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 literacy
• Ideas for using Duplo and Lego blocks as customisable learning tools
• Creative twists on the ‘Gone Fishing’ game, UNO, Kerplunk, and more
• Ways to incorporate movement and collaboration into lessons
• Tips for sourcing games on a budget
• How to encourage student ownership and involve families in the process

Let’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 Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Freebie: Australian Currency Block Game
• Multiplication Guess Who and Addition/Subtraction Guess Who templates
• Freebie: UNO Place Value Walls Game

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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 calm
• Why minimalism is a game-changer in the classroom
• The FAVS framework for organising with purpose
• Decluttering strategies using the 12-24 month rule
• Functional classroom displays that serve learning
• Balancing digital vs paper systems for efficiency
• Creating a central hub for managing classroom chaos
• Daily reset routines that work (and don’t add to your to-do list)

Action steps for teachers after listening to this episode:

1. Set up a 5-10 minute end-of-day reset routine.
2. Prioritise function over aesthetics when organising.
3. Create a centralised hub for tasks, papers, and key info.
4. Declutter items unused in the past 12-24 months.
5. Invest in long-lasting, purposeful resources.
6. Apply the FAVS principles to classroom systems.
7. 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 Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Explore more from Jamiela and the Organised Teacher Collective here
• Connect with Jamiela on Instagram or TikTok
• Visit www.rainbowskycreations.com for classroom organisation resources

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Feeling like you're constantly running on empty or that everything is falling on your shoulders? You're not alone, and teaching was never meant to be a solo performance.

In this episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we’re sharing five empowering strategies to help reduce teacher overwhelm and protect your well-being. From curating your very own “glam squad” of resources and support to setting realistic priorities and boundaries, this conversation is packed with practical advice to help you stay energised, focused, and passionate about teaching.

Not even Beyonce, TayTay or Lady Gaga run the whole show without a team, so why should you?

We dive into real-life stories, tried-and-tested tips, and small shifts that can make a big difference in your day-to-day. Because let’s be honest, teaching isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters most.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

Build Your Glam Squad – Who’s on your team? We talk about using high-quality teaching tools, AI, and community support to lighten your load.

Stop performing for the To-Do List – How to ditch the endless to-do list and hone in on the top three tasks that really move the needle.

Know when to drop the mic – We’re breaking the myth that rest has to be earned. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

Set boundaries like a headliner - Protect your time so you can protect your passion. Even Beyoncé has a backstage pass list—and guess what? Not everyone gets in.

Play to your strengths - Why sharing responsibilities and leaning on your colleagues is key to staying in love with teaching.

This episode is your reminder that you're not alone and you don’t have to do it all. We’re here cheering you on every step of the way.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

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What happens when a psychologist and a seasoned teacher team up to support neurodivergent learners? Insight, experience, and heart—all rolled into one conversation. In this episode, Ashleigh sits down with Lisa and Lianne, the passionate duo behind Elevated Teachers, to explore the powerful ways educators can better support neurodiverse students—without burning out.

Together, they unpack common myths, tackle IEP challenges, and share practical strategies to help teachers create more inclusive, flexible classrooms. But don’t worry - this episode isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about simplifying, shifting perspectives, and leaning into what you already do well.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What neurodiversity really means (and why it matters in every classroom)
• How to understand “spiky profiles” and play to student strengths
• Why diagnoses are guides—not rulebooks
• Practical tips for building student choice and flexibility into routines
• The truth about IEPs, and how to use them without the stress
• Ways to approach behaviour support with collaboration, not confrontation
• How teachers can lead with curiosity, compassion, and calm

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by supporting students with diverse needs or unsure where to start, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to take action, one thoughtful step at a time.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Download the Freebie: 15 Strategies to Support Students and Prioritise Your Wellbeing

Connect with Lianne and Lisa:

Instagram @elevatededucators

Website elevatededucators.com.au

Email hello@elevatededucators.com.au

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In this episode we’re showing you how a deck of UNO cards can become one of your most versatile teaching tools, especially for measurement! From comparing lengths in Kindergarten to converting units in Year 4, we’re sharing fun, hands-on activities that make maths more meaningful and less worksheet-heavy.

