Free Things For Teachers

Things to Know Before Reading Gatsby-Screen Capture with audio

2011-10-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

I am teaching am The Great Gatsby online to high school students. Can you say CHALLENGE.

One thing that has helped is Screencast-O-Matic. (http://www.screencastomatic.com)

Here is the one that I created:
http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cX6bqROh1

They are really easy to create:
1. Create a PowerPoint, Keynote, Word Document, Excel, etc.
2. Go to www.screencastomatic.com
3. Press the blue record button.
4. Drag the box with the dotted lines over your document.
5. Resize the box as necessary.
6. Press record

Current Events

2011-10-05T08:20:00.001-07:00

Click here to download CNN Current Events worksheet.

For this worksheet:
1. Students must choose one article from each category.
2. They must write "who, what, when, where."
3. They must write a summary.
4. From their summary, they must identify parts of speech.

Venn Diagram

2011-10-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

Click here for Venn Diagram

This is an oldie but goodie. This Venn Diagram is cool because it has a lot of space in the middle (for discussing how the two concepts are alike.) In the past, I've had problems with there not being enough space in the middle.

Tip: Try the Venn Diagram as an assessment tool. I recently used it as an assessment tool; as part of a Raisin in the Sun quiz, I asked my students to compare and contrast two of the characters. It was less intimidating than an essay question, and I got really good results. Im not throwing out essays; I am just using Venn Diagrams as scaffolding.

Hope it works for you!

EPALS-Collaborate with Students from around the world.

2011-09-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

This is a great way for students to work collaboratively from students around the world!

Go to www.epals.com to learn more information

For detailed information about an EPALS project, global warming, go to http://globalwarmingcollaboration.weebly.com/

Nonfiction about Elephants

2011-09-25T19:52:00.001-07:00

Download Nonfiction Article

This includes an article about elephants with questions. It also includes a research activity and a writing activity.

Free Student Websites for Teachers

2011-09-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

http://education.weebly.com/ed-features.php

You can actually have your students create Weebly websites that YOU get to control for FREE!

And let me tell you, Weebly websites are your not your mother's websites; they are really cool, and they look really professional and polished.

The benefits are:
You can control user names and passwords.
You decide whether the website is public or private.
You can delete websites.

The consequences:
You are only allowed 40 student accounts. If you would like to add students, the price is 10 dollars per 10 students.

Students are only only allowed to create one website at a time. (To get around this, you can have the students delete the website after you have graded it. Then you can have them create a new one.)

Websites are limited to five pages.

Note: If you upgrade to Weebly Pro, you students can create up to 10 websites with unlimited pages. Weebly Pro is 39.95 per year. I'm thinking that if you really use the websites, it might be worth the investment.

Clock Partners

2011-09-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

Click Here for Clock

I've had a lot of success with clock partners this year. It keeps the class from being so monotonous and routine by allowing students to work with a variety of other students.

Here's how it works:
1. Give each student a blank clock.
2. Have the students to find a partner for each time (12:00, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00).
3. The students will write the name of the partner under the corresponding time.

Make sure that you make a copy of the clocks. Students tend to lose things:)

Note: Teachers may choose to assign clock partners; however, letting the students pick there own partner has worked well for me.

Free Posters and Printables for your classroom

2011-07-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

Vintage Printables

Avoiding Plagiarism Website Tutorial

2011-07-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Hello!!!
I am sorry that I haven't posted in a long time; I've been really busy with graduate school and such. Speaking of graduate school, I took part in the creation of a website tutorial about avoiding plagiarism. I certainly can't take all of the credit for it. There were three other group members that worked on this project. I really hope that you find this site to be useful.

AVOIDING PLAGIARISM TUTORIAL

20 Minute Vocabulary Story

2011-03-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

This activity can either be done with a partner or individually. I told students to stop wherever they were at 20 minutes. I told them before hand that by the end of the 20 minutes, they should have approximately 3-4 paragraphs.

Here's the activity:

20 minute Vocabulary Story
Use at least TWO additional words from list 11-A.
3-4 Paragraphs

Begin the story in one of the following ways:

1. The preacher admonished the people to change their wicked ways.
2. Anne tried to appease the crying baby.
3. I will not bequeath my treadmill to you.
4. The monster’s rough appearance belied his/her inner sensitivity.

Here's list 11-A:

1. admonish
2. appease
3. archaic
4. ascetic
5. belie
6. bequeath
7. capricious
8. clemency
9. condone
10. furtive
11. glutton
12. humane
13. homogenous
14. miserly
15. saturate

2011-03-18T14:28:00.001-07:00

Three Ways to Cut Down On Grading

Grading is one of the most time consuming parts of teaching. The average high school teacher probably collects about 450 assignments per week! (90 students X 1 assignment per day)

If you cut down on the amount of student work that you grade, then you will have more time to do such things as create engaging lesson plans, or you may actually get to spend your weekend spending time with the ones you love.

Here are five ways to cut down on grading:

1.Completion Grades-For homework assignments that aren’t weighted as heavily, it is perfectly okay to give completion grades. Sure there are some teachers who will tell you that this is a sin, but they are the same teachers who always appear as if they are on the verge of a nervous break down. Keep the following in mind for completion grades:
A.These assignments should be routine assignments. At the beginning of the semester, you should grade these thoroughly. As the semester continues, students will have gotten into the habit of completing these assignments thoroughly. For instance, I assign vocabulary word maps every week. At the beginning of the year, I grade them more thoroughly. After I know students know how to do them properly, I am able to give completion grades.
B.You don’t have give a completion grade for every homework or routine assignment. For example, let’s take the previously discussed word maps. Some weeks I may choose to give completion grades, and some weeks I may grade them thoroughly. The students don’t know beforehand how I will grade them; this keeps them on their toes.
2.Make tests and quizzes account for approximately 80% of the student’s grade. This way, routine assignments only count 20 %.
3.Notebook Quiz- To prevent having to grade my daily warm-ups, journals, worksheets, etc., I tell students to keep all assignments in their notebooks. At the end of the week, I give the students a notebook quiz, in which they are able to use their notebooks.

Create a FREE Online Quiz Using Survey Monkey

2011-01-24T14:33:00.000-08:00

You can create an online quiz for using Survey Monkey. It is intended to be used for surveys, but it also works well as a quiz. The great thing about it, is that you can see the results of the quiz right after the students take it. You will able to see what percentage of the class chose each answer.

