10 Popular Resources for the TPT Sale

Below are the most popular resources for this TPT sale!

1. Gingerbread in Disguise Project

The month of December is a tricky one in the classroom. The students often have “sugarplums dancing in their heads” and their excitement for the upcoming holidays creates lots of energy. Because the December holidays are a religious event for many, it is not uncommon for some families, or even an entire school district, to request that specific holidays not be mentioned in the classroom. 

The perfect solution for channeling all that energy in a positive and effective way without mentioning any one holiday is gingerbread! It’s fun. It’s festive. It makes the kids excited and engaged. But, in no way is it officially tied into a specific holiday. 

Check out the Gingerbread in Disguise Project below!

2. Gingerbread House for Sale Project

Another fun and festive gingerbread teaching resource for December is this Gingerbread House for Sale Project. Learn more about it below!

3. Comparing Gingerbread Stories Unit

This Comparing Gingerbread Stories Unit is another quality gingerbread resource for the month of December. Learn all about it below!

4. Holiday Gifts for Parents

Every December, I would struggle to come up with an idea for parent gifts from students. I needed something that didn’t take hours to create, break the bank, or be too challenging for students to create themselves. In addition, many of my students came from non-traditional homes and needed to create more than one gift as a result. Finally, I needed to come up with something that wasn’t holiday-specific because not all of my students celebrated the same December holiday. Ultimately, I came up with Family Dinner Conversation Starters Project! Learn more about this holiday gift for students’ families below!

5. Holidays Around the World Unit

December is the perfect time for a holidays around the world unit. It gives students the opportunity to explore a variety of cultures and traditions in other countries (as well as their own). The experiences help them identify the similarities and differences, so they can grow a deeper level of appreciation and respect for others. They are doing this important work while practicing grade level concepts and skills. Check out the Holidays Around the World Unit below!

6. Emergency Sub Plans

Emergency sub plans are really popular this time of year. You might get sick from the never ending cycle of cold and flu viruses that are spreading through your classroom like wild fire or maybe you just need an extra day to catch up on holiday shopping while avoiding the weekend crowds. Download this set of emergency sub plans and enjoy a day off without the stress of having to put together sub plans last minute!

7. New Years Writing Project

When you and your elementary students return from the new year holiday, it’s a great time to reflect on the previous year and set goals for the upcoming year. Many elementary teachers choose to tie in growth mindset as well. These new year writing and craft activities are a great resource to complement these discussions. Learn more about this New Year’s Writing Resource below!

8. Snowmen at Night Writing Project

This Snowmen at Night Writing and Craft Project is based on the children’s book, Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner. If you haven’t already read this picture book, then you are in for a treat! Snowmen at Night is one of my favorite winter read alouds! Although I used the resource in conjunction with the book, some teachers choose to use the resource by itself as a creative writing project. You can choose what works best for you and your students! Learn more about the Snowmen at Night resource I created based on this winter story below!

9. December Color by Code Activities

These December Color by Code Activities are perfect for the weeks leading up to winter break. Keep these activities prepped and ready on your desk so you can pull them out at a moment’s notice. Learn more about them below!

10. Reindeer Research Project

This Reindeer Research Project is a great way to get your students excited about informational writing during the month of December. Whether you are looking for simple reindeer activities or are conducting a comprehensive research and writing reindeer unit where students are learning all about reindeer, this resource includes what you need to successfully achieve your goal in your classroom. Learn more about it below!

In closing, we hope you found this list of resources that are popular during the TPT sale helpful!

The post TPT Sale: The Top 10 Resources Teachers Grab During the Cyber Monday Sale Each Year appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

I have been using resources from Teachers Pay Teachers as a 3rd grade teacher and homeschool mom for over a decade. I’ve proudly run the Clutter-Free Classroom Teacher Store for that same amount of time. Therefore, I have quite a bit of experience dealing with what sometimes seems like a Teachers Pay Teachers technical problem. When that happens, I’ve been quick to assume that a specific product or seller error was to blame. Turns out, neither is usually the cause.

Usually the cause of the problem is related to something technical on the teacher’s end. Often, the resource has been created or updated recently. That means the newer resource may not be compatible with a computer, program or software that needs updating.

Different teachers have come to us asking some similar questions. We created this page to provide more detailed support, more efficient trouble-shooting and guidance on how to resolve issues. We know how busy you are, so we wanted to create a way to help you as fast as possible.

This page will help you troubleshoot issues you may be having with your Teachers Pay Teachers resources. Jump to the section you need by pinpointing the issue you are experiencing.

I am having trouble with…

• downloading the resource
• accessing the digital components of the resource
• printing the resource
• something else

1. I Can’t Open the Resource or It’s Not Downloading Properly.

It says I need a password to open the file.

Prior to uploading teaching resources to Teachers Pay Teachers, sellers “secure the files”. This is a requirement of the terms of use of the font designers and clipart creators. A password is only needed to make changes (copying or editing) to the protected PDF. Teachers will NEVER need a password to open a TpT resource.

Are you trying to open the pdf in a document program?

Microsoft Word can convert a PDF into a Word doc. To do so it must have the security disabled on the file. In this situation, a password would be needed to alter the security of the PDF file. If this is the case, simply be sure to download and open the file in a PDF reader instead of Microsoft Word.

Adobe Reader is free and quick and easy to install. Here’s a link: Download Adobe Reader!

It says my zip file or PDF is empty.

Some Windows users may receive an error message stating the contents of the ZIP file are empty. This may also occur when opening PDF files within a ZIP file. The cause seems to be when the default program for downloading and extracting ZIP files on your device has changed or needs to be updated.

TpT has shared information about this on their site. They wrote…

To avoid any issues with downloading the ZIP file to your device, right click on the TpT download link and choose ‘Save as…’ to save the ZIP file to your desktop instead of clicking the ‘Download’ button on TpT.

Please be sure that your default ZIP file extraction software is correct. For example, you will not want to try extracting a ZIP file with a web browser such as Microsoft Edge as it won’t work properly.

After extracting the files within the ZIP, we recommend opening PDF files with Adobe Reader, which can be downloaded for free here: Adobe Reader

Teachers Pay Teachers, General Technical FAQ

2. I Can’t Access the Digital Components of the Resource.

I can’t open the file with the link inside.

In the past, we placed the links to digital resources into PDFs. However, we found not everyone was able to access the links this way.

In our more recently created or updated resources, we’ve been placing the links into Word docs and have found that to be a good fit for most teachers because the link remains clickable.

You do not need to have MS Word installed on your computer to open the document. iWork is an office suite of applications created by Apple Inc. for its macOS and iOS operating systems. It is free for all users and should already be installed on most Apple products. In this case, the Word Doc will automatically be converted when you open it to Pages without needing to have MSWord installed on your computer and the links should then be clickable for you.

I can’t click on the link.

Once you have opened the PDF or the document that houses the link, you should be able to click onto it and be taken directly to your destination.

If the link does not seem clickable to you, try one of these troubleshooting options:

• If you are referring to a link in a Microsoft Word (or Pages) Document, place your cursor at the end of the URL. Press the return/enter key. Sometimes if a link appears to not work this will reactivate it.
• If this doesn’t solve the problem and you can’t access the digital resources by clicking the link, I recommend your next step be to highlight the entire URL (link). Copy the highlighted text. Paste that link into your Google Chrome browser.
• Type the URL into a Google Chrome browser window.

The link doesn’t take me to digital resources.

All of our digital resources are available via Google Drive. The link will not take you directly to the digital resources themselves, but rather to a page where you will make a copy of the resource in your own Drive.

