Your students return from winter break full of stories, energy… and having forgotten every routine you spent reinforcing! Sound familiar?

Don’t worry, this episode is here to help you press the reset button in a way that feels calm, supportive, and purposeful. We share simple, actionable strategies for rebuilding routines, re-establishing classroom expectations, and reconnecting with your students.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why after the winter break is the perfect opportunity to reset classroom routines
• How to reteach procedures like it's Week 1 of school (without overwhelm)
• Strategies to reframe behaviour expectations with your students
• Rebooting collaborative learning routines and regrouping based on mid-year data
• Simple connection-building activities to ease back into learning
• Goal-setting ideas for your students (and yourself!)
• How to give yourself grace and embrace a slower start

If your classroom feels a little wobbly post-break, this episode is your friendly roadmap back to confidence, calm, and connection. Let’s make the rest of the year your best yet!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Classroom Detective Freebie

Brain Breaks Podcast Episode 80

New Year Code Crackers For Grade 1-2 and Grade 3-6

Lighting Up the School Year (3D Display)

3D Easels (About Me + Goals)

The Year Ahead Goal-Setting Booklet

Spinning Stars Goal-Setting Display

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | AMAZON

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Starting out in teaching is exciting, but let’s be real, it can also feel completely overwhelming. That’s why we’ve teamed up with six amazing educators to share the advice they wish they knew when they first stepped into the classroom.

This episode is full of heartfelt, practical, and encouraging tips to remind you that you’re not alone and that teaching is a journey - not a race. Whether you’re just starting out or supporting new teachers in your school, you’ll find wisdom here to guide and inspire.

Our incredible contributors share:

• Bridget Canty – Why it’s ok to stop, reteach, and take the pressure off yourself
• Jessica Werner – The importance of guilt-free time for yourself and your passions
• Jo Edgar – How to set up your teacher planner as your ultimate hub of organisation
• Ash Curmi – Why showing students it’s ok to make mistakes builds classroom culture
• Kylie Altier – The value of bringing community experts into the classroom
• Amy Green – The ripple effect of self-compassion and looking after your wellbeing

This episode is a must-listen for early career teachers. It is packed with strategies, encouragement, and reminders that teaching is a marathon, not a sprint.

Together, we’re growing a supportive teacher community, one story at a time.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• YAY I’m a Teacher FREEBIE
• Surviving your First years FREEBIE
• Transform your First Years - The self-paced course

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | AMAZON

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In this conversation, Ashleigh joins host Mat Green to reflect on the joys and challenges of teaching, resource creating, and creating space for wellbeing. From the importance of slowing down in the classroom to her evolving views on technology and her journey from teacher to education business owner.

You’ll hear candid moments about spelling struggles, teacher wellbeing, and how the most magical classrooms often leave the biggest imprint, not because of the content, but because of how students feel. Plus, Ash shares the story behind the most popular Rainbow Sky resource UNO card games!

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Ashleigh's views on technology have evolved
• Why she’s saying "no" to rushing and “yes” to herself in 2025
• The teacher who changed her life (and what happened when she met her again 20 years later!)
• How Rainbow Sky Creations began (spoiler: it started with iPad drawings and a pregnant coffee date!)
• The philosophy behind their wildly popular UNO card maths games
• Why differentiation in teacher PD matters just as much as in student learning
• The Rainbow Sky mantra every new teacher needs to hear

This episode is full of golden takeaways, encouraging reminders, and lots of laughter. A must-listen for every teacher who’s ever felt overwhelmed, rushed, or in need of a gentle reset.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Books mentioned: Untamed by Glennon Doyle, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

View our UNO Card Maths Activities

Rainbow Sky PD Hub – On-demand, actionable professional development

Let's hear from you! Text us!