Here's an example of a quiz that I created: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PT33QRR
Here's the link to Survey Monkey: http://www.surveymonkey.com

Free Book: Short Stories for Reading Comphension

2011-01-19T16:02:00.000-08:00

Just email me at frugalgirl09@gmail.com, and let me know that you would like a free book. If you are selected, I'll contact you for mailing information.

This book is also available on amazon.com.

Check out the following blogs for FREE stories from the book:

Greg the Grizzly Bear (It's about a bear who befriends a human. Multiple Choice Questions and Activities are included.)

The Family Vacation--It's about a family that decides to take a staycation rather than a vacation. Multiple Choice Questions and Activities are included.

Free Short Story and Poster: Greg The Grizzly Bear

2011-01-12T17:42:00.000-08:00

Here's a short story with questions and an activity. It's about a bear who befriends a human. Click Here to Download

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

2010-12-25T12:56:00.001-08:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6--Merry CHRISTMAS

More Vocabulary: Quizlet

2010-11-29T15:25:00.000-08:00

I've just start using this site with my school. It's pretty cool. Students can create flash cards, play games, and take quizzes.

www.quizlet.com

Vocabulary

2010-10-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary is the the foundation for reading comprehension. It is an integral part of my classroom.

I'd like to share some activies with you that I have found successful.

1. Vocabulary List- I give my students a weekly vocabulary list. We DO NOT, I repeat We DO NOT have vocabulary quiz every week. I don't want my students to memorize a list of words and forget them.

I incorporate the vocabulary words into my lessons (see below) on a daily basis. Also, I constantly "recycle" words on my vocabulary lists, so that they are constantly interacting with the words. I also use the words when I am talking with my students. I might say, "You guys look lethargic today."

I give students a test every grading period on words about 20 of the words that I know that we have gone over many times to access there knowledge.

2. Wordmaps- Students complete a wordmap for each word. Each wordmap includes the following:

A. The definition in your own words

B. A sentence of your own

C. A picture

Wordmaps can be either done with paper and pencil/pen or they can be done using software like PowerPoint, Keynote, or MS Word.

Note: For "paper and pencil" word maps, students can usually fit all 15 on one piece of paper. The wordmaps do not have to be large.

3. Vocabulary Stories

4. Bell Ringer- I use the words from the week's vocabulary list in my bell ringer.

5. Free Rice- This is a great site for practicing vocabulary.

These activities were taken from my website, http://www.teacherscoffeehouse.com/

You're Happier Than You Think

2010-09-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hey,

I never knew I was happy (LOL). Check this article out:
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/lifeslittlepleasures/9-signs-youre-happier-than-you-think-2392659/

Diamante Poem

2010-09-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

Creating a diamonte poem is really cool because the students type in certain words, and the computer generates a poem. It's also cool because it helps them to review adjectives.

I created a worksheet to go along with it. Click here for worksheet.

Click here for more poetry activities.

Vocabulary and Grammar Activities for freerice.com

2010-08-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

Free Rice is a cool website that allows students to test their skills in the following disciplines: art, chemistry, English (grammar and vocab), languages (such as french and spanish), and math.

The cool thing about this website is that for each correct answer, 10 grains of rice are donated to the "World Food Programme" to help end hunger.

I use it it my classroom as a grammar/vocabulary review and a friendly competion.

1. Students are given twelve minutes to complete as much grammar or vocabulary as possible. The student with the most points receives a "prize" i.e. five extra points on their next quiz. (This can be done weekly or biweekly)

2. Students are given a chart in which they track their progress. "Prizes" can also be awarded to students who show the greatest achievement from week to week.

Note: Students are encouraged to ask questions when they are unsure as to why they got an answer wrong. One of my students was convinced that the "game was wrong" until I explained to him why he was wrong. It was a great teachable moment.

Also note: The chart that I created has a place for level, so that as students master one level, they will go to the next.

My students were very engaged in this activity, and I hope that yours will be too!

www.freerice.com

Downloadable Chart

I am a Teacher Essay

2010-08-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

I just read this essay by a Florida teacher that has gone viral. It made me want to cry...

