NAIDOC Week. The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy
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 AshleighConnect with our guests:Lesley at Wingaru Education or @wingaru_educationAaron from @mr.j.learning.space or the Teacher Takeaway PodcastBrooke @lineh_learning Jordyn at The Yulang Effect or @ jordyn_yulang Erin at @ miss_broughtonLet's hear from you! Text us!
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88. Outdoor Classrooms: Big Benefits, Simple Steps
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 regulateThe developmental benefits of sensory-rich outdoor experiencesWhy nature can help teachers as well as their students Creative ways to meet literacy and numeracy outcomes through learning outdoorsTips for making the most of small or urban environmentsWhy outdoor learning doesn’t stop when the weather turnsOne small action teachers can take tomorrow to bring nature into their classroomIf 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 AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Connect with Victoria on Instagram, LinkedIn or FacebookVictoria’s Website: www.outdoor-classrooms.comListen to Victoria’s Podcast: The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!
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87. Let’s Get Squishy: 8 Playdough Activities to Supercharge Your Maths Lessons
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 developmentCreative activities for teaching multiplication, area, perimeter & moreIdeas for using playdough to make abstract maths visible and tactileA simple recipe to whip up your own classroom batchA free bonus guide to help you plan engaging maths lessons students will loveWhether 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 AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Our fave Playdough recipeFree Guide: 6 ways to create math lessons your students loveFind visuals of the activities we spoke about today here. APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!
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86. The Veteran Principal breaking all the “rules” - An Interview with Principal Lamb
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 cartWhat 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 teacherHow 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 AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Connect with Jared on Instagram, TikTok or YouTubeAPPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!
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85. 6 Strategies to Help Your Students Love Math
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 workloadThe power of concrete materials and open-ended tasksWays to promote a growth mindset and celebrate every learnerHow identifying “good mathematician behaviours” can boost confidenceThe importance of engaging all learning stylesA fun and free game, Multiplication Flip It, to bring fluency practice to lifeFrom 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 AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Free Multiplication Flip It GameFree eBook: 6 ways to create math lessons your students loveAudio Summit Access PassAPPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!
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
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