Rainbow Skies for Teachers

Get ready to kick off 2026 with a rainbow of inspiration! In this episode, we are diving into our top 3 favourite free resources (each!) that you can download and use right now in your classroom. From boosting student confidence to simplifying math lessons and streamlining assessment, these tried-and-tested freebies are classroom game-changers.
Whether you're teaching composite classes, looking for quick wins, or want to inject a little more joy into your everyday routines, there’s something here for you. The best part? Every resource mentioned is completely free and teacher-loved!
What We Cover:
Hey You! compliment cards – A simple way to build student confidence and connection
Future World Changers display – A class community favourite with photo fun
Multiplication Flip It Games – Engaging maths games using playing cards
Number of the Day routines – Your go-to for warm-ups, relief days or fast finisher tasks
Exit Tickets – Quick and easy student check-ins that inform your teaching
UNO taster activities – Test out our famous UNO games for yourself with this limited time freebie
You’ll walk away with fresh ideas to use immediately with these FREE and classroom-ready resources (they are all linked below).
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Hey You! compliment cards 
Future World Changers display 
Multiplication Flip It Games 
Number of the Day 2-digit and Number of the Day 3-digit
Exit Tickets
UNO taster activities + workshop

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON
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Does the thought of running smooth rotations or grouping students send your brain into a spin? You’re not alone (and this episode is here to help!).
Join us as we unpack the magic (and the real talk) behind collaborative learning routines that actually work. From tackling post-break classroom chaos to grouping students without the overwhelm, this practical and empowering episode is all about helping you reclaim your time, energy, and confidence.
What you will learn:
Why collaborative learning is the heartbeat of a thriving classroom
A simple 5-step January reset to get routines back on track
How to group students using data without the stress
What to put in centres so they run themselves
The #1 mindset shift to keep rotations sustainable 
Whether you’re new to centres or looking to fine-tune your existing systems, this episode will leave you feeling supported, inspired, and ready to make collaborative learning work for you.
If your staffroom whisper this term is “my kids can’t work independently”… this episode is your answer. Let’s work smarter, not harder together. 
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh
Resources mentioned in this episode:
UNO activities for Kindergarten, Grade 1-2, Grade 3-4 and Grade 5-6 
UNO activities for every single grade
Mini courses: Transform Your Reading Groups + Transform Your Maths Groups
Multiplication card and dice games

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON
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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

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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

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