Rainbow Skies for Teachers

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)

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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.

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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".
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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

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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

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Today we welcome back occupational therapist, educator advocate, and all-round legend Dave Jereb to dive deep into understanding and responding to challenging classroom behaviours.
Dave shares practical, teacher-friendly strategies to better connect with students, support regulation, and ultimately create more inclusive and calm classrooms. From quick connection anchors to brain-based regulation tools, Dave reminds us that meaningful change often starts with the simplest actions.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Why connection changes the brain—and what happens in just 10 seconds
Reframing “challenging behaviour” and what’s really going on beneath the surface
A breakdown of Dave’s ABCIDEAS model for understanding student needs holistically
Practical co-regulation tools teachers can implement immediately
Why supporting the adults who support the kids is essential for long-term success
The “Connected Caregiver Model” and what it looks like in action
Using rhythm, breath, and music as tools for regulation and attention
Making lessons meaningful by tapping into student interests
“Everything is downstream from regulation and connection.” – Dave Jereb
Key Takeaways:
Connection comes first: A simple 10-second moment of eye-level, intentional connection can dramatically impact behaviour and learning readiness.
Environment matters: You don’t need to “fix the child”—adjusting the activity or environment is often the fastest way to success.
Behaviours are communication: Looking at what’s behind attention-seeking, oppositional, or sensitive behaviours helps us support rather than react.
Support the supporters: Dave champions the idea that when we support teachers and caregivers, everyone wins.
Whether you're just kicking off the school year in Australia or you're mid-term elsewhere in the world, this episode is packed with real-life examples, refreshing reframes, and game-changing strategies you can try today, especially with those students who can make or break the energy of your day.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Check out Dave’s Book: Challenging the Story
Dave’s Online Course: Challenging the Story of Behaviour
Other courses offered by Move About OT linked here
Connect with Dave on Instagram
Say G’Day on Spotify (Dave’s sister Genevieve Jereb) 
Episode 19 - Our first interview with Dave Jereb
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About Today’s Guest: Dave Jereb is a paediatric occupational therapist, author, and co-founder of MoveAbout Therapy Services. With over 20 years of experience, Dave is passionate about helping families and professionals rethink how we understand and respond to challenging
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