Full text of Jamee Miller’s “I Am a Teacher” essay:
I am a teacher in Florida.
I rise before dawn each day and find myself nestled in my classroom hours before the morning commute is in full swing in downtown Orlando. I scour the web along with countless other resources to create meaningful learning experiences for my 24 students each day. I reflect on the successes of lessons taught and re-work ideas until I feel confident that they will meet the needs of my diverse learners. I have finished my third cup of coffee in my classroom before the business world has stirred. My contracted hours begin at 7:30 and end at 3:00. As the sun sets around me and people are beginning to enjoy their dinner, I lock my classroom door, having worked 4 hours unpaid.
I am a teacher in Florida.
I greet the smiling faces of my students and am reminded anew of their challenges, struggles, successes, failures, quirks, and needs. I review their 504s, their IEPs, their PMPs, their histories trying to reach them from every angle possible. They come in hungry—I feed them. They come in angry—I counsel them. They come in defeated—I encourage them. And this is all before the bell rings.
I am a teacher in Florida.
I am told that every student in my realm must score on or above grade level on the FCAT each year. Never mind their learning discrepancies, their unstable home lives, their prior learning experiences. In the spring, they are all assessed with one measure and if they don’t fit, I have failed. Students walk through my doors reading at a second grade level and by year’s end can independently read and comprehend early 4th grade texts, but this is no matter. One of my students has already missed 30 school days this year, but that is overlooked. If they don’t perform well on this ONE test in early March, their learning gains are irrelevant. They didn’t learn enough. They didn’t grow enough. I failed them. In the three months that remain in the school year after this test, I am expected to begin teaching 5th grade curriculum to my 4th grade students so that they are prepared for next year’s test.
I am a teacher in Florida.
I am expected to create a culture of students who will go on to become the leaders of our world. When they exit my classroom, they should be fully equipped to compete academically on a global scale. They must be exposed to different worldviews and diverse perspectives, and yet, most of my students have never left Sanford, Florida. Field trips are now frivolous. I must provide new learning opportunities for them without leaving the four walls of our classroom. So I plan. I generate new ways to expose them to life beyond their neighborhoods through online exploration and digital field trips. I stay up past The Tonight Show to put together a unit that will allow them to experience St. Augustine without getting on a bus. I spend weekends taking pictures and creating a virtual world for them to experience, since the State has determined it is no longer worthwhile for them to explore reality. Yes. My students must be prepared to work within diverse communities, and yet they are not afforded the right to ever experience life beyond their own town.
I am a teacher in Florida.
I accepted a lower salary with the promise of a small increase for every year taught. I watched my friends with less education than me sign on for six figure jobs while I embraced my $28k starting salary. I was assured as I signed my contract that although it was meager to start, my salary would consistently grow each year. That promise has been broken. I’m still working with a meager salary, and the steps that were contracted to me when I accepted a lower salary are now deemed “unnecessary.”
I am a teacher in Florida.
I spent $2500 in my first year alone to outfit an empty room so that it would promote creative thinking and a desire to learn and explore. I now average between $1000-2000 that I pay personally to supplement the learning experiences that take place in my classroom. I print at home on my personal printer and have burned through 12 ink cartridges this school year alone. I purchase the school supplies my students do not have. I buy authentic literature so my students can be exposed to authors and worlds beyond their textbooks. I am required to teach Social Studies and Writing without any curriculum/materials provided, so I purchase them myself. I am required to conduct Science lab without Science materials, so I buy those, too. The budgeting process has determined that copies of classroom materials are too costly, so I resort to paying for my copies at Staples, refusing to compromise my students’ education because high-ranking officials are making inappropriate cuts. It is February, and my entire class is out of glue sticks. Since I have already spent the $74 allotted to me for warehouse supplies, if I don’t buy more, we will not have glue for the remainder of the year. The projects I dream up are limited by the incomprehensible lack of financial support. I am expected to inspire my students to become lifelong learners, and yet we don’t have the resources needed to nurture their natural sense of wonder if I don’t purchase them myself. My meager earning is now pathetic after the expenses that come with teaching effectively.
I am a teacher in Florida.
The government has scolded me for failing to prepare my students to compete in thistechnologically driven world. Students in Japan are much more equipped to think progressively with regards to technology. Each day, I turn on the two computers afforded me and pray for a miracle. I apply for grants to gain new access to technology and compete with thousands of other teachers who are hoping for the same opportunity. I battle for the right to use the computer lab and feel fortunate if my students get to see it once a week. Why don’t they know how to use technology? The system’s budget refuses to include adequate technology in classrooms; instead, we are continually told that dry erase boards and overhead projectors are more than enough.
I am a teacher in Florida.
I am expected to differentiate my instruction to meet the needs of my 24 learners. Their IQs span 65 points, and I must account for every shade of gray. I must challenge those above grade level, and I must remediate those below. I am but one person within the classroom, but I must meet the needs of every learner. I generate alternate assessments to accommodate for these differences. My higher math students receive challenge work, and my lower math students receive one-on-one instruction. I create most of these resources myself, after-hours and on weekends. I print these resources so that every child in my room has access to the same knowledge, delivered at their specific level. Yesterday, the school printer that I share with another teacher ran out of ink. Now I must either purchase a new ink cartridge for $120, or I cannot print anything from my computer for the remainder of the year. What choice am I left with?
I am a teacher in Florida.
I went to school at one of the best universities in the country and completed undergraduate and graduate programs in Education. I am a master of my craft. I know what effective teaching entails, and I know how to manage the curriculum and needs of the diverse learners in my full inclusion classroom. I graduated at the top of my class and entered my first year of teaching confident and equipped to teach effectively. Sadly, I am now being micro-managed, with my instruction dictated to me. I am expected to mold “out-of-the-box” thinkers while I am forced to stay within the lines of the instructional plans mandated by policy-makers. I am told what I am to teach and when, regardless of the makeup of my students, by decision-makers far away from my classroom or even my school. The message comes in loud and clear that a group of people in business suits can more effectively determine how to provide exemplary instruction than I can. My expertise is waved away, disregarded, and overlooked. I am treated like a day-laborer, required to follow the steps mapped out for me, rather than blaze a trail that I deem more appropriate and effective for my students—students these decision-makers have never met.
I am a teacher in Florida.
I am overworked, underpaid, and unappreciated by most. I spend my weekends, my vacations, and my summers preparing for school, and I constantly work to improve my teaching to meet the needs of my students. I am being required to do more and more, and I’m being compensated less and less.
I am a teacher in Florida, not for the pay or the hardships, the disregard or the disrespect; I am a teacher in Florida because I am given the chance to change lives for the good, to educate and elevate the minds and hearts of my students, and to show them that success comes in all shapes and sizes, both in the classroom and in the community.
I am a teacher in Florida today, but as I watch many of my incredible, devoted coworkers being forced out of the profession as a matter of survival, I wonder: How long will I be able to remain a teacher in Florida?

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First Day of School Activities

2010-08-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

It's almost that time again! Here are two activities that I use on the first day of school: 1. Summer Vacation Poem and 2.Student Questionnaire:

Click Here to download

Metaphors and Similes Worksheet

2010-08-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

I searched and I searched and I couldn't find a simple worksheet on metaphors and similes, so I created one. I hope this is what you are looking for!

Metaphors and Similes Worksheet

I Remember and I Miss: Poetry Activity

2010-06-30T04:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a poetry activity you can try:

Have students to write a poem in which they use imagery to describe a place.

For the prewrite, students can write down the familiar smells, sights, tastes, and sounds of a particular place.

Click here for an example poem

RECYCLE POSTER

2010-06-30T04:22:00.001-07:00

Here's a new poster I created.

Click here to download

Tomorrow Will Be Better- Poster

2010-06-17T08:40:00.001-07:00

Whenever I have a crazy day or what I deem as an unproductive day, I always tell myself: Tomorrow will be better.

The hope of tomorrow is a powerful thing.

Click Here for Poster

Click Here for More Free Posters

Flying Home from Chicago: A moment in time poetry activity

2010-06-17T07:31:00.001-07:00

Here's a poem I wrote about a turbulent flight that I experienced some years ago. The poem only describes about a minute of that flight.

This poem encourages student to think of a brief moment in their lives and write a poem about it.

Click here for poem: http://www.teacherscoffeehouse.com/freeworksheets/Flying_Home_from_Chicago.pdf

Click here for other poetry activities:
http://www.teacherscoffeehouse.com/Poetry.html

13 Teacher Secrets

2010-06-15T17:42:00.001-07:00

This is a cool article that I thought I would pass along. I especially like #13.
http://www.rd.com/make-it-matter-make-a-difference/slideshow-13-things-your-childs-teacher-wont-tell-you/article165082.html#slide

A Beautiful Man: A story about teen domestic violence

2010-06-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

Click Here To Download Story

This is a narrative about a young woman who becomes aware that her best male friend abuses his girlfriend.

I was inspired to publish this when one of my female students declared that Rhianna must have done something to make Chris Brown mad. Needless to say, I was dumbfounded. How do you rationalize this with a 14 year old child?

