Get to Know This TpT Teacher Author...

Nyla’s Crafty Teaching: Gillian Nyla Phillips-Martin

What grade level(s) and/or subject(s) are you currently teaching? What grade levels have you taught prior to this year?   

From Grades 1 - 6 and I teach all subject areas. Math and science are my favorites!

If currently in the classroom, how long have you been teaching? If not still in classroom, how long did you teach?            I've been teaching since 2006.

When did you join Teachers Pay Teachers as a Seller? What made you decide to become a seller?    

Back when I was doing my B.Ed., I was a customer. Then after a few years of being in the classroom, while I was at home on maternity leave,

I realized that I can share my unit plans so I became a seller! I decided to name my store Nyla's Crafty Teaching because of my passion for making things from everyday materials, which I use in my classroom.

One piece of advice you can give to a beginning teacher & one piece for a veteran teacher:     

            It's always good to have a backup plan when teaching. Your lesson plans can be perfectly planned but often times, something unpredictable can happen- like the copier might be out of ink! So always be prepared, for anything!

Something unique about you both as a teacher and outside of the classroom:

            In every topic I teach, I try to integrate it with art and crafts. Students love me for it, even the ones who think that they cannot draw!

            Most people don't know that I love to study Psychology! I love how the mind works and how girls and boys are wired to learn differently. It fascinates me!

TpT Store Link: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Nylas-Crafty-Teaching/

Blog:  http://mscraftynyla.blogspot.com/

One of your best selling product links: 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3D-Shapes-with-their-Nets-and-Properties

What other bio information would you like to share?

I love my hobbies; they really help me to unwind and get re-energized for the next day.

I love blogging, blog hopping and creating stuff for my class and my children at home

(I have three young kids). I try to exercise; I hate the pain, but I love the gain!

Are there any other sites you’d like posted for others to access?

            Feel free to follow Nyla's Crafty Teaching at my Facebook page

                          http://www.facebook.com/teachernyla

In Case You Didn't Have Time to Shop CYBER MONDAY...

My Store is going to be on SALE all Day Today!

Get a 15% off discount on almost 80 products! 

Visit Me & Buy Some Great Products While They Are Still On Sale...

Click My Store or the Tab on Top Left Sidebar! 

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

                             Regards,

Check Out This Free Offering From Connie Casserly at TeachitWrite!

       Visit Connie Casserly's TpT Store for this Creative Activity:

        Keep students on-task during December exploring characters and developing skills writing similes and metaphors with this activity that combines the two elements of literature. 
       One two-page handout has students think of similes and metaphors for characters from books and short stories that they have read using world holiday foods. After that they choose one simile or metaphor they created and expand it into an extended metaphor poem. 
       The second two-page handout follows the same format, but uses Christmas foods for the similes and metaphors. 
       This yummy activity is sure to get their gray matter churning while visions of candy canes, oranges and sweet treats dance in their heads.

Download Connie's Free Product at the Link Below:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-Seasonal-Similes-and-Mouth-Watering-Metaphors

Thank you Connie for sharing this freebie!                                                                                                                                            

Sale Time!!!

My TpT 15% off Sale has begun!!! Please visit and find goodies on sale and be sure to get the 12 FREE Products too! 

AND, Remember Tomorrow: CYBER MONDAY SALE!!! Just Use the code below in checkout tomorrow! Until then, enjoy the sale in my store and many others! 

Happy Shopping!!!

Regards,

                       

Take Advantage of My TpT Store's 15% Off Sale!!

My TpT store is having a 15% off sale on 78 PRODUCTS from  Sunday, 11/27 until Tuesday, 11/29!!
PLUS, get an additional discount on Monday, 11/28/11 for the TpT 10% Off CYBER MONDAY SALE!  

Just enter the promo code: CMS28 at checkout to get your extra discount! 
Happy Shopping!!

My TpT Store

                               Regards,

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ann-Marie-Smith

Get to Know This TpT Teacher Author...

Hilary Lewis at Rockin Teacher Materials

What grade level(s) and/or subject(s) are you currently teaching? What grade levels have you taught prior to this year?         2- K-3

If currently in the classroom, how long have you been teaching? If not still in classroom, how long did you teach?            26 Years

When did you join Teachers Pay Teachers as a Seller? What made you decide to become a seller?     January 2011

The newsletter telling about Deanna Jump making $40,000 in a quarter…After seeing that, I had to 'jump' right in!"

One piece of advice you can give to a beginning teacher & one piece for a veteran teacher:     

Beginning Teacher: Remember that you can't do everything that you want to do for your class...Just do the best you can and remember to care about 'your' kids! You are one of the most important people in that child's life...AND you may never know how much of an influence you have had in their lives...

Veteran Teacher: Never stop learning and don't be afraid to try new things! Don't become one of those people who says, “Well...I've always done it like that!"

Something unique about you both as a teacher and outside of the classroom:

I love creating things for my classroom to make my life easier...However, I keep thinking of new ideas, so my life never gets easier!

