During Making Rainbow classes, we provide various opportunities for children to explore with a variety of music, movement and sensory play activities. Kids especially love playing the drums and shakers.

While children playing musical instruments, the brain is getting a great workout! They learn how their bodies move in space, how their body parts interact with each other, how to listen and change sounds, follow basic musical concepts (temp and dynamics) and practice their fine motor skills.

DIY Shaker for Home

It’s easy to make a shaker at home for kids to enjoy too. Try different activities, for example shaking fast and slow, or saying “stop” where they have to freeze.

Because we love all things rainbow, we made a rainbow shaker using an empty bottle, but you can use a variety of different materials, depending on what you have on hand.

Ideas include:

• Paper clips
• Small pebbles
• Small twigs
• Cinnamon sticks
• Seed Pods
• Star Anise
• Beads
• Rice
• Coloured Rice
• Pasta
• Lentils
• Sand
• Dirt
• 5 cent coins (or other small change)
• Small shells
• Buttons
• Small plastic figures
• Glitter, Sequins or Confetti (added with something heavy so it looks pretty but still makes a sound)

Simply fill an empty bottle with ingredients (leave enough space for the items inside to move) and tape the lid up. This activity is designed to be supervisied at all times.

Rainbow Rice Shaker

To make your own rainbow bottle shaker, follow the instructions on how to make rainbow rice here, and then simply place a handful inside the empty bottle and SHAKE AWAY!

MR @ Franchising Expo

Recently, Making Rainbows made an appearance at the Franchising Expo in Sydney. We can’t hide the happiness that Making Rainbows brings, and we featured in their recent promotion for the Brisbane Franchising Expo.

With successful franchises in Toowoomba and the Gold Coast, we are looking to expand the team. If you’re wondering what sort of experience you need, Leticia Olsen (Toowoomba franchisee) shares about her experience after a year of owning the business.

Follow MR Frananchising On Instagram

To find out more about running a Making Rainbows business, we have a dedicated Instagram page that provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how it works and much fun it is. Follow here: @makingrainbows_franchising

MR Franchising Opportunity

We have recently opened up new areas for franchising opportunities. Does this look like the perfect opportunity for you?

If you want the freedom and flexibility of working for yourself, a Making Rainbows franchise could be just what you are looking for! 

This opportunity may suit: 

🌈 Business minded parents with school aged children looking to work during school hours
🌈 Entertainers/performers
🌈 People with a background in teaching or coaching
🌈 Primary and/or preschool teachers
🌈 Guitar/piano/vocal/drama teachers
🌈 Early childhood professionals with a flair for performance

Message us today!
admin@staging.makingrainbows.com.au or via our website form

Did you know you can grab a digital copy of our Making Rainbows Popular Hits Tracks?

Tracks include:

Mrs Bunny, Play the Whole Day Through, Can You Bounce, Little Drum, The Beach, See My Shaker, Swing This Way, Drum Shaker Song, This Little Teddy of Mine, Shaker Song,  I am Hiding, and A Twinkling Melody. 

Creating a playlist with favourite songs is a great way to incorporate music into your everyday lives. Listen to music in the car, do a dance party, play the drums on bowls from the kitchen, twirl ribbons, make shakers in an empty bottle, or just have music in the background. 

We recently did a poll with hundreds of parents to find out kids favourite songs to listen to. There are some favourites, like Baby Shark and Happy, but there are a few surprising songs you may not have thought of. Some of the songs are nursery rhymes (which are fabulous for early literacy skills), just find a song version your child enjoys. 

Here’s the list!

