PodcastsEducationRainbow Skies for Teachers

Rainbow Skies for Teachers

Ashleigh and Alisha
Rainbow Skies for Teachers
Latest episode

131 episodes

  • Rainbow Skies for Teachers

    128. Sport Is Not PE (And PE Is Not Sport) with Kelly Bell

    29/03/2026 | 34 mins.
    Have you ever wondered how you’re meant to fit meaningful movement into an already packed school day?In this energising conversation, we sit down with Kelly Bell to unpack PDHPE and how it looks on a daily basis at school. 
    Kelly helps us rethink what quality physical education actually looks like, and why it matters so much for every child, not just the “sporty ones”. 
    We also explore how classroom teachers can confidently integrate movement through simple brain breaks and intentional activity, even without specialist training.
    In This Episode, We Chat About:
    Why sport and physical education are often confused
    What high-quality PE actually aims to develop
    The mindset shift classroom teachers need around movement
    How brain breaks can transform focus, regulation and learning
    Simple ways to integrate movement into your classroom without adding to your workload
    Why sport or PE isn’t a reward
    If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not sporty enough to teach this well,” this episode will shift your perspective in the best way.
    Rainbows ahead,
    Alisha and Ashleigh
    Resources Mentioned in this episode: 
    You can ask Kelly any questions at: [email protected] 
    Find Kelly’s membership for Primary Teachers here
    Connect with Kelly on Instagram

    APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

    About Today’s Guest
    Kelly Bell understands the challenges of teaching PDHPE and CAFS because she has lived them. With over two decades in education, Kelly transformed from classroom teacher to becoming NSW's trusted voice in PDHPE, Community & Family Studies and Health and Movement Science. 
    Since 2007, Kelly has empowered over 4,000 Primary, PDHPE and CAFS teachers and supported more than 8,000 students across NSW. Today, 
    The Learning Network stands as NSW's premier resource hub for K-6 Primary PDHPE, 7-10 PDHPE, Health & Movement Science, Community & Family Studies and Dance education.
    The Learning Network is dedicated to helping NSW teachers reclaim their work-life balance while maintaining teaching excellence. Our comprehensive suite of resources, memberships and professional learning workshops are designed to reclaim your afternoons, holidays and weekends. 
    Let's hear from you! Text us!
  • Rainbow Skies for Teachers

    127. Simple Ways to Make Math Lessons the Most Exciting Part of the Day

    22/03/2026 | 18 mins.
    In this episode, we’re sharing simple ways to make your math lessons more engaging and enjoyable, for both you and your students.
    If math sometimes feels like a subject that’s hard to bring to life, you’re not alone. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to create lessons your students genuinely love.
    We’re talking about practical strategies that help build engagement, encourage mathematical thinking, and make learning feel more interactive in your classroom. From games and hands-on learning to student voice and rich tasks, these ideas are designed to help you work smarter, not harder.
    And the best part? Many of these strategies require very little prep and can easily fit into your existing maths block.
    What We Cover in This Episode:
    Why making math lessons fun benefits both students and teachers
    How to easily incorporate simple math games into your lessons
    The power of hands-on materials for building understanding
    How math groups can support differentiation in your classroom
    Using rich tasks to promote deeper thinking and discussion
    Ways to include student voice and encourage mathematical risk-taking
    How Uno cards can become an instant engagement tool in your maths lessons
    If you’ve been looking for ways to bring more energy, curiosity, and confidence into your math lessons, this episode is full of practical ideas you can start using straight away.
    Rainbows ahead,
    Alisha and Ashleigh

    Resources mentioned in this episode:
    Freebie: 6 Ways to Create Maths Lessons Your Students Love
    Free Uno Maths Game: Place Value and Volume Conversions
    Free Multiplication Flip it games
    Free Friends to 10 spinner game 
    Free Friends to 20 spinner game
    Math Chatterboxes for Grade 1-2 and Grades 3-4
    UNO Math games for all ages (K-6)

    APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON
    Let's hear from you! Text us!
  • Rainbow Skies for Teachers