As soon as you make the copy, it will open the digital resource for you in either Google Slides or Google Docs. You should rename it to make it easier for you to locate in your Google Drive in the future.

Now you can use this file within Google. You can also download it as a Powerpoint file, as a PDF or as image files (JPGs or PNGs). This will give you the flexibility of using the resource on platforms other than Google Classroom.

Please note that you do need a free Google/Gmail account and an active internet connection for the link to open.

3. I Can’t Print the Resource or It’s Not Printing Correctly.

It says I need a password to print my file.

Prior to uploading teaching resources to Teachers Pay Teachers, sellers “secure the files”. This is a requirement of the terms of use of the font designers and clipart creators. A password is only needed to make changes (copying or editing) to the protected PDF. Teachers will NEVER need a password to print a TpT resource.

However, there are times when teachers will get a message asking them to enter a password. One example is when they try to print a resource downloaded from Teachers Pay Teachers. It may seem like we have added unnecessary obstacles to your already busy day. I assure we are not withholding top secret codes. Let’s solve that problem.

Are you using preview on a mac instead of a reader?

IMACs, Macbooks, Macbook pros, etc. default to opening PDF teaching resources in Preview. Preview is the default application in macOS. Image files (examples: JPG, PNG, and PDF files) may automatically open in it. Preview offers Mac users a quick and easy way to see various documents. However, it’s not the best option for your Teachers Pay Teachers resources.

If you’re asked for a password when printing a TpT product it’s most likely because the file automatically opened in Preview. Opening it in Adobe Reader should solve the problem.

Adobe Reader is free and quick and easy to install. Here’s a link: Download Adobe Reader!

Are you printing it yourself or sending it to a copy center?

Some school districts use copy centers that need to manipulate files to accommodate their methods of printing.

First, it is important to note that there is a difference between when a print shop refuses to print because of copyright and when they cannot print because a password box pops up. If they refuse to print because they feel there is a copyright issue, following the directions I wrote about accessing your printing authorization certificate will solve that problem.

However, if they are telling you they cannot print because of the password popup box, that is a different issue. It may be that the district printing process copies the file and re-formats it into a type of file their printing equipment uses. It could also be that they are trying to extract pages which is not allowed in a secured file. Since this is a problem that stems directly from the copy center, you will need to address it with them.

One possible workaround I can offer is to print the file yourself and provide them with a scanned copy of your printed resource.

I don’t know why I can’t print the resource.

It’s frustrating enough when you know why something isn’t working and need to figure out how to fix it. It’s even worse when you don’t know what is wrong and therefore have no idea how to overcome the obstacle. When it comes to printing issues, here are a few of the common problems… and their solutions!

The file is too big or has too many graphics for your printer.

I ran into this a lot when I would print resources I bought on TpT at school. The printer would try to take in the info it needed, but usually would just decide it wasn’t going to do the job.

We secure and reduce all of our files before we upload them to Teachers Pay teachers. By creating this smaller file size for you it not only takes less space on your computer’s hard drive, but it should also avoid the problems I used to have when printing large files.

If you do seem to have a problem printing (and you know you have properly downloaded and opened the file), these steps* may be helpful:

1. Click print as you normally would. This will open the printing window.
2. Instead of clicking OK/Print in that window as you normally would, select the advanced printing option.
3. Choose “print as image.”
4. Click OK.
5. Click print.

*These steps may vary slightly based on your printer. If the above does not work, I recommend Googling “how to print to image + (your specific printer make and model).

Are you looking at the file in an online viewer?

When I download a PDF from TpT and click on it right after it downloads, I will see the PDF in an online viewer. This means I can see the PDF and there are icons to download and to print. There is also a location bar at the top that reads something like…

file:///Users/my name/Downloads/product-file-name-1.pdf

This is an online viewer or browser window. I have tried printing from here before and it doesn’t always go well.

This is a simple fix. You just need to close out of that, find the file in your download folder and open it using the appropriate application (Adobe Reader for PDS, iWork Pages or MS Word for Word Documents, etc).

Did you open the file in preview?

For most Mac users, files open in Preview by default instead of a Reader. This can cause printing problems. I wrote about Preview vs. Reader in a section above. That same info will help you if this is your situation. Jump to the info in the section titled: Are you Using Preview on a Mac Instead of a Reader?

Are you using an outdated version of Adobe Reader?

Like all software, Adobe Reader does need to be updated from time to time. If you’re able to open and print some TpT products, but others are giving you problems, this may very likely be the reason why. This is especially true if the resource you are experiencing issues with is a new or recently updated file.

What else can I try?

When using a search engine to seek a solution, use keywords related to your problem + the model of your printer. I also always start my searches by adding the current year in hopes of getting the most recent information.

If you are attempting to print an entire file, instead try printing smaller page ranges.

Make sure your computer and printer are communicating by printing another item as a test.

The file is not printing correctly.

There are black boxes printing where images and clipart should be.

Of all the tech issues I have encountered over the years, this one is definitely my biggest pet peeve. It not only wastes time, it also wastes ink, which means it wastes money.

I made a video that explains the problem and the solution.

I was told I couldn’t print a product because it is protected by copyright.

To protect their intellectual property, most Teacher Authors will add a copyright symbol and their information to the bottom of each page. If a teacher wants to have resources printed at commercial places like Office Max, Staples, etc, this can sometimes be problematic.

If the clerk is doing his or her job properly, you’ll be told you need permission to print the file. No worries. You already have it.

Here’s how to provide proof of permission to print and copy resources:

1. Go to your purchases folder on TpT and locate the resource you want to print.
2. Next to the purchase date you will find links to your receipt as well as a Printable Printing Authorization.
3. Click on the latter to open a certificate granting you permission to print and copy. Specifically it reads, “The holder of this receipt is authorized by the owner(s) or author(s) of the materials listed below, to print and/or make copies of these materials for personal use and/or classroom instruction.” It also shows your proof of purchase.

4. I am Having Trouble with Something Else Related to the Resource.

We are happy to help you! Please fill out our customer support form to send us your purchase info so we can assist you more quickly. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8-3, except for holidays. You can expect to hear from us within 24 hours during those working hours.

The post The Clutter-Free Classroom’s Teachers Pay Teachers Customer Support Page appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

I recognize you found this post for a reason. It will explain why teachers like you are leaving teaching, suggest ways to improve your current situation, and offer alternatives. Learn all about career change for teachers below!

Why are Teachers Leaving Teaching?

Below are some of the reasons teachers are leaving the classroom and are looking for a career change.

• Increasing demands from administrators and local/state government
• High pressure and stress from Increased data collection and standardized testing
• Low appreciation and lack of support from administrators and students’ parents
• Lack of resources due to inadequate funding
• Long hours due to ever changing and increasing initiatives and expectations
• Growing student needs
• Inadequate salary, which often leads to side jobs
• Overwhelmed by government and district mandates
• Better career opportunities elsewhere
• Personal reasons (e.g. relocating for spouse’s job)
• Desire for work life balance

What is Work Life Balance and Why is it Important?

Work life balance is the idea that people require time devoted to their professional life and time devoted to their personal life. Work life balance is important because it prevents burnout, improves mental and physical health, and increases productivity.

How Do I Find a Work Life Balance?

Finding a work life balance is hard especially as a teacher. Even though it is incredibly difficult, it is essential to work towards it because of the effects it has on your health and well-being. Check out these blog posts to get tips on how to find a work life balance:

• Tips for Preventing Teacher Burnout
• Health and Wellness Tips for Elementary Teachers

What are Strategies I Can Use to Destress?

