Usually my to-do list at this time of year is full of NEW TpT resources that I want to complete and post for the new school year. But with all the uncertainty around COVID-19 and the possibility of extended distance learning, this year’s to-do list is all about updating OLD resources. I’m no expert at digitizing resources, and the whole process bums me out. When making reading workshop resources, I like to envision a lively, humming classroom full of collaboration and interaction. Imagining a bunch of kids staring at screens for hours on end is less motivating. Anyway, if you’re in the same boat as me, here are some resources…
-
-
Finding Clipart for Your TpT Store
If you’re a new TpT seller looking for advice in the Seller’s Forum, you’ll notice a recurring them: clipart. More specifically, you’ll hear people suggest that you invest in good clipart. I concur, with some reservations. When it comes to Teachers Pay Teachers, the bottom line is this: quality content sells…but only if it’s packaged well. Teachers can’t view your whole product before purchasing, so a good cover and preview suggests something about the quality of the content. Here are my three recommendations for finding clipart. One is free, one is paid, and one can be accessed through a free trial. This is not a sponsored post. Purchase a Clipart…
-
A Summer To-Do List That Honors Meaning Over Accomplishment
I love a good to-do list. Checking that box is satisfying, but sometimes the journey there is arduous and the result is…not worthwhile. A rigid to-do list quickly becomes arbitrary, something you complete because you said you would, not because it furthers your goals. Have you ever stared at the blank page (or newly-drawn bullet journal template) and packed it full just for the heck of it? Sometimes the unexamined thought going through my head is “What’s the absolute most I can accomplish next week?” rather than, “How can I pursue my most meaningful goals and simultaneously honor my values?” For teachers, the summer is a combination of much-needed respite…
-
Using Keynote to Make Classroom Materials & TpT Products
Much has been said about the benefits of PowerPoint over Word when it comes to making Teachers Pay Teachers products, and I wholeheartedly agree. If you’re frustrated with rogue images, it’s time to switch to PowerPoint, or Keynote. Here’s a little primer on using Keynote to make multi-page documents, quizzes, and task cards for your classroom or Teachers Pay Teachers store. Changing Keynote Dimensions for Multi-Page Documents, TpT Covers, TpT Previews, Pins for Pinterest, and TpT Banners. Here’s how to change Keynote slide dimensions so that each page is the equivalent of a 8.5″X11″ page: Open Keynote and create a new presentation. Select Document at the top, right of your…