This is definately a discussion that needs to be had. It also comes with a great variety of questions: literary analysis, literary terms, character analysis, and personal response.

This is not the the final draft so be ware of TYPO's. You can use this as an EDITING lesson as well.

I hope this sparks a meaningful discussion between you and your students.

All My Single Teachers: Have a Great Summer

2010-06-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

Five Ways for Single Teachers to Have a Great Summer!

As teachers, we all look forward to hearing that last bell of the year. There is a certain euphoria as we lock up our classrooms and say goodbye for the summer. However, as a single person, if you don’t have a plan, then that euphoria can soon turn into boredom and depression.
There are several reasons why the summer can be challenging for single teachers:
1. During the school year, you are crazy busy, and you don’t even have time to think about certain issues or problems. So during the summer, when you have more down time, you are forced to deal with certain issues, such as sick parent, an alienated sibling, or a break up. During the school year, we are so busy that we can avoid dealing with these issues by throwing ourselves into our work.
2. You are used to being needed, in demand. Even though we complain that we are being pulled in 100 different directions during the school year, when that demand for our attention suddenly stops, we may feel like we don’t have a purpose, that we aren’t needed.
3. You’re on vacation, but your friends and family are not. Suddenly, you’re free to travel, shop, and go to the movies, but you look around and your friends and family are working. They may not want to hang out late with you because they have to get up and go to work. And, even if you have teacher friends, if they are married, they will have family obligations.

So how can you ensure that you have a great summer and come back in the fall happy and refreshed? Well I’m glad you asked.
1. Decide on at least two projects that you will complete by the end of the summer.
For example, I am determined to have a body like Rhiana by August, so I hired a personal trainer. I am also writing short stories and working on my blog.
You may consider publishing a workbook, an educational book, or a novel. Check out this blog on self-publishing: http://freethingsforteachers.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-self-publish-your-teacher.html
2. Make sure that you have a plan for each day. I try to write down at least five things that I intend to accomplish each day. I also set my alarm clock for 8:00 a.m. each morning. (I am not saying I don’t hit the snooze button 5 times, but it’s a start.)
3. Volunteer This is a great way to learn new skills and meet new people. I found the following sight to be helpful: http://www.volunteermatch.org/.
4. Set up lunch lunch dates with your family and friends who are not on vacation. It is a great way to reconnect.
5. If you are dating someone, don’t be clingy because you are not working. It is easy to ruin a relationship (especially a new one) if you are constantly calling your significant other and expecting him/her to entertain you. Continue to be the strong independent woman (or man) that he/she fell in love with. And if you just got out of an unhealthy relationship, avoid contacting him/her just because you are bored or lonely.

The bottom line is RELAX and ENJOY your summer. The fall will be here before you know it!

The beauty of the vocabulary story!

2010-05-05T14:58:00.001-07:00

This for all of my fellow English teachers. If you are like most English teachers, you give out a weekly vocabulary list. The vocabulary story is a great activity that you can do, and it takes no planning on your part. It's also a great activity that the students can do with a sub if you ever need emergency lesson plans.

Well here it is, simple and to the point:

1. You must use ten vocabulary words.
2. You must underline the words.
3. Your story must have at least FOUR paragraphs.
4. You must include: (place literary term here) (This step is optional. If you are working on a particular literary term or concept, you can ask the students to include it in the story. For example: dynamic character, static character, verbal irony etc.

Hope this makes your life a little easier. Happy Lesson Planning!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T06:54:00.001-07:00

Here are the lyrics to my favorite Easter song:

Go ahead drive the nails in My hands, Laugh at Me where you stand. Go ahead, and say it isn't Me, The day will come when you will see,
'Cause I'll rise again. There's no pow'r on earth can tie Me down. Yes, I'll rise again, Death can't keep Me in the ground.
Go ahead mock My name, My love for you is still the same. Go ahead and bury Me, But very soon I will be free.
'Cause I'll rise again. There's no pow'r on earth can tie Me down. Yes, I'll rise again, Death can't keep Me in the ground.
Go ahead, and say I'm dead and gone, But you will see that you were wrong. Go ahead, and try to hide the Son, But all will see that I'm the One.
"Cause I'll come again. There's no pow'r on earth can keep it back. Yes, I'll come again; Come to take My people back Yes I'll come again; Come to take My people back.

Spring Break Poem

2010-04-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hope you had or are having a wonderful spring break! Here's a poem for YOU and YOUR STUDENTS to complete when you get back.

I suggest you do one as an example, and then have the kids do them. For some reason, kids like hearing about their teacher's lives outside of the classroom....it's like that can't quite fathom that you actually have a life (such that it is in my case LOL) outside of school.

Anyway, here's the activity-- Spring Break Poem

Scholarship Recommendation Letter Template

2010-03-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year. Kids will be asking.....

Check out this article that I wrote for EHOW; it includes a template too!

http://www.ehow.com/how_4769330_write-scholarship-recommendation-letter.html

Would you eat School Lunch??

2010-03-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

When I think of cafeteria food, I think of pizza squares and chocolate milk. Or BBQ sandwiches(people from the south know what I'm talking about) and chocolate milk. OR hot dogs with thick cold chili and of course chocolate milk.

I wonder why they serve everything with milk? I mean where else except at school, would you ever eat a hamburger and milk. Okay, I am going to stop rambling and get to the point. And there is a point!

There is this teacher who decided to eat school lunch for a whole year in order to bring attention to the unhealthy food that our children are eating. You should check out her blog: http://fedupwithschoollunch.blogspot.com/

I really need some counseling!

2010-02-27T17:32:00.000-08:00

This is a true story. At the end of a long day, I walked into the guidance counselor's office, plopped down in a chair and said, (jokingly ), "I really need some counseling," and she replied, "Me too, let's go together."

Looking for Change

2010-02-12T19:05:00.001-08:00

As my second period (9th grade) class came in, I was digging in my purse looking for some change for a Diet Coke. I desperately wanted a soda, but I was coming up about 50 cents short. As my students came in, they seemed shocked that I was looking for change. They seemed shock that I was human.

I looked up to see about three or four of them gathered around my desk in amazement. One of the students declared Ms. Scott’s looking for money. Then they started talking amongst themselves (you know like they do in a Broadway play.) They were “singing” “Ms. Scott’s looking for money. Ms. Scott’s looking for Money. Ms. Scott’s looking for money.”

The next thing I knew, Janene, an adorable curly haired almond colored girl, (who I always thought couldn’t care whether I lived or died) threw two shiny quarters on my desk.

