Voila! A Masterpiece!

Third in Hollywood, Teach Create Motivate, Sparkling in Second, and Peppy Zesty Teacherista are hosting the TpT Seller Challenge, and this week's post is about making a masterpiece product and posting it to our TpT store.

Voila!  My masterpiece!  The Reader's Workshop Resources and Printables!

This product has been in the works since last summer, and I just couldn't figure out exactly what I wanted from it.  Once I put my mind to it, it was hard to stop!  It was a labor of love for a few weeks. :)

I am SO excited with how it turned out!  It has 45 pages of print-and-go resources to use during Reader's Workshop/ Daily 5/ Literacy Block.

It includes:

 Reading Logs

Fiction and Nonfiction Response Sheets

A fun way to respond to reading: Read and Roll!

(response sheets included!)

Recording sheets to use when conferring with students

10 Whole-class journal prompts

Choice Boards:

A great way to record what kids do during the literacy block!

Each week, students get one choice board.  During the Daily 5/ Literacy Block/ Reader's Workshop time, students use the day's color to show what tasks they completed during that time.  It's a great way to keep them accountable!

Aaaaaand…… I have a special treat for you!  Try out these choice boards in your classroom for FREE!  Click the image below to download!  :)

Make sure you link up and share your masterpiece! 

Dare to Dream

Third in Hollywood, Teach Create Motivate, Sparkling in Second, and Peppy Zesty Teacherista are hosting the TpT Seller Challenge, and this week's post is about the dreams we have for our stores.  I was told to dream BIG!  So here are my hopes and dreams for my TpT business.

Own a House

This may seem like a simple dream, as many of you out there already own homes.  But as a twenty-something who is new in my career, owning a home seems very far off.  I am obsessed with HGTV shows, and someday want to own a charming home with amazing curb appeal.  I am open to renovations, and making my home work for my family.  Can't wait!

Financial Security

Teachers Pay Teachers has provided countless teachers with hope and security.  Bills have been paid, trips taken, medical expenses covered... all through TpT.  For now, my store is a hobby, and is bringing in a slow income.  For now, I think of it as my "fun money".  Someday, I hope my business will grow, and I can count on it for supplemental income.

Travel Internationally

We all know traveling is expensive.  I've been to London, France, Nicaragua, and the Caribbean.  But my list does not end there, and I hope that my TpT store can help me explore and broaden my world view.  Adventures await!

Professional Development

I am so grateful for the blogging world, so I can continue to learn about my craft and grow as a teacher.  I am that nerdy teacher who actually enjoys professional development.  :)  I especially love personal professional development.  You know, that kind you attend on your own, not through your school, just cause you're super interested in the topics?  Like the TpT Conference in Vegas!  Unfortunately, I won't be making it to the TpT Conference this year.  :(  I'm SO sad!  As my business grows, I'll have the capability to pay for my own professional development (like Vegas!).  I also dream of going to the Ron Clark Academy someday, too (I hear it is life-changing and fabulous!).

I really enjoyed the challenge this week, because it made me take a step back and think about the bigger picture and goals I have for my store.  Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in the little things, like 'getting more, more, MORE products posted', and 'gaining more followers' and 'don't forget to post those pictures'… you know what I mean.  Sometimes it's nice to step back and dream a little.  :)

What are your dreams for your store?  Don't forget to link up with the TpT Seller Challenge!

Makeover Madness!

I am so happy to be joining the fun with the TpT Seller Challenge!

Third in Hollywood, Teach Create Motivate, Sparkling in Second, and Peppy Zesty Teacherista are hosting this awesome challenge to meet other sellers and grow our businesses.  Woohoo!

This first week, our challenge was to give one of our products a makeover!  I figured my Polygon Bang! Games were in need of a little TLC.

Before, the product had a simple design and basic solid color backgrounds.  When I first made the product, I had limited fonts and clipart, so I used what I had.

 I felt like this clipart was a little too chunky, so I wanted to make the design more streamlined.

And after……

 I love that the design matches the design of my other products.  It's simple, but attractive.  :)

I love mixing fonts and love how these pages turned out!

I made the directions and answer keys look a little cleaner, too.

So what do you think?  Have you linked up to show off your makeover yet?  It's been fun to look at everyone's updated products!

YOU are a Hero!

Really, you are! 

I am blessed to be surrounded by so many talented and dedicated teachers.  Day in and day out, teachers put in so much time and energy into their students' educations.  Teachers, you truly are heroes.  And don't ever forget it!

Take a minute this week to honor a teacher you know.  Write them a note, give them a compliment, buy them coffee, or just say THANKS!

