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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In this special collaborative episode of Rainbow Skies for Teachers, we honour NAIDOC Week 2025 by exploring this year's theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. We are joined by five inspiring educators, each sharing their unique perspectives on how these pillars can be acknowledged and celebrated in the classroom.

Our guests delve into what strength, vision, and legacy mean to them, and how we can guide our students to embrace these values. Whether you're planning NAIDOC Week activities or seeking ways to embed First Nations perspectives year-round, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies.

Key Terms in this year’s NAIDOC Week theme:

• Strength: Empowering students by sharing stories of resilience and encouraging them to draw strength from their own identities.
  
  
  
• Vision: Fostering a forward-thinking mindset that values inclusivity, innovation, and cultural understanding.
  
  
  
• Legacy: Recognising the importance of history and traditions, and the role educators play in passing these on to future generations.

Thank you to the educators that have generously shared their ideas and experiences today. If you wish to connect with them, find their information below.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Connect with our guests:

Lesley at Wingaru Education or @wingaru_education

Aaron from @mr.j.learning.space or the Teacher Takeaway Podcast

Brooke @lineh_learning

Jordyn at The Yulang Effect or @ jordyn_yulang

Erin at @ miss_broughton

Let's hear from you! Text us!