Finding effective ways to de-stress is critical as a classroom teacher. Some people find that yoga works from them, while others find kickboxing to be an effective strategy. Curl up with a good book on your couch or sign up for an art lesson with friends. There are so many different things you can do to help you relax and improve your mental and physical health. You need to find what works best for you! Grab some other teacher relaxation ideas to help you make it through the school year.

3 Ways to Make Teaching Easier

Below are 3 ways to make teaching easier and help you re-discover the career you once loved.

1. Use Your Personal Days

Don’t be afraid to use your personal days to give yourself a break. Set up emergency sub plans so that you can take a day off without having to put much thought into it. Taking time away will help you recharge and come back feeling happier and less stressed.

2. Ask for Help

Utilize your team members, parent volunteers, friends, and family members. Often times there are people in your life who are eager to help you. Don’t be afraid to reach out!

You can also join online communities like Facebook groups to connect with other teachers and ask for advice. Our Clutter-Free Classroom Facebook Group is a great place to start!

3. Invest in Time-Saving Resources

Check out my all-access resource collections for elementary teachers that will give you access to thousands of resources at your fingertips at a discounted rate. Imagine what you could do with all of the time you’ll get back from planning and prepping!

Is Leaving Teaching a Good Idea?

Determining if leaving your current teaching job is the best option for you is a very personal decision. Here are some questions to consider:

• Why am I unhappy?
• Could this feeling change next year?
• Will this feeling change if I change roles within the school? Within the field?
• How long have I been unhappy?
• What would I rather be doing?
• Do I have a plan on how to achieve this?
• Do I have any financial restrictions that may prevent me from leaving my current job?
• What time of the year is it? Can I wait until the end of the school year?
• What do my closest colleagues, family, and friends think you should do?
• What steps could I take to improve my current situation?

If you are 100% sure that leaving the teaching profession is the right choice for you, consider the potential jobs/careers below and follow the steps on how to prepare for the transition.

What can a Teaching Degree be Used For?

A teaching degree is valuable and equips you with a highly desirable skill set. Teachers are effective presenters, collaborators, instructors, leaders, organizers, and multitaskers.

Education Positions in a School Setting

If you would like to stay in a school setting, consider transitioning into one of the positions below.

• Special Education case manager
• Behavior specialist
• School librarian
• Guidance counselor
• School administrator
• Instructional coordinator (e.g. ELA, math, science, social studies, and Title One) 
• Content area specialist (e.g. reading and math)
• Technology integration specialist
• Interventionist (e.g. reading and math)
• Title One tutor
• Paraeducator or teacher’s aid
• Substitute teacher

Education Positions Outside of a Public School Setting

If you would like to stay in the Education field but not necessarily in a public school setting, look into one of the positions below.

• Museum educator
• Education policy researcher
• Standardized test developer
• Education product and supply company associate
• Sales representative for a textbook company
• Content developer
• Educational consultant
• Curriculum specialist
• Grant writer for non-profit
• Department of Education employee
• Private school teacher
• Online teacher (e.g. VIPKID)
• After-school program teacher 
• Admissions counselor

Positions Outside of the Education Field

If you would like to get out of the Education field, check out one of these positions.

• Youth activities director
• Event/wedding planner
• Real estate agent
• Personal fitness trainer
• Marketing associate
• Restaurant manager
• Store manager
• Paralegal
• Human resource representative
• Corporate trainer
• Technical writer
• Publishing writer
• Publishing editor
• Entrepreneur

10 Steps to Take Before Resigning from Your Current Teaching Position

Below are 10 steps to take before you resign from your current teaching position.

1. Take time to reflect.

Reflect on the questions above. If you think resigning from your current role is the best choice for you, then continue to the next step.

2. Take a personality test.

Take the personality test at 16Personalities.com to learn more about yourself. Use the information from the assessment to explore your strengths, weaknesses, ideal career paths, and workplace habits. Take notes on these areas.

3. Look for jobs base on your results.

Google “jobs for (insert your personality type).” For example, if you found that you were a consul, you would google “jobs for consuls.” Jot down the jobs on the list that you find to be interesting. Be open to different opportunities.

4. Choose one of the careers from the list.

Think about which of the careers on the list best align with your interests and strengths. Choose one to move forward with.

5. Network.

Begin to network by reaching out to friends and past colleagues. If you have a LinkedIn account, search to find if you are connected with anyone in the field you are pursuing.

6. Look for opportunities to strengthen skills.

Determine if additional education is required and pursue it.

7. Update your resume.

Updating your resume is a great way to ensure you are prepared and can jump on an opportunity that presents itself.

8. Collect references.

Ask current or former colleagues and administrators for references (depending on your situation).

9. Start your job search.

Search for job opportunities and draw on your connections.

10. Prepare for interviews.

Begin to interview with confidence and a deep understanding of who you are and what you bring to the table. Get the life and job you want and deserve!

In closing, we hope these ideas for a career change for teachers was helpful!

The post Career Change for Teachers: Other Jobs You Can Do With a Teaching Degree in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

5 Ways Teachers Can Make More Money

Below are 5 ways teachers can make more money and live more comfortably as a result.

1. Invest in Higher Education Opportunities

Many school districts incentive teachers to continue their education by not only reimbursing them fully or partially for pursuing a masters degree or taking graduate courses, but also offer raises. This is a great opportunity to deepen your understanding in an area that you are passionate about, while also making more money in the future. That’s a double win!

2. Get a Side Job

The second idea on this list of ways teachers can make more money is to get a side job. A side job, which is also known as a side hustle, is a great way to bring in extra income. Below are more than 30 side jobs for teachers that you can choose from or get inspiration from.

Side Jobs for Teachers who are Active

• Become a pet sitter or dog walker
• Coach a local sports team (e.g. U12 boys travel soccer team or your school’s JV girls lacrosse team)
• Get certified in a fitness speciality
• Referee or umpire local games
• Work for a landscaping company in the summer

Side Jobs for Teachers who are Crafty 

• Open an Etsy shop
• Refurbish and sell old furniture
• Sell handmade crafts at local craft fairs

Side Jobs for Teachers who are Organized

• Become a wedding/event planner
• Start an organizational business
• Start or join a housecleaning business as a house cleaner

Side Jobs for Teachers who are Really Social 

• Be a camp instructor, counselor, or director in the summer months
• Become a bartender or waitress at a local restaurant
• Host a professional development workshop
• Host virtual or in-person parties for a business (e.g. Usborne Books and Pampered Chef)
• Nanny in the summer or babysit during the weekend
• Serve as a life coach
• Serve as a local tour guide (e.g. history tour)
• Sign up for a focus group
• Teach at a community college or undergraduate college as an adjunct professor
• Try out a temp agency
• Tutor after school
• Work local special events and concerts

Side Jobs for Teachers who are Techy

• Edit for Teachers Pay Teachers sellers
• Become a freelance bookkeeper
• Complete online surveys
• Open an Etsy shop
• Sell resources you create for your classroom on Teachers Pay Teachers
• Sell stuff you don’t need
• Serve as a virtual assistant for a Teachers Pay Teachers seller
• Start a blog about something you are really interested in
• Start a social media business
• Try VIPKID or another online teaching company
• Share affiliate links offered after taking an online course

Side Jobs for Teachers who are Good Writers

• Start a blog
• Try out freelance editing
• Write for education websites as a freelance writer (e.g. WeAreTeachers, School Leaders Now, and Bored Teachers)

Side Jobs for Teachers who have a Car

• Become a delivery driver
• Drive for Uber or Lyft

3. Inquire about Ways to Earn More Income through your School

The third way teachers can make more money is to explore extra opportunities your school offers. Many school districts offer stipends for a wide range of things. Some examples are serving as the data manager for your PLC, hosting a book study for your colleagues, serving on a district committee, and coaching a sport. Reach out to colleagues in your building to explore what options are available.