In honor of all of the hard work teachers do every day, TpT is throwing a sale starting on Wednesday, February 25th.  My entire TpT store will be an additional 28% off when you use the PROMO code HEROES at the checkout.  And hey, while you're there, follow my store!  :)

Soooo…. What did you put in your cart?  I'd love for you to share below!

Meet the Teacher Linky!

My Instagram has been buzzing with posts about this linky, and I just couldn't pass it up!  Falling Into First is hosting a Meet the Teacher Linky so we can meet some new friends before back to school time!

Hellooo from Minnesooota!  I'm Ellie, a 25 year-old teacher, blogger, and TpT'er.  I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota and will be starting my third year of teaching in a couple weeks.  I taught 3rd grade for two years, but this year I'm moving up to 6th!  Someday, I hope to return to the lower elementary grades, but for now I will enjoy my adventure with big kids!

This summer has been one to remember!  I visited Sin City, had a birthday, and saw Paul McCartney in concert!  In September, I'll be moving into a new apartment with my boyfriend, Mr. Wolf.  The end of this month will mark SEVEN years dating this guy!

Vegas, Mr. Wolf, and the Paul McCartney concert

 THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

Blogging. TpTing. Fresh flowers. Days at the lake. Baking. Antique vases. Food Network. Smelly markers. Leggings. Infinity scarves. Smoothies. Caribou (the Starbucks of Minnesota). Pretty binders. Sewing. Decorating. Creating art. Farmer's markets. Crafting. 

 IF YOU WEREN'T A TEACHER, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?

A Baker!  I LOVE baking, especially cupcakes!  Maybe someday, years from now, I will open my own cupcake shop.  :)

THREE LITTLE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU.

Creative. Funny. Kind.  

 

FINISH THE SENTENCE, "________,  SAID NO TEACHER EVER!!"

"Sure, I can certainly do that in my free time ...said no teacher EVER!!"
 

Q: IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY AND YOU CAN INVITE ANYONE {DEAD OR ALIVE} TO THE PARTY. WHO ARE YOU INVITING?

Jimmy Fallon!  And Martha Stewart (to decorate).

Q: IF SOMEONE WROTE A BOOK ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?

 Colorful Tails 

 Q:YOU GET TO PICK ONE SUPERPOWER. WHAT IS IT?

 Tough choice!  Invisibility, or… the ability to travel back in time.  Mhmm.  :)

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR SAYING?

“There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.”

Q: IF YOU HAD TO SING ONE SONG ON AMERICAN IDOL, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 

 "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

I love me some oldies!

 

 Q: ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT OWL?

Depends on the day!  This summer, I have been a TOTAL night owl, and then sleep in late and take a couple a nap during the day.  During the school year though, I would rather go in to school early when it is nice and quiet.  I get a lot done in the mornings before the bell rings!

 

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE RESOURCE THAT YOU'VE CREATED IN YOUR TPT SHOP?

 I can't choose just one!  My most recent is my Back to School Morning Work packet.  Coming in a close second is my Pairs of Pears Homophone Activities packet.  For some strange reason, I just LOVE  homophones.  They are one of my favorite things to teach.  :)

Q: SHARE SOMETHING WE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU! 

Sammie, Rusty, and 9 mo old Trapper (hunting dog)

My parents have three dogs… but I am allergic to them.  Every time I go to their house, I come stocked with allergy pills and nasal spray.  How could I possibly stay away from those adorable faces?

One more fun fact?  I've never dyed my hair.  I refuse to!  I love my natural color.  :)

Be sure to visit Stephanie at Falling for First and link up to introduce yourself!

High/Low Linky- July 26

Hi everyone!  I'm linking up again with A First For Everything for High/Low!  

I have been working SO hard on this Back to School Morning Work packet for 3rd grade.  And it's finally finished and in my store!  It includes 3 weeks of morning work for those first weeks of school.

Click the image to take you to the product in my TpT store!

Also this week:  I reached 100 Instagram followers!  Yippee!

I've also been shopping a little bit more for my classroom, especially at Thrift Stores.  Do y'all find any good stuff at Thrift Stores?  I LOVE them!  But I'm saving my scores for another post.  :)

Nothing TOO low to share this week… I've been staying up WAY too late lately, which has made me super tired the next day.  Not looking forward to back to school time.  I'll be exhausted!

How was your week?  Be sure to link up with A First for Everything and share!

Is it just me, or…..

Hello, my name is Ellie, and I can't get enough clipart.

Seriously.

