teachers49. Don’t Fall into These Reading Group TrapsWe have fallen victim to these common reading group traps many times! Today we wanted to share the downfalls we have made and share how you can avoid them in your classroom.Reading groups can feel like juggling a million balls. But even though it can be difficult, they are a crucial part of the school day.Run your reading groups more efficiently and calmly by avoiding these common mistakes:Mistake 1: Over Complicating Activities or Choosing Rowdy TasksMistake 2: Choosing Activities That Require Explicit Instruction or SupervisionMistake 3: Lack of Preparation for...2024-09-2219 minRainbow Skies for Teachers48. Let’s Unpack Simple and Impactful Strategies for Tough ClassroomsOne of the toughest jobs as educators is working with a class of people who are still learning how to self-regulate. You’re doing your best to get them all onboard with the lesson you want to teach them.In this episode, we chat with Dr Jessica Werner who is extremely passionate and motivated to help schools support and retain amazing teachers! As a global educator and professor of education, she understands how tough it is for educators today. We talk about: Common disruptions teachers faceEffective classroom management tech...2024-09-1535 minRainbow Skies for Teachers47. Back to Prac - Essential tips for preservice and mentor teachersToday’s episode has 2 parts, the first is 5 essential tips for preservice teachers embarking on a prac and want to make the best impression from the get-go. The second is for mentor teachers and our advice to help you give your preservice teacher the most valuable learning experience.5 Essential Tips for Preservice Teachers:Manners aren’t just for kidsFirst impressions are a thingGet involved in the classroom and school lifeBuild relationships respectfully and professionallyPhones need to go away while you are on the jobHosting a Prac Student 101:Comm...2024-09-0832 minRainbow Skies for Teachers46. How Music in the Classroom Can Empower and Build Students’ Self-confidence.Today our guest is Caley Rose, a pop singer and songwriter who is on a mission to change the narrative of self-confidence with her Music with a Message Program. In this episode, we talk about:How music is a powerful tool that we’re probably underutilising in the classroom. What teachers will notice when they start using music as a teaching tool.How transformational music can be to our soul + well-being.Caley is all about empowering children and young adults. Her music is filled with self-affirming dialogue that is tran...2024-09-0126 minRainbow Skies for Teachers45. The Speech Pathologist Popstar!Dennis Matthew is a Speech Pathologist by trade, but he doesn’t only work alongside teachers in schools, he is also an author, songwriter, poet and musician with purpose! Dennis travels around to schools all over USA sharing his passion for the underdog to feel seen and heard. We talk about a lot in the episode, including:What an in-school speech pathologist does and how do they support students and teachersDennis’s mission is to help every child find their voice and how he does that through his workHow it is our job as th...2024-08-2544 minRainbow Skies for Teachers44. Stop for this Important Conversation about Teacher Wellbeing With Amy GreenThis episode is an important one. We sit down with Amy, a renowned expert on teacher wellbeing, to debunk myths and provide actionable insights into how educators can improve their wellbeing. Amy shares wisdom from her book Teacher Wellbeing: A Real Conversation for Teachers and Leaders. She discusses the deeper aspects of well-being and common mistakes schools make in addressing this crucial issue. Whether you're a teacher or a school leader, this episode is packed with valuable advice on fostering a healthier, more productive environment.In today’s episode we...2024-08-1854 minRainbow Skies for Teachers43. This is How Kids will Learn their Times Tables Once and For All!Have you ever been that teacher who has complained or been frustrated by the fact that your students don’t know their times tables? As Grade 3 and 4 teachers, we feel you! Building up your students’ times table fluency is so critical in helping develop their numeracy skills.In today’s episode, we are going to share 10 fun ways to engage your students in learning their multiplication facts which in turn will build their fluency and overall confidence as little mathematicians. Big promises? No way! All these games and activities have been tested in our own cl...2024-08-1121 minRainbow Skies for Teachers42. Small but Mighty Classroom Management Strategies for New TeachersLet’s talk about classroom management