I really really wanted to take the money, and for a split second I thought about taking it. However, I smiled and said, “Thank you sweetheart, but I don’t take money from students. But that is so kind of you.” I then gave her a red Starburst.

What Does Diligent Mean?

2010-02-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I was passing out progress reports in my 11th grade English class. When I gave Dallas his progress report, I commented that he was doing a good job. Dallas is a good ole country boy who has good higher-order thinking skills; he has the common sense and quickness of a hunter. Dallas, who has a syrupy-thick Tennessee accent, has the type of intelligence that can often be overlooked in the traditional classroom.

Teacher: Dallas you are doing a really good job in class.

Dallas: Can you call my daddy and tell him I’m a, uh, diligent worker. Cause one time Mrs. Jackson called my daddy and told him I was a diligent worker. I don’t know what diligent means, but when Mrs. Jackson told my daddy that, it made him real happy. (Pauses for a moment) What does diligent mean?

Jerry the Lazy Jaybird (Short Story) with Poster

2010-02-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

Also includes questions and a research activity

Click here for story and poster.

How to Self-Publish Your Teacher Materials

2010-01-27T14:34:00.000-08:00

I just wrote his article, check it out: http://www.ehow.com/how_5913325_self_publish-create-space-less-_5_00.html

Addition Workbook

2010-01-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

Addition Workbook

This addition workbook includes worksheets for addition facts 0-9, as well as flashcards and a hundred board.

$25 Restaurant Gift Certificate for $8.00

2010-01-03T20:09:00.000-08:00

I recently got this offer in my email because I signed up for a Borders Reward Card (It's absolutely free to sign up.)

Anyway, it looks like a pretty good deal. Borders also has other perks like discounts on movies and clothes!

Check it out: http://www.bordersrewardsperks.com/category/index/categoryId/150/uSource/H2CN

Ragamuffinz: 500 Cupcakes!

2009-12-29T17:27:00.001-08:00

This is a short story about three foster kids who help their foster parents run a bakery. It includes questions that focus on character analysis as well as a poster.

Click Here to download

Short Stories for Reading Comprehension with Posters

2009-12-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

Click Here for Free Short Story

Click Here for Free Story Posters

Free Story Posters

2009-12-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

These are the posters that go along with my book, Short Stories for Reading Comprehension.

Click Here to download free posters

Free Short Story with Questions: The Family Vacation

2009-12-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

This is a GREAT short story for grades 2-4. It includes multiple-choice questions, critical-thinking questions, and research activities.

Click Here for free story

Make a Reading Kit Out of a Cereal Box

2009-12-18T18:45:00.000-08:00

Click Here for Article

Here's an article I wrote on how to make a reading kit out of a cereal box. Check it out.

Today Poem Worksheet--For Beginning Poets

2009-12-12T10:18:00.000-08:00

Today Poem

This is "frame" poem that I use when I begin my poetry units. The student simply fills in the blanks, and when they finish they have quite a good poem.

16 Ways for Teachers to Make and Save Money

2009-12-02T14:29:00.001-08:00

Check out these two articles for tips:

Nine Ways for Teachers to Make and Save Money

Seven Free Things for Teachers

Romeo and Juliet in Urban Slang

2009-11-26T07:51:00.000-08:00

Author: Tonia Lee

This book translates Romeo and Juliet into language that kids can understand. It also includes questions and activities at the end of each act.

It's not just for urban kids either. I plan on using it for my rural North Carlina students.

Act 1

Purchase the entire book as a digital file or as a hard copy

Purchase Macbeth in Urban Slang

Literary Terms Work Sheet

2009-11-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

Worksheet

For this worksheet, students will come up with a literary device (ie, simile, metaphor) based on the picture. When I did this activity, I encouraged students to add to my illustration.

Click here for literary terms posters

5 Ways to Get Your Boss to Give You a Vacation

2009-10-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

Download

Free Downloadable Poster: FUNNY

2009-10-27T20:31:00.001-07:00

Download

I was inspired to create this poster because I was having a "not so great day." I hope that it brightens your day a little.

Short Story: The Meanest English Teacher Ever

2009-10-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

The Meanest English Teacher Ever

Here's a story that your students will be able relate to. (Yes, I know I ended a sentence with a prepostion, but relax, it's okay.)

The story includes questions about point of view as well.

MLA Formatting in Laymen's Terms

2009-10-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

I've found that students are clueless when it comes to the purpose of MLA formatting. These worksheets and explain MLA formatting in pratical terms. They also provide the students with an activity to enhance their understanding of MLA formatting.

Worksheet

For more worksheets, visit my worksheets page

AFRO-Authentic Fearless Rambunctious Optimism (Free Poster)

2009-10-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

Free Downloadable Poster

T-Shirts, Posters, Notecards

For more free downloadable posters, Click Here

For more info on natural hair, visit: www.luvmyafro.com

Commas Vs. Semicolons Worksheet

2009-10-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

This is a WONDERFUL resource for explaining commas vs. semicolons:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/engagement/index.php?category_id=2&sub_category_id=1&article_id=44

Short Journal Topics

2009-10-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Short Journal Topics

I created these journal topics for my timid writers. They only require the students to write a paragraph.

Also, for more free worksheets, check out my worksheets page:

Point of View

2009-10-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

Point of View Worksheet

This a great way to explain point of view to 9th graders. It's called "Fred the Freshman and Sarah the Senior" I think that your students will like it.

For more worksheets, visit my worksheets page .

Kindle Review

2009-09-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

I recently dropped close to 350.00 dollars on a Kindle. (The Kindle was actually 299 bucks, but the cover was 29.99.) I am an English teacher/ technology geek, so the idea of having 300,000 books at my finger tips that I could download in less than a minute gave me a rush. Seriously, the day it was set to arrive, I was at work day all dreaming about all the things I would do with my new electronic book.
And I know the question that you’re asking is was it worth it?

The answer is a resounding YES and NO. (Note: This article is divided into two sections “Was it worth it? Yes” “Was it worth it No.)

Was it worth it? YES

There is a Large Selection of “Books”
They have over 300,000 books, and they are constantly adding to the list. Most of books that I could dream up, they have.

You can download books anytime, anywhere in a minute or less.
Lately, I’ve had a problem of getting all excited about purchasing a new book (and yes, I do get excited about books) only to go to the book store and find out that they don’t have it in stock. Of course, the kind sales person will be happy to order if for you, but “I WANT THE BOOK RIGHT NOW!” I don’t want to wait 3-5 days for the book to be delivered.

