Month: September 2023

3 Tips for Improving Sales on TpT

Published on by Sandy Davis

If you’re just getting started on Teachers Pay Teachers, you might be frustrated with slow sales. It can sometimes take months to make your first sale, especially if you start your store during slow times. Luckily, this is one the busiest times on Teachers Pay Teachers, and I’ve seen great results in my store from making the following changes:

  1. Make more products! If you following other TpT creators or participate in TpT forums, you’ll hear this advice again and again, but it really works! When you post your first 5-10 products, it can be easy to give up if you’re not getting sales, but remember that your competing agains thousands of stores and millions of products. However, I have found that as I increase my product numbers, my sales go up consistently. I’ve heard that 50 products is that magic number, and that’s my current goal. Some stores have hundreds of products. Each new product you create increases your changes of having your products show up in search.

  2. Learn how to write long-tail search terms and create long titles. Keep in mind that the title that you list for search does NOT have to be the same as the title that’s on your cover (similar to creating searchable titles on YouTube vs. clickable thumbnails). One of my most popular products, the Passport Project, increased in sales when I changed the title from Passport Project to Passport Project: Editable Passport Template and Maps for Teaching Geography.

  3. Make the text on your covers as large as possible. Do NOT try to put information about your product on the cover. If you get the buyer’s attention with your cover, they will click on it and read the description. My tip is after you create your cover to look at it on your phone. Many teachers shop on TpT on their phones, and if you can’t read your product title on your cover, it’s too small. Here is an example of a cover that I use on a very successful product, Superhero Origin Stories.

I was astonished at how quickly my sales picked up after I implemented these three simple tips for improving my store.

Click here if you’re interested in following my store on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail

Published on by Sandy Davis

You may have noticed that I’ve missed a few days here and there this month. My 30-day challenge has had a few blips, but I don’t consider it a failure, and still plan to keep going and post my stats at the end of this month and every month.

Instead, I see those blips as a learning experience. I’ve left too much up to chance with my blogging, and I’ve failed to devlelop a cohesive plan for the month of September. As a teacher, I realize the importance of planning–I couldn’t live without structured lesson planning, but it’s also important for writers and content creators.

I’m publishing this on Saturday night because Sundays are my favorite days to plan. Tomorrow I will share some ideas for you about effective planning, and the best planning strategies that work for me, from the pros and cons to paper vs. digital planners, to whether or not you should do daily, weekly, or month planning layouts.

Planning is also a form of self-care for me, because it helps me feel more in control of my time, helps keep anxiety at bay, and reduces the nasty surprises and panicked Monday mornings when I’ve gotten behind on my tasks.

Leveraging Language Models for Effective Communication: A Guide for Teachers and Content Creators

Published on by Sandy Davis

Language models have revolutionized the way we interact with text and information. Models like Chat GPT and Bard, though freely available, possess immense potential for educators, content creators, and anyone seeking accurate and insightful responses to their inquiries. It’s important to learn how to to maximize the utility of language models, focusing on writing effective prompts to extract the most valuable and nuanced information.

Understanding the “Stochastic Parrot” Mental Model

Before delving into the nuances of utilizing language models effectively, it’s crucial to grasp the “stochastic parrot” mental model. Language models generate responses based on patterns learned from the data they were trained on. They don’t possess personal opinions, beliefs, or creativity. Hence, the output is a variation or amalgamation of existing content in response to a given prompt.

To optimize the use of language models, it’s essential to frame prompts that align with this understanding. Instead of seeking personal opinions, it’s better to request objective information, best practices, or consensus on a particular topic.

Writing Effective Prompts: A Paradigm Shift

Consider the scenario where you seek advice on managing a common parenting issue: a baby struggling with sleep. Employing the “stochastic parrot” mental model, we can redefine the prompt to extract comprehensive and comparative information.

Example:

Original Prompt: “My baby has a hard time sleeping. What do you think about the cry it out method?”

Revised Prompt: “My baby has a hard time sleeping. Give me a list of reasonable solutions. Compare and contrast each to the cry it out method.”

Breaking Down the Revised Prompt

The revised prompt encourages the language model to provide a list of potential solutions for the baby’s sleep issue. It explicitly requests a comparison of each solution with the cry it out method. This structured approach yields a more informative and balanced response, showcasing different perspectives and options.

Another Example

Another example is to think about how to use a tool like ChatGPT to best learning new strategies for teaching and content creation.