to help facilitate calm and compassionate classrooms. Today our guest, Claire English from The Unteachables, shares how she believes education is a powerful cycle breaker. Claire is a classroom management expert who is working to shift perceptions about behaviour. She helps teachers all over the world empower themselves by learning about regulation and how our energy impacts the classroom environment. Claire openly shares her own classroom struggles as well as the things she has learned in order to create these calm and compassionate classrooms, including:2024-08-0444 minRainbow Skies for Teachers41. See ya Later Fatigue! Tools for Teacher Wellness and MotivationAs a new teacher, hitting the midpoint of the school year can feel like hitting a solid brick wall. The initial excitement and energy that carried you through the first few months may start to wane, leaving you feeling fatigued and overwhelmed. But don't worry, this is totally normal! In this episode, we share five effective strategies to help you overcome teacher fatigue, regain your enthusiasm, and finish the school year strong (or start out strong if you are one of our teachers in the Northern Hemisphere). 5 Strategies to Co...2024-07-2828 minRainbow Skies for Teachers40. The Easiest and Most Effective Way to Differentiate Maths LessonsCatering for all your student’s needs when teaching Maths is a daunting job! It can feel like you need a clone (or two) of yourself to make it all happen. In this episode, we dive into one of the most common challenges teachers face: effectively differentiating math lessons to meet the diverse needs of their students. The good news is we have the best solution! Math groups, also known as math centres or workshops, offer an engaging and flexible approach to personalised learning. We share how we run math groups and 10 reasons why we thin...2024-07-2131 minRainbow Skies for Teachers39. How Co-regulation Can Positively Change Your Teaching For The BetterIn this episode, we enjoyed talking to Kailey from The Balanced Educator Podcast. She is a breath of fresh air when it comes to learning and understanding the vital role that co-regulation plays in teaching and student learning. If you’ve ever wondered how to start effectively co-regulating with your students, you will want to listen to what Kailey has to share. We unpack:What does co-regulation mean in the context of teaching and learningHow does co-regulation differ from traditional classroom management models, and how does it foster a po...2024-07-1435 minRainbow Skies for Teachers38. Get Your Time Back With These 7 Teacher Time-saving TipsHave you ever been sitting around the staffroom table and caught yourself saying, ‘There just isn’t enough time'? It is no secret that teachers are time-poor. Today, we are discussing time-saving tips, tricks, and hacks that have worked for us over the years. Some of them have been in our toolkit for a long time, and others are totally new discoveries. One of the keys to being effective at your job as a teacher is time management and let’s face it, we all wish...2024-07-0719 minRainbow Skies for Teachers37. Making a Difference In The Classroom with Tam and Jez from The HiveYou don’t want to miss this episode. Our guests today are making waves in the Aussie teacher space. They are wholeheartedly dedicated to making teachers' lives better and achieving greater outcomes for students. They are change-makers, innovators, teacher empaths, cheerleaders and A-listers for Aussie teachers online. Welcome to Mr and Mrs Learning Bee, otherwise known as Tam and Jez, the creators of ‘The Hive’. Throughout this episode, we chat about so many juicy topics, including:How it feels to be a teacherEvidence-based ways of teachingHow the brain learns an...2024-06-3045 minRainbow Skies for Teachers36. Make Reading Groups Your Favourite Part of The Day!We all know what it is like to run reading groups in a primary classroom… hectic, to say the least! It is a time when we get to sit down and work closely with our students, but at the same time, we are managing the remainder of the class that is supposed to be working ‘independently’.Over the years, we have found some activities for the groups working independently that are better than others and today we want to share this wisdom. In this episode of Rainbow Skies for New Teachers, we talk...2024-06-2327 minRainbow Skies for Teachers35. Let’s Talk about Embedding First Nations Perspectives in the Classroom With Lesley WoodhouseIn this insightful episode, we are joined by Lesley, a passionate advocate for integrating First Nations perspectives in education. Lesley shares her expertise on how educators can move beyond the