Persuasive Writing Digital Resource

Without a doubt, persuasive writing 

is the most valuable writing skill of our time.

Have I convinced you? Not yet? Well, perhaps I need a bit more reasoning, a few more examples, and a few high modality words sprinkled into my writing. 

In a media-focused world, being able to both clearly state an opinion AND analyze the opinions of others is an important life skill. It's no wonder curriculum often includes so many persuasive writing units! However, with so many persuasive skills to be mastered, which ones should students focus on first?

In my classroom and tutoring sessions, I always make a point to focus on three persuasive techniques: 

1. A strong, clear introduction

2. Explanation of evidence

3. High modality/transition words

To help you do the same, I've created a Persuasive Writing Resource that can be used in your classroom (or in your virtual classroom) right now!

The topic? Should schools switch to virtual learning snow days during inclement weather?

Students are passionate about this topic because it directly affects them! Use the prewritten paragraphs in your mini-lessons or small groups. Interactive notebook handouts are included too! Keep scrolling to see what else is included...

This Google Slides resource is the perfect tool for teaching students how to write engaging introductory and body paragraphs each with strong, persuasive language.

You'll find:

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Bujo Spreads to Make Moving Simple

The time has finally come to move from our tiny one-bedroom apartment! After a year of quarantine, just saying, "I'm thrilled" would be the greatest understatement of the year. 

Even though I'm more than ready to move mentally, the task list that comes along with both finding a new place to live and actually moving there can seem insurmountable. As always though, my bullet journal makes it all seem doable, or at the very least, less chaotic. 

Check out these bullet journal spreads that are sure to make your apartment hunt and move that much more manageable. 

Pros and Cons Lists

Writing out each possible living space's pros and cons can be a huge help when trying to make the final call on where to live. 

Take a moment to really consider the best and worst of each place. You'll be amazed by the clarity you'll find once everything is laid out right there on the page. 

Must Haves and Compromises 

It's also helpful to stop and think about your non-negotiable. What must be in your new place for you to feel comfortable and worth the effort that comes with moving?

For me, those things were more bedrooms, bathrooms, storage, outdoor access, and of course a more updated kitchen. I love to cook and a bit more space and better appliances are the definition of self-care for me these days. What matters most to you?

At the same time, consider what things you're willing to do without if need be. Do you really need hardwood floors, or will carpeting be just fine for now? If it's not a reason to completely say "no" to a living space, keep it in mind as a possible compromise.   

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Rental Kitchen Updates for Parents on a Budget

Something about a year-long quarantine...in a small apartment...with a baby...can make anyone a little sick of their home. Are you with me?

My one-bedroom started to feel like a prison some days, and with so much time spent in my tiny kitchen, it needed a serious facelift. 

There's only so much we can do in a rented apartment while on a budget, so creativity and savvy shopping are a must to make things work.

Check out these simple, budget-friendly ways my kitchen went from drab to fab!

1. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

First, my non-existent "backsplash" needed some updating. 

Not being allowed to make any permanent changes, Peel-and-Stick wallpaper was the way to go! I found this textured brick pattern at Target, but there are so many to choose from!

Must have tools for this job: 

• Peel and Stick Wallpaper

• Cricut Scraper (or any scraper)

• Exacto Knife

• Ruler

Let's be honest here...this is a time-consuming job, but these tools do make it so much easier. The scraper is perfect for getting rid of air bubbles in the wallpaper. Smooth it out as you go to avoid an excess of air pockets. 

A few things about the brick pattern...

To not waste paper, I did not line up every brick sheet perfectly. I knew many seams would be covered by the sheer number of things lining my tiny counter space. However, being the kitchen's focal point, I made sure to line up everything perfectly above the stove. A ruler was the key here. 

Looking for a wallpaper that involves a lot less math?? Subway tiles would certainly have been simpler. 

I have to say though, I LOVE the look of white bricks, especially against light brown rental cabinetry. 

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Peek-A-Boo Pictures!

Fellow quarantine parents: We know the struggle of balancing social interactions while prioritizing safety all too well.  

Getting our babies to meet and see loved ones throughout this past year has been tough, to say the least. Video calls have been a big help, but I'm always on the lookout for unique ways to help my daughter recognize family members without technology. 

Peekaboo Pictures has certainly been one of our favorites! It just takes a few materials: 

What You'll Need:

• Photos of Family and Friends

• Sticky Notes

• Painters' Tape** 

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Is Exclusively Pumping Affecting Your Mental Health?

Is it really breastfeeding if I have to exclusively pump? 

Am I doing this right? 

Is it worth my sanity?

I asked myself these questions so many times. To say they messed with my mind for months is an understatement.

As moms, we want to be sure we're giving our LOs everything they need to be happy and healthy. For three months, my daughter tried to drink from my breast. Clog after clog, from milk blubs to torn nipples, I dreaded feedings. I wanted to love it. It seemed so easy for most. Why did breastfeeding cause so much pain?

It turned out that my daughter is tongue-tied, which made it very difficult for her to latch. I was told that pumping exclusively would be best for our situation, as I still wanted her to be able to drink breastmilk for as long as possible in her first year.

Looking back, I'm glad I made the decision to pump exclusively, but it wasn't an easy choice to stick with. 

I doubted my ability to keep up with it day in and day out. 

No matter your situation, exclusively breastfeeding takes a toll and can put a strain on your own mental health. It certainly did for me. 

I hope that sharing my experiences with you will help you overcome the emotional rollercoaster that can come with pumping exclusively. 

 

Things Exclusively Pumping Moms Think That Mess with Their Already Tired Mommy Brains: 

Please see a medical professional for any and all questions regarding breastfeeding/pumping, 

as this post is based solely on my own personal experiences. 