For example, instead of asking: How can I stop students from talking and distrupting class?

Ask: What are some effective classroom management techniques that can be used in different contexts?

Utilizing LLM Responses Wisely

When you receive responses from the language model, it’s crucial to assess and verify the information for accuracy and relevance. Cross-reference the generated content with reputable sources, consider various viewpoints, and use your judgment to arrive at well-informed decisions or conclusions.

Summary

Effectively leveraging language models involves understanding their inherent limitations and aligning our expectations accordingly. The “stochastic parrot” mental model underscores the importance of framing prompts that aim for objective information and consensus rather than personal opinions.

By adopting this mindset and structuring prompts to encourage comparative analysis, educators, content creators, and individuals at large can harness the power of language models like Chat GPT and Bard to access valuable insights and information on a myriad of topics. Remember, language models are tools to aid and enhance our understanding, not arbiters of truth or creativity.

NaNoWriMo is Coming!

Published on by Sandy Davis

If you’re not already familiar with NaNoWriMo, it stands for National Novel Writing Month, which takes place every November, in which writers from around the world try to write 50,000 words in 30 days. It’s incredibly fun and inspiring, and is a great way to get to know a community of writers.

As I was sitting down to think about what I might write this November (I have participated almost every year since it started in 1999), I realized that although November might seem a long way away, it’s really only 7 weeks away, which means it’s time to begin planning.

I have two courses that I’m going to run this year. One is a free mini course for prepping in October (you’re not supposed to start writing until November 1st, but there is plenty you can do ahead of time to get ready), and other is a 30-Day writing intensive that runs during the entire month of November.

If you think you might be interested in either course, be sure to follow this blog for updates. I’ll be posting more info about how to sign up for NaNoWriMo and the courses in the next week or so. I’ll also be sharing information on how to do NaNoWriMo with your students.

If you have any interest in writing, I highly encourage you to follow this blog for updates. My immersive writing courses will transform your writing and your creative process. This is an amazing experience, and all kinds of writers can participate. People have used this time to write novels, but also nonfiction books, ebooks, poetry, blog posts, essays, and screenplays.

Hope to see you here in November! Be sure to subscribe below for updates.

Self-Care for Busy People

Published on by Sandy Davis

I tend to live my life putting out fires. The email I forgot to send, the report that was due YESTERDAY, then my kids need something for school, and what in the world am I going to make for supper? By the time I crash on the couch at night I barely have the energy to get through a single episode of The Crown. I think about self-care, I buy books about it, and scented candles to light during the baths I never find time to take.

But as I age, I’ve come to realize taht self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Fortunately, even for the busiest of individuals, there are simple yet effective ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of self-care and provide a list of practical examples tailored to those with packed schedules.

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care is about intentionally taking time for yourself to recharge, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy balance in life. It’s not selfish; it’s self-preservation. When you neglect self-care, you risk burnout, decreased productivity, and compromised mental health. Here’s why self-care is crucial for busy people:

  1. Stress Reduction: Self-care activities help you unwind, relax, and reduce stress. This, in turn, improves your ability to cope with the demands of your busy life.
  2. Improved Physical Health: Prioritizing self-care can lead to better physical health. Exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are all part of a self-care routine that keeps your body in top shape.
  3. Enhanced Mental Health: Self-care activities like meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking a break can boost your mental well-being, improving focus, concentration, and resilience.
  4. Increased Productivity: Regular self-care can actually make you more productive. When you’re rested and emotionally balanced, you can work more efficiently and creatively.
  5. Better Relationships: Taking care of yourself allows you to be a better partner, parent, friend, or colleague. When you’re at your best, your relationships benefit as well.

Now, let’s explore some practical self-care activities that can easily be incorporated into a busy schedule:

  1. Mini Meditation Breaks: Take a few minutes to practice deep breathing or mindfulness meditation. These brief moments of mindfulness can reduce stress and increase focus.
  2. Exercise Regularly: Even if you can’t commit to a long gym session, aim for short, intense workouts or incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
  3. Healthy Eating Habits: Prepare nutritious meals in advance or opt for healthy takeout options. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar intake, which can lead to energy crashes.
  4. Prioritize Sleep: Establish a consistent sleep schedule and ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Proper rest is vital for overall well-being.
  5. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary to avoid overcommitting yourself. Protect your personal time and space.
  6. Unplug from Technology: Designate tech-free times during the day to disconnect from emails, social media, and work-related tasks.
  7. Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to a spa day at home, complete with a bubble bath, soothing music, and a good book.
  8. Connect with Loved Ones: Make time for meaningful interactions with friends and family, whether it’s a quick phone call, a text message, or a short coffee date.
  9. Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Maintaining a gratitude journal can help shift your focus to the good things around you.
  10. Hobbies and Interests: Dedicate time to activities you’re passionate about, whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument.