fear of being 'tokenistic' and truly become allies. We delve into practical advice for teachers who are nervous or uneducated about First Nations cultures and discuss the powerful impact teachers can have, especially for children from families that are not allies. Lesley also highlights her efforts to support teachers during NAIDOC Week and shares what this year's theme, "Keep th...2024-06-1639 minRainbow Skies for Teachers34. How to Inject Fun Into An Upper Primary Classroom with Jess StedmanThere are loads of fun and cute ideas out there for the early years in primary school, but how can we keep our upper primary students engaged in their learning?Today we are joined by Jess Stedman, otherwise known as The Sydney Teacher online, and she shares her teaching philosophy with us. She takes a deep dive into how we can create hands-on, open-ended and engaging classrooms for learners in Grades 5-6. Jess is passionate about providing lots of opportunities for her students to move, engage in conversation with e...2024-06-0941 minRainbow Skies for Teachers33. Our All-Time Favourite Maths Resource!Here at Rainbow Sky Creations, we are all about turning everyday stuff into cool lessons. Enter UNO cards - our hands-down favourite resource for Maths ever!The possibilities are endless for UNO cards to spark curiosity and excitement in learners of all levels. We share these helpful lessons ideas for all age groups in today’s episode: Preschool / First Year of School Colour sortingIdentifying numbers before and afterNumber collection matchMaking talliesMaking a number lineGrades 1 and 2Friends to tenSimple addition and subtraction number sentencesNumber of the Day g...2024-06-0221 minRainbow Skies for Teachers32. Move Over Teacher OverwhelmAre you a teacher who sometimes feels like everything at school is just too much? Well, guess what? That's totally normal! We're here to let you know that you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed with all the things teachers have to do. But just because it's common doesn't mean it's good to stay stressed out all the time. We know that being overwhelmed isn't fun, and it's hard to do a good job when you feel that way.Even teachers who've been doing this for years, like us, still have times when we feel overwhelmed. S...2024-05-2637 minRainbow Skies for Teachers31. Advocating for Neurodiverse Students to Create a Classroom of Rainbow Skies with LydiaThis is a conversation every educator needs to hear! Today, we dive deep into advocacy for neurodiverse learners in the classroom with Lydia. Lydia was formally in the medical field and is now a teacher. She is also a mother of 3 children. Her son has a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, OCD and ADHD and one daughter has a diagnosis of ADHD. Lydia shares how she has advocated for her children over the years and how important it is for schools and parents to work together as a team. 2024-05-1946 minRainbow Skies for Teachers30. 10 Ways to Boost Staff Morale and WellbeingSchools can be super inspiring and fun or they can be a total downer (trust us, we have seen it all in our teaching careers). It is so important that teachers come to work every day feeling happy and supported because it is crucial for the well-being and overall vibe of the staff. When your team at work feel appreciated and enjoys being part of the staff team, that energy reflects in the amazing experiences we create for our students.Today, we share some of our favourite ways to show teachers and colleagues that you c...2024-05-1225 minRainbow Skies for Teachers29. What is the Best Way to Teach Reading with Malia HollowellWhat is the best way to teach reading? Today, literacy specialist Malia Hollowell talks to us about best literacy practise. Malia firmly believes that you don’t need to be a reading specialist to be an exceptional reading teacher. In this episode, she shares tools and strategies that will help all teachers (and therefore students) achieve success. During our chat, we talk about:Why is the Science of Reading something teachers need to be paying attention toHow SOR doesn’t mean we need to throw everything away and start...2024-05-0541 min
Toddcast Teacher PodcastEpisode 60 – Ash (Rainbow Sky Creations)Episode 60 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Ash - Rainbow Sky Creations)
For the sixtieth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Ash from Rainbow Sky Creations.
Ashleigh has been a teacher for several years teaching both in Australia and Dubai. During her teaching career she meet her business partner Alisha. Then in 2016 they both wanted to give back to the teaching community and Rainbow Sky Creations was born.
