Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Unique Gifts Writers are Guaranteed to Love

Unique Gifts Writers are Guaranteed to Love Looking for a special gift for the writer in your life? Weve scoured the web to find products and subscription services that we think are the perfect fit. From witty fashion to shot glasses featuring famous writers and their thoughts on drinking- youre sure to find something that will make the perfect gift.The Writers Toolbox: Creative Games and Exercises for Inspiring the Write Side of Your BrainThe Writers ToolboxThe Writers Toolbox kit is a thoughtful one because for many writers, the hardest part of what they do is just getting started. Designed by creative writing teacher Jamie Cat Callan, it includes a 64-page book filled with exercises intended to get a creative plot rolling. The book provides first sentences, non-sequiturs, and last straws to help get stories started, as well as spinner palettes to introduce unexpected plot twists.Writer T-shirts by independent designersWriter T-shirts by independent designersNoted for its online marketplace full of handmade and unique design s, Etsy is a great resource for looking for just the right gift for the writer in your life. Its writer t-shirt collection is an easy way to browse for a statement piece that fits into any writers wardrobe. From witty to infamous and everything in between, what better way to treat a writer than with something soft and comfortable for them to write in?Digital voice recorder with built-in USBDigital voice recorder with built-in USBA digital voice recorder is a standard tool of the trade in most writing professions. Smartphones have limited capability in capturing voices in wider ranges, so most writers turn to a digital voice recorder for interviews, which are part of the process of putting together any content- from journalism and technical manuals to marketing and creative fiction. Digital voice recorders like Sonys series with built-in USB allows for quick transfer of recorded interviews to a PC or laptop, with expandable storage (Micro SD card) for up to thousands of hours of reco rding.Cocktail Courier subscriptionCocktail CourierLord Byron, Oscar Wilde, Dorothy Parker†¦alcohol and writing have gone together like peanut butter and jelly for, well, a long time. So, what better gift to give the writer in your life than a subscription to the worlds greatest cocktails from the worlds best bartenders from Cocktail Couriers? With prices starting at $50 per month, you can choose a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month subscription. Your favorite writer will then receive a box delivered monthly, biweekly, or weekly (your choice) full of all the necessary ingredients (including garnish and step-by-step instructions) to make between 4-12 alcoholic beverages. Oh, and of course, alcohol is included.On Writing: A Memoir of the CraftOn Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen KingFew modern writers are as prolific and successful as Stephen King, which is why his half biography/half how-to-manual, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, is such a great read. In it, he talks about the basic tools of his trade, including how and why a writer should always have them on hand, so its highly informative. He also has a lot of inspirational advice for writers dealing with rejection and trying to set positive and productive work habits in their daily writing practice.Phrase Books/ Writers ThesauriPhrase Books/ Writers Thesauri by Angela AckermanWhile there are hundreds of phrase books and writers thesauri on the market, this set by Angela Ackerman really breaks it all down into digestible chunks. Ackerman is a writing coach, international speaker, and co-author of six bestselling books for writers. Her books are available in six languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. Ackerman is also co-founder of Writers Helping Writers as well as One Stop for Writers, an innovative online library built to help writers elevate their storytelling.Literary coffee mugsLiterary coffee mugs by the Unemployed Philosophers GuildThese 12 oz. mugs are perfect for writers looking for that extra inspiration with their first cup of coffee in the morning. From banned books to first lines of literature to Edgar Allen Poe, the selection is so good, you might want to get more than one! All mugs are microwave safe. Theyre also sold by the Unemployed Philosophers Guild, which is a small, Brooklyn-based company specializing in unique gifts for sophisticated tastes.6-piece shot glass set of famous literary lushes6-piece shot glass set of famous literary lushesAnother creation from the sophisticated minds at the Unemployed Philosophers Guild, this shot glass set celebrates six immortal literary figures who are as famous for their drinking as they are for their work. Featuring Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, Dorothy Parker, Winston Churchill, W. B. Yeats, and Charles Baudelaire, each shot glass contains a colorful portrait of the writer along with one of their most famous quotes on drinking.