It’s almost as if you are reading a real book—I promise.
The pages are so realistic looking: when I first got the Kindle, there was a “Welcome to Kindle Page” on the screen, and I thought it was an actual piece of paper. I was trying to pull the darn thing off, it was HILLARIOUS (okay, I guess, maybe you had to be there….)

There is a built in dictionary.
If I’m reading, and I come across a word like lugubrious (Well, actually I already know what that word means, but let’s pretend that I don’t) Anyway, the point is when you find a word you don’t know, all you have to do is click a button, and the definition of the word shows up at the bottom of the page.

It saves space.
Lately, I’ve started to declutter my life, and it has made me kind of happy actually. (But that’s a whole different story, for a whole different blog) Anyway, I DON’T LIKE JUNK ANYMORE, and this fits my apartment lifestyle. You can store up to 1500 books on the Kindle at a time. (That’s a lot of books.) If you have more than 1500 books (Let’s say you happen to be a library or something.), well you can still have them stored on your account page, but they won’t be on your actual Kindle.

Was it worth it? No

Prices
Most of the books are 9.99 or less. But in this day and age, Umm hello Mr. Kindle maker, that’s not such a great deal. You can buy books online for like four bucks (and that’s including shipping and handling.)

Wikipedia Function
I was SUPER excited when I found out that you could access Wikipedia on the Kindle. (Don’t tell anyone, but sometimes I look up random stuff on Wikipedia like Dolphins and Giraffes for fun.) However, the darn thing is so slow, and the screen is so small. I’m like, I’ll just look it up on one of my computers later (yes I have three computers, don’t judge me!)

You don’t get the bookstore experience
I always had this idea that I’d meet my future husband in Barnes and Noble—maybe in the computer section. But now, I just don’t go to the bookstore as much. There is something to say about browsing through the bookstore looking for a good book. But it’s also exhilarating to download a book in a minute. OH, SWEET AGONY, I’m soooo torn!

You have to pay extra for the book cover—29.99
I must say, Mr. Kindle maker, that was sneaky. You kind of have to buy the Kindle cover. I mean who’s going to pay three hundred bucks for a Kindle and then leave it uncovered??? Why, Why, Why couldn’t it just have been included in the price?

The bottom line is…
I am glad I bought the Kindle. I had a few extra bucks, so I decided to treat myself. If you are buying it because you think it will save you money on book purchases, I say no, don’t buy it. If you are buying it because you love the idea of having all of those books at your finger tips AND you have some extra money, then I say go for it. Happy Kindling!

Do You Want Fries with That? (Short Story)

2009-09-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

I just added a high interest short story on my worksheets page. It's about a teenager who is forced to work side-by-side at a fast food restaurant with her father, after he loses his job.

It also has questions at the end of the story.

My students liked this story, and hope yours do too.

Go to my worksheets page, and click on Short Story-Do Fries Go with That.

Free Worksheets

2009-09-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

Free Worksheets

I just compiled a number of worksheets that I've created over the years. I hope that they are useful to you.

Literary Terms Poster

2009-08-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

Literary Terms Posters

This booklet includes five posters: simile, metaphor, alliteration, hyperbole, and personification. Check it out.

ABC Autobiography

2009-08-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

ABC Autobiography

This is a great project to do in the first few weeks of the school year. It really helps you to get to know your students.

How much money do you spend for your teacher/classroom supplies?

2009-08-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

As I was buying things for my classroom this year, I began to wonder, how much are others spending?

Please take a moment to fill out this QUICK survey.

Teacher Spending Survey

1 cent School Supplies at Staples

2009-08-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

Staples Back to School Deals

This week (8/9-8/15) a penny will get you: Highlighters, Notebooks, and Copier Paper (the copier paper is a penny after rembate.

Also, while you are at the Staples site, make sure that you sign up to recieve week ads by email, so you'll be in the the know.

First Day of School Worksheets

2009-08-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

First Day of School Worksheets

I just uploaded these first day of school activities to enotes. There are two worksheets. The first worksheet requires students to write a poem about their summer vacation using the five senses (imagery).

The second worksheet is a get-to-know-you questionnaire.

Free Advice: Focus on what you have, not what you don't

2009-08-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

If you constantly focus on what you don’t have,
you will never fully appreciate what you do have.
-Sharron Scott (yours truly)

(Click here to download quote)

It's true, if you constantly focus on what you don't have, you'll never see what you do have. Think about it:

If someone gave you 3/4 of a wonderfully delicious chocolate cake, and all you could focus on was the fact that you were missing a slice, you would never get to enjoy the rest of the cake.
---

In this time of recession and cut backs, it's easy to focus on what we don't have. As teachers, our schools are understaffed, we may have to buy a lot of our own school supplies, and in some cases our salaries may have been cut (This happened in my state last school year.)

However, if you look a the big picture, we still have jobs, when unfortunately others do not. And most importantly, we work in a profession where we actually have a purpose, and we have the opportunity to influence young lives every single day.

---I am going to post this quote up in my room, and I am also going do an activity in which I have my students come up with their own quotes. (And I will then post their quotes up in the room as well.)

Teacher Apprecian Day at Staples

2009-08-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Staples loves teachers, almost as much as we looooove staples. Check this out.

7 Great Literary Quotes Posters

2009-08-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Here's an inexpensive way to decorate your classroom.

I just uploaded this booklet of the following seven literary quotes to my posters page. (Scroll down to the bottom of the page.) There are seven pages in all ( a quote on each page.) I suggest you print the quotes out and paste/staple them onto to colorful posterboard. Or, you could also, print them out on colorful paper.

Literary Quotes Quotes:

Friendship, I fancy means one heart between two.
George Meridith

Parting is such sweet sorrow
Shakespeare

Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly may alight upon you.
Nathanial Hawthorne

Faith is what someone knows to be true, whether they believe it or not.
Flannery O’Connor

All great achievements require time
Maya Angelou

Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day
Charles Dickens

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to great places!
You’re off and away!

Dr. Suess

A Poem For Disruptive Students

2009-07-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

I wrote this poem earlier this school year. I used this poem to teach students about analyzing poetry as well as theme and narration. They were really engaged in this lesson.

I SEE YOU

You make strange noises
OR You laugh at things
That are not funny
OR Maybe you FART
LOUD and SMELLY

Because your voice has
Been silenced
By 9, 10, or 11 years
Of the Public School Prison

And for some reason
You’ve gotten into your head
That you cannot be successful
That you’ll always be the one
Laughing, Throwing, Farting

And you think that
Laughing, Throwing, Farting
Is the only way that you can be
HEARD

BUT
I see you; I hear you
I see a Doctor, Lawyer
Teacher, Preacher,
Policeman, Fireman,
Husband, Father
Mother, Wife

I see You!
I hear You!