Rainbow Sky Creations helps support and empower teachers throughout Australia and the world especially having a focus on ne...2024-05-0148 minRainbow Skies for Teachers28. Report Writing Made Easier: 12 Hacks to Boost ProductivityOk, we admit it: Report Writing isn’t the most interesting topic in the world of teaching… but we can promise you that once you have listened to this episode, you will be armed with the best productivity hacks that will see your reports being written and completed in record speed!Managing your time and working productively is the key to writing your reports in less time. Today we are going to talk about these 12 strategies that have helped (and still help) us get those reports written and handed into leadership:Eliminate all dist...2024-04-2830 minRainbow Skies for Teachers27. How Seeking Help Paved the Way for Vanessa's SuccessWhat is the key to success as a beginning teacher? Today we are talking with Vanessa, and she strongly feels that asking for help will propel you forward to become a confident first year teacher (and we agree). It isn’t always easy asking for help but as Vanessa says, progress is the goal and getting the support we need is a much quicker way to get closer to that goal.Vanessa sees any challenge she has faced so far in her teaching degree as an adventure, and we love this mindset. She talks ab...2024-04-2126 minRainbow Skies for Teachers26. How Music Can Transform Your Classroom And Your Students’ Brains With RickyThe benefits of music in education have been scientifically proven. Today, we will talk about the practical ways to use this research to create a bigger impact in your classroom. Ricky from Amplify Music Education joins us and talks us through all the ways Music is beneficial to the students sitting in your classroom as well as some practical ways we can implement it.We talk about:How does prior experience in Music (for the teacher) impact teaching and learning in the classroom?What is the importance of t...2024-04-1445 minRainbow Skies for Teachers25. Engaging + Easy Activities for the First Day Back After Term BreakWe are dropping this episode a little early to help you get organised - What are some fun ways I can start the new school term on that first day after the holidays? The first day back after a school break can be challenging for everyone – teachers and students! We are, more likely than not, in holiday mode. The first day is the perfect time to reconnect with your class, find out about their holidays, reestablish the expectations of learning/working habits, and have a bit of fun together.In today’s episode, we brainstorm some...2024-04-0721 minRainbow Skies for Teachers24. The Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and Routines With Emily & HeidiClassroom routines and procedures can be the magic link that can help your classroom run smoothly. They not only help build your class community and get your students working as a team, but they can save you so much time in your day when done well.Today, we chat with Heidi and Emily from the Teacher Approved Podcast. They are passionate about helping teachers set up classroom routines and procedures to help with classroom management success.In this episode we talk about:How can teachers design effective and efficient procedures?How...2024-03-3131 minRainbow Skies for Teachers23. Discover 5 Ways To Boost Student EngagementAs teachers, we know engaging our students is key to enriching their learning experiences. That's why we're here to lend a helping hand with five practical strategies for revving up your classroom vibe:Incorporating student choiceInviting a little friendly competitionConnecting to the real world (life outside the classroom)Utilising technologyUsing open-ended questions and activitiesIncorporating these five strategies into your teaching toolkit can increase student engagement and cultivate an involved learning community. Remember, every classroom is unique, so don't hesitate to adapt these ideas to suit y...2024-03-2431 minRainbow Skies for Teachers22. Harmony Day Made Easy: Simple and Fun Activity Ideas For All The GradesHarmony Week (previously known as Harmony Day) is celebrated in Australia during March. It is about celebrating cultural diversity, tolerance and inclusiveness of all Australians.The main message of Harmony Week is, everyone belongs in our Australian society.The message of Harmony Week is such an important one to teach the next generation, and it is no surprise that teachers all over Australia are looking for ways to implement lessons about this message in their classrooms. Need more help planning Harmony Day / Harmony Week c...2024-03-1724 minRainbow Skies for Teachers21. What is the Science of Reading with Sara MaryeHave you heard people online, around the staffroom, in teacher friend circles talking about the Science of Reading?It is a hot topic right now and for good reason. Today, we are joined by literacy specialist Sara Marye from the Stellar Teaching Company. Sara dives into the Science of Reading and what makes it relevant in our classrooms in 2024. We discuss: What is the Science