Monday, March 2, 2020

24 Simple Rules That Every Teacher Should Live By

24 Simple Rules That Every Teacher Should Live By One of the best things about teaching is that there is not an exact blueprint for success. In general, no two teachers are alike. Each has their own teaching style and classroom management routines. But while there is no blueprint for teaching, there is a certain code that teachers must live by if they want to be successful. The following list is a general set of rules that every teacher should live by. These rules encompass all facets of teaching, both inside and outside of the classroom.   Rules for Teachers Always do what you believe to be best for your students. They should always be your number one priority. Think, how does this benefit my students? If that question is difficult to answer, you may want to reconsider.Focus on establishing meaningful, cooperative relationships. Building strong relationships with your students, peers, administrators, and parents will ultimately make your job easier.Never bring your personal problems or issues into the classroom. Leave them at home. Your students should never know when something at home is bothering you.Be open and willing to learn at all times. Teaching is a journey that will provide many opportunities to learn. You should strive to improve your teaching each and every day, even when youve been in the classroom for years.Always be fair and consistent. Your students are always watching to make sure you are doing this. You will undermine your own authority if they believe you are playing favorites.Parents are the cornerstone of a great edu cation, and as such, teachers must do their part to engage even the most reluctant parents in the learning process. Provide plenty of opportunities for parents  to become involved  and encourage them to do so. A teacher must never put herself or himself  in a compromising situation. Teachers must always be aware of their situation and never allow themselves to be vulnerable. They must maintain self-control at all times, protecting themselves and their reputation.Respect the decisions of administrators and understand that they have many responsibilities.  Teachers must have a great working relationship with their administrator but respect the fact that their time is valuable.Take the time to get to know your students. Find out what they like to do and include their interests in your lessons. Establish a rapport and connection with them, and you will find that engaging them in your lessons becomes easier.Establish rules, expectations, and procedures beginning on the first day of school.  Hold your students accountable for their actions. You do not have to be a dictator, but you do need to be firm, fair, and consistent. Keep in mind that you are not there to be their friend. Your studen ts need to know that you are in always in charge. Always be willing to listen to others, including your students, and take their feedback into account. You can learn the most when you are willing to take the time to hear what others are saying. Be open-minded and willing to take their advice.Own your mistakes. Teachers are not perfect, and it doesnt help your students to pretend that you are. Instead, set the example by owning your mistakes and showing your students that mistakes can lead to learning opportunities.Work cooperatively with other teachers. Always be willing to take another teacher’s advice. Likewise, share your best practices with other teachers.Find time outside of school to decompress. Every teacher should have some sort of hobby or interest that can help them escape the daily grind of school.  Always be willing to adapt and change. Teaching is always changing. There is always something newer and better to try.  Try to embrace change instead of resisting it.Teachers must be flexible. Some of the best momen ts in teaching are born out of spontaneity. Take advantage of those teachable moments. Be willing to change your plans when another opportunity presents itself. Be your students’ biggest cheerleader. Never tell them that they cannot do something. Help them accomplish their goals by setting them on the correct path and nudging them in the right direction when they go astray.Protect your students at all cost. Always be aware of your surroundings and ensure that your students are safe and secure at all times. Practice safety procedures within your classroom at all times and never allow students to engage in reckless behavior.Take a cue from the boy scouts and always be prepared! Preparation may not necessarily guarantee success, but the lack of preparation will almost certainly ensure failure. Teachers must put in the necessary time to create meaningful lessons that engage students.Have fun! If you enjoy your work, your students will notice and they will have a more enjoyable experience as well.Never purposely embarrass or put down a student in front of their peers. If you need to discipline or correct a student, do so privately in the c onfines of the hallway or after class. As a teacher, you need your students to trust and respect you. Give your students a reason to do this. Go the extra mile when you can. A lot of teachers volunteer their time for things like tutoring struggling students or sponsor a group or activity. These small actions mean a lot to your students.Never fall behind in grading and recording. It can be an overwhelming and almost impossible endeavor to try and catch up. Instead, set a goal to grade and return every paper within a two- to three- day period. This not only makes your job easier but also provides students with more relevant and timely feedback.Always be aware of and adhere to local policies and procedures. If you are not sure about something, it is better to ask and be sure than it is to make a costly mistake. As a teacher, you are responsible for ensuring that your students are following them as well.