Note: I have a downloadable version of this poem with questions that focus on theme and narrator.

Five Discounts Every Teacher Should Know About

2009-07-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Every teacher knows that we get discounts at Barnes and Nobles (and we appreciate that), but there are a lot of other discounts out there that you don't know about.

1. Phone Service (Home and Cell)- Did you know that depending upon which county you teach in, you may be able to receice a 15% discount on your Verizon Wireless bill.
Also, you will be able to cut your home phone service down to 39.95 a year by using Magic Jack.
Also check check out this blog on free directory assistance.

2. 100's of Discounts- I've just discovered this really cool site that informs teachers about hundreds of discounts that are available to teachers. http://www.myeducationdiscount.com/

3. Software-Teachers can also receive 75% off of sofware from Microsoft Word to Adobe Creative Suite to everything in between. See my previous post for info.

4. Eye Glasses- Believe me when I tell you this, you can get a COMPLETE pair of glasses for $8.00. I'm actually wearing my $8.00 glasses right now as I type this blog, and I have no complaints. Check out this previous blog.

5. Apartments- Many apartments will either waive your application fee or give you discount on the fee. Make sure that you ask.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear poster

2009-07-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

I've add a new poster to my Poster's Page.

This is one of my favorite Bible verses. I took this picture of my mom's Easter lilly over a year ago; I just recently edited in photoshop.

Easy Low Calorie Chili

2009-07-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

As a teacher, it is hard to find time to cook healthy tasty meals. Well here's a quick and easy meal that you can come home and whip up right after work. It only takes about about 20-30 minutes to cook.

Ingredients:
1 pound of lean ground beef
2 cans of diced tomatoes
1 can of kidney beans
1 onion
1/4-1/2 of a jalepeno pepper
2-3 table spoons of sugar
salt or garlic salt

servings 4-5

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet
2. While the beef is cooking:
Cut up the onion and jalapeno pepper.
Then combine the kidney beans, tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno pepper in a large pot.
VERY IMPORTANT- BE CAREFUL WITH JALAPENO PEPPERS; they can get really hot.
I usually just leave the peppers in the pot for about five minutes and then I take them out.
3. After the beef finishes browning, drain it and put it in the large pot with the beans and vegetables.
4. Add sugar and salt.
5. Let it simmer for a few minutes and you're done!

Free Posters For Teachers

2009-07-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

Free Posters

I've started a page of posters I've created. I'll be updating it frequently, so keep coming back.

Seven Free Things for Teachers

2009-07-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like free??? Well, here are seven things for teachers that are ABSOLUTELY free.

1. Worksheets, Ebooks, Lesson Plans, Oh My- Enotes.com has a bunch of free e-books by reputable publishers like Scholastic. (See previous post.) Enotes also has free worksheets created by teachers. TeachersPayTeachers.com is another site that has free worksheets for teachers created by teachers.
And of course you can get tons of free stuff and advice right here at http://www.freethingsforteachers.com/

2. Posters- Cool and quirky posters: See Post
3. Free Foreign Language Lessons- Would you like to brush up on your French or delve into Italian. Check out these free courses: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/

4. MIT Open Courseware- Speaking of free courses. This is so cool. You have assess to lecture notes, videos, exams etc. on just about anything you can imagine, from American Political Thought to Documentary Photography and Photo Journalism.

5. Software- You can download anything from wordprocessing software to networking software to video games. Check out http://www.sourceforge.net/

6. Whatever Your Heart Desires- At Donor's Choose, You can request anything from pencils to musical instrument. This site pairs up teachers with people or companies in the community who are willing to help. It actually works. My teacher put in a request for $300.00 for Weekly Readers and her wish was granted.

7. A Great Coworker- Never underestimate or take for granted the coworker who you can turn to on those days when the phrase, "Maybe teaching just isn't for me", keeps running across your mind. This is the person who will laugh with you, cry with you, pray with you, and remind you that you are indeed where you are supposed to be.

written by: Sharron Scott

School Supplies for 1 Cent at Staples

2009-07-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

site: http://staples.shoplocal.com/staples/default.aspx?action=entryflash&adref=staples_right_hand_nav&cm_sp=merchandising-_-weekly%20ad%20right%20rail-_-weekly%20ad%20right%20rail

I was just checking my email, and I saw this deal. You can get pencils for a penny! You can get a whole lot of other drastically discounted school supplies to0.

Make sure to sign up for the weekly adds via email, so you'll be in the know.

Continue to enjoy your summer, and don't forget to go to the beach or at least take a dip in the pool1

PowerPoint Review Game

2009-07-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

site: http://www.enotes.com/documents/powerpoint-review-game-39823

Here's a PowerPower Point review game that I just created. It's pretty cool; check it out

First Grade Workbook

2009-07-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

site: http://www.enotes.com/documents/shapes-more-41669
Shapes and more! I made this mini workbook for the little guys. I had fun making it---I was able to get in touch with my inner child.

Multiplication Workbook

2009-06-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Multiplication Workbook

Here's a math workbook that I just created. It gives students practice multiplying 1-10; it also includes a fill-in-the-blank multiplication table.

I welcome any suggestions or comments. You can email me at frugalgirl09@gmail.com

workbooks

Five Signs You're an English Teacher Poster

2009-06-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

site: www.writenowplc.com/free/fivesigns.pdf

Five Signs You’re an English Teacher
1. If your spouse or significant other gives you a love letter, you analyze it and pick out the grammatical errors.
2. You describe your desk as “organized chaos.”
3. When you spill something on your shirt, you say,“Out damned spot.”
4. You use words like ubiquitous and lugubrious when talking to your 7-year-old.
5. You named your dog Chaucer, your fish Hemingway, and your computer Wordsworth.

HAPPY POSTER

2009-06-20T20:18:00.001-07:00

site: www.writenowplc.com/free/happy.pdf

I created this poster for a coworker who was stressed out.

Church Mice Poster

2009-06-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

site: http://www.writenowplc.com/free/churchmice.pdf

This is for all my Sunday School teachers. I created this poster last year; it was a lot of fun!

Lots of Free EBOOKS!

2009-06-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

site: http://www.enotes.com/documents/pub/emc

I was just uploading some worksheets to Enotes.com (see previous post if you have no idea what I'm talking about), and I ran across some really good FREE ebooks from reputable publishers like Evan-Moor and Scholastic. Just thought I'd pass it along!