of ReadingThe 5 pillars of Literacy instructionThe Balanced Literacy Approach vs The Science of Reading The misconceptions about the Science of Reading (aka why som...2024-03-1043 minRainbow Skies for Teachers20. Strategies for Balancing Your Busy Teacher ScheduleHow can you fit everything into the school day? Time is the one thing ALL teachers battle, but we are here to help you make the most out of the hours in your teaching day.Let’s talk about changing our “Time Mindset” and how less is often more with our 7 strategies:Managing your expectationsBeing flexible and open to making adjustmentsUtilising small groups as a teaching methodIdentifying events in the term to help with planningLooking at your program as a wishlist instead of a must do listCombining and integrating the curriculumRemembering quality over quanti...2024-03-0419 minRainbow Skies for Teachers19. Navigating Challenging Behaviours: A Fresh Perspective with Dave JerebEver wondered about the superpower of an Occupational Therapist or OT?Today, we enjoyed talking to Dave Jereb, a trailblazer as a paediatric occupational therapist in Australia. With over two decades of experience, Dave is an accomplished practitioner and a true visionary in his field. His unwavering passion for delivering transformative solutions for challenging behaviour alongside his holistic approach has earned him recognition as a thought leader.From his award-winning ‘Move About activity cards’ to his insightful book ‘Challenging the Story’, Dave’s contributions are reshaping the landscape of occupational therapy. 2024-02-2545 minRainbow Skies for Teachers18. How to Best Support Your Students With Maths AnxietyMath anxiety can be a significant barrier for many students, causing feelings of fear, stress, and avoidance when it comes to math-related tasks. Children may suffer from math anxiety for various reasons, including past negative experiences, pressure to perform, a lack of confidence in their abilities, or a perception that math is too difficult or uninteresting. This anxiety can impact their academic performance and overall attitude towards mathematics, making it essential for educators and parents to address and support students in overcoming these challenges.Today, we share 8 strategies to help y...2024-02-1834 minRainbow Skies for Teachers17. Easy Ways To Nurture Positive Communication With ParentsSo often, we only touch base with parents when there is a problem, whether it be academic, social, or behavioural. Today, we chat about how could we make time to communicate with parents about what their children are doing well outside the regular parent-teacher interviews and reports.We know teacher life is hectically busy and this may seem like just another thing to fit in! So, keeping this in mind, we have put together a few simple ideas for you to communicate with parents to celebrate their children that won’t take hours of yo...2024-02-1121 minRainbow Skies for TeachersHow Positivity Helped Brittany Soar Through Her First YearWe have an awesome BONUS episode that you will not want to miss!Today, we are talking with Brittany, a teacher who has been in the classroom for two years. Brittany is so open and genuine in sharing her struggles and wins - we think you will relate to many of them, too (we certainly did). In this episode, we dive into the many struggles of new teachers, how it is absolutely normal to feel that way and some pearls of wisdom that can help overcome some of these difficulties. Brittany also shares how s...2024-02-0724 minRainbow Skies for Teachers16. First-Year Teaching Adventures with Maddi: Insights, Struggles, and PassionIn this episode, Ashleigh chats with Maddi, a teacher who has just finished her first year teaching in a Year 1-2 class. We wanted to ask Maddi how she found her first year, her struggles, and if she had any advice for those who will walk in her shoes as a first-year teacher this year.Maddi shares so many insightful ideas, including her powerful ‘why’ that explains why she became a teacher in the first place. Maddi’s enthusiasm and passion shine through, and we are sure you will love this episode!If you kno...2024-02-0423 minRainbow Skies for Teachers15. Here's Our Top 5 Free Back to School ActivitiesThe back-to-school season brings teachers an endless list of considerations. If you are like us, you've got lists, ideas, and school things buzzing in your head most of the time!Beyond the classroom setup and all the back-to-school admin, it is also super important to spend time planning fun and helpful lessons for your students in the first week. Because, as you know, the students are the heart of our classrooms!Here are 5 FREE back-to-school activities you can use during that first week:Classroom DetectiveNumber of the DayWe All Smile in the Same Language B...2024-01-2821 minRainbow Skies for Teachers14. Let’s Kick Imposter Syndrome to the CurbImposter syndrome is a real thing! But it is time for you to kick that train of thought to the curb because it isn’t doing you any favours. The good news is you are in the right place to do just that!Have you ever felt like you don’t