How Teachers Can Use Classroom Creativity to Craft Engaging Blog Posts

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Teachers have a treasure trove of creativity and unique experiences that make them ideal bloggers. From managing a bustling classroom to crafting engaging lessons, you already possess the storytelling and communication skills to write blog posts that capture attention and resonate with readers. Here’s how you can channel your classroom creativity into crafting engaging blogs that stand out and pave the way for paid opportunities.

Harness the Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is at the heart of effective teaching and is just as powerful in blogging. Use real-life classroom anecdotes to draw readers in and make your posts relatable. For example, share a funny or heartwarming moment from your day that ties into a larger theme or lesson. Stories help readers connect emotionally, making your blog posts more memorable and engaging.

When writing, think about:

The challenges and triumphs you’ve experienced as a teacher.
Unique perspectives or situations that your audience can learn from.
How to weave a compelling narrative that leads to actionable advice or insights.

Use Engaging and Accessible Language

As you adapt your language to reach diverse learners, you can use the same strategy to craft accessible and engaging blog posts. Avoid overly academic or jargon-heavy language; write in a conversational tone that feels approachable to readers. Use humor, analogies, or rhetorical questions to entertain your audience while driving your point home.

For example:

Instead of “pedagogical strategies,” say “teaching techniques that work.”
Use metaphors like “classroom chaos is a symphony in disguise” to paint vivid pictures.

Your ability to simplify complex ideas will help your readers feel informed without being overwhelmed.

Share Classroom Anecdotes as Lessons

The classroom is filled with stories that can become powerful blog content. Write posts that reflect on lessons you’ve learned, strategies that worked (or didn’t), or ways you’ve overcome challenges. These stories provide valuable insights and build trust with your readers, showing them that you’re authentic and relatable.

For instance:

“How I Used Art Projects to Foster Collaboration in My Classroom”
“What a Disastrous Lesson Plan Taught Me About Adaptability”

These posts resonate with educators, parents, and anyone interested in education, making them highly shareable and impactful.

Focus on Practical Tips and Takeaways

Readers love actionable advice. Whether you’re sharing classroom management techniques, lesson plan ideas, or tips for balancing work and life, always provide practical takeaways. Use bullet points, numbered lists, or subheadings to make your content easy to skim and reference.

Example tips:

“Three Creative Ways to Encourage Critical Thinking”
“How to Turn a Difficult Topic into an Engaging Lesson”

Practical posts position you as a valuable resource, encouraging readers to return to your blog for more.

Promote Blogging Opportunities

If blogging sounds like the perfect creative outlet, you can turn it into a source of income by writing for established blogs or creating your own. Platforms like Paid Online Writing Jobs make it easy to find paid blogging opportunities tailored to educators. Whether writing guest posts for education websites or building your portfolio, these resources can help you take your blogging to the next level.

Final Thoughts

Your classroom creativity is a powerful tool for crafting blog posts that inform, inspire, and engage readers. By using storytelling, accessible language, and relatable anecdotes, you can create content that stands out in the crowded blogging world. And with platforms like Paid Online Writing Jobs, you can turn your passion for writing into a rewarding side hustle or career. Start blogging today, and let your voice be heard!

Top 5 Writing Niches Perfect for Teachers: Monetize What You Know

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Teachers possess a wealth of knowledge and skills that make them uniquely qualified for various writing careers. From creating educational content to sharing their classroom expertise, teachers can turn their experience into a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time job. If you want to monetize your knowledge, here are five writing niches perfect for educators.

Curriculum Writing

You’re already an expert in lesson planning and curriculum development as a teacher. This makes curriculum writing a natural fit. Educational publishers, e-learning platforms, and tutoring companies constantly seek professionals to create high-quality, standards-aligned content.

You can write lesson plans, worksheets, assessments, or full courses for different grade levels and subjects. Not only does this work draw directly from your classroom experience, but it also allows you to contribute to students’ learning journeys worldwide. Platforms like Paid Online Writing Jobs often feature opportunities in this niche, connecting you with clients who need your expertise.

Academic Editing

Teachers with strong language skills and attention to detail excel in academic editing. This niche involves reviewing and refining research papers, theses, and other scholarly documents to ensure they meet academic standards.

Your background in education equips you with the ability to spot errors, enhance clarity, and provide constructive feedback. This work is particularly rewarding for teachers passionate about helping students and academics present their best work. Explore academic editing roles on Paid Online Writing Jobs to get started.

Education Blogging

Education blogging is an excellent way to share your knowledge and establish yourself as a thought leader. You can write about teaching strategies, classroom management tips, educational trends, or personal anecdotes from your teaching journey.

