Brand New Me - How Branding Changed My Life

Brand New Me!  or, How Branding Changed My Life

I branded my store!  I took a good, hard look at my old store, waved goodbye, and took the leap.  I hired a pro.

Why?  My old store wasn't terrible!  It was artsy, colorful and fun.  Suuuure...but the products got lost in those cluttered display boxes, with the saturated colors, chaotic blend of fonts, and those borders that were just a tad too big.  

My old logo was gorgeous, but it said Teacher Ink.  That's my blog name, not my brand.  Renee Dawn is the brand--and also my store name.  And now it's there, front and center.

Everything is cohesive.  The colors even compliment my skin tone!  My store looks more professional, consistent, eye-catching, and buyer-friendly.  It's still me, but all dressed up.  

The new look is Boho, classy, and chic.  The message is that I'm a long-term teaching professional, and that I can help bring a calm, confident, and creative energy into your teaching life--and your kids' lives, too.

The new product covers are brighter, simplified, and they clearly highlight the contents.  The fonts are mostly uniform, and not all screaming in a giant size.  I've added a super-narrow font, and smaller print, too--for that crucial type hierarchy that had eluded me.

The product covers are designed with a color scheme--orange for teacher guides, blue for behavior management, and so on.  When you scroll through a carousel of stuff, even on a tiny phone screen, I'm easy to find. 

Just as easy to find as your favorite brand of chips on a store shelf!

Branding has changed my life.  I think in terms of branding (and sometimes dream about it, too!), and it's starting to shape my ideas.  I'm shaking off clutter everywhere!

I use consistent designs, fonts, colors, and phrases in all my marketing, whether it's at my store, Pinterest, or facebook.

Thank you everyone, for supporting my store over the years.  You knew me when...(uhhh, let's not look back!)

And thank you, Erin from E is for Explore, for bringing your graphic design genius to the party!

Teacher Appreciation Week SALE!

It's Teacher Appreciation Week!  Let's celebrate with a...drumroll...
Sale!

All my teacher resources are 25% off with Coupon Code: GIFT4YOU

Here are some delightful choices:

A gorgeous Mother's Day Card, with dozens of suggested phrases that you can use for any occasion.  This easy printable works well for a Thank You, Friendship, Graduation, or Memorial Day veterans card, or to send any thoughtful message.

A butterfly mask or flying butterfly craft to celebrate spring, symmetry, or your unit on insects.

A keepsake Memorial Day craft box.  One buyer placed paper mache hearts inside to give to veterans.  Another hung them from the classroom ceiling with different length strings.  There are wonderful possibilities... 

A Substitute Teacher's Survival Kit with tons of tips, printables, teacher scripts and lessons, so you will be calm and confident in the classroom.  

NOT JUST FOR SUBS, this guide makes a great refresher course or a comprehensive sub binder for the regular teacher.  If you need to take a day off, no worries!  This Sub Binder will assure that your class was in good hands.

Or my all-time favorite, this in-depth guide to the Perfect Lesson.  It features checklists, charts, cheat-sheets, insider tips, scripts, class posters, lesson plans and lesson plan templates for an expert Danielson teacher evaluation in K – 5.

Whatever you do, end the school year with 25% off, and enjoy every bit of it!

Teachers Pay Teachers Blog - Behavior Management with Humor

Thrilled to say... I’m in the TeachersPayTeachers Blog!

Please take a look…and if possible, like, pin, and share.

Thank you!!!  All my hard work wouldn’t have been nearly as fun without you—and you know it.  

So, I’m throwing a party!

To celebrate, my entire store will be on sale, 20% off, for ONE DAY ONLY, through April 14th.

...Let's keep this party going, with a BONUS-DAY SALE, through April 15th.

AND, 50% OFF MY FEATURED RESOURCE.

WHAT???!!!  YES!!!

So if you’ve been on the fence about it, now is definitely the time.

PLEASE READ WHAT THIS BUYER SAID:

I was so excited to see a creative behavior system.  I’m totally in love with this awesome product!! I feel like it’s helped me grow as a person, and not just as a teacher.  Thank you for sharing this!

If you want a full-on master course, with a step-by-step, finely-detailed trip through Behavior Management, please take a look. 