know what you are doing? Do you feel you aren’t qualified or have enough experience for your job? Do you think soon enough my colleagues are going to discover you're not doing an excellent job and it is all going to be over? THIS IS...2024-01-2125 minRainbow Skies for Teachers13. Dive into Our Top Classroom Setup HacksAs we head into the new year, an attractive and welcoming classroom environment is often top of mind. But, the thing you have to remember is that it is you, as the teacher, that makes the classroom.For some teachers, it is important to set up their classroom in a certain way at the beginning of the school year. The urge to go all out in your first few years of teaching may be strong. If that is your personality type, go for it! If you are more the low-key type, embrace it, and if y...2024-01-1433 minRainbow Skies for Teachers12. Worries to Wins: Overcome the 5 Top Worries of New TeachersTeaching is an exciting ride, but it comes with its fair share of worries, especially for newcomers. From connecting with students to balancing work and life, these concerns can be daunting.New teachers often grapple with common worries that can impact their confidence in and out of the classroom. But we are here to help that…During the show, we discuss the following new teacher worries (that we hear most commonly from new teachers) PLUS we share some of our top solutions to help you with these common stressors:Building relationships with studentsClassroom managementLesson pl...2024-01-0729 minRainbow Skies for Teachers11. Let's Farewell the First Week Jitters in the New Teacher WorkshopWe know how overwhelming teaching can feel when you’re just getting started. That’s why we’re on a mission to help as many new teachers as possible to conquer all the biggest challenges encountered at the start of the school year.Join our annual New Teacher Workshop! During the workshop, we will be going live on January 9th, 10th, 11th of January on Instagram and inside our secret Facebook Group to help you:Plan your first day in the classroomCreate a classroom management planGet access to checklis...2023-12-3112 minRainbow Skies for Teachers10. Teacher, You Are Not Alone: Honest Confessions from the ClassroomThere are not many jobs out there where someone who steps out of university is expected to do and achieve exactly the same thing as someone who has been in the industry and role for 40 years. That is why we need to support each other when teachers are just starting out (even after teaching for over a decade, things can get daunting and hectic at the best of times).Perfection is a unicorn – meaning you can’t be the perfect teacher. The perfect teacher doesn’t exist. Even teachers with all the experience under their belt ma...2023-12-2425 minRainbow Skies for Teachers9. The Dos and Don’ts of Setting Up Your ClassroomThe myriad of choices and factors to consider when thinking about setting up your classroom can be overwhelming. Every teacher shares the common goal of establishing an inviting environment that fosters a sense of welcome and comfort for their students. Additionally, considering the substantial time you'll spend in the classroom throughout the day, it's crucial that the space brings you joy as well.Today, we talk about the things you SHOULD include in your classroom setup, the things you COULD include, and one thing we believe you DON’T need to worry about. Sh...2023-12-1730 minRainbow Skies for Teachers8. Practical Ways to Foster Kindness in the Classroom This ChristmasChristmas is a time of giving. Kindness is a wonderful way to give to others without costing a cent. Here are 7 helpful and simple ideas outlining how you can promote Christmas kindness in the classroom:Daily RemindersDedicating a specific lesson about KindnessKindness Advent CalendarMake Kindness BaublesCreate Kindness Compliment WreathsRun a Kindness Kris KringleKindness Campaign FlyersChristmas is the perfect time to explore and reflect upon how our students can contribute to the world by being kind. And best of all, during the most expensive time of year, kindness is FREE!If you loved...2023-12-1022 minRainbow Skies for Teachers7. Here's How to Survive the End of the School YearIt's beginning to look a lot like chaos leading to the end of the school year. For us in Australia, the weather is warming up, and summer holidays are on the horizon, but there are assessments to complete, reports to finalise and Christmas activities to organise.Let’s talk about effective activities and strategies to help you make it to the finish line.Teacher strategiesMake a master list and tick 1-2 things off per dayChoose an area of the room to tackle each day Map out all the extra events so you...2023-12-0325 minRainbow Skies for Teachers6. End of the Year Classroom Management Ideas to TryToday, we are sharing the mic with four amazing Aussie teachers to hear some of their secret strategies to help manage their classes as the year comes to an end.By the time December rolls around, everyone is tired, and often, our tried and true classroom management strategies that we have been using all year long aren’t