I will admit that most of these ideas come from books and videos, and I love to read and watch the things I SHOULD be doing, but I’m determined to start incorporating the things from this list in small ways throughout my busy days.

Is Everyone Exhausted?

Published on by Sandy Davis

Since I promised to write every day in September, tonight you’re oing to get a personal post, because I’m just not feeling it. It’s the second week of the semester and I’m wiped. For those of you who don’t know, I’m a full-time college professor and I also have a pre-teen and a teenager (ages 11 and 14). For some reason, this semester feels busier and more exhausting than ever. Is it just me, or do things feel bleak? I think some of it is the unusual heat + my personal health issues (hello menopause). I’m looking forward to fall weather!

Since I’m working from home tomorrow, I plan to start focusing on self care routines and habits, as well as getting back into creative writing, which is always deeply meaningful and comforting to me.

Thank god tomorrow is Friday! I hope you can find some peace and rest this weekend.

Tips for Engaging Any Audience

Published on by Sandy Davis

Engaging an audience, whether they are students in a classroom, an online audience for your content creation, or readers of your written work; is a skill that can make a significant difference in how effectively your message is received. It’s not just about delivering information; it’s about creating a connection and sparking interest. Here are some tips to help you engage your audience and keep them captivated:

  1. Know Your Audience:
    • Before you can engage your audience, you need to understand them. Consider their age, background, interests, and prior knowledge. Tailor your content and approach to meet their specific needs and expectations.
  2. Start with a Hook:
    • Begin your presentation or writing with a compelling hook. This could be an interesting fact, a thought-provoking question, a relevant anecdote, or a surprising statistic. A strong start grabs your audience’s attention right from the beginning.
  3. Tell a Story:
    • People love stories. Whether you’re teaching a lesson or writing an article, use storytelling to illustrate your points. Stories are relatable, memorable, and help to humanize your content.
  4. Use Visuals:
    • Visual aids like images, charts, and graphs can enhance understanding and engagement. Visuals break up text and make your content more visually appealing. Use them to support your message, not overwhelm it.
  5. Interact and Involve:
    • Engage your audience actively. Ask questions, encourage participation, and create opportunities for discussion or reflection. In the classroom, this might involve group activities or class discussions. In writing, it could mean including interactive elements like polls or quizzes.
  6. Be Passionate:
    • Enthusiasm is contagious. If you’re excited about your subject matter, your audience is more likely to be engaged. Show your passion through your tone of voice, body language, and choice of words.
  7. Keep It Clear and Concise:
    • Avoid jargon and complex language unless it’s necessary. Clear, concise communication is more likely to be understood and retained. Break down complex concepts into digestible pieces.
  8. Use Humor (Appropriately):
    • A well-timed joke or a touch of humor can lighten the mood and make your content more enjoyable. However, be mindful of your audience and the context, ensuring your humor is appropriate and doesn’t offend anyone.
  9. Connect Emotionally:
    • Appeal to your audience’s emotions. Share stories or examples that elicit empathy, excitement, or curiosity. Emotions help create a deeper connection with your audience.
  10. Be Responsive:
    • Listen to your audience’s feedback and adapt accordingly. If you notice confusion or disinterest, adjust your approach. Encourage questions and address concerns.
  11. Provide Value:
    • Ensure that your content is valuable and relevant to your audience. They should feel that they are gaining knowledge, insight, or entertainment from your presentation or writing.
  12. Practice, Practice, Practice:
    • Whether you’re giving a presentation or writing an article, practice is essential. Rehearse your delivery, refine your content, and be prepared to adapt as needed.

Engaging an audience takes effort and creativity, but the rewards are worth it. When you successfully capture your audience’s attention and keep them engaged, you not only convey your message effectively but also create a positive and memorable experience for your students or readers. So, go ahead and apply these tips to captivate and connect with your audience in your next endeavor.

Content Poll for ELA Source

Published on by Sandy Davis

If you get chance, please click on the little poll below and let me know which types of posts you prefer seeing on this blog. You can choose more than one answer! 🙂 Thank you so much! (I will continue to create a variety of content and write posts on different topics, but I’m just curious to see if my readers have a preference).

