This week we venture beyond the traditional classroom with Victoria Hackett from Outdoor Classrooms, an expert in weaving nature, play, and purpose into everyday teaching. With over a decade of experience championing outdoor education, Victoria shares how learning gardens and nature-based activities can do wonders for student wellbeing, regulation, and overall engagement—and just as importantly, how they can reignite a teacher’s sense of joy and curiosity too.

From the science behind nature’s calming effects to practical ideas that fit even the tiniest outdoor spaces (yes, even city schools!), we unpack how outdoor learning supports child development, deepens inquiry, and aligns beautifully with curriculum goals like literacy and numeracy.

Key Takeaways from this episode:

• How outdoor learning helps students regulate
• The developmental benefits of sensory-rich outdoor experiences
• Why nature can help teachers as well as their students
• Creative ways to meet literacy and numeracy outcomes through learning outdoors
• Tips for making the most of small or urban environments
• Why outdoor learning doesn’t stop when the weather turns
• One small action teachers can take tomorrow to bring nature into their classroom

If you’ve ever wished for calmer students, more meaningful learning, or simply a change of scenery, this episode is your gentle nudge to step outside and teach in a way that feels joyful, grounded, and sustainable.

If you enjoyed this episode, we would love it if you could leave us a 5-star review.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Victoria on Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook

Victoria’s Website: www.outdoor-classrooms.com

Listen to Victoria’s Podcast: The Outdoor Classrooms Podcast

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Think playdough is just for the early years? Think again!

In this episode, we explore how playdough can become your secret weapon for teaching maths concepts in Grades 3–6. From creating number lines to measuring angles, they share 8 classroom-ready ideas that will make your maths block more hands-on, differentiated, and downright irresistible.

This episode was inspired by a content planning session where we explored how to bring more fun and engagement to maths groups. What came out of it? A treasure trove of unique, brain-boosting ways to bring maths to life using one humble (and squishy) tool: playdough.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How playdough supports cognitive and social-emotional development
• Creative activities for teaching multiplication, area, perimeter & more
• Ideas for using playdough to make abstract maths visible and tactile
• A simple recipe to whip up your own classroom batch
• A free bonus guide to help you plan engaging maths lessons students will love

Whether you’re looking to reach visual learners, build fine motor skills, or simply change things up, these strategies will help you teach key maths concepts with confidence and creativity.

If you loved this episode, please leave us a review!!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Our fave Playdough recipe

Free Guide: 6 ways to create math lessons your students love

Find visuals of the activities we spoke about today here.

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Get ready to meet the principal who’s rewriting the rulebook - one hallway conversation at a time. In this energising chat, we’re joined by Jared Lamb (commonly known as @principal_lamb), the dynamic school leader known for ditching the principal’s office in favour of a rolling cart, 20,000 steps a day, and a relentless commitment to connection.

We dive into Jared’s bold decision to lead from the heart (and the hallways), why joy should be part of every school’s strategic plan, and how teachers can embrace servant leadership—no matter their role.

Key Takeaways with Principal Lamb:

• How to lead with your feet - Why Jared traded his office for a cart
• What servant leadership looks like in action.
• What teachers really need right now, and how schools can step up.
• How fun, laughter, and play build stronger school cultures.
• The power of perspective as a leader and teacher
• How social media helps Jared support educators globally.
• Jared’s non-negotiables for building a connected, thriving school.

Whether you’re an early-career teacher looking for a spark or a seasoned educator craving authentic school culture, this episode will leave you inspired to lead, teach, and connect in ways that truly matter.

If you loved this episode, please leave us a review!! OR if you have a principal with a rolling cart, send us a DM, we would love to hear about it!

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Jared on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube

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