4. Transfer to a Different School District

It’s amazing to see how a teacher who works one town over with the same amount of experience and education can make substantially more than a teacher a few miles down the road. Public schools often post their teacher salary grid online on their website. Explore what nearby districts are paying and see how it compares to your current situation.

5. Change Careers

If none of the options above suit you, then you could consider changing your career path. If this is the case for you, be sure to check out this post about what other jobs teachers can do.

In closing, I hope this information about how teachers can make more money was helpful!

The post How Teachers Can Make More Money and Live Comfortably in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

3 Technology Tools for Teachers

Below are 3 technology tools for teachers that are total game changers! Learn about them below!

1. Sign Up Genius

The first on the list of technology tools for teachers is Sign Up Genius. Learn all about it below!

Ways to Use Sign Up Genius as a Teacher

• Parent teacher conferences
• Donation wish lists
• Class parties
• Mystery readers
• Field day volunteers
• Book fair volunteers

Accessibility Requirements

Families can sign up on their phone or other electronic device with access to internet. In order to use this tool, you need an electronic device that can access the internet.

How to Create a Sign Up Genius Account in 7 Easy Steps

1. Go to: https://www.signupgenius.com
2. Click the green “Create a Sign Up” button at the top of the page.
3. Input your first and last name, school email address, and password.
4. Check off the “I’m not a robot” box.
5. Click the green “Register Now” button.
6. Verify your account by checking your email inbox for an email from Sign Up Genius. Open the email and click the orange button “Activate Your Account.”
7. Log into your account using your email and password. You’re in!

How to Use Sign Up Genius for Parent Conferences in 10 Easy Steps

1. Go to: https://www.signupgenius.com
2. Log into your account with your username and password.
3. Click the green button “Create a Sign Up.”
4. Under the General Details tab, fill out the three sections: “Name of Your Group,” “Title of Sign Up,” and “Description.” The name of your group could be: [Insert name]’s 20XX-20XX Parent/Guardian Group. The title of your sign up could be: [Insert name]’s Fall Parent Teacher Conferences. The description could be: Hello [grade level] Families! It’s time to sign up for parent teacher conferences! Please sign up for a time below that fits your schedule, so we can meet to discuss your child’s progress so far this year. I am looking forward to sharing my observations, answering any questions, and addressing any worries you may have. Thanks so much, [Your Name] Click the green button “continue.”
5. Under the Theme tab, choose one of the popular themes, browse a category (e.g. education), or search for a theme using the search bar on the page (e.g. back to school or books). After selecting the theme, click the green button “continue.”
6. Under the Dates/Times tab, choose time slots. Next, choose the start date, end date, location (classroom number), weekdays, start time, end time and length of time slots. Click the green button “continue.”
7. Under the Slots tab, fill out title of slot and help comment. Click the green button “continue.”
8. Under the Settings tab, fill out requirements for participants and notification and reminder preferences. Decide if you want participants to be able to swap with each other.
9. Under the Preview tab, check for any mistakes. Click the green button “proceed to invite & publish” if everything is correct. If there are errors, click the white button “edit further.” 
10. Under the Invite/Publish Tab, choose whether you will manually enter emails or import from address book. If you enter them in manually, enter one email per line or separate them with a comma. Fill out your custom email text and then preview your email by clicking the orange button “preview my email.” Lastly, choose the green button “take my sign up live and send my invites,” the other green button “take my sign up live but don’t send emails,” or the orange button “save as draft for later.”

2. Remind

The second on the list of technology tools for teachers is Remind. Learn all about it below!

Ways to Use Remind as a Teacher

• Sending reminders to families about…
• Gym class (bring sneakers)
• Open house
• Picture day
• Field trips
• Book fair
• Art show
• Parent teacher conference sign ups
• Half-days and days off
• School fundraisers
• Other special events
• Returning forms

Accessibility Requirements

You can text or email the parents directly without them knowing your personal information. In order to use this tool, you need an electronic device that can access the internet.

How to Set Up Remind in 7 Easy Steps

1. Go to https://www.remind.com
2. Create an account by clicking the blue button “Sign Up.” Enter your email or phone number. Another option is to sign up with your Gmail account. Accept the terms and conditions.
3. Choose your role as a teacher.
4. Create a class name (e.g. [Your name]’s 20XX-20XX Class).
5. Link up to your school if possible.
6. Input your student’s parent’s names, their cell phone number or email address.
7. Share a link through email inviting parents to join or print the “printable PDFs” and send them home with your students.

3. Screencastify

The last on the list of technology tools for teachers is Screencastify. Learn all about it below!

Ways to Use Screencastify as a Teacher

Coaching parents/families through…

• How to solve a math problem using a specific strategy
• Accessing your classroom website
• How to access an online tool to help students with their homework
• How to sign up for tools like Remind or Sign Up Genius

Accessibility Requirements

You can record your screen and then email the shareable link directly to families. In order to use this tool, you need a computer running the latest version of Google, a Gmail or Google account, and 1 GB of free memory. The free version allows you to record videos up to 5 minutes.

How to Set Up Screencastify in 3 Easy Steps

1. Go to https://www.screencastify.com using Google Chrome.
2. Click the blue button “add to chrome.” Follow the instructions.
3. Create an account by clicking “my account” in the top right hand corner and filling in the necessary information. That’s it!

In closing, we hope you found these 3 technology tools for teachers interesting and worthwhile. If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

• Free Digital Math Manipulatives for Elementary Teachers
• Health and Wellness Tips for Elementary Teachers
• Back to School Read Alouds for Elementary Teachers

The post 3 Technology Tools for Teachers that You Need in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

When the back-to-school season starts, I dread thinking about how on earth I’ll be able to come home from work and cook for my family every night on top of running to the grocery store because I forgot some main ingredients in the dinner that I planned. I either deal with that stress, or I just give in and we have take-out (which turns into extra money spent, extra calories, and extra pounds that I don’t want or need).

One solution to this is meal prep! There are many ways to meal prep for your work week including creating a menu, freezer meals, or portioning out larger meals across many days. Pinterest is a great resource for finding ideas on how to meal prep so it fits your lifestyle, but since you’re here, let me share with you a few teacher meal prep tips that will help you plan food ahead of time to make your school year less stressful.

6 Teacher Meal Prep Tips

Below are some teacher meal prep tips to help you start the new school year off right.

1. Join the InstaPot Craze

People go crazy for this thing! If you don’t have one, now is the perfect time to welcome one into your home. You can enjoy many school night dinners together. There are tons of recipes on Pinterest to get you started. It’s a real time and money saver. Check out the affiliate link below!

2. Batch Out the Process

Many people spend one entire day a month preparing meals to freeze. This is beneficial because you only need to make one big grocery trip (that alone will save you time and money) and spend one day prepping foods, cooking, and washing dishes. This plan works best if you have large freezer space to fill. These are my three tried and true, personal favorite cookbooks for quick, easy, and healthy meals that you can make in batches and freeze.

3. Team Up with Friends

Some find it nice to team up with friends and each take responsibility for a few meals. Coordinate who will make what so you have variety. Each person prepares enough freezer meals for everyone in the group. For example, you may be responsible for preparing six lasagnas to distribute to five friends, but in return, you get five different meals to put in your freezer. For added fun, you can plan a potluck where everyone brings a cooked version of their meal to sample as well as the frozen version for friends to take home. This would be great to do with a group of teachers from your school. Not only do you get to socialize, but you get to eat a delicious meal and take one home for later!