We are almost empty nesters...Our 2 youngest are seniors in high school...$700 for senior pictures, $300 for announcements and cap & gown...$120 for yearbooks...a quiet house in the near future...Priceless! (I hope the quiet doesn't make me crazy!)

TpT Store Link:    http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hilary-Lewis-8

Blog:    www.rockinteachermaterials.com

One of your best selling product links: 
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Clubs-Made-Easy

What other bio information would you like to share?

Hobbies: Making things for TpT and my blog

Indianapolis Colts

Indiana

Butler University...Go Bulldogs!

8 kids and 2 dogs! Crazy around here at Christmas!"

Are there any other sites you’d like posted for others to access?

TWITTER:  http://twitter.com/hilary35t

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/RockinTeacherMaterials

** If you would like to be included in the "Get to Know Our TpT Teacher-Authors" postings, click on the link at the top of my blog and fill in the entry form! 

Regards,

              Ann Marie Smith

A Freebie For You!

Do you have your students read independent novels for your class? If so, here's a fun way to assess their comprehension!

Independent Novel Power Point Project!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Novel-Project-Student-Power-Point-Assignment-Rubric-Pre-write
Regards,
Ann Marie

Get to Know this TpT Teacher-Author...

Laurah Jurca

What grade level(s) and/or subject(s) are you currently teaching? What grade levels have you taught prior to this year?

Currently 2nd and 4th grade ESOL, Previously taught k-8 ESOL

If currently in the classroom, how long have you been teaching? If not still in classroom, how long did you teach?            4 Years

When did you join Teachers Pay Teachers as a Seller? What made you decide to become a seller?

I joined in May 2011. I was looking for materials and came across TpT. I didn't actually buy anything that day, but I did sign up and post my first free product. I've long believed in developing my own classroom materials to fit the needs of my students. I decided what better way to help out a lot of ESOL students by making my materials available to other teachers as well?

One piece of advice you can give to a beginning teacher & one piece for a veteran teacher:      The same for both- Differentiation in your classroom is only as  hard as you make it.

Something unique about you both as a teacher and outside of the classroom:

I have a secret obsession with hello kitty, right down to my underoos!

TpT Store Link: 

 http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tools-For-Teachers-By-Laurah-J

Blog:    publicschoolteachersodyssey.blogspot.com

If you like, please leave a link to one of your best selling products here:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Features-of-Non-fiction-Text-Powerpoint-Presentation

What other bio information would you like to share?

My husband and I spend the majority of our weekends doing historical reenactment (Bronze Age Celts). In the course of our reenactment we participate in rapier and armored combat. It is great fun!

Are there any other sites you’d like posted for others to access?

Facebook:     facebook.com/tools4teachersbylaurahj

Thank you Laurah ( and all of my previous TpT Teacher-Authors) for allowing me to feature you on my blog! Any interested TpT Teacher-Author wishing to be featured can simply fill in the form posted at  top of my blog, Just above the most current post! All of you will be featured. Posts are made every 5-7 days and in order received! Thank you! If there were to be no other views, I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know fellow TpT Sellers this way. (Yes, "Get to Know" vis Cyber World!)

Regards,

A Blog Posting from Ruth at Teacher Park

AUTUMN IN THE AIR

I've always loved introducing my students to autumn poetry during our colorful autumn in New England. One of my favorites is Bliss Carmen's "Vagabond Song". Carmen, a Canadian, captures the true essence of autumn in his hauntingly beautiful poem. The music in this YouTube video is a perfect fit for  it. Take a minute to immerse yourself in the glory of autumn.


A Vagabond Song
by Bliss Carmen

There is something in the autumn that is native to my blood —
Touch of manner, hint of mood;
And my heart is like a rhyme,
With the yellow and the purple and the crimson keeping time.

The scarlet of the maples can shake me like a cry
Of bugles going by.
And my lonely spirit thrills
To see the frosty asters like a smoke upon the hills.

There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir;
We must rise and follow her,
When from every hill of flame
She calls and calls each vagabond by name. 

Another Favorite Autumn Poem! 

Download a supplemental literature and grammar skills activity to use with
 Clay Harrison's poem "Autumn is Nature's Masterpiece"
There is a handout for students and a teacher's answer key. 

Practice identifying elements of literature and polish those grammar skills!

Fall Poem Activity Literary Elements Grammar Skills with Answer Key - Ann Marie Smith - TeachersPayTeachers.com

Thanks to Ruth at Teacher Park for featuring one of my products on her blog!!

Autumn is Nature’s Masterpiece

by Clay Harrison

Autumn is Nature's masterpiece

When every tree's aglow;

Before the leaves have fallen

And the hills are white with snow. 

The bounty of the harvest

Is a treasure to behold,

For the fruits of our labor

Are more valuable than gold. 

There's a change in the weather

That fills the heart with cheer;

With the holidays approaching

In the twilight of the year.

There's a feeling of thanksgiving

That comes to one and all;

When we count our many blessings

As the leaves begin to fall. 

10% Off Sale!

