Best Ashleigh And Alisha Podcasts (2024)

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38. Get Your Time Back With These 7 Teacher Time-saving Tips 19:24

3d ago19:24

19:24

Have you ever been sitting around the staffroom table and caught yourself saying, ‘There just isn’t enough time'? It is no secret that teachers are time-poor. Today, we are discussing time-saving tips, tricks, and hacks that have worked for us over the years. Some of them have been in our toolkit for a long time, and others are totally new discover…

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37. Making a Difference In The Classroom with Tam and Jez from The Hive 45:33

10d ago45:33

45:33

You don’t want to miss this episode. Our guests today are making waves in the Aussie teacher space. They are wholeheartedly dedicated to making teachers' lives better and achieving greater outcomes for students. They are change-makers, innovators, teacher empaths, cheerleaders and A-listers for Aussie teachers online. Welcome to Mr and Mrs Learning…

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36. Make Reading Groups Your Favourite Part of The Day! 27:16

17d ago27:16

27:16

We all know what it is like to run reading groups in a primary classroom… hectic, to say the least! It is a time when we get to sit down and work closely with our students, but at the same time, we are managing the remainder of the class that is supposed to be working ‘independently’. Over the years, we have found some activities for the groups wor…

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35. Let’s Talk about Embedding First Nations Perspectives in the Classroom With Lesley Woodhouse 39:50

25d ago39:50

39:50

In this insightful episode, we are joined by Lesley, a passionate advocate for integrating First Nations perspectives in education. Lesley shares her expertise on how educators can move beyond the fear of being 'tokenistic' and truly become allies. We delve into practical advice for teachers who are nervous or uneducated about First Nations culture…

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34. How to Inject Fun Into An Upper Primary Classroom with Jess Stedman 41:54

1M ago41:54

41:54

There are loads of fun and cute ideas out there for the early years in primary school, but how can we keep our upper primary students engaged in their learning? Today we are joined by Jess Stedman, otherwise known as The Sydney Teacher online, and she shares her teaching philosophy with us. She takes a deep dive into how we can create hands-on, ope…

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33. Our All-Time Favourite Maths Resource! 21:50

1M ago21:50

21:50

Here at Rainbow Sky Creations, we are all about turning everyday stuff into cool lessons. Enter UNO cards - our hands-down favourite resource for Maths ever! The possibilities are endless for UNO cards to spark curiosity and excitement in learners of all levels. We share these helpful lessons ideas for all age groups in today’s episode: Preschool /…

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32. Move Over Teacher Overwhelm 37:44

2M ago37:44

37:44

Are you a teacher who sometimes feels like everything at school is just too much? Well, guess what? That's totally normal! We're here to let you know that you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed with all the things teachers have to do. But just because it's common doesn't mean it's good to stay stressed out all the time. We know that being overwhel…

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31. Advocating for Neurodiverse Students to Create a Classroom of Rainbow Skies with Lydia 46:29

2M ago46:29

46:29

This is a conversation every educator needs to hear! Today, we dive deep into advocacy for neurodiverse learners in the classroom with Lydia. Lydia was formally in the medical field and is now a teacher. She is also a mother of 3 children. Her son has a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, OCD and ADHD and one daughter has a diagnosis of ADHD. Lydia sha…

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30. 10 Ways to Boost Staff Morale and Wellbeing 25:03

2M ago25:03

25:03

Schools can be super inspiring and fun or they can be a total downer (trust us, we have seen it all in our teaching careers). It is so important that teachers come to work every day feeling happy and supported because it is crucial for the well-being and overall vibe of the staff. When your team at work feel appreciated and enjoys being part of the…

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29. What is the Best Way to Teach Reading with Malia Hollowell 41:10

2M ago41:10

41:10

What is the best way to teach reading? Today, literacy specialist Malia Hollowell talks to us about best literacy practise. Malia firmly believes that you don’t need to be a reading specialist to be an exceptional reading teacher. In this episode, she shares tools and strategies that will help all teachers (and therefore students) achieve success. …

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28. Report Writing Made Easier: 12 Hacks to Boost Productivity 30:07

2M ago30:07

30:07

Ok, we admit it: Report Writing isn’t the most interesting topic in the world of teaching… but we can promise you that once you have listened to this episode, you will be armed with the best productivity hacks that will see your reports being written and completed in record speed! Managing your time and working productively is the key to writing yo…

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27. How Seeking Help Paved the Way for Vanessa's Success 26:58

3M ago26:58

26:58

What is the key to success as a beginning teacher? Today we are talking with Vanessa, and she strongly feels that asking for help will propel you forward to become a confident first year teacher (and we agree). It isn’t always easy asking for help but as Vanessa says, progress is the goal and getting the support we need is a much quicker way to get…

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26. How Music Can Transform Your Classroom And Your Students’ Brains With Ricky 45:25

3M ago45:25

45:25

The benefits of music in education have been scientifically proven. Today, we will talk about the practical ways to use this research to create a bigger impact in your classroom. Ricky from Amplify Music Education joins us and talks us through all the ways Music is beneficial to the students sitting in your classroom as well as some practical ways …

