Rainbow Skies for Teachers

Ever handed out a “math game” that was really just a worksheet with a dice on top? You’re not alone, and this episode will change how you choose games from now on.
This week Ashleigh sits down with James Russo, a maths education researcher from Monash who spends his days in real primary classrooms testing what actually works. James unpacks the difference between a genuine math game and a gamified worksheet, why the maths has to be baked into the game rather than bolted on top, and the small teacher moves that turn a bit of fun into real mathematical thinking. If you love a good classroom game but sometimes wonder whether your students are actually learning from it, this one’s for you. 
In this episode, we cover:
What separates a real math game from a gamified worksheet, and why it matters
3 things every good math game needs
How to pause a game for a quick mathematical investigation
Using “beat the teacher” and pair play to harness competition without the chaos
Why your energy as the teacher is the secret ingredient to engagement
What’s the one math game your class begs to play? Come tell us over on Instagram, we’re always hunting for new favourites to try.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh
Enjoying the Podcast?
If you’re loving Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we’d be so grateful if you could subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a teacher friend. Your support helps us reach more educators and continue inspiring teachers around the world.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
James’s free math games: surfmaths.com/games
Email James: james.russo@monash.edu
Rainbow Sky Creations UNO Math games
About Today’s Guest
James Russo is a mathematics education researcher and teacher educator with a strong interest in how mathematical games support meaningful learning in classrooms. He’s a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education at Monash University and spends a lot of time in primary classrooms working alongside teachers, trying out ideas, tinkering with tasks and games, and exploring how small design choices shape students’ mathematical thinking. James has written extensively for teacher audiences and is a former editor of Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom and Prime Number. He’s known for hands-on, classroom-focused presentations drawn straight from everyday teaching practice.
About the Podcaster: Ashleigh Smith
Ashleigh Smith is an experienced primary educator, former school leader and Co-Founder of Rainbow Sky Creations. With almost 20 years in education, Ashleigh has taught in Australia and internationally in Dubai, UAE. Today, she draws on her classroom and leadership experience to create practical, engaging resources that save teachers time and make learning meaningful and fun. A passionate cheerleader for teachers, Ashleigh is all about helping educators work smarter, not harder. She also co-hosts the Rainbow Skies for Teachers podcast, sharing practical ideas, strategies and encouragement with primary teachers around the world. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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A positive school culture doesn't happen by chance, it grows through the little moments we create every day.
In this episode, Ashleigh and Alisha share a simple but powerful five-day staff morale challenge designed to bring more connection, kindness and joy into your school. Whether you're a classroom teacher, team leader or school administrator, these easy-to-implement ideas will help create a workplace where everyone feels seen, valued and supported.
We'll also chat about why our brains naturally focus on the negatives, why intentionally creating positive moments matters, and how even the smallest gestures can have a ripple effect across your whole school community.
In this episode, we cover:
Why staff morale matters more than ever.
The science behind why we naturally notice the negatives.
Our simple five-day staff morale challenge.
How gratitude can strengthen workplace relationships.
Fun whole-school activities that build connection.
Extra ideas to keep positive school culture growing all year long.
Free printable Staff Morale Challenge resources (linked below).
Our popular Staff Morale blog post.
Rainbow Sky Creations teaching resources.
Have you tried any of these staff morale ideas at your school? Come and share your favourite ways to spread kindness and build a positive school culture. We'd love to celebrate your ideas with our teaching community.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Enjoying the Podcast?
If you're loving Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we'd be so grateful if you could subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a teacher friend. Your support helps us reach more educators and continue inspiring teachers around the world.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
Free printable Staff Morale Challenge
Our popular Staff Morale blog post
Where’s Wally free printables

About Rainbow Sky Creations
Ashleigh Smith and Alisha Hughes are experienced primary educators and the co-founders of Rainbow Sky Creations. With more than 30 years of combined classroom experience teaching in Australia and internationally, they create practical, engaging resources that help primary teachers save time and make learning meaningful and fun. Together, they also host the Rainbow Skies for Teachers podcast, sharing classroom ideas, teacher tips and real-world strategies with educators around the world. Connect with us on Instagram or LinkedIn.