9 Ways for Teachers to Make Extra Money

2009-06-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

"Teachers Don't Get Paid Enough" is what we constantly hear, but if you budget your money correctly and find ways to get paid for your expertise, you'll be able to keep the job you love and pay the mortgage.

1. Save Money Without Even Missing It When you pay off a bill or when you get your yearly raise; automatically have the money you saved or made transferred to your savings account. For example, when I paid off my computer loan, I had the 75.00 that I saved automatically transferred to my savings account. I didn't even miss it.

2. Join the State Employees Credit Union If you haven't already, make sure that you become a member of your State Employees Credit Union. My credit card through the credit union only has 10% interest. Also, they have great perks. For instance, in North Carolina, if you make less than 40,000, you can get your taxes done for free.

3. Get your a Side Hustle On Use your expertise in education to make EXTRA money. I signed up as an editor at Enotes, and I can make $25.00-$50.00 extra a month by answering questions about literature or uploading worksheets that I created for my students. Check out my site for more info: Free Things for Teachers: Enotes Editor
You can also sell your work at: Teachers Pay Teachers

4. Find sites that offer FREE STUFF There are many sites like Free Things for Teachers and Teacher's Coffeehouse that cater to teachers. Enotes is another site that offers free worksheets and lesson plans for teachers. Also find free posters at this site:
Free Posters

5. Write a Book or a Workbook There are many places where your can self-publish books for little or no money. Check out this article about self-publishing your teacher materials:
Self Publishing Your Teacher Materials

6. Teach Online In some states, there are virtual high schools that offer courses throughout the year and during the summer. They pay around $200 per student in North Carolina. Check out the following sites:
North Carolina Virtual Public School
Florida Virtual School

7. Stop Buying New Books You can buy books that are in great condition at a fraction of the price at: Amazon

8. Stop Paying Full Price for Software- There are several sites that offer up to 75% off on popular software including Microsoft and Adobe. Check out this article for more information:
Cheap Software
If 75% off isn’t enough of a discount for you, you can get free open source software at:
Free Sofware

9. Give to Others-- As Christian, I believe in tithing 10% of my income. I try to donate 10% of my income to a local Christian charity every month. I always feel better about my finances when I am helping others.
Source: http://www.freethingsforteachers.com/

written by: Sharron Scott

Software for 75% Off!!

2009-06-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

You can get software for 75% at www.campustech.com This site offers just about any type of software your would want from Microsft Office to Adobe Creative Suite. For exampe, Microsoft Office which is usually 499.00 is only 129.00.

What are stipulations, you ask?

We'll there are just a few:1. It is educational software, so you need to be a teacher or a student (K-12 or college) to receive the discount.2. Because it's educational software, you can't upgrade.You can also receive an educational discount if you order directly through Adobe: https://store1.adobe.com/cfusion/store/html/index.cfm?store=OLS-EDU&event=displayEduConditions

You should give it a try; I've used campustech.com several times, and I am very pleased.

Free Grammar and Punctuation E-Book

2009-06-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

Go to my worksheets page, and click on Quick and Simple Grammar and Punctuation.

I created this workbook because I had a hard time finding simple grammar and punctuation worksheets for my ninth graders that weren't too childish.

If you have any suggestions about the ebook, please contact me at frugalgirl09@gmail.com

Thanks!

Free Advice---Enjoy Your Summer

2009-06-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

From time to time, I will post what I call "free advice" on this blog. People who know me well, know that I only give advice when I feel I have something to say that may make your life easier. My true friends also know that I think that unwarrented advice is on the same list as paper cuts and hang nails. So if you're not the type to accept advice, then whenever you see a "Free Advice" post, then by all means keep it moving, go on to the next blog. You won't hurt my feelings---I promise.

With that said---Enjoy Your Summer!

Take a few weeks to completely forget about school and schoolwork. Forget about being Ms. Brown, or Mr. Roberts; for a moment just take a minute to be Karen or Frank, Mom, Dad, Little Sister, Big Brother, or Friend.

Right now, in this moment, as I type this, I am sitting on my balcony bobbing to Mariah Carey. It is 9:00 p.m., and the sun refuses to set completely set. And finally after a warm muggy day, on this late spring evening, there is a cool breeze.

There are a million "productive" things that I could be doing. But right now in this moment, I am going to do the one thing that I haven't really done since the first school bell rang in August: BREATH.

Scholarship Recommendation Letter

2009-06-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

site: http://www.writenowplc.com/12ap/letter.html

Here is scholarship recommendation letter that I wrote. It's pretty good (if I do say so myself :))

Make an extra $25.00-$50.00 a month

2009-06-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

site: https://www.enotes.com/jax/index.php/users/register/type=editor

You can easily make an extra $25.00-$50.00 a month by becomming an Enotes editor. I have been an Enotes editor since January 2009, and it has been a positive experience. In fact, I've got a check for $53.00 (from Enotes) sitting on my desk right now that I need to cash.

What does and Enotes editor do? An Enotes editor answer questions posted by students, posts comments to discussions boards, and uploads documents such as worksheets and handouts to the site.

How much money does an Enotes Editor get paid? Editors make $1.00 for every document submited i.e. worksheets, lesson plans etc., $2.00 for every question answered, and $1.00 for every comment posted on a discussion board.

How do I become an Enotes editor? It's very simple: just complete an online application, and answer three questions that are posted on the site. It takes a couple of weeks for your application to be reviewed.

Inspirational Poster

2009-06-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

I saw this verse on a teacher's website, and I decided to create a poster.

Click here to download the poster: http://www.writenowplc.com/free/letmyteachingfalllikerain.pdf

A Complete Pair of Glasses for 8.00

2009-06-10T16:01:00.001-07:00

Yes, you read it correcly, you can get a complete pair of glasses for 8.00 at http://www.zennioptical.com/ plus $4.00 shipping and handling.

I bought a pair about two months ago and they are great. In fact, I am wearing them right now as I type this blog:)

Note: You have to type in your perscription as well as your pupil distance. The website tells you how to measure your pupil distance. I suggest that you don't measure your own pupil distance. (My sister did this, and when her glasses came back she ended up dizzy.) Instead, when you go to the eye doctor to pick up your prescription, simply ask them for your pupil distance.

Post Card Template

2009-06-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

This is a cool activity for Social Studies and English teachers. After studying a new geographical place, students will design the front of the post card with geographical landmards representing that particular region.

After completing the front, students will write a note to a friend or family member describing the geographical region that they have visited.

I created this template, and then uploaded it to Enotes.com Check it out: http://www.enotes.com/documents/post-card-template-36365