I am having a sale at my TpT Store through the end of the day tomorrow! I would've posted sooner about it had it dawned on me to do so!! 
I've put 60 products on sale yesterday, so be sure to check them out!
Click my TpT Button on top left of my blog or use the link below!

Ann Marie's Store

Regards,

Ann Marie Smith

"Get to Know this TpT Teacher-Author"

Kristen Bowers from Secondary Solutions

What grade level(s) and/or subject(s) are you currently teaching? What grade levels have you taught prior to this year?           

I am not currently teaching; I taught 9th, 11th, and 12th ELA

If currently in the classroom, how long have you been teaching? If not still in classroom, how long did you teach?            

I taught for 6 years.

When did you join Teachers Pay Teachers as a Seller? What made you decide to become a seller?

I started on TPT in early 2006, when TPT was just a baby!  I had been marketing my materials on my own website for nearly a year, and decided TPT was a great opportunity to branch out.  I was still teaching at the time, but all my earnings went into the business.  I was eventually able to earn enough to work at home once my daughter was born!

One piece of advice you can give to a beginning teacher & one piece for a veteran teacher:

One piece?  That's tough!  As one mentor teacher said to me long ago, work smarter, not harder.  By that, don't reinvent the wheel just to say you have!  Use what has worked for others.  Make tweaks to things to make it your own, but don't try to do everything yourself.  You will be a sure candidate for burnout if you do. To a veteran teacher, I would advise to be open to trying new things.  Don't just teach the same unit you have for 20 years.  Try new ideas and new technology.  There is so much more out there!

Something unique about you both as a teacher and outside of the classroom:

I don't think the fact that I am a workaholic is unique; especially as a part of TPT!  I guess the most unique thing about me outside the classroom is that I am a newbie extreme couponer.  Although we can't buy the massive amounts of product in California like they do in other places, I can get lots for free...and I love that!

TpT Store Link:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Secondary-Solutions?user=Secondary-Solutions

Blog: www.secondarysolutionsblog.com

If you like, please leave a link to one of your best selling products here:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Freak-the-Mighty-Literature-Guide-Common-Core-Aligned-Teaching-Guide

What other bio information would you like to share?

For more about me, visit my blog at www.secondarysolutionsblog.com, where I have posted "10 Things about Kristen Bowers"

Are there any other sites you’d like posted for others to access?

Main Website: http://www.4secondarysolutions.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/secondarysolutions

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sec_solutions

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sec_solutions

Innovative Teacher to Know: TpT Teacher-Author LaProfesoraFrida!

What grade level(s) and/or subject(s) are you currently teaching? What grade levels have you taught prior to this year?            K-12 Spanish

If currently in the classroom, how long have you been teaching? If not still in classroom, how long did you teach?             8 Years

When did you join Teachers Pay Teachers as a Seller? What made you decide to become a seller?

Like many fellow TpTers, I stumbled upon Teachers Pay Teachers while searching for products to use in my own classroom!  I thought it was an amazing place to share ideas and a great opportunity for teachers to make a little extra spending money. Hearing about other's success on TpT keeps me motivated to keep producing top-quality products!

One piece of advice you can give to a beginning teacher & one piece for a veteran teacher:

Beginning teachers--Even if you have an awesome mentor....  You won't be told everything you need to know!  A lot of what you'll learn your first few years is not just how to command your classroom, but also how to navigate the school system.  Ask a lot of questions! 

At my previous school, I didn't have a mentor.  So I kept an ongoing list of questions that popped into my head on my desk and I would head down to the secretary at the end of the day and ask her all of my questions!  (Secretaries, Administrative Assistants = awesome fountain of knowledge and experience!)

Veteran teachers--I think it's extremely important for us to keep in mind that our students are now digital learners.  When I graduated from high school, the internet had only been around for a few years.  Our school library had only one computer hooked up to an internet connection, and I was scared to use it because I thought I could get "lost" and not find my way back to the homepage!

And now I'm teaching online classes!  My how things change.  And fast!  We really need to try our hardest to create lessons for our students that incorporate their technology skills.  And we have the resources right in our schools to help us do just that: our students and our younger teachers!

Something unique about you both as a teacher and outside of the classroom:

My first language is English.

My second language is American Sign Language.

My third language is Spanish.

And I'm just starting to learn Dutch!!

Who the heck learns Dutch?? Well, those of us who are lucky enough to fall in love with an amazing Spanish man who lives & works in the Netherlands!  I hopped across the pond following my heart and landed just north of Amsterdam.  I'm settling into my new home, new culture and new language while I teach online classes back in the States.

TpT Store Link: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Laprofesorafrida

Blog:   http://www.facebook.com/pages/LaProfesoraFrida/227927243913840

If you like, please leave a link to one of your best selling products here:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Firma-Por-Favor-extended-Spanish-PACKET

Are there any other sites you’d like posted for others to access?

*My Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LaProfesoraFrida/227927243913840

*My Favorite Online Spanish-English Dictionary:  www.spanishdict.com