You will also get this MP3 Counting Backward Song--my absolute favorite--for a calming brain break or dance:

And P.S., my teaching life suddenly became much calmer when I took a few minutes every day to immerse myself in this hypnotically relaxing MP3, with my palms gently cupped over my eyes to block out the light.  

As for behavior management, every teacher can attest...
that--starting on the first day of school--it's glaringly clear: 

This is not a "should have," it's a "must have--please, and ASAP."

You'll find tons of need-to-know facts, and boots on the ground, insider tips on how to pull it all together smoothly.

Behavior Management with Humor includes checklists, charts, cheat-sheets, tips, class posters, and activities for expert classroom management in K – 5.

Then, we take it one step further.  We'll show you how to infuse your entire school day with respectful fun.  Of all the tricks in your behavior management toolbox, humor is one of the most powerful.  Kids love it, and they naturally respond to it.

Besides, laughing's good for you.  It shakes up your lymph system and heals your mind, body, and soul.  It strengthens your immune system, lowers your blood pressure, and makes you more present and alert.  It's empowering, rapport-building, and it brightens your day--a pure delight for students and teachers alike.

Are you in the weeds?  No worries!  Keep some behavior tips in your pocket and a smile on your face.  We’ll get through this together.

And thanks again for joining me on the trip!

Creative Earth Day Celebration

Looking for creative ways to celebrate Earth Day with Kids?

Of course, you'll plant a seed and hug a tree.  What else?  Here are some creative ways to celebrate Earth Day on April 22^nd.

Earth Day Medallion!  This chic art piece features a geographically correct Earth. 

The stylish Earth medallion also reminds kids that Earth is a jewel, and that we should treat it with care. 

Besides, who says you can't glam it up with glitter, sparkles or spangles?  Your Earth Day Celebration or presentation just got revved up a notch.   

Earth Day Activities -- actual ACT-tivities -- that include:

• Action Games: “Beach Ball Planet” and “NIMBY War”
• Earth Art-Project

• Earth Medallion - Wear your Earth like a Jewel!
• “I Love Earth Day” song, simple and easy to learn

• 8 Task Cards for creative discussions, activities and writing  
• Deep-thought conversation starters

• 25 Ways to Help the Earth
• 20 Earth-Loving Messages for an art poster
• Beautiful Earth Day writing paper

Earth Poems!

Higher-order thinking will leap off the page when your kids write free-verse, creative poems about the Earth.  If you'd like 16 step-by-step lessons and dazzling display pieces, check out this Poetry Writing.

Cute alert!  You can jump-start your math-literacy-art-social studies connection with super-cute and brainy Earth Day Robots, using Number Chart Robot Printables

-- and make them again for any holiday, because they’re too much fun to do only once.

Challenge your kids with the unforgettable…

Science Experiment: Will a Bean Sprout if it has Missing Parts?

Don't just plant a seed.  Plant it like a scientist.  Think deeply about the Earth.  What makes Earth tick?  How can we learn more?  How can we make Earth a better place--to live, love, and learn?

Above all, don't forget to go outside and take a few full sniffs of fresh air.

I hope you enjoy your creative Earth Day -- every day!

How to Catch a Leprechaun - Writing Lesson

 How to catch a leprechaun is only half the story.

Kids will tell you, step by step how to catch a leprechaun:

First I will...

• think and plan
• look
• be quiet
• tip toe up to him
• walk softly
• sneak up
• hide



 Next I will...

• be camouflaged.  I will carry a plant!
• make a trap
• dig a hole and put leaves on top
• ride a bike
• ride a motorcycle
• ride a kangaroo
• say, "Look over there!" then catch him in a net
• tie him in a rope

Last I will...

• tie him in a rope
• catch him in a net
• put him in a cage
• hold on tight
• never let him go
• say, "Where is your gold?"
• say, "Take me to the end of the rainbow right now!"

If you want to take it to the next level, for your advanced, TAG, upper grade, creative or willing kids...

You can have your kids describe their leprechaun.  Tell how he dresses, walks, speaks, and acts.

Also, add interesting characters to the story, and unexpected settings. 