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25. Engaging + Easy Activities for the First Day Back After Term Break 21:36

3M ago21:36

21:36

We are dropping this episode a little early to help you get organised - What are some fun ways I can start the new school term on that first day after the holidays? The first day back after a school break can be challenging for everyone – teachers and students! We are, more likely than not, in holiday mode. The first day is the perfect time to reco…

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24. The Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and Routines With Emily & Heidi 31:51

3M ago31:51

31:51

Classroom routines and procedures can be the magic link that can help your classroom run smoothly. They not only help build your class community and get your students working as a team, but they can save you so much time in your day when done well. Today, we chat with Heidi and Emily from the Teacher Approved Podcast. They are passionate about help…

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23. Discover 5 Ways To Boost Student Engagement 31:02

4M ago31:02

31:02

As teachers, we know engaging our students is key to enriching their learning experiences. That's why we're here to lend a helping hand with five practical strategies for revving up your classroom vibe: Incorporating student choice Inviting a little friendly competition Connecting to the real world (life outside the classroom) Utilising technology …

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22. Harmony Day Made Easy: Simple and Fun Activity Ideas For All The Grades 24:35

4M ago24:35

24:35

Harmony Week (previously known as Harmony Day) is celebrated in Australia during March. It is about celebrating cultural diversity, tolerance and inclusiveness of all Australians. The main message of Harmony Week is, everyone belongs in our Australian society. The message of Harmony Week is such an important one to teach the next generation, and it…

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21. What is the Science of Reading with Sara Marye 43:10

4M ago43:10

43:10

Have you heard people online, around the staffroom, in teacher friend circles talking about the Science of Reading? It is a hot topic right now and for good reason. Today, we are joined by literacy specialist Sara Marye from the Stellar Teaching Company. Sara dives into the Science of Reading and what makes it relevant in our classrooms in 2024. We…

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20. Strategies for Balancing Your Busy Teacher Schedule 19:59

4M ago19:59

19:59

How can you fit everything into the school day? Time is the one thing ALL teachers battle, but we are here to help you make the most out of the hours in your teaching day. Let’s talk about changing our “Time Mindset” and how less is often more with our 7 strategies: Managing your expectations Being flexible and open to making adjustments Utilising …

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19. Navigating Challenging Behaviours: A Fresh Perspective with Dave Jereb 45:31

5M ago45:31

45:31

Ever wondered about the superpower of an Occupational Therapist or OT? Today, we enjoyed talking to Dave Jereb, a trailblazer as a paediatric occupational therapist in Australia. With over two decades of experience, Dave is an accomplished practitioner and a true visionary in his field. His unwavering passion for delivering transformative solutions…

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18. How to Best Support Your Students With Maths Anxiety 34:55

5M ago34:55

34:55

Math anxiety can be a significant barrier for many students, causing feelings of fear, stress, and avoidance when it comes to math-related tasks. Children may suffer from math anxiety for various reasons, including past negative experiences, pressure to perform, a lack of confidence in their abilities, or a perception that math is too difficult or …

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17. Easy Ways To Nurture Positive Communication With Parents 21:36

5M ago21:36

21:36

So often, we only touch base with parents when there is a problem, whether it be academic, social, or behavioural. Today, we chat about how could we make time to communicate with parents about what their children are doing well outside the regular parent-teacher interviews and reports. We know teacher life is hectically busy and this may seem like …

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How Positivity Helped Brittany Soar Through Her First Year 24:31

5M ago24:31

24:31

We have an awesome BONUS episode that you will not want to miss! Today, we are talking with Brittany, a teacher who has been in the classroom for two years. Brittany is so open and genuine in sharing her struggles and wins - we think you will relate to many of them, too (we certainly did). In this episode, we dive into the many struggles of new tea…

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16. First-Year Teaching Adventures with Maddi: Insights, Struggles, and Passion 23:33

5M ago23:33

23:33

In this episode, Ashleigh chats with Maddi, a teacher who has just finished her first year teaching in a Year 1-2 class. We wanted to ask Maddi how she found her first year, her struggles, and if she had any advice for those who will walk in her shoes as a first-year teacher this year. Maddi shares so many insightful ideas, including her powerful ‘…

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15. Here's Our Top 5 Free Back to School Activities 21:25

6M ago21:25

21:25

The back-to-school season brings teachers an endless list of considerations. If you are like us, you've got lists, ideas, and school things buzzing in your head most of the time! Beyond the classroom setup and all the back-to-school admin, it is also super important to spend time planning fun and helpful lessons for your students in the first week.…

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14. Let’s Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb 25:52

6M ago25:52

25:52

Imposter syndrome is a real thing! But it is time for you to kick that train of thought to the curb because it isn’t doing you any favours. The good news is you are in the right place to do just that! Have you ever felt like you don’t know what you are doing? Do you feel you aren’t qualified or have enough experience for your job? Do you think soon…

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13. Dive into Our Top Classroom Setup Hacks 33:43