40 Song Kids Love

1. Apples and Bananas by Raffi
2. The Ants go Marching
3. Baby Shark by Pinkfong
4. Big Red Car by The Wiggles
5. Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake (Trolls soundtrack)
6. The Children’s Marching Song (Nick Nack Paddy Wack) by Mitch Miller
7. Do the Propeller by The Wiggles
8. Dino Stomp by Playschool
9. Dr Knickerbocker by The Wiggles
10. Everywhere’s a Dancefloor by Justine Clarke
11. Five Cheeky Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
12. Five Little Ducks
13. Five Little Speckled Frogs
14. Fish & Mice by Holly Throsby
15. Fruit Salad by The Wiggles
16. Happy by Pharrell Williams (Despicable Me soundtrack)
17. Hickory Dickory Dock
18. Hot Dog Dance by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
19. Hushaby Mountain by Stacey Kent
20. I Can Play Anything by Jay Laga’aia
21. I like to Sing by Justine Clarke
22. I’m Still Standing by Taron Egerton (Sing soundtrack)
23. Incy Wincy Spider
24. Let it Go by Idina Menzel (Frozen soundtrack)
25. Little Day Out by Justine Clarke
26. Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury
27. Make a Scary Face by Spotty Kites
28. Mr Clickerty Cane
29. My Lighthouse by Rend Collective
30. Old Macdonald
31. Open, Shut Them
32. Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul and Mary
33. Sleeping Bunnies
34. Teddy Bear’s Picnic by Anne Murray
35. This is the Way the Lady Rides
36. This Little Teapot
37. Watermelon by Justine Clarke
38. We are the Dinosaurs by Laurie Berkner
39. Wheels on the Bus
40. You Are My Sunshine originally written by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchel

Buy a copy of our Making Rainbows Popular Hits here

Hideaway, based on the Gold Coast, do the most gorgeous soaps and body products. If you haven’t tried whipped soap before, you’re in for a treat! This month, we have a sweet sample pack of whipped soaps and body custards (plus one full-sized whipped soap) to giveaway.

About Hideaway

Hideaway is run by Wendy Campbell and Bruce Arms . The name ‘Hideaway’ is very special and meaningful to Wendy and Bruce with the ever-romantic Bruce proposing to Wendy on the Shores of Hideaway Bay in Queensland’s beautiful Whitsundays. The whimsical branding portrays the azure waters and white sands of Hideaway Bay that mean so much to them. You might know Wendy as the mother of International Fitness Guru Ashy Bines and the loving Grammy of her little boy Taj. Wendy is also mum to 2 grown up sons and fur kids Jax and George. Bruce is a renowned professional yachtsman and World Record holder and was also the Project/Voyage Manager for Jessica Watson’s achievement of the youngest person to sail around the world solo.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

1. Head over to Hideaway and browse.
2. Email marketing@staging.makingrainbows.com.au and explain a favourite product and why.
3. That’s it!

Terms & Conditions

• You must be an Australian resident older than 18 years of age to enter.
• You must provide a valid email address and entries are limited to one per household.
• Entries close Friday, June 7, 2019, at 11:59 pm Australian EST.
• Entries will be judged on merit and creativity.
• One winner only. 
• The winner will be contacted by email.
• The winner must claim the prize within two days or the prize will be re-drawn.
• The winner agrees to have their contact details passed on to organise the prize postage.
• The giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by Facebook.

Irish-born but Gold Coast based mum, Chantelle McNeill, has exchanged a corporate career to become the business owner of Making Rainbows on the Gold Coast. We recently sat down with Chantelle to hear all about her enviable coastal lifestyle, the realities of juggling motherhood with a business and why she’s never been happier.

What attracted you to invest in a Making Rainbows franchise?

After having my daughter Adaline, I wanted to work for myself so I would have flexibility from the standard nine till five job (or six am until seven pm in my case, as I predominately held senior management roles in the property industry). When a mum-friend introduced me to Making Rainbows it didn’t take long for me to get on board! I am a lover of music and I adore children, so it was a winner straight away. I had been looking for a new venture for quite some time to accompany my photography business (Leo + Adaline Photography) and Making Rainbows was just a perfect fit for my personality.

How do you juggle being a business owner and a parent?

I have no family here in Australia (being from Ireland) so I rely heavily on my partner Cathal, on the weekends when he isn’t working, and my daughter has recently started attending day care three days per week which she absolutely loves.  Other than that, I basically never sit down, and I try to be extremely organised with everything from lunches to laying out clothes the night before. I wear activewear most days with a messy bun and no make-up because I usually have four minutes to get ready in the morning, even though I rise at five am! 