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Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your students (and yourself) is press the reset button!
In this episode, we share their favourite classroom and teacher reset strategies to help you bring calm, focus and fun back into the school day. Whether your class is feeling restless or you're running on empty, these simple ideas will help everyone recharge and return ready to learn.
We'll explore why taking a reset isn't wasted time, it's actually one of the best ways to improve focus, wellbeing and productivity. From quick classroom activities to simple self-care ideas for teachers, you'll walk away with practical strategies you can use straight away.
In this episode, we cover:
Why classroom and teacher resets are so important.
Quick activities to help students refocus and re-engage.
Creative reset ideas including drawing, origami and games.
Fun ways to lift the mood when your class needs a fresh start.
Simple self-care strategies teachers can use after a busy day.
Have a favourite classroom reset or self-care strategy? We'd love to hear it! Come and share your go-to ideas with our teaching community and help inspire other educators.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh
Enjoying the Podcast?
If you're loving Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we'd be so grateful if you could subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with a teacher friend. Your support helps us reach more educators and continue inspiring teachers around the world.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Art for Kids Hub
Origami resources
Listen to previous episodes on brain breaks - Episode 147 and Episode 80
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About Rainbow Sky Creations
Ashleigh Smith and Alisha Hughes are experienced primary educators and the co-founders of Rainbow Sky Creations. With more than 30 years of combined classroom experience teaching in Australia and internationally, they create practical, engaging resources that help primary teachers save time and make learning meaningful and fun. Together, they also host the Rainbow Skies for Teachers podcast, sharing classroom ideas, teacher tips and real-world strategies with educators around the world. Connect with us on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Let's hear from you! Text us!

Teaching math isn't just about delivering great lessons. It's about juggling fast finishers, planning engaging activities, differentiating for every learner and somehow finding the time to prepare it all.
If you've ever felt like you're reinventing the wheel every math lesson, this episode is for you!
In this episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we're tackling nine of the most common challenges when teaching math and sharing practical, low-prep solutions that will help you save time while building confident, engaged mathematicians. From reusable games to simple classroom routines, these ideas are designed to help you work smarter, not harder.
In this episode, we'll chat about:
Simple strategies for keeping fast finishers meaningfully engaged
Fun alternatives to repetitive maths fact practice 
How to build maths centres without constantly creating new resources
Ways to cut down on prep time 
Tips for helping students work independently 
Easy ways to differentiate without doubling your workload
How games naturally encourage rich mathematical conversations 
Why reusable resources are a better investment than one-off activities
Practical ideas for keeping students motivated and excited about math
One of the biggest themes throughout this episode is the power of using familiar, flexible resources in multiple ways. Whether it's a simple deck of cards, dice or reusable game templates, you'll discover how versatile resources can support a wide range of math concepts while giving your students the confidence that comes with familiar routines.
If you're looking to make math lessons more engaging, more manageable and a lot more fun, this episode is packed with ideas you can start using straight away.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
Times table games
Math Chatterboxes
Flip it Games (for all operations)
UNO Math Games collection for all grades
Check out our Rainbow Coins Loyalty program here
Previous Podcast Episodes mentioned:
Episode 54: Unlocking 9 Differentiation Strategies
Episode 78: Making division fun
Episode 148: 5 Math Warmups with Jess Stedman

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Looking for fresh ways to spark mathematical thinking without spending hours preparing? This week we sit down with Jess from The Sydney Teacher to talk about five simple, engaging math warm-ups that you can take straight into your classroom tomorrow.
These warmups are fun, flexible, require little to no preparation, and best of all, they're designed with a low floor, high ceiling approach. That means every student can join in, experience success, and be challenged at their own level.
In this episode, we explore:
Why low-prep math warm-ups can have such a big impact.
How to encourage rich mathematical thinking through open-ended tasks
Simple activities that promote problem-solving, reasoning and discussion
Ways to engage every learner, regardless of ability
5 math warmups you can add to your toolbox and start using tomorrow!
Whether you're filling the first ten minutes of your math lesson, reviewing concepts, or simply looking to build excitement around math,this episode is full of practical inspiration that you can implement straight away.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Jess on Instagram @the.sydney.teacher - Send her a DM with the word MONDAY to get on her Monday morning maths club list. 
Check out her website here.

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About Today’s Guest
Jess, also known as The Sydney Teacher, is an experienced Australian primary school teacher with a passion for helping children build confidence and success in maths. After becoming frustrated with resources that didn't align with the curriculum or stand up to the realities of everyday classrooms, she began creating her own. Today, she designs classroom-tested, curriculum-aligned maths resources that are practical, engaging, and easy for teachers to use—helping educators save valuable time while giving students meaningful learning experiences.
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