4. Make Extra Servings

What I find works very well for me is to make a triple batch of a dinner. We eat one for dinner and freeze two for future nights. This works fantastic because over time I build up a nice collection in the freezer. The inventory rotates frequently and we have meals available for most weeknights. Pull out and heat in the oven while you rest your feet from a tiring day.

5. Create a Menu

As a family, create a menu of what you’ll eat for dinner each night. Do this a week ahead of time. List out how much of each ingredient you’ll need and head to the grocery store. When you get home, have the menu posted and organize your groceries by meal so it’s easy to grab and cook. If you have a plan for what you’re going to make, it will take away some of the stress as you drive home thinking about what your family will want for dinner.

6. Pack Your Lunches for the Week on Sundays

Packing your lunch in the morning before work can be stressful as you’re trying to get out the door, so lunches can be a part of your meal prep too! On Sunday, use Tupperware containers to pack your five lunches for the week. Include the healthy items that you know and love, so you’re less likely to grab sugary cookies midweek because you “just need it”. Healthy lunches, no extra stress in the morning, no wondering what you’ll be eating the next day. These are three of my favorite tools for packing snacks, my lunch, and water.

In closing, the trick to teacher meal prep is to be organized and prepared. You do all the work ahead of time, so during the workweek, you don’t have to think about food and can focus your energy on other important areas of your life. Plus it’s a great way to save money as a teacher! We all have other things we need to worry about, so don’t allow the stress of meals to be one of those!

If you want to hear what other teachers just like you are doing to save time and money with meals and food prep on school nights, join the Clutter-Free Club Facebook Group. This free group is a community of positive and supportive teachers. Be sure to check it out!

The post Teacher Meal Prep Made Easy: Fast, Quick, and Healthy Food Ideas for Busy Teachers appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

3 Ways to Connect with Clutter-Free Classroom

Below are 3 ways you can connect with the Clutter-Free Classroom!

1. Join Our Email List

Join the Clutter-Free Email Club, which is 100% free! Club members receive emails from me that include free resources, teaching tips, and much more! Join by heading to the homepage of the Clutter-Free Classroom blog, scrolling to the bottom, and inserting your name and email address.

2. Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook

We are on Instagram and Facebook! We share teacher hacks, inspiration from real elementary classrooms, and much more. We’d love for you to follow us there!

3. Join Our Facebook Group

I also host a free Facebook Group for Teachers.  It is a place for you to ask questions and get answers that will help to make the important work you do each and every day easier. Of course, you are welcome to just read along too.

The group was formed with the goal of being a positive place where I could connect with teachers and help to offer solutions to common problems such as:

• getting rid of all those PILES of paper
• creating easy systems for staying organized throughout the year
• finding ways to create a classroom that runs itself
• saving you time so you can reclaim your nights and weekends

The Clutter-Free Classroom Facebook Group – Solutions for Busy Teachers is a very supportive and friendly community. We would love to have you join us!

In closing, I’ve been a teacher blogger for over a decade so there is a HUGE library of helpful info that can be right here on this blog. I specialize in classroom organization, classroom management, classroom decor and high-quality teaching resources for 1st through 5th grade. I recommend browsing the blog for helpful teaching tips, ideas, and resources. Thank you for supporting Clutter-Free Classroom!

The post Clutter-Free Classroom: Teaching Tips, Ideas and Resources for Elementary Teachers appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

Teacher burnout and job stress-related illnesses for teachers have become problematic. Have you had doubts about your decision to become a teacher? Do the increasing demands and daily challenges leave you questioning how much longer you can stay in the profession? You are not alone.

There is too much to do and not enough time to do it. Every time a new initiative, assessment, report, or curriculum was given to us, a former colleague of mine used to always ask, “What can I take off my plate now that you are adding this?” She was never given an answer. Most new things are not replacements, but rather additions to the workload. This overload can cause symptoms of teacher burnout. The question is: What strategies are there for preventing teacher burnout? Read below to get strategies for preventing teacher burnout that will help keep you in the career you once loved.

What is Teacher Burnout?

Teacher burnout is one of the most common reasons that teachers are leaving the profession. It is a state of chronic stress that persists over time. Burnout leaves teachers feeling exhausted, overworked, cynical, detached, ineffective, and depleted. It can affect any teacher regardless of their experience level of passion for their job.

Teacher burnout is being described as an epidemic. Teacher stress is higher than ever before. As the demands on teachers continue to rise, educators of all grade levels are struggling. They are finding themselves suffering from emotional and physical consequences. There are steps you can take both in and out of the classroom. These will prevent teacher burnout, decrease stress, and help you enjoy the important work you do even more.

What are the Signs of Burnout in Teachers?

Below are the most common signs or symptoms of teacher burnout.

• stress
• anxiety
• physical symptoms
• irritability
• fatigue
• a lack of interest in job-related tasks

Why are You at Risk for Teacher Burnout?

For most, teaching is not a job… it’s a calling. Unlike some careers, nobody goes into teaching for the money or as a stepping stone to a higher level position. I’m guessing you became a teacher because of the way one of your teachers impacted your life. It might have been because you had role models in your life who were teachers. It could also be because you love working with children and helping others. Any of those reasons say a lot about you as a person.

You want to make a difference in the lives of individual children and perhaps on the world as a whole. You are passionate about your work and feel a moral duty or a sense of obligation to do it well. At the same time, it’s near impossible to do your job without going above and beyond the call of duty.

You work long, unpaid hours. Your best-laid plans often get derailed by unexpected curve balls on a daily basis. Even if things were progressing flawlessly, the reality is you have more responsibilities than you even realize. Teaching is not a 9-5 job. You care about your students. Their successes and challenges feel like your own and that doesn’t stop at dismissal.

Unless you are purposeful and diligent about protecting your personal time, the job will creep into your nights and weekends. Going to work sick because it is easier than creating sub plans feels normal. Putting your students before your own children and your job before your health feels normal. This compounds until teachers reach the point of burnout.

I spent 17 years working as a public school teacher and saw the transitions firsthand. What concerns me most is the increased rate at which qualified, caring, talented teachers are leaving the field. It’s because of the stresses the job brings. It used to be that as teachers neared retirement they showed signs of job fatigue. However, now federal data reports that almost 20% of new teachers leave the profession within four years.

What upsets me even more though are the teachers who don’t leave. They continue to let the job chip away at them day after day, year after year. I recently surveyed over 100 elementary school teachers and 73% reported that they would leave teaching if they could. 64% stated that they would have chosen a different profession if they knew then what they know now.

Teaching is hard. So what do we do? How do we prevent ourselves from getting teacher burnout? Below are some tips for how to prevent teacher burnout. Read them below!

How Can You Prevent Teacher Burnout?

Unfortunately, there are many higher level contributing reasons for teacher burnout that you can not easily change. However, you can find solutions to many of the problems that are risk factors to you personally. The good news is that you can be proactive in preventing teacher burnout. You can even reverse the effects if you are already feeling it. Read the strategies for preventing teacher burnout below!

1. Learn to Say No

Truth: You already have more to do than is realistically possible.

Do not add to that list by taking on additional responsibilities and tasks, joining extra committees, or attending unnecessary professional development and training, tasks or obligations than is required. Teachers are asked to do a lot of things in addition to the general expectations of teaching, prepping, and correcting.

While many things can be very beneficial, others can simply spread your time too thin. It is important to become involved outside the classroom, but it is better to excel in one or two areas than be adequate (or worse) in many.

Get in the habit of responding to such requests (even small tasks) in one of two ways:

• If you know you can’t do it or simply don’t want to do it, then just say no immediately.

