What sets successful educators apart? We’re diving deep to uncover the secrets behind the habits that drive highly effective teachers! Join us as we explore the core practices we believe shape exceptional teaching, helping students thrive and teachers flourish.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers:

1. They use their time efficiently – Prioritising and managing time effectively is essential for achieving daily goals and fostering a productive classroom environment.
2. They plan ahead and know where they’re heading – These teachers have a clear vision and a roadmap, ensuring their lessons align with larger learning objectives.
3. They’re on top of data collection from the get-go – Monitoring progress and collecting data is essential for tailored support and meaningful growth for every student.
4. They focus on relationships in the classroom – Strong connections with students form the backbone of effective teaching; it’s all about trust, encouragement, and engagement.
5. They are lifelong learners – Effective teachers constantly seek to improve, staying curious, inspired, and committed to growth for themselves and their students.
6. They are team players with a positive outlook – Collaboration and optimism go hand-in-hand, creating a supportive and joyful environment for both teachers and students.
7. They are organised – With strong organisational skills, these teachers juggle tasks smoothly, reducing stress and maximizing classroom impact.

These 7 habits encapsulate the essence of highly effective educators who bring positivity and purpose to their classrooms every day.

Do you have other habits or qualities that you think make a teacher effective? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Send us a message on Instagram, and let’s keep this inspiring conversation going.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow and review our podcast so you never miss a fresh dose of inspiration. Tag us on social media when you share your thoughts—we’d love to personally thank you!

For even more classroom inspiration, professional development resources, and teaching tools, visit our website at www.rainbowskycreations.com.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in today’s episode

Surviving Teaching Your First Years Free Guide

Follow Goodmorning Ms Foster for amazing Classroom Management Strategies

A book to check out: Atomic Habits by James Clear

Join the waitlist for our exciting new membership HERE.

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We know that as a teacher, time is one of your most valuable resources. That’s why, in this episode, we’re diving into practical strategies to help you reclaim your time so you can focus on what really matters: teaching and connecting with your students. From organisation hacks to simple routines, we’re sharing tips to keep you one step ahead in your teaching life!

We break down 7 time management strategies for teachers:

1. Start with Organisation – Get organised from the start by giving everything in your classroom a “home.” Think about setting up designated spaces for teaching tools and resources to make finding items quick and easy!
2. Set Realistic Goals – Avoid overwhelming to-do lists by focusing on 2-3 priorities each day. You’ll accomplish more by staying focused, and you’ll feel great crossing those essentials off your list.
3. Create Term Systems – Establish consistent routines for your weekly and daily tasks. Knowing what you need to do on set days each week will help streamline your workload.
4. Be a Week Ahead – Plan your lessons and prep materials a week in advance. A little forward planning goes a long way toward reducing last-minute stress!
5. Work with Your Personal Productivity Rhythm – Find what time of day you’re most productive and schedule your big tasks for then, whether it’s early morning or a weekend afternoon.
6. Maintain Daily and Weekly Routines – Create routines for tasks like marking, tidying your desk, and updating your board. These habits become second nature and help keep you on top of classroom demands.
7. Limit Technology Distractions – Switch off notifications, put your phone in another room, and focus on the task at hand. With fewer distractions, you’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish!

Not every tip may work for everyone, but try a few and see what makes a difference for you! We hope these time-saving strategies empower you to feel more in control of your day, allowing you to save time and reduce stress in the classroom.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget leave us a 5-star rating and review!!

For more teacher PD, classroom inspiration, and a library of resources, visit www.rainbowskycreations.com.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode

Free Editable Weekly Checklist

Join the waitlist for our exciting new membership HERE.

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We are so excited to share this special replay episode of Ashleigh’s interview on The Teacher Approved Podcast with Emily and Heidi! We had a great conversation about supporting new teachers and how veteran educators can play a key role in helping them thrive.

In this conversation we dive deep into the challenges of teaching, from managing imposter syndrome to finding a healthy work-life balance, our favourite tips and strategies to help teachers feel more confident and connected in their roles. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, there’s something here for everyone.

Supporting new teachers isn’t just about the early weeks of the school year—it’s a year-round effort. In this episode, we discuss ways veteran teachers can mentor and guide their new colleagues, from sharing classroom management strategies to being a listening ear during the busiest times. Plus, we share how small mindset shifts, like reframing your to-do list and carving out time for self-care, can make a big difference in how teachers feel both in and out of the classroom.

