New Year’s Resolutions Again?

Yes, it’s that time of year. If I think about a new year as an opportunity to write some exciting and worthwhile pages in the book of my life, then I have a healthy attitude. It is never too late to try and make the year ahead of me even better than the one that came before. (Last year was a hard one, so this one should be better.)

If I choose attainable goals and avoid resolutions like winning the lottery, I will feel a sense of accomplishment each time I cross one off my list.

Here are just a few attainable goals that you might wish to consider:

• Get more sleep whenever possible.

• To avoid frantic mornings, prepare for the next day on the night before. 

• The night before, prepare your lunch or decide where you will eat lunch.

• Set out your keys, coat, shoes, briefcase or purse and a reminder note about your lunch.

• Leave your desk at work organized and tidy. Write reminders on Post-it Notes.

• Write a list of absolutely necessary To Do’s and cross them off as you complete them.

• If you have way too many essays to grade, don’t take them all home at once. Complete them in increments depending on what you have going on in your private life at the time.

• Plan, plan, plan. Have a plan, know your plan, work your plan.

Remember that you are human and not a robot. You can only do what you can do.  
Teachers have a really challenging job. Teachers are amazing. Teachers are changing the world one child at a time. 

Here is a freebie to use with your students for Valentine's Day. 

Here's another Valentine's Day lesson you might like.

I hope both your new year and your Valentine's Day are enjoyable.

Thanks for reading. 

Here are some great blog posts from my friends at TpT.

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A Gratitude Booklet Makes a Special Gift

Here's a great idea for a heartfelt gift for for Mother's Day, Father's Day, or any occasion.

 This is a creative writing unit that requires students to research one of their family members or significant friends and create a gratitude booklet. They will enjoy learning more about the history of their family and experience the joy of giving a truly unique and special gift. Students will:

•             write interview questions.

•             interview family members.

•             write a biographical sketch.

•             write and edit anecdotes. 

•             locate or take photos of the subject of their gratitude booklet.

•             compile a gratitude booklet.

•             present the completed booklet to their subject as a special gift.

 The booklet can include photos, drawings, a biographical sketch, and testimonial statements from the students and from others who know their subject well.

An example would be that a student interviews his or her mother and then writes a biographical sketch. If possible, they will include old photos and current photos. Then, they would interview their mother's friends and relatives and collect anecdotes and statements from them to include in their booklet. 

 After the booklet is complete, they would present it to their mother on Mother's Day as a priceless gift. I have included sample pages from a gratitude booklet in the product.
This is a free product that is available in my store. 

Click here below to visit my store and download this project.

Thanks for reading,

Avoid the Greengrocer's Apostrophe

Do not use an apostrophe to make a noun plural.

The name “Greengrocer’s Apostrophe” comes from errors in the use of apostrophes that frequently occur on signs that appear in store windows or in the produce section of grocery stores. This error also occurs in many other places, as the following examples show.

The correct way to write this sign would be:
 iPads 
For Sale Here

The correct way to write this sign would be:
Oranges 
$1.25 a pound

Some people sign Christmas cards and letters incorrectly by adding an apostrophe to their family's name to make it plural.

It would be wrong to sign a card from the Smith Family as: The Smith's

The correct signature would be: The Smiths

Click here for a free lesson that expands on learning to use apostrophe's correctly.

Click here for another lesson that will help:

Thanks for reading,

A Free Holiday Recipe eBook from the Secondary Teachers of TpT

A FREE Holiday Recipe eBook from 

the Secondary Teachers of TpT

Enjoy 46 Holiday Recipes! 

Here is a colorful eBook filled with 46 recipes to help with your holiday meal planning. This book is a gift from the Super Secondary Teachers from TeachersPayTeachers.com. 
Click here for your copy.

Since I am a Texan, I have always loved Mexican food. Check out my recipe on page 12 for Chicken Tortilla Soup. I hope your family enjoys this spicy soup as much as mine does!

Have a wonderful Christmas and be sure to check back with me in 2015. I will have several new and exciting products in my store. Also, my sister Judi and I are about halfway finished with our latest novel that will be out next year! Click here to see my novels.