My Wishlist on TpT is 4 pages long, and mostly consists of clipart.  I made a small dent the other day and can't wait to put my new goodies to use!

Here's what I got:
(click on any of the images to take you the store on TpT)

I am in LOVE with these paper sets by Little Red.  I got the Washi Patterns "Cosmos" set and the Geometric Patterns "Somersault".  I love how unique the patterns are, especially in the geometric set.  Can't wait to use these!

I also picked up some Retro Frames from MyClipArtStore.  There's 40 frames in the set, so you can layer different images to create your own unique frames.

I'm working on a Back to School morning work packet for 3rd grade, and needed some coin clipart.  I love A Sketchy Guy's clipart, because it's the most realistic I could find!

What are some of your favorite clip art stores on TpT?  What clipart do you use the most in your TpT products?  I'd love to hear about it!

Stepping it up with Social Media

One thing the TpT conference taught me was that, aside from quality products in my TpT store, I need to be active on social media.  This past week I have worked hard to get going on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

I already had an Instagram account, but I made my profile public, and have since gained a ton of followers!  It's been fun to see what other teachers post.  I might be a little bit addicted to checking my feed…. (anyone else out there?)  You can follow me on Instagram here.  :)

Miss Woodward's Class also got a Facebook page!  It's a work in progress, and I'm still working on figuring this one out.  Any veteran Facebookers out there have tips on reaching a larger audience?

Have you heard of PicMonkey?  I LOVE it!  It's a free site you can use to edit photos, add text and other images to your photos, and create collages.  I even used it to create this pin for a collaborative Pinterest board.

I posted the Pin on a collaborative board by Rachel Lynette.  Check out the board here!

The Seller's Forum on Teachers Pay Teachers has sections dedicated to social media.  I suggest you check it out to get some of your social media questions answered!

Check out just how techy I've become!

Facebook

Pinterest

Instagram

New Linky: Highs and Lows!

Happy Saturday!  Today I'm linking up with Julie from A First for Everything for the first ever High/Low Linky!  I just met Julie in Vegas and I was so excited because I'd been following her blog for a while.  I'm glad she started her own linky!

I had a date with Ms. Mai from Diary of a Grumpy Teacher to talk about my trip to Vegas and work on some TpT stuff to add to our stores.  I always love seeing her because we share the same enthusiasm for Teachers Pay Teachers!  :) 

Usually for summer vacations I am a nanny, but this summer I decided not to work.  It has been great!  In the last few weeks, though, I have been tutoring and babysitting a lot, which has pretty much filled my days.  It just hit me that I only have a few weeks left of summer, which has kind of bummed me out.  Hopefully I can keep my schedule more open for these last few weeks.

What are your highs and lows this week?  Link up with Julie to share!

Five for Friday- Vegas Edition!

It's Friday, which means I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday!  Because I just went to Vegas, today's post will be all about my trip!

1.  TpT Swag

When we picked up our name tags for the FIRST EVER Teachers Pay Teachers conference, we got some awesome swag!  I've been using the bag ever since I got home!

2.  Amazing Sessions

ALL of the sessions I went to were AWESOME.  I saw Deanna Jump from Mrs. Jump's Class and DeeDee Wills from Mrs. Wills Kindergarten, Kelley Dolling from Teacher Idea Factory, Rachel Lynette from Minds in Bloom, and Erin Cobb from I'm Lovin Lit.  I learned SO much!

During Kelley's session with TpT's Data Ninja Ryan Van Meter, they showed us some TpT stats from the audience they were presenting to.  Guess who was on one of their slides?

3.  The TpT Way

I asked someone to snap my picture in front of this TpT sign.  

"We are proud professional educators… We seek to empower our careers and lives."

4.  Vegas Fun

Of course, we had a little bit of fun on the strip!

 We saw the fountain show at the Bellagio, and on Fremont Street, we went to "Vintage Vegas", where they have old coin slot machines.  The High Roller observation wheel was so cool!  We got such a great view of the strip!  We tasted the best chocolate-covered macaroons from Bouchon Bakery in the Venetian.  We saw the Cirque du Soleil show "O" and it was A-MAZ-ING.  Can't forget our home away from home… the Venetian allowed us to live like queens for a few days!

5.  Starstruck!

The best part of the conference?  I got to meet Paul Edelman (the founder of TpT) and Deanna Jump (the teacher who has made over a million dollars with TpT).  I have to admit I was a little starstruck!

All in all, Vegas was AWESOME!  I am so glad I went and got to be a part of the first Teachers Pay Teachers conference.  I am definitely going next year!