Rainbow Skies for Teachers

• 112. The Ultimate Brain Break Toolbox for the End of the Year

  The countdown is on, the energy is high, and if you’ve ever looked around your classroom and thought, “We need a reset right now,” this episode is for you.In this episode, we’re opening up our Brain Break Toolbox with eight quick and cheerful ideas to help your students reset, refocus, and release that festive season energy in a purposeful way.These aren’t time-fillers. They’re intentional, effective, and designed to help you maintain calm and / or connection in the final stretch before the holidays.From silent snowflakes to Christmas countdown breathing, these tools will help you create balance, boost student focus, and support your own wellbeing as the end-of-year buzz ramps up.What You’ll Learn:Simple movement-based brain breaks that promote calmQuick energy-burners to reset the vibe fastFestive activities that still encourage teamwork and focusHow to use brain breaks as a proactive classroom management toolWhy small resets can make a big difference to behaviour and learningYou’ve got this, teachers. Keep breathing, stay playful, and finish the term feeling proud.Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Episode 80: Brain Breaks That Work with James RobinsonGrab our favourite Christmas freebie here.Let's hear from you! Text us!

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• 111. 10 Classroom Management Secrets to Survive the Silly Season (and Still Smile!)

  The countdown to Christmas is officially ON, and if your classroom is starting to feel more festive frenzy than focused fun, this episode is for you!In this episode, we share 10 practical and playful classroom management ideas to help you keep calm, maintain learning momentum, while sprinkling in some festive joy as the year wraps up.From creative countdowns to calm-down corners, gratitude circles to secret elves, these strategies are designed to bring structure and sparkle to your classroom, without exhausting you in the process.What You’ll Learn:How to maintain classroom routines when festive chaos hitsFun and easy incentive systems that workSimple ways to keep learning purposeful in the final weeksTips for protecting your teacher energy during the busiest time of yearWhy gratitude, calm, and connection are the real Christmas magic Let’s work smarter (not harder) this season and finish strong, together. You’ve got this!Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the 7 Days of Christmas freebies here. Christmas Blooms Activities Grades 1-2Christmas Blooms Activities Grades 3-6Kindness Christmas tree (freebie)Grades 1-2 Holiday Math Code CrackerGrades 3-6 Holiday Math Code CrackerAPPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!

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• 110a. Public Service Announcement - Don’t miss these updates!

  Something big is happening behind the scenes at Rainbow Sky Creations, and we couldn’t wait to share it with you! In this special bonus episode, we officially unveil our fresh rebrand of Rainbow Sky Creations, complete with a beautiful new website and a fun teacher-friendly Scavenger Hunt that’ll get you rewarded just in time for Black Friday!Here’s what we’re celebrating in this bonus episode:The launch of our updated website designed with teachers like YOU in mindA fun Scavenger Hunt where you collect hidden letters to unlock a $10 store creditA sneak peek at our upcoming Black Friday sale A reminder to sign up for our 7 days of Christmas FreebiesWhether you’re a loyal long-time fan or brand new to our community, this episode is your golden ticket to discover everything coming your way this season, including freebies, discounts, and awesome resources to help you finish the year strong.Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Join the Scavenger Hunt hereSign up for the 7 Days of Christmas here. Be sure to keep checking your inbox for all the goodies coming your way!APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!

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• 110. Ready for a Little Teacher Fun? Join Our Teacher Scavenger Hunt!

  This week on Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we’re taking you behind the scenes of something we’ve been quietly working on for months… our brand-new website! And because teachers deserve a little fun at this time of year, we’re celebrating the launch with an interactive scavenger hunt that ends in free resources for YOU!In this episode, we’re sharing: • Our fun, teacher-themed scavenger hunt • How to join the hunt, find the hidden letters and claim your $10 voucher • How to score our Christmas Mega Bundle (valued at $25) for free • Teacher-favourite resources you can use your voucher on • What to expect during our Black Friday weekend of flash deals, daily drops and surprise bonusesJoin the Scavenger HuntExplore our new website, hunt for the hidden letters, crack the code and claim your $10 voucher. The first 20 teachers to redeem will also receive our Christmas Mega Bundle for free.This is one of our most exciting episodes yet because it is all about giving back to our amazing listeners. We know the end of the year is full, busy and often overwhelming. A little fun and a little treat can go a long way…. And this episode is your invitation to celebrate with us! Get ready to  treat yourself to resources that make classroom life easier.Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Join the Scavenger Hunt here.Check out our beautiful new website here.Here are some teacher favourites you might want to grab with your $10 voucher:• UNO Maths Games• Flip It Games• Word of the Day• Multiplication Fluency GamesAPPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!

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• 109. Why Vision Matters More Than You Think: Behavioural Optometry & Classroom Learning with Amy Fortescue

  Could undiagnosed vision issues be holding your students back? In this eye-opening episode, Ash chats with behavioural optometrist Amy Fortescue to unpack how children’s vision, far beyond just 20/20 eyesight, can deeply affect their learning, behaviour, and classroom confidence.Amy introduces us to the world of behavioural optometry, where the eyes are seen as an extension of the brain. Together, Ash and Amy explore how visual challenges like eye tracking issues, visual processing delays, and undetected long-sightedness can impact everything from reading fluency to attention and even writing development.Plus, Amy shares practical signs for teachers to look out for, classroom strategies to support visual learners, and why a standard preschool screening often isn’t enough.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What behavioural optometry is and why it matters in educationHow to spot hidden vision problems in your classroomHow eye tracking affects reading—and what can helpThe surprising overlap between vision issues and ADHD symptomsKey Takeaways:Vision is more than sight - it’s how the brain processes what the eyes see.Children with learning challenges may have undiagnosed visual issues, even if they pass standard screenings.Classroom strategies like deep breathing, and seating can boost reading and focus.Visual perceptual skills, not just fine motor, may impact handwriting, OTs and optometrists both play a role.A collaborative, whole-child approach is key: “It’s not always either vision or attention, it can be both.”From personal stories to professional insights, this episode is packed with knowledge that could make a world of difference for the students in your care.Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Connect with Amy on Instagram @amyfortescueoptomLearn more about behavioural optometry hereFind Amy’s eye exercises hereListen to an episode about The Science of Reading here. APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONAbout Today’s GuestAmy Fortescue is a behavioural optometrist based in Southern Sydney with a passion for paediatric eye care. She completed her Bachelor of Optometry and Bachelor of Science in 2010, earning top honours in children’s vision and binocular vision, an early sign of the career path she was destined to follow.Amy’s journey into optometry began in her father’s practice in Ramsgate Beach, where she started helping out as soon as she was old enough to file record cards and fold newsletters. She continued working there until August 2025, building years of hands-on experience and deep community ties.Since graduating, Amy has pursued extensive additional training in behavioural optometry and is now preparing to open her own practice in Autumn 2026.Let's hear from you! Text us!

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