Then answer thoughtful questions, such as: should you catch a leprechaun?  And, once you've caught him and taken his pot o' gold, should you share some of the spoils with him?

Of course, you'll create a show-stopping display of your kids' work.

Got it!  Just one last question: how will you spend your gold?  On pretty shamrock-shaped paper and step-by-step lessons, lists, posters and task cards on How to Catch a Leprechaun, by any chance?

Teacher Resource Sale!

TeachersPayTeachers--ON SALE!

Teacher resources at 25% off--What a great way to end the school year!

Even though you sorta feel like you can taste spring, and maybe even summer--We both know that it's all smoke 'n mirrors.

The school year ain't over till it's over.  That's a plain fact.  So let's take it one day at a time, and make the best of those last few weeks in the classroom.

If you've been considering upping your game, now's definitely the time--while the highest-quality supplies that you really, really want, are jaw-dropping cheap!

Please stop by and look around...

I'll see you there!

TpT #1 Most Innovative Education Company

TpT was named the #1 Most Innovative Education Company by Fast Company!

No surprise! 

I LOVE TeachersPayTeachers.

TpT Rocks!  I’m so proud to be part of this little experiment that bloomed.

Thank you, TpT, for giving us plenty of guidance--and space--to help us create those unique, rigorous, and stylish resources that really work in the classroom.  

What makes TpT so innovative?  

Among other things: It's the ultimate niche marketplace.  Each teacher creates things for a particular classroom, and can tweak and improve them endlessly for buyers across the globe.

Thank you, TpT's Top Admins--Amy, for being the warm and welcoming face of TpT—and thank you TpT-founder Paul, Board Member Adam, CEO Joe, and the team, for appreciating and listening closely to your teacher-authors, nurturing every detail of the business.

TeachersPayTeachers is really a place where Teachers-Help-Teachers--to put their best foot forward.

I'm grateful that--thanks to TpT--I was able to open my little piece of the internet and share my creative teaching life.

As always, I'm wishing you--and TpT--all the best. 

How to Teach Rules

Teaching school rules is easy if you follow the...rules.

1. First, ask the kids what rules they know; get them involved.  Then… 
2. Choose one rule to explore. 
3. Explain the rule—be clear and detailed. 
4. Again, let students add their thoughts. 
5. Demo it, or have one kid demo it, then have 2 kids demo, then 3 or more, and finally the whole class. 
6. Re-explain and practice till it’s perfect. 
7. It may take a few sessions to reach that goal.
8. Also, discuss why the rule is important.  No, it’s not to avoid punishment or because the teacher will get mad it you don’t do it.  The real reason is because it helps us to be respectful or to stay safe, or to learn something new and interesting. 
9. What bad things might happen if we don’t follow the rule?   Delve into the issues, so kids internalize the rule.  That’s how it becomes embedded in their conscience—your only true hope for good behavior.
10. Think of everything that could go wrong.  You have to address every possibility, and discuss the limits of what’s acceptable.  No, they can’t do this or that because…
11. It helps to have a checklist so you don’t forget crucial points.  You don’t want any loopholes or misunderstandings.
12. Repeat with every school rule and routine at the start of the school year.  End each session with a little brain break--a stretch, dance or callback chanting--so kids associate learning rules with fun. 

Teaching rules is a fascinating process, and it’s a must—and it’s ongoing, to some degree, every time you teach.

Behavior Management with Humor is a mega-resource that teaches step-by-step skills for discipline—and then adds tools and strategies to make it FUN.

Laughing shakes up our lymph system, and heals our body, mind and soul. It strengthens the immune system, lowers our blood pressure and makes us more present and alert. It’s empowering, rapport-building…AND I can tell you from experience, it’s one of the most powerful tools in your behavior management kit!

I REALLY LOVE this, and I think you might, too.

If you’d like a Behavior Management MEGA-Bundle—with School Rules, Behavior Management with Humor, Behavior Modification Game Charts, and Behavior Management Callbacks—it’s here.
I’m on a mission: to help you feel CALM and CONFIDENT—and ready to laugh—starting on your first day of school. 

As always, I'm wishing you all the best!

Teachers Pay Teachers - Resource Round-Up! Behavior Management

TeachersPayTeachers - Resource Round-Up!  Behavior Management...