Highlights from the Episode:

• Common challenges new teachers face and how to navigate them.
• Mindset shifts to help teachers manage their endless to-do lists.
• How veteran teachers can offer meaningful support to their new colleagues throughout the year.
• Practical tips for managing parent relationships and classroom routines.
• A fun game to help students move quietly through the hallways!

It was such a joy to join Emily and Heidi on their podcast. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording it!

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review to stay updated with the latest content.

You can access more teacher PD, classroom inspiration and a wealth of resources by visiting our website www.rainbowskycreations.com.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in today’s episode

• YAY I’m a Teacher FREEBIE
• Transform your First Years - Access the course HERE.

Join the waitlist for our exciting new membership HERE.

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About The Teacher Approved Podcast:

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time to be the kind of teacher you know you could be? Co-hosts (and sisters!) Heidi and Emily of Second Story Window are here to help you elevate what matters and simplify the rest. Join them as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies to make your teaching more efficient and more effective than ever before.

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The holiday season is here, and there’s no better time to embrace the spirit of giving! This episode is all about ways to encourage kindness in the classroom, showing students how small acts can make a big difference.

Kindness doesn’t cost a thing, yet it holds the power to brighten someone’s day—especially during Christmas! Here are 7 easy, heartwarming ideas for incorporating kindness into your classroom this holiday season.

7 Ways to Promote Christmas Kindness Lessons in the Classroom:

1. Daily Reminders – Start each day with a simple reminder or quote about kindness to set the tone for the season.
2. Dedicating a Lesson to Kindness – Take time to explore what kindness means and why it’s important. This reflection helps students understand the impact they can have on others (find a lesson linked at th end).
3. Kindness Advent Calendar – Create a countdown to Christmas filled with daily kindness challenges, motivating students to spread cheer each day.
4. Make Kindness Baubles – Get crafty! Have students decorate baubles with kind messages or actions, adding a personal touch to the classroom decor.
5. Kindness Compliment Wreaths – Help students create wreaths filled with compliments for their classmates, a beautiful reminder of the positive things we see in each other.
6. Run a Kindness Kris Kringle – Encourage students to be “secret givers” by performing small acts of kindness for each other—it's a surprise they’ll love!
7. Kindness Campaign Flyers – Design and post flyers around the school, encouraging everyone to participate in spreading kindness throughout the community.

Christmas is an ideal time to help students reflect on how they can give back and make a difference simply by being kind. It’s a beautiful reminder that kindness, especially in this expensive time of year, is always free and appreciated.

You can access more classroom Christmas inspo on our website

www.rainbowskycreations.com.

Rainbows ahead, Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in today’s episode
YAY I’m a Teacher FREEBIE
FREE A Cheat’s Guide to Christmas in the Classroom
Christmas Kindness Desk Tags
Kindness Advent Calendar
Kindness Compliment Wreaths
FREE Kindness Kris Kringle
FREE Kindness Tear-off Flyers

Join the waitlist for our game-changing membership here.

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This week we chat with Jo Edgar, a veteran teacher and the creative mind behind the beloved educational brand, Mrs Edgar. Jo shares her journey into entrepreneurship, fueled by a passion for creating resources that bring both joy and practicality to classrooms.

We dive into the magical moments that make teaching so rewarding and explore the core values that guide Mrs Edgar's beautifully crafted teacher planners and resources.

Jo opens up about the best parts of teaching, along with some of its biggest challenges, and offers her top tips for staying organised as a teacher. She shares that you don’t need to be the most organised person to benefit from her planners—they’re designed to support every teacher's unique style.

Jo also has a thoughtful gift idea for teachers, perfect for the upcoming holiday season, and offers a glimpse into what’s next for Mrs Edgar as the brand continues to grow.

Whether you’re an experienced teacher or just starting out, Jo’s insights are filled with practical advice and a refreshing dose of inspiration that will resonate with teachers everywhere.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review to stay updated with the latest content. And, send us a post on social media so we can say a personal thank you!

You can access more teacher PD, classroom inspiration and a wealth of resources by visiting our website www.rainbowskycreations.com.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Thank you to ePlatform Digital Libraries, the sponsor of today’s episode. Visit www.eplatform.co to learn more about Decodable Readers and Digital Libraries for schools.