• If you are not comfortable being so dismissive, then always respond with, “I will look at my schedule and responsibilities to see if I will have the amount of time it takes to ___ and will let you know ___.”

When using the latter approach, be clear on when you will give a definitive answer and make sure it is in a short amount of time. Next, truly look at your schedule and your to do list for the time frame the request involves. Analyze if what is being asked is feasible in conjunction with your other personal and professional commitments.

Then ask yourself the following questions:

• Does it greatly benefit the students?
• Will you take something valuable away from it?
• Can it be added to your teacher evidence binder or earn PDPs towards recertification?
• Will doing it/not doing it impact your teaching status?
• Is it a task that you can do quickly, but will greatly help someone else?

Also, think about why the request was made. Do you possess a skill that others don’t? Is there someone better or equally qualified for the job? Are you simply known as someone who always says yes?

Keep in mind that just because you may currently have time available to do something, you may not in the future and take that into consideration when making your decision. This is especially true for agreeing to participate in committees that meet throughout the year. It may seem feasible at the moment, but as the months go on you may have much more on your plate. Look at the big picture.

Finally, while you are not always obligated to provide a reason for saying no, it is usually a good idea to share your reasoning with something like…

• “I appreciate you asking, but I have too much on my calendar right now.”
• “Thank you for thinking of me, however, I am overcommitted at the moment.”
• “I wish I could help, but I currently have too much on my schedule to allow me to properly…”

2. Prioritize Your Tasks

Truth: it will never all get done.

If you are a teacher you will never EVER be the proud owner of a blank to do list. It simply is not possible. Sure we can chip away at those “in your face” things that have official deadlines like report cards, lesson planning, returning parent emails, etc., but the bottom line is there will always be a million and one other teacher-related tasks cluttering your mind. However, by prioritizing your responsibilities and being willing to let go of tasks that aren’t necessary, you will have a stronger feeling of accomplishment and be less overwhelmed.

I do a lot of work coaching teachers and helping them to organize their classrooms. One of the best tips I have when doing so is to make purging anything that does not need to be in the space a priority. Simply put, the less you have, the less you have to manage. The same is true for your never-ending to-do list as a teacher.

Typically teachers write out a to-do list that sequentially lists tasks as they come to mind. While this is done in an attempt to achieve a sense of accomplishment and ensure the work gets done, it can also be a method of setting yourself up for failure and increasing the feeling of being overwhelmed at all times.

In my classroom, I had great success helping students manage their assignments with a “Must Do / May Do” Board. The board simply lists the things that are not a choice and need to get done as well as the options for things to do when the “must dos” are completed. It not only transformed my students’ workflow, enabled them to take more responsibility for themselves, and made our school days run much more smoothly. It also completely changed the way I approached my own “must dos” vs “may dos.”

Instead of simply jotting down EVERYTHING you feel needs to get done, try listing the tasks in a three-column format.

• In the left column, list the items that you must complete (report cards, lessons plans, etc).
• In the middle column, record the things that you should (change a seasonal bulletin board, clean out a filing cabinet, etc) do.
• The right column is for a list of things you would love to do, if you had the time.

Writing the list this way will force you to prioritize things right from the start and will make it easier for you to focus on what is most important and perhaps even eliminate some things that just aren’t necessary.

Be kind to yourself and learn to embrace the fact that there will always be something that should get done. The key is determining what needs to gets done immediately and what you can just let go of.

The Must Do May Do Board can also be found in my Classroom Management bundle.

3. Delegate Tasks

Truth: Others are capable and willing to help you.

I get it. I am a Type A personality and really struggle with passing on work to others. But there are so many things you do not have to do or should not be doing. Remember that three-column to do list I suggested you make in the last section? Let’s take it a step further and not only decide what need not get done, but also what we can farm out to other people such as parent volunteers and even your students.

Take the items from your list and break them down even further into one of three categories.

• Write down all of the things you have to do yourself. This would include items like student report cards, assessing your class, and communicating with your students’ families.
• Next, make a list of things you could have another adult do for you. This would include making copies, prepping materials, laminating and cutting out lamination, repairing classroom books, processing and distributing book club orders, and so much more.
• Finally, list out all the things students (either current or former) could be doing for you.

To be clear, I am not recommending you utilize instructional time to have your students serving you as worker bees, but helping you before or after school prepare materials and maintain an organized classroom is beneficial to them in so many ways. It provides an opportunity for them to connect deeper with a caring adult, it teaches them organizational skills, and it gives them a sense of pride in helping others. Kids are great for sorting your manipulatives, putting papers in order, collating homework or morning work packets, organizing your classroom library, taking down bulletin boards, etc. If you teach a younger grade, you could ask former students to help you or recruit student council members or older grade level students to assist you.

4. Focus on Consistency

Truth: Concrete procedures and expectations coupled with familiar tasks will make your classroom run like clockwork.

Providing students with a structured environment, a visual schedule, and consistent routines allows children to feel a sense of security which will increase their ability to attend to tasks, improve behavior, and be more independent in all aspects of the school day. This will in turn make your day productive and enjoyable. It will allow you to focus your energy on instruction instead of putting out fires and feeling the frustration that comes with needing to repeat yourself over and over. If you feel you would like to improve in the area of classroom management, I welcome you to explore all the helpful tips and ideas I have available on the topic.

In the same way that concrete routines help the classroom run itself, providing consistency in learning activities will also decrease a lot of the stresses that can occur in a classroom. Frequently giving your students varied types of assignments requires them to constantly interpret new directions.  It puts their focus on interpreting expectations and takes away from the actual academic skills you want them to work towards mastering. Too much instructional variety also requires you to shift gears in your planning and instruction and requires far more time to prepare materials.

By seeking quality instructional activities that provide skill practice, in combination with familiarity, you will be saving yourself a great deal of time. You can prepare the materials for many lessons at one time, and have all of your copies made well in advance. You can establish routines for assessing their progress using these activities.

When students have seen the format multiple times, they no longer need to receive clarification of what to do. By eliminating the need to restate instructions and instead providing them the tools to be independent, you are freed up to focus on small group instruction targeting specific skills. This is especially helpful when using a math workshop model with guided math.

Finally, when you intentionally use similar activities and task formats, your students’ family also become familiar with them which saves you even more time and stress by eliminating phone calls, notes, and emails from parents who need to have assignments or grades explained to them.

I desperately saw the need for this in my own classroom and created resources specifically to solve the problem I was facing of constantly needing to support my students in understanding the expectations of a task more than the actual skills the task was designed to improve. I was thrilled with the results I experienced firsthand and am so proud to know that they have now helped thousands of other teachers in the same way.

3 Resources to Help You Build Consistency in Your Instruction

Below are 3 resources that will help you with consistency and preventing teacher burnout.

1. Paragraph of the Week

Paragraph of the Week provides a systematic method of working through the writing process from start to finish and provides clear expectations and guidelines for drafting quality writing. Each week, the students follow a different prompt to compose a writing sample using the same format and guidelines. It is amazing to see the progress they make over time. Parents and teachers both report loving the fact that the Paragraph of the Week format clearly documents their growth as writers over time.

2. Spiral Review Math Activities

The daily spiral review math Pages have been used as homework, morning work, and as independent work during math workshop. Each page offers ten problems in a familiar format and features a spectrum of math skills. In addition to the benefits of consistency and ease of use by the teacher, these pages have received praise for greatly decreasing the need to dedicate instructional time to test prep in the spring and have enabled children to demonstrate proficiency in skills they may not have been developmentally ready to master earlier in the year when they were first introduced.