working nearly as well.Now is the time to mix it up so you can make it to the finish line still smiling! Today, we are sharing 6 different strategies you could try in your classroom!C...2023-11-2617 minRainbow Skies for Teachers5. Discover 7 Ways for Students to Feel ValuedThe research about how important it is to develop our students’ social and emotional learning is growing daily. How our students feel in the classroom is a big contributor to their success.We know that when students feel secure and valued:They form a deeper connection with you as their teacher / trusted adultThey are more likely to be ready and open to learningLess conflict occurs in the classroomToday, we chat about 7 things you can do as a teacher that will help your students feel seen and valued:Greet students in the mo...2023-11-1925 minRainbow Skies for Teachers4. The Biggest Mistakes We Made as New TeachersWe want to let you in on a little secret – simplicity is your key to success as a teacher. Keeping it simple will save you time, energy and heartache in the long run.In this episode, we talk about how overcomplicated we can make things for ourselves and how to simplify tasks to make teacher life easier!We discuss how to simplify:Classroom jobsAll the papers + digital documentsPlanning lessons such as reading groupsOrganising classroom materialsStoring work when students are awaySetting student goalsPhotocopyingUltimately, there are millions of...2023-11-1332 minRainbow Skies for Teachers3. Three Things Teachers Need to Stop DoingAre you drowning in everything that is expected of you as a classroom teacher? We are definitely here to say that the struggle is real, but there are a few simple adjustments you can make today so it doesn’t feel so hard.If there’s one thing teachers DON’T have, it’s enough time. So here are 3 things you’ll want to stop doing immediately if you don’t have a minute to waste:Stop comparing yourself to other teachers!Stop making lesson plans, resources, and programs from scratch!Stop trying to do it on...2023-11-0511 minRainbow Skies for Teachers2. 7 Habits of a Highly Effective TeacherWhat habits make great teachers successful? We have thought long and hard and listed 7 habits that we believe highly effective teachers share and engage in. Let’s do this…The 7 Habits of a Highly Effective Teacher:They use their time efficientlyThey plan ahead and know where they’re headingThey are on top of data collection from the get-goTheir main focus in the classroom is relationshipsThey are learners themselvesThey are team players + have a positive outlookThey are organisedSo there you have it, 7 habits of highly effective educators. What e...2023-11-0525 minRainbow Skies for Teachers1. 5 Secrets for a Successful First YearHave you ever wondered what the secret sauce is to having the most successful first year as a teacher? Today, we are breaking it down with our 5 strategies for teaching success, especially if you are in your first couple of years.The 5 strategies we cover in this episode:Focus on RelationshipsBe FlexibleHold onto your MoneyMake Time for YouAuthenticity Makes You HumanTeaching is like no other job: it is tough, it is rewarding, and it can be so much fun! Remember, if you are dedicated and doing...2023-11-0518 minRainbow Skies for TeachersWelcome to Rainbow Skies for New TeachersWelcome to Rainbow Skies for New Teachers – your go-to destination for transforming those rookie jitters into teaching magic! 🌈Whether you're on the cusp of your first teaching adventure, navigating your early years in the classroom, or still dreaming about it, we're here to guide you through it all! Think of us as your trusty teaching buddies, here to help you become the educator you've always aspired to be! 🏫✨If you have a specific topic that you would like us to cover, reach out to us on Instagram @rainbowskycreations.Find more helpful teaching ti...2023-10-2302 min
Build Your BrandGrowing An Audience Of Over 1m (ft Ashleigh Jade)This week we are joined by Ashleigh Jade, an influencer, coach and content creator who jumped from the world of beauty pageants to build her own dream job in social media.Do you have a topic you would like discussed on the show? Let us know by emailing us at buildyourbrand@novapodcasts.com.au CREDITS Host: Alisha MarfatiaGuest: Ashleigh JadeSenior Producer/Editor: Hannah BowmanManaging Producer: Andrew Brentnall LINKS Alisha's Instagram @thesocialimpact.au Ashleigh's Instagram @itsashleighjade Nova Podcast's Instagram @novapodcastsofficial2022-01-1245 min
The Teacher's Guide Podcast18 - Secrets to a successful first year of teaching with Alisha from Rainbow Sky CreationsWhat are the secrets to a successful first year as a teacher?Alisha from Rainbow Sky Creations joins us on the podcast this week to give us 5 of her best tips. In short, here are her 5 tips: 1. Get organised – know where everything in your classroom will be stored. Worksheets. Resources. Make a place for everything. 2. Routine & expectations. Practice these and remind your students again and again. 3. Find time in your week to plan the following week. Where am I...2021-01-1433 min