Rainbow Skies for Teachers

• 100 Episodes of Rainbow Skies for Teachers: Ask Us Anything!

  We’re popping the confetti because Rainbow Skies for Teachers has hit 100 episodes! To celebrate this massive milestone, we are answering your burning questions in a special “Ask Us Anything” edition. From classroom chaos to content creation, we’re pulling back the curtain on our journey, favourite tools, and everything in between.This episode is filled with honest reflections, helpful tips, and heartfelt advice, perfect for early career and experienced teachers alike. Whether you’re curious about starting your own podcast, handling tough classroom behaviour, or just want a peek behind the curtain, this one’s for you.In this celebratory episode, we answer questions like:How did we transition from classroom teaching to creating resources full-time?Who inspires us in the teacher creator space?What’s our go-to classroom organisation hack?What’s one must-have resource every primary teacher should own?How do we handle those off-the-rails days when nothing goes to plan?Which school event do we love the most?Plus, we spill the beans on:The origin story of the podcastThe future of our beloved UNO-inspired math activitiesOur favourite teacher creators doing amazing thingsThis episode is equal parts celebration and support. We couldn’t have made it to 100 episodes without YOU, our incredible community. Thank you for being part of the Rainbow Sky journey!Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Get 15% off The Hive here use the code ASHLEIGH15Check out our UNO card activities here.Teacher Creators We Love:The Kindergarten Connection Playdough to Plato - Listen to Malia on our podcast hereMrs Learning Bee / The Hive - Listen to Tam and Jez on our podcast hereEducate & Rejuvenate - Listen to Kelsey on our podcast hereEasy Teaching ToolsAPPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!

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• 99. AI in the Classroom: Empowering Teachers and Supporting Students

  Today we sit down with educator and tech thinker Matt Esterman to unpack the current and future role of AI in education. From low-risk ways to explore AI tools to fostering student AI literacy, they dive deep into how teachers can harness AI for planning, differentiation, admin support, and more. Together, we tackle big-picture topics like ethics, privacy, and school-wide policies, while keeping things grounded in practical classroom strategies. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, this episode offers inspiration and tools to confidently explore AI in your teaching practice.Key points we discuss in this episode:Easy and safe ways to experiment with AI in your planning and classroomRecommended tools: Perplexity, Diffit, and Brisk for teacher efficiencyHow to guide students in using AI responsiblyTips for maintaining privacy with AIThe importance of critical thinking and AI literacy for future-ready learnersCreative uses for AIAI is here to stay and Matt Easterman is leading the way when it comes to opening up the discussion in our we can use it successfully in our classroom as teachers and for our students.Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Connect with Matt on Linkedin or check out his websiteAI Tools Matt spoke about: Perplexity, Diffit, and BriskAPPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!

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• 98. Teaching Diverse Classrooms: Simple Tweaks for Big Impact

  In this rich and encouraging chat, we explore how teachers can meet the needs of every student, without feeling like they need to do everything. Dr Maggie offers real-life, research-backed strategies for creating inclusive, emotionally safe, and engaging classrooms with just a few thoughtful tweaks. In this episode, we explore:What diverse student populations really look like in primary classrooms todayEveryday, achievable ways to embed social-emotional learning (SEL) into your routinesPractical strategies for supporting English language learners (ELLs)The tiny shifts that make a big difference—no overhauls required!What trauma-informed teaching looks like in a realistic school settingWhy celebrating small wins can reignite your confidence and momentumDr Maggie also shares powerful insights on teacher wellbeing, emotional labour, and how creating a classroom culture of care benefits both students and educators.Whether you're teaching a classroom filled with different languages, needs, and learning styles - or simply striving to support every student more intentionally - this episode will leave you feeling inspired and better equipped.Rainbows Ahead, Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Reach out to Dr Maggie Broderick on LinkIn or via email at [email protected] for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Trauma-Informed Educational Settings By Jennifer Lauren AnianoMore about Kimberlé Crenshaw and her researchCasel Framework: Advanced Social and Emotional LearningHarmony AcademyAPPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!

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• 97. Game On! 10 Clever Classroom Games

  Ready to turn play into powerful learning? In this episode, we are diving into creative and cost-effective ways to repurpose familiar games for classroom learning. From Jenga to Connect 4, we explore how teachers can use everyday games to boost student engagement and reinforce essential skills across maths and literacy.Whether it's picking up second-hand classics at thrift shops or transforming old puzzles into number challenges, we are sharing ideas that are not only fun but also adaptable for various grade levels. What you will learn:How to use popular games like Jenga, Twister, and Guess Who to teach maths and literacyIdeas for using Duplo and Lego blocks as customisable learning toolsCreative twists on the ‘Gone Fishing’ game, UNO, Kerplunk, and moreWays to incorporate movement and collaboration into lessonsTips for sourcing games on a budgetHow to encourage student ownership and involve families in the processLet’s work smarter, not harder because game-based learning doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with what you already have, and watch your students thrive through play and purpose. For more classroom inspiration and ready-to-go resources, follow @rainbowskycreations on Instagram and TikTok or visit www.rainbowskycreations.com. Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Freebie: Australian Currency Block GameMultiplication Guess Who and Addition/Subtraction Guess Who templatesFreebie: UNO Place Value Walls GameAPPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!

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• 96. Function First, Fancy Later: Jamiela's Guide to Classroom Organisation

  Feeling overwhelmed by classroom clutter? In this episode, we're joined by classroom organisation expert Jamiela, who shares her powerful journey from chaos to calm. Once an unorganised teacher herself, Jamiela now empowers educators to embrace simplicity and function-first thinking through her FAVS principles: Functionality, Accessibility, Visibility, and Simplicity.Jamiela dives deep into resource management, the pitfalls of over-purchasing, and how to shift your mindset from "more is more" to purposeful minimalism. You'll walk away with practical, actionable tips to streamline your classroom setup, establish sustainable routines, and create a learning environment that works for you and your students.In This Episode, We Cover:Jamiela's transformation from cluttered to calmWhy minimalism is a game-changer in the classroomThe FAVS framework for organising with purposeDecluttering strategies using the 12-24 month ruleFunctional classroom displays that serve learningBalancing digital vs paper systems for efficiencyCreating a central hub for managing classroom chaosDaily reset routines that work (and don’t add to your to-do list)Action steps for teachers after listening to this episode:Set up a 5-10 minute end-of-day reset routine.Prioritise function over aesthetics when organising.Create a centralised hub for tasks, papers, and key info.Declutter items unused in the past 12-24 months.Invest in long-lasting, purposeful resources.Apply the FAVS principles to classroom systems.Set up a simple paper flow with clear categories.From daily reset routines to the magic of a central task hub, this episode is a must-listen for any teacher ready to reclaim their space and time. If you know a teacher that could do with an organisation reset, share this episode with them!Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode:Explore more from Jamiela and the Organised Teacher Collective hereConnect with Jamiela on Instagram or TikTokVisit www.rainbowskycreations.com for classroom organisation resourcesAPPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONLet's hear from you! Text us!

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