Check out the spiral review math activities for your grade level:

• 1st Grade Spiral Review Math Activities
• 2nd Grade Spiral Review Math Activities
• 3rd Grade Spiral Review Math Activities
• 4th Grade Spiral Review Math Activities
• 5th Grade Spiral Review Math Activities

3. Open-Ended Reading Activities

Reading Graphic Organizers are loved by teachers because of their flexibility. I’ve designed a collection of organizers that not only cover every fiction and nonfiction reading comprehension skill, but are also a great resource to use as a prewriting tool to organize their thoughts. Each of those organizers is included featuring a comprehensive list of monthly and seasonal topics and can be used with absolutely any book, story, article, etc.

5. Put Your Health First

Truth: Your health should always come first.

Too often, teachers come to work sick instead of resting and letting themselves get better. Be sure to have comprehensive substitute teacher plans on hand as well as purposeful materials prepared and ready at all times.

I will not go into detail here because I do have a very detailed Free Guide to Preparing for a Substitute Teacher. It not only walks you through the process of preparing sub plans and materials, but it also includes free printables. I encourage you to download that free resource.

How Do Teachers Deal With Burnout?

You may already be feeling burnt out. If you are past trying to prevent teacher burnout, here are some steps you can take to improve the situation.

1. Reflect on your Classroom Management Strategies

Begin by reflecting on your classroom management strategies. When you implement consistent procedures and routines your classroom will begin to run itself which will greatly decrease behavior problems and make your days more enjoyable.

2. Simply your Workload

Next, think about ways you can simplify your workload while still ensuring your students’ success. One of the greatest changes I made was switching to a nightly homework routine that eliminated my need to plan and prep assignments each and every day. By creating weekly homework packets of spiral review math assignments my students and their families knew exactly what to expect and the constant review of grade level skills saved me tons of time in needing to reteach forgotten concepts later in the year.

In addition to the spiral review math practice, the students each completed a nightly interactive reading bookmark and worked on a paragraph of the week assignment to improve their writing skills. I alternated Narrative Paragraphs and Opinion Paragraphs as weekly homework and would have them do the opposite in class each week during Writer’s Workshop.

These writing tasks, in conjunction with our monthly writing prompts provided such consistency and routine and really lightened my workload.

3. Collaborate with Colleagues

The people you work with should provide a support network to you. If specific students are causing you stress, reach out to your social worker or their former teacher. They often have strategies that you may not have thought of.

If it is the workload, try teaming up with grade-level teammates. Divide up tasks such as copying and prepping for each subject area. If it is simply a matter of too many things to do then perhaps talking with your administration could help. Being open and honest can go a long way.

Finally, the best thing you can do is take control of your situation by finding ways to simplify your life and be proactive in managing the daily stressors in your life.

4. Implement Relaxation Techniques

Use these teacher relaxation ideas outside of the classroom. They are great ways to manage your stress on a regular basis. You are sure to find a few that fit your needs.

5. Organize your Wardrobe

The tone of your entire day is set from the moment you get out of bed. If you experience chaos before leaving your house, you are going to be taking that stress to school with you and will not be in the right mindset to tackle the curve balls thrown your way.

Taking the time to organize your closet, streamline your wardrobe and develop habits for picking out your outfits in advance will make your mornings run much smoother. The post Teacher Outfit Tips to Save Time Each Morning will make it easier.

6. Meal Prep on Sunday

The other way to not only make your mornings stress-free is to be prepared in the kitchen. The tips in this post about Fast, Quick, and Healthy Food Ideas for Busy Teachers has added benefits as well. It will save you time and money. It will also help you eat healthier.

7. Streamline How You Shop for Groceries

Speaking of saving money and eating healthier… Stopping at the grocery store after a full day of teaching is a guaranteed way to come home with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and a package of Oreos to wash it down. Your time is too precious to waste it walking the aisles and filling a cart with consumables. This post about Grocery Shopping for Teachers addresses some challenges and gives you solutions to make the process quick and painless.

8. Focus on Developing Healthy Habits

We all have reasons we want to get and stay healthy. As teachers, it’s important that we take care of ourselves so we can be there for our students when they need us. In order to be healthy, we must develop healthy habits, which can take a while to master. When reading the post titled, Teacher Health and Wellness Ideas That Are Easy Enough to Actually Do, you will find some tips on what it really requires to be considered healthy and how you can develop these healthy habits to be your best self.

9. Create a Financial Plan

Nobody goes into the profession because of the salary. Many find themselves asking, “How can I earn extra money as a teacher?” This comes out of necessity and not greed. Unfortunately, finances are also a leading cause of stress and anxiety for teachers and some feel pressured to leave teaching to take higher paying positions. While I can’t increase your teaching salary, I do have some great tips (that I have personally used with success to live debt free) that will help you stretch your teacher paycheck further than you ever imagined. You can read about those in the How to Live Well on a Teacher Salary Using 10 Easy Strategies article.

10. Create a Teacher Emergency Kit

When you are in a stressful situation, (getting ready to present at open house, welcoming parents to conferences, or speaking at a meeting) you do not want to worry about a run in your tights, bad breath, or a headache on top of everything else. As teachers, things like broken nails or lunch forgotten on the kitchen counter at home can’t slow us down. Therefore, having a “Teacher Emergency Kit” in your classroom desk or closet is essential. These also make great gifts for your colleagues or your own child’s teacher.

In closing, teaching is not going to get any easier, but with proactive measures, you can prevent teacher burnout and instead be the effective and caring teacher you were called to be.

The post Preventing Teacher Burnout: Signs to Look for and Strategies for Avoiding it in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

11 Ways to Support Your Students Amidst the Aftermath of Hurricanes

Below are 11 strategies for supporting students during the aftermath of hurricanes.

1. Provide Frequent Opportunities to Assess How a Child is Feeling

This is important to do at all times, but especially when a major event occurs that may cause additional stress. The way I have found to be most effective is to provide them with check-in slips to share how they are feeling. Students are often more likely to share things in writing than they are verbally.

2. Focus on the Positives

Obviously, there is a lot of negativity and sadness. Families may lose homes. People may be injured. Hardships are caused. But, there are also a lot of positives in unfortunate situations such as a hurricane. Help your students to see and focus on the helpers. Discuss how communities are strengthened by neighbors working together. Talk about how volunteers come from all over the country to help with cleanup and to share their expertise in repairing roads, electricity, and more. Let them know about the collective efforts of people all over the country donating clothing, supplies, and raising funds to help.

3. Have Your Students Write Letters and Make Cards

You can focus on a classroom or school that has been affected or you can send them to the responders who have helped those in need.

4. Think about the Animals

Children connect well with pets and animals in general. Natural disasters and displaced family situations often leave our four-legged friends in need. There are organizations that help with pet adoption and care. Those may be good options for your students.

5. Plan a Fundraiser to Help Other Children

Donorschoose.org is one of my favorite organizations because the money donated goes directly to a specific classroom. Do a search using the name of the hurricane (such as Irma or Harvey) and you will find teachers who have lost all of their teaching materials in flooded schools. Clothing drives and such are wonderful ideas, but it does take a lot of manpower to collect, send, sort, distribute, etc. the items. Raising funds and donating them is much more efficient and effective.

6. Use Picture Books to Allow Children to Make Connections

It is normal for children to be curious about what has happened. Often it is the unknown, and lack of information, that causes the most anxiety. Quality picture books are a wonderful way to help students connect to people, places, and eras in history that they would not otherwise experience. Sharing stories about the affected areas where a disaster has occurred enables them to make a connection and to feel empathy.