We also take a trip down memory lane with some of our own data lesson experiences (remember those eye colour graphs?) and explore how we can create more memorable and nurturing moments in our maths classrooms today. In this episode, we cover:

• Using UNO cards to compare, tally, and graph in early years
• Engaging measurement games for all grades
• Strategies for teaching unit conversions (litres, grams, millilitres & more)
• Creating data experiences students will actually enjoy
• Ideas for differentiation using UNO cards in measurement lessons
• FREE game templates for busy teachers (see link below)With ideas for every primary year level, including free templates and tips for adapting lessons for mixed-ability groups, this episode will leave you excited to grab your UNO deck and start measuring!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Blog: Teach Measurement Using UNO Cards

FREE Download: UNO Measurement Conversion Game Templates

Share your own school data memories with us on Instagram: @rainbowskycreations

Ready-to-go UNO resources:

Kindergarten

Grade 1-2

Grade 3-4

Grade 5-6

I teach all the grades

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Today we’re joined by the fabulous Julia - an experienced classroom teacher who brings a calm, clear-eyed approach to differentiation that will leave you feeling capable, confident, and ready to make small changes with big impact.

Together we explore what differentiation really looks like in action, and spoiler alert, it doesn’t have to mean rewriting your entire lesson plan! From math warm-ups to the powerful “bump it up” wall strategy, Julia offers super practical tips for meeting students where they are, while keeping things simple and sustainable for busy teachers.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why starting small with differentiation (like warm-ups or wrap-ups) is a game-changer
• How to ditch the myth that you need 3 different versions of every activity
• Smart ways to manage differentiated math groups (and why you don’t need to be everywhere at once!)
• How the “bump it up” wall builds student ownership and writing confidence
• The power of repetitive, low-prep activities like number talks and “What Doesn’t Belong”
• Tips for using simple tweaks for instant differentiation
• How strong routines and a resilient mindset make classroom life smoother
• The ultimate reminder: Your presence matters more than perfection.

This episode is for any teacher looking to streamline their existing strategies when it comes to differentiation. It is packed with doable ideas, mindset shifts, and encouraging truths that will help you support every learner in your classroom, without burning out.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Julia on Instagram @mrschalmerscherubs

Find Julia’s resources here: www.mrschalmerscherubs.com

Find our low-prep UNO activities here.

See what a ‘Bump it up wall looks like.

Our previous episodes about Differentation: Part 1 (episode 54) and Part 2 (episode 76)

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This week Ashleigh flips the script as the guest, chatting with Kelsey Sorenson from Educate & Rejuvenate about all things maths, mindset, and making learning joyful.

Ashleigh opens up about her personal maths journey (yes, her dad was a maths teacher!), shares easy ways to bring creativity into the classroom, and offers teacher-tested strategies to help all students feel confident and included. From using UNO cards in the maths block to the importance of mindset and differentiation, this conversation is jam-packed with golden nuggets for any primary educator.

Plus, Ashleigh gives us a sneak peek into her Educate & Rejuvenate conference session, where she unpacks six essential elements of a joyful maths block. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, you're going to walk away inspired and ready to make maths magic happen.

Episode Takeaways:

• Maths differentiation doesn’t need to be worksheet-driven to be effective.
• Using simple resources like UNO cards can powerfully differentiate learning.
• A joyful maths block blends structure with creativity.
• Teacher energy and enjoyment play a huge role in student outcomes.
• Mindset shifts, from “I’m not good at maths” to “Let’s give it a go”, can change everything.

Maths can be fun and this episode is here to inspire you. Join us at the Educate & Rejuvenate conference here.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Join the Educate & Rejuvenate summer conference

Explore K-6 UNO card activities

Episode 53: Our interview with Kelsey

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In this episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we’re sharing practical, fun ways to take your maths lessons outside. From number relays to times table soccer, we talk through simple activities that help students move, collaborate, and build confidence in their mathematical thinking.

We also dive into the benefits of outdoor learning—from improving focus and creativity to supporting emotional regulation—and offer tips for setting expectations and routines before heading outside. Whether you're looking to refresh your teaching or just try something new, this episode will leave you with ideas you can use straight away.

In this episode, we cover:

• The learning and wellbeing benefits of taking lessons outside
• Number Bounce or Shoot: A ball-and-chalk game for all ages
• Algorithm Circuits
• Number Throw & Human Graph
• Times Table Basketball and Soccer
• Adapting outdoor games for different age groups

Finally, a takeaway tip: A bit of chalk and a ball can go a long way—let’s make maths hands-on and fun!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Blog: 5 Outdoor Maths Games That Kids Will Love
• Blog: 6 Outdoor Activities Using Chalk
• Download our FREE Guide: 6 ways to create maths lessons students love
• Listen to episode 88 with Victoria on outdoor learning here.

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