Rainbow Skies for Teachers

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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Sometimes your class doesn't need another lesson, they just need a reset…
In this episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we're sharing 6 quick, engaging brain breaks that are perfect for those moments when your students need to move, laugh and refocus. The best part? They all use one simple classroom resource that you probably already have sitting in a drawer.
These games are low-prep, easy to explain and flexible enough to work across a range of year levels. Whether you're filling the last five minutes before lunch, breaking up a long maths block or simply bringing the energy back into your classroom, we've got you covered.

In this episode, we'll chat about:
Why brain breaks are essential for student focus and learning.
How one simple pack of cards can become your new favourite classroom tool.
6 fun brain break games that are quick to set up and easy to play.
Ways to adapt each activity for different ages and abilities.
Tips for keeping students engaged without adding to your workload.
If you aren't using brain breaks regularly in your classroom, consider this episode a sign to get started!
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
28 Brain Breaks using UNO cards 
Check out our Rainbow Coins Loyalty program here

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What do your students remember most about their time in your classroom?
It's probably not the math lesson or the spelling test. It's how you made them feel.
This week, Ashleigh sits down with James to explore one of the most powerful aspects of teaching: building genuine relationships that help every student feel seen, valued and connected.
From creative morning roll calls and fun call-and-response routines to greeting every child at the classroom door, James shares the simple strategies that have transformed the culture of his classroom. Together, Ashleigh and James unpack why the smallest moments often have the biggest impact, and how making time for connection doesn't mean sacrificing learning.
They also dive into leadership, discussing how school leaders can encourage fun and creativity without adding pressure, and why giving teachers permission to build relationships in ways that suit their own style is so important.

In this episode, we chat about:
Why students remember how you made them feel long after they've forgotten the learning
Creative ways to transform routines into a relationship-building opportunities
Simple greeting rituals
How listening to students' interests can completely change engagement, behaviour and confidence.
Practical classroom ideas 
Why teachers need permission to have fun without feeling like they're creating extra work for everyone else
Relationships aren't something you fit in around the curriculum, they're the foundation that makes great learning possible. If you've ever wondered whether those little conversations, silly moments or personalised gestures really matter, this episode is your reminder that they absolutely do.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
Listen to our previous episode with James about brain breaks here.

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About Today’s Guest
James is an innovative educator and passionate primary teacher with over 12 years of experience in education, including 6 years in senior leadership. Throughout his career, he has specialised in curriculum implementation, coaching, innovation, creative arts, and wellbeing—always striving to inspire and engage both students and teachers through creative and out-of-the-box approaches. 
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Book Week is one of the most exciting events on the school calendar, but let's be honest, it can also feel like one more thing to organise!
In this episode, we share a collection of fun, low-prep, and creative Book Week ideas that will have your students excited about reading without adding unnecessary stress to your week.
From engaging classroom challenges and hands-on crafts to whole-school activities that build a love of books, you'll leave this episode with plenty of inspiration to make Book Week memorable for everyone.

In this episode, we chat about:

What Book Week is and why we love it
The Book Detectives challenge that gets students exploring books 
Creative ways to use your school library to encourage curiosity and conversation
A fun book swap that builds excitement around reading 
Turning cereal boxes into impressive 3D book displays 
Emoji-inspired reading response activities 
A global reading challenge that introduces students to stories from around the world
Book tastings that help students discover new authors or stories
A whole-school Where's Wally treasure hunt 
Book Week doesn't have to be elaborate to be memorable.
The most successful celebrations are the ones where teachers and students genuinely share their excitement for books and stories. When we create opportunities for curiosity, conversation and creativity, we're helping students build a lifelong love of reading, and that's what Book Week is all about.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned

Book Week costume inspiration
Costume inspiration using your Where’s Wally Striped shirt
Our Book Week classroom activity collection
The Book Detectives activity for Grades K-2 and Grades 3-6
Cereal box book covers - Learn how here 
3D Book Week craft
The FREE Where's Wally treasure
Our blog packed with even more Book Week ideas
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Want to help your students become faster, more confident mathematicians?
In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful number skills you can teach in the early years: doubles and halving. These foundational strategies help students move beyond counting, build number fluency and free up valuable brainpower for more complex mathematical thinking.
Best of all? Learning doesn't have to feel like drill and practice.We're sharing our favourite hands-on activities, low-prep games and engaging classroom ideas that make doubles and halving fun, memorable and meaningful for students in Grades 1–3. 
In this episode, we chat about:
Why doubles and halving are high-impact skills for developing number fluency
How these strategies support stronger mathematical thinking
Fun classroom games like Spot the Number and Flip It and Doubling with Dice
Ways to adapt activities for independent work, partner tasks or small-group challenges
Simple ideas for sending math games home to reinforce learning with families
When students know their doubles and halves automatically, they're free to focus on solving bigger mathematical problems instead of using all their energy to count.
By making practice hands-on, playful and engaging, you're building strong number sense while helping students develop confidence that lasts well beyond the primary years.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
FREE Doubles Speedy Number booklet
Doubles Ladybug CraftDoubles 
Spot the Number game
Flip It - Doubles and Halves
Doubling and halving chatterboxes
Guess Who game
Doubling card and dice games
Digital Doubling games
Find more doubling lesson inspo on our blog

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