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Super Simple Homemade Crafting Dough!

Looking for an easy craft to try with your kids as the snow takes over? Dough crafts are fun, easy, and made with products you probably already have in your kitchen. So preheat that oven (to 175 degrees Fahrenheit) and pull out the paints! You'll be rollin' in the dough with the kiddos in no time!

A Little 'Love'ly Project

My almost 1-year old daughter got in on the fun this year for a little Valentine's Day love. 

Today, we made these adorable thumbprint crafts for her grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Mommy and Daddy will likely keep one too, of course. What a beautiful little keepsake. 💕

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10 Ways to be a Supportive Virtual Bridesmaid

The pandemic put a lot of big celebrations on hold. Birthdays, engagements, weddings, holidays...it started to seem like the joy of being surrounded by the ones we love was an impossibility.  

While I completely understand the difficult choice of postponing big celebrations, that wasn't the solution for every bride and groom during the 2020/21 wedding season. 

In fact, I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in my best friend's California dream wedding, standing by her side all the way on the east coast while seated at my kitchen table. 

I was a virtual bridesmaid. 

Of course, this wasn't the original plan. We had big plans to order dresses, go on a big bachelorette party destination vacation, the whole nine yards. But like so many things last year, plans for her wedding needed to change in order to keep loved ones safe. Despite everything, it turned out to be one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever attended. 

What was it like being a virtual bridesmaid? 

As a bridesmaid, it's our duty to care for the bride and ensure that everything goes as planned (HA!), but is that even possible when you're almost 3,000 miles apart? YES!

Here are 10 ways you can be a supportive bridesmaid even during a pandemic: 

1. Get Ready with the Bride on Zoom

Just as you would in person, it's so important for the bride to be surrounded by her girls as she prepares for her big day. 

Get comfy and dress for the occasion in your matching bridesmaid pajamas! 

Our bride LOVES cheetah print...can't you tell?! This simple, cozy touch joins everyone together no matter how far apart they may be. You all want to be there in person, of course, but dressing similarly gives that all-important feeling of unity. After all, there are few things that a fun pair of jammies can't cure.  

Don't forget to pop the champagne and drink some mimosas! Toast are great if you'd like, but this is really a time to swap stories, compliments, and laughs with the bride. Drink up!

2. Create a Shared Spotify Playlist

Did you know you can allow multiple people to add to a playlist on Spotify?

Create a shared album full of music to listen to while the bride is getting ready. Romantic songs are go-to adds, but be sure to include songs that remind you of the happy couple. 

Is the bride a family member? Add songs you sang together during family karaoke. Former roommates? Be sure to add the songs you sang at the top of your lungs for the whole dormitory floor to hear at 2am. 

Keep it light and fun! I'll admit...I've returned to our playlist many times after the wedding day was well over. So many new (to me) songs from a diverse and amazing group of ladies. It's a good one!

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DIY Gift Tags: Crafting with Baby!

I love doing crafty things with kids. They bring so much fun and uniqueness to any project! 

Still, I find there aren't too many things out there for crafting with a baby less than one-year-old. How do we get them involved using safe and entertaining materials?

Well, this year my 9-month-old daughter and I had a blast making gift tags for Christmas gifts this year. She did the painting (without touching an ounce of paint!) and my Cricut did the rest! Quick, cute, and so fun!

Plus, Grandma and Grandpa kept theirs. I mean, who doesn't love a cute craft made by a baby?! 

What You'll Need: 

• White Cardstock
• Colored Cardstock(optional)
• Paints (I used finger paints, but any will do!)
• Ziploc Bags
• Cricut gift tag pattern OR scissors and a hole punch 😄
• Ribbon

I started by cutting my cardstock into 4 equal pieces. This was simply because I had half-gallon sized Ziploc bags but to each their own! You can absolutely skip this step.  

Next, spread out globs of paint on your cardstock. Try alternating colors as best you can. Since I was making Christmas gift tags, I chose shades of red and green. 

Place them carefully in the plastic bag, doing your best not to smear the paint (although it's no big deal if you do. It's a very forgiving project!)

Once your little one (LO) has smushed those paint mountains every which way to her heart's content, leave them in the bag to dry. Taking them out early can smear her hard work. 

In a rush...I have absolutely used a hairdryer to speed up the drying process in a pinch. No shame! 🤣

You could stop here! Display the artwork on your fridge or in a frame. You might even use it to make a sign! Check out this "Happy Birthday" banner my LO and I made for my husband's big day...

 

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Easily Teach Elapsed Time: Digital Resource

Digital clocks are everywhere: watches, cable boxes, phones. What happened to the good ol' analog? 

It's not that I don't have digital clocks all over my apartment too. It's just that this seemingly tiny shift has had a big impact on students' ability to grasp the concept of time... you know, something used worldwide...no big deal. 😉 

Not only is just figuring out what time it is more challenging for some of my students but understanding the concept of passing time confuses them. 

Visual learners benefit from seeing an analog clock when solving elapsed time word problems. 

It's those same visual learners who LOVE the "Mountain, Hills, and Rocks" strategy. It's me. I'm one of those "I've got to see it for myself" learners. Who's with me?! 

This strategy is easy to follow, uses strategies students are comfortable with, and best of all IT WORKS!

Here's how it works: 

Big MOUNTAINS represent 1 hour of time passing. 

HILLS can be either 5 or ten minutes. 

Tiny ROCKS show the passing of one minute. 

Head to the end of this post to grab your interactive elapsed time activity. It's perfect for virtual learning!

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