What value can Making Rainbows can bring to Gold Coast parents?

When I had my daughter, I had only been on the Coast for a short time and I struggled to find things to do in the heat. I found myself going on a lot of walks around air-conditioned shopping centres. I actually became a bit of a shopper! There were some rather lonely spells with my partner working long days and my friends were also at work and none of them had kids.

If Making Rainbows had been on the coast back then it would have been perfect. Adaline could have been out of the pram (in a comfortable, air-conditioned room!) and we could have been bonding and having fun. I see many friendships organically made at Making Rainbows classes. It’s great to have a place where you can chat with other mums and try to understand all things baby and motherhood!

What is your favourite place on the Gold Coast to visit as a family?

As Cathal and I are both Irish and we love our hearty homecooked meals, we drive up to Mt Tamborine every other Sunday to visit Clancy’s Irish Bar and Restaurant for their amazing beef and Guinness pies.  Adaline keeps everyone entertained as she likes to dance around to the live traditional Irish band. 

What is your favourite thing about the Gold Coast?

I love the friendly, family environment on the coast. Even though I struggle with the heat the weather is beautiful!  There is always something to do and as an outdoorsy family this is perfect for us.  I love to keep fit with Mummylicious Fitness at Paradise Point as I can do a workout by the water while Adaline plays under the supervision of the group’s babysitter.

Why did you choose the Gold Coast as a place to settle as a family?

After living in Western Australia for a decade and then back in Ireland for a few years, we were offered work here on the coast. We fancied a change and one last adventure before we settled down as a family.  I am so glad we did because it is the best place ever to raise a family.

What is the most challenging thing about parenting for you right now?

Adaline is such a happy, chilled child until the teeth start coming through! Seeing her struggle with the teething can be heartbreaking.  I also miss her so much when she is at day care and I end up collecting her early every single day! She never wants to leave when I collect her though as her teachers and environment are amazing.

What are you enjoying most about parenting right now?

I love that Adaline is active, loves animals and the outdoors – we have so much fun together. Adaline is obsessed with music and she likes to take over the “dance floor” at Making Rainbows classes when I take her along, which makes me so happy.  Hopefully, when she is a bit older, she can be my little helper!

Find out more details about Gold Coast locations and times here. 

Making Rainbows is passionate about supporting parents. It’s true, our classes are designed to support children’s development — but we also seek to create an environment where parents can bond with their children and connect with other parents. In an interview for Kiddipedia, Making Rainbows founder Bernadette explained:

“I’ve seen a lot of friendships being formed before, during and after our classes. We even have a group that started with tiny babies and they have stuck together in the same class for years. Now their children are turning three and they go to each other’s birthday parties and catch up outside of classes.”

“That’s when I feel the happiest – I see the Making Rainbows community around me and I feel like, yes, this is working, and I’ve helped to make that happen.”

This is the dream.

Recently, we met a business who shares this dream, Mama Tribe. They invited us to share at one of their meet ups in Brisbane, because the Making Rainbows program is a fun way to connect parents while the babies and learning and having fun. We just love working with businesses who believe as we do: community is important! Like us,Mama Tribe is all about connecting mums in local areas, and we loved being part of their recent New Farm Park meet up. Below is a snap shot of our morning. 

The weather was warm, but we found a cool and comfy spot under a cluster of trees. Bernadette ran some of the activity favourites, including ribbon dancing (supports gross motor development), bouncing on balls (working on balance), shaking (learning tempo) and sensory bottle exploration (facilitating quite moments for babies to chill while parents chatted). 

More About Mama Tribe

Mama Tribe was born out of the need for two friends Nikki McCahon and Haley Finlayson to build a support network — a tribe — after relocating away from family and friends. So they created Mama Tribe in 2017 as a way to connect with other local mums in their area. 