The Resource Round-Up! is my go-to spot for weekly freebies and the best-of TeachersPayTeachers.  

Today I'm front and center.  (Cheers and confetti!)

Here's the scoop: If you want the whole kit 'n kaboodle, pop over to the TeachersPayTeachers Weekly Newsletter, Vol 575, Pre-K - 5.

After many years of teaching, one thing makes me wince more than anything else--a teacher who yells, screams, berates, nags, threatens, squints, mocks, pleas, frightens, embarrasses, mutters, grumbles, drones, shrugs, rants, curses...and later on, cries.

The fact is, very few teachers are born-naturals when it comes to classroom management.  And there are no instant fixes.

Behavior management is like a language that you can learn to speak fluently.

Step-by-step, you learn a few words.  Simple words like...

• Please -- as in, Would you please show me your very best silly-face...and now please show me your I-love-to-learn-face?
• Thank you -- Thank you for sharing your unique perspective!
• Beautiful -- You're so focused; beautiful!
• Watch -- Watch how I (or a child) stand in line, with my shoulders back, chest out, head straight, eyes ahead, arms down, no touching, legs together, ready to move.
• Why? -- Why is it important to be respectful?  What would happen if we weren't kind and polite?

After that, you master the basic management routines, and -- over time -- you find personal tricks that work well for you.

If you want to take the trip toward mastery, and you really should — sooner rather than later — this creative and comprehensive guide will help you.  You’ll find hundreds of tools and tips for a calm and confident—and happy—classroom. 

The Ultimate Guide to Behavior Management includes School Rules, Bathroom Rules, Behavior Management with Humor, Behavior Modification Game Charts, Brag Tags, and Behavior Management Callbacks.

The centerpiece is Behavior Management with Humor:

Compiled by a long-term teacher, this resource will help you feel CALM and CONFIDENT--and ready to laugh--starting on your first day of school.

Behavior Management with Humor explores...

•  Behavior Management 101: Strategies that Work

•  How to Teach Rules so they "Stick“

•  How to Cultivate Respect and Rapport

•  How to Control your Class Firmly but Graciously

•  The All-Important “Stop Signal”

•  Behavior Mod Charts

•  Behavior Management Clip Chart

•  How to Add Humor into your Day

•  A Full Day of Humor and Good Behavior, Step-by-Step

•  What to Say and Do, from the Moment Kids Arrive till Dismissal, for the Best Behavior

•  Humor in Reading, Writing, Math, Music, and Dance

•  Make it Fun in the Lunchroom, Auditorium, School Yard, Parties, and More

•  Funny Things to Say All Day

•  Songs that Get Kids to Move, Smile and Behave

•  Callbacks for Easy, Fun Management

•  Brain Breaks to Calm or Energize Kids

•  Printable Resources: Awards, Hats, Masks, Glasses, Bracelets, Brag Tags, Pointers, and More!

•  “Reboot Box” for Time-Out

•  Zen Zone for Calming

•  Behavior Management Posters

•  Student Activities and Printables for Bulletin Board Displays

•  Deal-Breakers – Behavior Management to Avoid

•  “Tips from the Trenches” for Behavior Management with Humor

Here are some SUPER-COOL BRAG TAGS, awards, or prizes.  You can see them as the first brick, in an awesome tower of respect and rapport that you'll build in your classroom.

Enjoy your FREEBIE Brag Tags!

So, exactly how do you get kids to behave, calm down, clean up, transition, time out, or stand and stretch?  There's no short answer, but it’s all made easier with this Counting Song MP3—a soothing voice counting the numbers 1 – 20 over relaxing music with a soft beat.

This “magic timer” counts like a heartbeat, one beat per second. You can slow your heart rate by breathing deeply and matching your pulse to the beat of the songs.  It’s a great behavior management tool to help kids calm their minds and focus on the task at hand.  If you want an extended countdown, you can play it again. 

Enjoy your FREEBIE Counting Song MP3!

It's amazing how a very small change in your approach to behavior management can have a huge impact on your classroom culture and in your life.

The best gift you can give yourself, or another teacher, is the expertise to create a great classroom culture.

As always, I'm wishing you all the best!