Resources mentioned in today’s episode

Connect with Jo on instagram @mrsedgarsclass

Learn more about Mrs Edgar or shop their planners here.

Find Mrs Edgar’s sticker books here

Rainbow Sky Creations Teacher Christmas Gift Guide

Go Noodle

Pevan and Sarah

Dr Paul Swan

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In this episode, we chat with Kate, a passionate educator and author who writes decodable readers. We dive into the importance of reading as a life skill and explore how it acts as a 'ticket' to broader opportunities. Kate shares her non-negotiables when teaching literacy and walks us through the process of writing engaging decodable books. We also discuss the debate between digital texts and physical books, weighing the pros and cons of each.

Kate addresses a common criticism of decodable books—that they can be boring and lack a storyline—and offers her perspective on how to make these texts more engaging for young readers. She also provides valuable tips on selecting the best decodable texts for your students and shares innovative ways teachers can use these resources in the classroom beyond just reading them.

Finally, we wrap up with Kate’s thoughts on what she would change in education if given the chance. This episode is a must-listen for any educator looking to deepen their understanding of literacy and improve their approach to teaching reading.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Your feedback will help us improve and reach more educators like you! Until next week…

There are rainbows ahead,

Ashleigh and Alisha

Thank you to ePlatform Digital Libraries, the sponsor of today’s episode. Visit www.eplatform.co to learn more about Decodable Readers and Digital Libraries for schools.

Resources mentioned in this episode

For a free sample, email ebooks@eplatform.co with your name, school, and postal address.

Learn more about eplatform’s decodable texts here

Science of Reading Podcast Episode 21 with Sara Marye

Science of Reading Podcast Episode 29 with Malia Hollowell

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Today we are sharing the mic with some amazing Aussie teachers to hear some of their secret strategies to help manage their class 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 as well.

Now is the time to mix it up! Today, we are sharing 9 different strategies you could try in your classroom, including:

• VIP desks
• Class wishlists
• Brownie points
• Kindness activities
• Bucket fillers
• Christmas mailroom
• Class Christmas carols
• The mystery elf
• Fun themed days

Make sure you listen to the end - some classroom management strategies we share are not what you expect!!

Connect with our guests:

Tam from Mrs Learning Bee

Eden from Eden Lisa Designs

Julia from Mrs Chalmers Cherubs

James from Amplify Music Education

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review to stay updated with the latest content. And, send us a post on social media so we can say a personal thank you!

You can access more teacher PD, classroom inspiration and a wealth of resources by visiting our website www.rainbowskycreations.com.

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in today’s episode

Join our 12 Days of Christmas here.

Join the waitlist for our game-changing membership here.

Find more information and visuals for today’s episode on our blog.

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Introducing the “Basketball classroom" - Ash is a teacher of 11 years who focuses on not only academic success, but also importantly personal and social success!

Ash aka @mrcurmisclassroom on TikTok is passionate about embedding real-life experiences into his lessons, such as using the Olympics to teach decimals or incorporating Wordle into language activities. He discusses why this approach is effective and how he comes up with his innovative ideas.

With a significant presence on TikTok, Ash uses his platform to share his teaching experiences and offer opinions on various educational topics. He addresses common misconceptions that teachers may encounter on social media and why it’s important to get the message right.

We also chat about one of his passions, classroom management, and how it underpins all learning. Ash gives three pieces of advice when managing your classroom:

• Prevention is better than cure
• Be the speed camera
• Differentiate for your learners

If you want to know what he means by these things, you will have to listen to the episode!

Whether you’re a new teacher looking for inspiration or a seasoned educator interested in fresh ideas, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable insights.

You can access more teacher strategies, classroom inspiration and a wealth of resources by visiting our website www.rainbowskycreations.com.

Rainbows ahead,

Ashleigh and Alisha

Resources mentioned in this episode

Follow Ash @mrcurmisclassroom on Tiktok and Instagram

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About today’s sponsor: Mrs Edgar

Mrs Edgar’s is a teacher-founded business dedicated to making planning easier—and happier!

Their vibrant, high-quality planners are crafted just for Australian teachers, with term dates, public holidays, and thoughtful pages of practical tools like assessment trackers and classroom setups. Plus, with inspiring artwork and thoughtful touches, Mrs Edgar planners are designed to bring a little joy to every day.

Ready to empower your teaching and stay focused on your goals? Grab your 2025 teacher planner, stickers, lanyards are more from mrsedgar.com.au

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