They knew the need was there but didn’t expect for the movement to grow so quickly. With now over 35,000 members and 50 locations across Australia and New Zealand, Mama Tribe seeks to ensure that no mums feel lonely and isolated without support.  They achieve this by connecting mums within their local area, whether that be for a stroller walk buddy, coffee play date, group events, or wine nights. 

Find more about Mama Tribe over at their website, MamaTribe.com.au.

To celebrate the end of a wonderful year, the team behind Making Rainbows gathered together for a backyard meal and karaoke. It’s not a traditional workplace, that’s for sure! The staff don’t work in an office together, but have developed a strong bond over a shared passion for child development, music and community. 

Left to Right: Miss Tish & Miss Jo | Miss Crystal & Miss Bree | Miss Jacqueline & Miss Bernie | Miss Jacqueline & Miss Davina | Miss Kelly & Miss Bernie | Miss Hayley & Miss Jess

 
We often get feedback about what parents and kids love about Making Rainbows (read parent feedback here), but what about the staff?

What’s your favourite thing about working at Making Rainbows?

Miss Bernie (Founder & Director & Teacher at Paddington)

My favourite thing about Making Rainbows is visiting a venue and watching on as a roomful of smiling parents and babies enjoy their time together – this will never get old for me!

Miss Jacqueline (Office Manager)

I get to shine with my job in terms of what I do best, but also get to make a difference in a business that is fun and provides something great for the community (unlike my previous corporate jobs that were grey, completely dog-eat-dog and did nothing to improve humanity). The workplace culture at Making Rainbows IS OFF THE CHAIN. Best place I have ever worked, hands down.

Miss Tish (Franchise Owner — Toowoomba)

My favourite thing about Making Rainbows is seeing the children’s gorgeous smiles that show they are enjoying their time with us!

Miss Jo (Teacher at Bridgeman Downs, Everton Park, North Lakes & New Farm)

I love getting to know the families at Making Rainbows and watching the little ones develop all their skills!

Miss Charlotte  (Teacher at Springfield Lakes & Mt Ommaney) 

I love forming relationships with the children and the parents, and being the creator of a fun and energetic space!

Miss Crystal (Teacher at Gordon Park, Alderley & Mansfield) 

My favourite thing about Making Rainbows is the warm and inviting community that we’ve been able to form and nurture over time, creating bonds and friendships that last. Plus holding babies.

Miss Renee (Teacher at East Brisbane)

My favourite thing about teaching making rainbows is witnessing that moment when a little one masters a new skill. I’m proud, Mum’s proud and the little one is usually beside themselves with joy!

Miss Juliette (Teacher at Paddington, Ascot & Forest Lake)

My favourite thing about MR is the sense of community! Such a strong bond is formed in each class, and it is such a joy to be a part of 🙂

Miss Kelly (Marketing Manager)

I see the pictures come through each week from the classes, and it makes me so happy to be part of something that adds value to the lives of parents and children. 

These photo wreaths are easy to make and are a beautiful gift idea for grandparents or other family members. They look ADORABLE on the tree. Use a photo of your child you have on hand, or simply print your favourite picture on regular paper. 

What you need

• Circle (either use template or eyelet)
• Craft glue
• Photo
• Section of string or ribbon
• Decoration item, for example pom poms, buttons or diamantes work well

It’s super easy to make these handmade decorations with plastic curtain eyelets you can buy cheap from places like Spotlight. 

Otherwise, print the template below on cardstock (not too thick so it’s too hard to cut), and cut to size. 

Instructions 

1. Use glue to decorate the circle. 
2. Fill any gaps with smaller material if desired. 
3. Cut the image to size using the circle as a template and glue to the back of the wreath.
4. Add a piece of string or ribbon to hang. 
5. Allow to dry.
6. Hang and enjoy!

Tip: Use a permanent marker to put the date on the back so each year when you bring out the decorations, you can remember.

What is the most challenging thing about parenting for you right now?

What are you enjoying most about parenting right now?

What do you enjoy most about Making Rainbows?