The Power of Consistency: Unlocking Success in Content Creation

Published on by Sandy Davis

Content creators of all types (blogging, YouTube, social media, etc.) face the ever-evolving challenge of capturing and maintaining their audience’s attention. With countless blogs, videos, and social media posts competing for the spotlight, how can you stand out and build a loyal following? The answer lies in one key principle: consistency.

There are numerous benefits to consistency when creating content, and this should be the cornerstone of your content strategy.

Here’s why. Consistency helps with:

1. Establishing a Brand Identity

Consistency in content creation helps you build a strong brand identity. Whether you’re an individual blogger, a small business, or a large corporation, presenting a consistent image and message to your audience is essential. It creates a sense of trust and reliability. When your audience knows what to expect from you, they are more likely to engage with your content and return for more.

2. Building Trust and Credibility

Consistency goes hand in hand with trust and credibility. When you consistently deliver valuable, high-quality content, your audience begins to see you as an authority in your niche. They trust that you will provide reliable information and insights, which can lead to increased brand loyalty and customer retention.

3. Retaining and Growing Your Audience

Imagine tuning in to your favorite TV show, only to find it airs at irregular and unpredictable times. Frustrating, right? The same principle applies to content creation. Consistency in posting schedules, whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly, keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more. It also makes it easier for new followers to discover and join your community.

4. Enhancing SEO and Discoverability

Search engines love fresh, consistent content. When you regularly update your blog or website with relevant content, search engines like Google are more likely to rank your site higher in search results. This, in turn, makes it easier for people searching for topics in your niche to find your content.

5. Content Planning and Efficiency

Consistency in content creation encourages you to plan ahead and stay organized. You’ll be more likely to create content calendars, set deadlines, and streamline your content creation process. This efficiency not only saves time but also ensures that your content aligns with your long-term goals and messaging.

6. Engaging Your Audience

Consistency extends beyond the frequency of your posts. It also relates to the style, tone, and voice of your content. When your audience becomes familiar with your unique voice and style, they feel a deeper connection to your content. This connection can lead to more meaningful interactions and discussions in comments and social media.

7. Monetization Opportunities

If you’re looking to monetize your content through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing, consistency is key. Brands and advertisers are more likely to partner with content creators who consistently produce high-quality content and have an engaged audience. Your reliability and track record can open doors to lucrative opportunities.

Conclusion

In the world of content creation, consistency is a powerful tool that can propel your success to new heights. It builds trust, fosters audience growth, and enhances your overall brand image. Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or just starting out, make consistency a priority in your content strategy. The benefits it brings will be well worth the effort, helping you achieve your goals and connect with your audience on a deeper level. So, stay consistent, stay true to your voice, and watch your content thrive.

You can only control the effort, not the outcome

Published on by Sandy Davis

Too often, we set goals based on outcomes that we can’t control:

-Lose 10 lbs in a month
-Earn an extra $1,000 a month
-Sign a book contract with a major publishing company
-Get married
-Get a dream job

The problem with goals like this is that they rely on factors outside of our control. Having goals like this can lead to frustration, resentment, and heartbreak. We shouldn’t put our happiness into other people’s hands, making our version of success dependent on other people’s decisions.

The best we can do is to do our best. Create goals around EFFORT rather than specific achievements. Instead of setting a goal to lose 10 lbs, set a goal to track your meals for 30 days. Or take a walk every day for 30 days. No matter what, you will have created a healthy habit, and you WILL feel better at the end of that month. If you tie your goal to losing 10 lbs. in that same 30 days, you are likely to give up and start laying on the couch stuffing your face once you realize you’ll never achieve your goal (I speak from experience, ha ha).

Recently, I finally finished a novel. My goal was to finish (it took me 10 years), and now my goal is to start sending it out to agents to see if I can get representation. However, my goal is NOT agent representation. That is out of my control. My goal is to send out at least one query letter a week. I plan to do this for one year, for a total of 50 queries, and then I will investigate ways to self-publish. I just want people to read my writing. I want to build consistent writing habits and enjoy the writing process. I have zero control over whether or not somebody out there likes my book. All I can do is focus on writing more, improving my writing, and sending my book out for feedback.

Start making EFFORT related goals (what steps can you take to improve) rather than OUTCOME related goals (relying on the decisions of another person).