    126. Devices Don’t Fix Schools - Intentional Technology Integration Does

    15/03/2026 | 1h 7 mins.
    In this episode, Alisha sits down with Robby Cobbs, an international educator and the founder of Tech My School, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting underfunded schools in Puerto Rico through thoughtful technology integration and teacher training.
    Robby shares his personal journey from growing up with limited resources, to teaching around the world, and eventually settling in Puerto Rico, where he witnessed firsthand the deep educational inequities facing local schools. What began as donating computers to a single school grew into a scalable nonprofit model supporting educators, students, and school leaders.
    What We Cover in This Episode:
    Robby’s path from international teaching to founding Tech My School
    Why access to technology alone isn’t enough
    The difference between EdTech (technology supporting instruction) and TechEd (student skill-building)
    How AI can support teachers without replacing human connection
    The importance of balancing digital tools with hands-on learning
    Building trust with educators, parents, and school communities
    Key Takeaways
    Technology works best when paired with strong relationships and clear educational goals
    Teachers need ongoing support and training - not just new devices
    AI can be a powerful planning and reflection tool when used responsibly
    Student learning improves when technology is intentional, balanced, and culturally responsive
    Change with technology doesn’t have to be scary and overwhelming. This conversation explores how technology can meaningfully enhance learning when it’s implemented with intention, balance, and trust.
    Rainbows ahead,
    Alisha and Ashleigh

    Resources Mentioned in this episode: 
    Tech My School – A nonprofit providing technology, training, and strategic planning to schools
    TechPlan Genie – An AI-powered tool that helps schools create, track, and refine strategic technology plans
    Connect with Robby on Instagram 
    Check out Robby’s book, Tech Centered, Learning Driven.

    APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

    About Today’s Guest
    Robby is a life-long international educator who started Tech My School, an educational non-profit dedicated to serving underprivileged schools that has grown from a single school in 2021 to serving over 50 schools by the end of 2025.  In 2024, he authored his first book, "Tech Centered, Learning Driven" and in 2025 he developed his first piece of commercially available software called "Tech Plan Genie".
    Let's hear from you! Text us!
  • Rainbow Skies for Teachers

    125. Harmony Day Planning Made Easy: Meaningful Activities Without the Stress

    08/03/2026 | 16 mins.
    Harmony Week is such a special time in Australian classrooms… but let’s be honest, it can sneak up on us!
    In this episode,we chat all things Harmony Week and how to plan meaningful, inclusive lessons without adding to your already full plate. If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond “wearing orange” and truly embed the message of inclusivity and kindness in your classroom, this episode is for you.
    We’re sharing simple strategies, ready-to-use ideas, book recommendations, and interactive activities that will help your students understand what Harmony Week is really about — and how they can live it every single day.
    What We Cover in This Episode:
    A series of lessons you could teach about Harmony Day and the themes
    Picture book recommendations
    2 reflective craft ideas that will look great hanging in your classroom
    A freebie to help spread the message of Harmony Day / Harmony WeekA
    And remember, these conversations don’t stop after one week. Harmony Week is the starting point, not the finish line.
    Rainbows ahead,
    Alisha and Ashleigh
    Resources mentioned in this episode:
    Harmony Day / Week Teaching slides (PowerPoint)
    7 Picture Books to Celebrate Harmony
    Harmony Hands craft
    3D Harmony Heart
    Freebie: Harmony Badges

    APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON
    Let's hear from you! Text us!
  • Rainbow Skies for Teachers

    124. What We Hate About Reading Groups

    01/03/2026 | 27 mins.
    Reading groups… we love the idea of them. But let’s be honest, sometimes they feel overwhelming, noisy, and just plain stressful.
    In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about the challenges teachers face during reading groups!
    If reading groups feel chaotic instead of calm in your classroom, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and rebuild with systems that actually work.
    We’re sharing practical strategies to help you feel organised, confident, and back in control, without adding more to your plate.
    What We Cover in This Episode:
    • The biggest frustrations teachers face during reading groups (and why you’re not alone)
    • How clear routines and expectations can completely transform your sessions
    • Why a consistent, predictable timetable reduces stress for you and your students
    • The power of starting with a “top five” set of independent activities
    • How a dress rehearsal can set your groups up for long-term success
    • Planning tips like batching, reusing resources, and using simple templates
    • Tools like The Hive platform to streamline your reading group organisation
    • A practical guide to help you transform your reading groups step by step
    Reading groups don’t have to feel chaotic. With the right systems, routines, and ready-to-go resources, they can become one of the most powerful parts of your literacy block.
    You don’t need more ideas - you need a foolproof system. Let’s work smarter, not harder, together!
    Rainbows ahead,
    Alisha and Ashleigh

    Resources mentioned in this episode:
    Transform your Reading Groups (course for teachers)
    The Hive - Use the code ASHLEIGH15 for a 15% discount
    Ready to print reading group activities for:
    Kindergarten
    Grade 1-2
    Grade 3-4
    Grade 5-6
    *Note: These activities are included in Transform your Reading Groups

    APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON
    Let's hear from you! Text us!

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About Rainbow Skies for Teachers

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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