7. Use Nonfiction Books to Learn Facts that May Put Minds at Ease

I read The Wizard of Oz with my 3rd grade class and paired it with a study of tornadoes. Living in the Northeast, it was comforting to know they are not typical in that region. If students are showing signs of worry about tsunamis, and you live in the Midwest, it will help to know that it is not a concern they need to have. Many students stress over earthquakes when they hear about them, yet they are not common in most parts of the country. Hurricanes come with a fair amount of warning time to prepare and it is possible to make a plan for a safe evacuation to stay out of harm’s way. Arming students with knowledge can be empowering.

8. Use Historical Fiction to Take Them Back in Time to Similar Events

There are many books in the historical fiction genre category that take children back to a place in time where people experienced an event. Look for titles with uplifting stories of survival to share during the aftermath of hurricanes.

9. Use Maps to Show the Distance Between the Student and the Disaster Area

A child’s “place in space” is a difficult concept for kids to understand. An event on the news that takes place halfway around the world or on the opposite side of the country may feel like it took place next door to a young child. Use maps, globes, and atlases to help students understand the distance as well as the geography that attributes to the likelihood of a disaster (for example: proximity to the ocean, flat open land, fault lines, winter climates).

10. Collaborate with Your School Psychologist or Guidance Counselor

The professionals within your building may be able to offer you additional resources and support. Some of your students may benefit from individual or small group sessions with the school counselor. These individuals may also be able to communicate a child’s observable behaviors in school to the parents on your behalf or in collaboration with you.

11. Acknowledge that This is a Challenging Time, but It can be Overcome

Turn to historical events to point out similar instances that have occurred and discuss how the area has since rebuilt and recovered. Acknowledging past challenges provides hope and optimism.

5 Ways to Support Your Students’ Families Amidst the Aftermath of Hurricanes

Below are 5 strategies for supporting your students’s families during the aftermath of hurricanes.

1. Communicate Openly

Share what you are observing and what a child has told you with the parents. Document information that may be important, so you do not forget the details.

2. Provide Resources

Work with others in your school to curate resources and information that may be helpful to the families. This could include anything from obtaining replacement clothing and materials to events that are taking place that will be beneficial to them.

3. Reduce Stressors

Consider scaling back homework, projects, and anything else that will require effort at home until everyone has a chance to settle back in. In many ways, consistency and routine are good, but if you are in an area where the families are piecing their lives back together, it may be best to not add anything to their plate.

4. Think Long-Term

There is typically an influx of help and support immediately after a natural disaster occurs, but it tends to linger over time. Think about the lasting effects of what happened and what it may mean months down the road. Be sensitive to that.

5. Ask Them How You (and the School) Can be of Assistance

Parents and family members affected by the situation are the best sources to ask when it comes to determining how you can help.

3 Ways to Help Yourself and Your Colleagues Amidst the Aftermath of Hurricanes

Below are 3 strategies for supporting yourself and your colleagues during the aftermath of hurricanes.

1. Avoid News Coverage

The media often presents worse case scenarios in order to attract more viewers. Watching replays can increase stress and anxiety.

2. Educate Yourself on the Effects of Trauma on Schools and Learning

Each individual processes and reacts to trauma differently, but there are often consistent symptoms and behaviors that are exhibited. Taking the time to learn about what to look for and how to respond will prepare you for how to best react and proceed.

3. Take Care of Yourself

If you are stressed out about a situation, it will affect your teaching. If you have close friends or family, or if you yourself have been directly impacted by a hurricane or other natural disaster, be sure to put your health and well-being first, so you can properly help those around you. It is just like the airlines telling you to put your own oxygen mask on before helping the children to put on theirs. Try to get a good night’s sleep, eat healthy, stay hydrated, and find ways to decrease the stress you are feeling.

In closing, I hope you found these strategies for supporting people in your school community during the aftermath of hurricanes helpful. If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

• How to Create a Social Emotional Learning Environment
• How to Use Picture Books to Teach SEL Skills
• 75+ SEL Videos for Elementary Teachers

The post Aftermath of Hurricanes: How to Help Students Cope After a Hurricane appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

5 Financial Tips for Teachers about Saving Money at the Grocery Store

In addition to not needing to schedule pee breaks at specific times, one of the nicest benefits to summer vacation is having the luxury of grocery shopping when it is less crowded. Hello grocery store at 9am on a weekday with no lines! This blog post will provide you with tips for how to save money as. a teacher at the grocery store. Not only will these tips help you stick to your grocery budget, but they will save you a lot of time too.

1. Make a Checklist.

The first financial tip for teachers on this list is to make a checklist. Consider making a list of foods you buy regularly. Keep it handy and check off items as you run out. It’s always smart to have a pen and paper close to the refrigerator to keep an ongoing list of things you have run out of. I know that if I tell myself “I need to pick up salsa at the grocery store” and I don’t write it down immediately, I will not remember to pick it up the next time I go to the store.

2. Map Out Your Grocery Store.

I did this about five years ago and it has been an invaluable time saver for me. Grab a notebook and go to the store you always shop at. Start at the beginning of the store and make a list of what items are found in which aisle. I obviously didn’t write down each and every item, but I did make sure to include any category I may (at some point) purchase. When you get home, type up the list in a word document and print a bunch of copies. Use this as your grocery list by simply highlighting the items that you need to buy. This prevents you from needing to go back and forth for items on the list that you forget to grab. It’s helpful if your grocery store keeps things pretty consistent. If not, try to update your map at least once every few months.

3. Organize the List and Divvy it Up.

The third financial tip for teachers on this list is to organize your shopping list and divvy it up. I took it a step further and reformatted the list so that the first half of the store is on the top of the page and the second half of the store is on the bottom of the page. This is helpful when my husband and I go to the store together. We grab two carts, rip the list in half, start on opposite sides of the store and meet in the middle. Making your grocery list organized by where you’ll find it in the store will save you precious time and prevent you from having to suffer from “road rage” when you’re trying to read the signs on the aisle, but someone has stopped randomly in the walkway.

4. Stock Up.

Making a menu and knowing which items you use often or need for specific recipes will allow you to buy nonperishable products in larger amounts. I noticed we were buying some items (oatmeal, cereals, pasta, etc.) often. This meant that I was adding it to my list weekly, finding it in the store, checking out with it, and making room in the pantry for it regularly. By buying enough for the month once, I didn’t need to think about it weekly. This financial tip for teachers will also help you with your meal prep!

5. Use a Grocery Delivery Service.

Some stores offer services that allow you to order and pay online and either have the groceries delivered to your door or brought out to your car. Some services are free and others have a small fee. Do the math because while it may seem like an unnecessary luxury, the cost is probably far less than what you will spend on impulse buys when in the store. This option is also helpful in keeping you on track with healthy eating.

A side note with this one, though, is that I would recommend picking out your own produce to ensure you get the freshest and most appetizing looking options. You can’t assume that the employee picking out your groceries cares that you like firm peaches because they’re just going to grab what’s quick and easy.

If you’re interested in trying this out, but don’t want to pay for a delivery service like Amazon Fresh or from a regular grocery store, look into the free grocery pick up offered by Walmart. I tried it myself and found it to be very quick and easy. I opted to get meats and produce elsewhere, but it was perfect for getting the boxed items, cleaning products, and canned goods I needed without the hassle of fighting the crowds that come with a typical Walmart trip.

Additional Resources for Teachers

We hope these financial tips for teachers about how to save money as a teacher at the grocery store were helpful! If you did, then you might find these posts helpful as well:

• How Teachers Can Make More Money
• How Teachers Can Save More Money
• Strategies for How Teachers Can Maximize their Time
• Money-Saving Teaching Resource Collections
• How to Write Emergency Sub Plans

The post Financial Tips for Teachers: How to Save Money on Groceries in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.