6M ago33:43

33:43

As we head into the new year, an attractive and welcoming classroom environment is often top of mind. But, the thing you have to remember is that it is you, as the teacher, that makes the classroom. For some teachers, it is important to set up their classroom in a certain way at the beginning of the school year. The urge to go all out in your first…

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12. Worries to Wins: Overcome the 5 Top Worries of New Teachers 29:24

6M ago29:24

29:24

Teaching is an exciting ride, but it comes with its fair share of worries, especially for newcomers. From connecting with students to balancing work and life, these concerns can be daunting. New teachers often grapple with common worries that can impact their confidence in and out of the classroom. But we are here to help that… During the show, we …

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11. Let's Farewell the First Week Jitters in the New Teacher Workshop 12:56

6M ago12:56

12:56

We know how overwhelming teaching can feel when you’re just getting started. That’s why we’re on a mission to help as many new teachers as possible to conquer all the biggest challenges encountered at the start of the school year. Join our annual New Teacher Workshop! During the workshop, we will be going live on January 9th, 10th, 11th of January …

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10. Teacher, You Are Not Alone: Honest Confessions from the Classroom 25:06

7M ago25:06

25:06

There are not many jobs out there where someone who steps out of university is expected to do and achieve exactly the same thing as someone who has been in the industry and role for 40 years. That is why we need to support each other when teachers are just starting out (even after teaching for over a decade, things can get daunting and hectic at th…

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9. The Dos and Don’ts of Setting Up Your Classroom 30:10

7M ago30:10

30:10

The myriad of choices and factors to consider when thinking about setting up your classroom can be overwhelming. Every teacher shares the common goal of establishing an inviting environment that fosters a sense of welcome and comfort for their students. Additionally, considering the substantial time you'll spend in the classroom throughout the day,…

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8. Practical Ways to Foster Kindness in the Classroom This Christmas 22:08

7M ago22:08

22:08

Christmas is a time of giving. Kindness is a wonderful way to give to others without costing a cent. Here are 7 helpful and simple ideas outlining how you can promote Christmas kindness in the classroom: Daily Reminders Dedicating a specific lesson about Kindness Kindness Advent Calendar Make Kindness Baubles Create Kindness Compliment Wreaths Run …

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7. Here's How to Survive the End of the School Year 25:39

7M ago25:39

25:39

It's beginning to look a lot like chaos leading to the end of the school year. For us in Australia, the weather is warming up, and summer holidays are on the horizon, but there are assessments to complete, reports to finalise and Christmas activities to organise. Let’s talk about effective activities and strategies to help you make it to the finish…

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6. End of the Year Classroom Management Ideas to Try 17:32

8M ago17:32

17:32

Today, we are sharing the mic with four amazing Aussie teachers to hear some of their secret strategies to help manage their classes as the year comes to an end. By the time December rolls around, everyone is tired, and often, our tried and true classroom management strategies that we have been using all year long aren’t working nearly as well. Now…

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5. Discover 7 Ways for Students to Feel Valued 25:50

8M ago25:50

25:50

The research about how important it is to develop our students’ social and emotional learning is growing daily. How our students feel in the classroom is a big contributor to their success. We know that when students feel secure and valued: They form a deeper connection with you as their teacher / trusted adult They are more likely to be ready and …

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4. The Biggest Mistakes We Made as New Teachers 32:29

8M ago32:29

32:29

We want to let you in on a little secret – simplicity is your key to success as a teacher. Keeping it simple will save you time, energy and heartache in the long run. In this episode, we talk about how overcomplicated we can make things for ourselves and how to simplify tasks to make teacher life easier! We discuss how to simplify: Classroom jobs A…

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1. 5 Secrets for a Successful First Year 18:09

8M ago18:09

18:09

Have you ever wondered what the secret sauce is to having the most successful first year as a teacher? Today, we are breaking it down with our 5 strategies for teaching success, especially if you are in your first couple of years. The 5 strategies we cover in this episode: Focus on Relationships Be Flexible Hold onto your Money Make Time for You Au…

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2. 7 Habits of a Highly Effective Teacher 25:17

8M ago25:17

25:17

What habits make great teachers successful? We have thought long and hard and listed 7 habits that we believe highly effective teachers share and engage in. Let’s do this… The 7 Habits of a Highly Effective Teacher: They use their time efficiently They plan ahead and know where they’re heading They are on top of data collection from the get-go Thei…

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3. Three Things Teachers Need to Stop Doing 11:43

8M ago11:43

11:43

Are you drowning in everything that is expected of you as a classroom teacher? We are definitely here to say that the struggle is real, but there are a few simple adjustments you can make today so it doesn’t feel so hard. If there’s one thing teachers DON’T have, it’s enough time. So here are 3 things you’ll want to stop doing immediately if you do…

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Welcome to Rainbow Skies for New Teachers 2:04

9M ago2:04

2:04

Welcome to Rainbow Skies for New Teachers – your go-to destination for transforming those rookie jitters into teaching magic! 🌈 Whether you're on the cusp of your first teaching adventure, navigating your early years in the classroom, or still dreaming about it, we're here to guide you through it all! Think of us as your trusty teaching buddies, he…

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Ashleigh And Alisha Podcasts

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