Blogs can be monetized through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or even creating premium content like eBooks or online courses. Many educators find blogging to be a creative outlet that also generates income. If you’re unsure where to start, look for blogging opportunities on Paid Online Writing Jobs and build your online presence.

Children’s Literature

If you have a knack for storytelling, writing children’s books could be your perfect niche. Teachers understand what captures kids’ attention and how to create engaging, age-appropriate content.

From picture books to middle-grade novels, children’s literature has a wide range of opportunities. You can self-publish your work or pitch to traditional publishers.

Educational Resource Creation

Beyond curriculum writing, teachers can create supplemental resources like study guides, flashcards, and online practice tests. These materials are highly demanded by students, parents, and educators.

Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers allow you to sell your creations directly to other educators. At the same time, freelancing opportunities on sites like Paid Online Writing Jobs connect you with organizations looking for customized resources.

Final Thoughts

Teachers have a unique skill set that opens the door to various writing opportunities. By exploring niches like curriculum writing, academic editing, education blogging, children’s literature, and educational resource creation, you can monetize your expertise while making a meaningful impact.

Ready to get started? Visit Paid Online Writing Jobs to find niche-specific opportunities that match your skills and interests. Your writing career awaits!

From Lesson Plans to Published Pages: How Teachers Can Turn Their Skills into a Writing Career

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Teachers possess a unique blend of skills that make them natural writers: a talent for storytelling, a knack for simplifying complex concepts, and an innate ability to connect with an audience. These abilities, honed in the classroom, can seamlessly transfer to various writing careers. Whether you want to supplement your income or explore a new professional path, your teaching experience is your secret weapon. Here’s how you can leverage it to build a successful writing career.

Recognize Your Transferable Skills

As a teacher, you’re already an expert in several key areas that are highly valued in writing. You have a natural ability to simplify complex information, which allows you to communicate ideas clearly and effectively to a wide range of audiences. This talent makes you ideal for content writing, curriculum development, or creating guides and manuals for various industries. Additionally, your experience in engaging an audience—capturing the attention of a classroom filled with students—equips you with the storytelling and communication skills necessary to write compelling articles, blogs, or even books.

Your organizational skills are equally important, honed through lesson planning and classroom management. These skills enable you to juggle multiple writing projects, meet deadlines, and produce polished work. Recognizing these transferable skills is the first step in realizing your potential as a writer and taking the leap into this exciting career.

Explore Writing Niches That Fit Your Expertise

Your teaching background gives you a unique edge in specific writing niches. For example, curriculum writing is a natural fit for educators already skilled in designing lesson plans and instructional materials. Many educational publishers and e-learning platforms constantly seek professionals who can create engaging and standards-aligned content.

Another niche to consider is education blogging, where you can share your insights on teaching strategies, classroom management, or the latest trends in education. These blogs can be highly impactful, helping other educators while establishing you as a thought leader.

Children’s literature might be the perfect avenue if you have a passion for storytelling. Writing books that entertain and educate young readers can be fulfilling and financially rewarding. Additionally, your expertise in academic standards makes you a valuable asset for academic editing, where you can help refine research papers, theses, or educational proposals. Each of these niches provides an opportunity to turn your teaching experience into a lucrative writing career.

Start Small: Building a Portfolio

You don’t need years of experience to start building your portfolio. Begin by repurposing materials you already have, such as lesson plans or classroom activities. These can be adapted into blog posts, eBooks, or sample articles that showcase your skills.

Volunteering to write for local organizations, school newsletters, or educational blogs is another great way to gain experience. Not only does this help you build a portfolio, but it also allows you to network with others in the field and uncover new opportunities. Guest blogging on established education websites is another effective strategy for getting your name out there and adding credibility to your portfolio. As you build your collection of work, you’ll become more confident in pitching your services to potential clients.

Tap Into Online Resources

The internet is a treasure trove of opportunities for teachers who want to break into writing. Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are excellent places to find clients and projects. These platforms allow you to showcase your skills, bid on jobs, and build relationships with clients who value your expertise.

Job boards that focus on educational content, such as those hosted by teacher organizations, can also be a great resource. However, one of the best ways to streamline your search and find quality opportunities is through specialized services like Paid Online Writing Jobs. This platform connects you directly with writing gigs tailored to your skills and experience, making it easier than ever to get started.

Master the Art of Pitching

Many writing jobs begin with a strong pitch. When reaching out to potential clients, highlight your teaching experience and subject matter expertise. Emphasize your ability to create engaging, well-organized content that meets their needs. Even if you’re starting, you can use lesson plans or newsletters as writing samples to demonstrate your capabilities.

Tailor each pitch to the client’s requirements, showing that you’ve researched and understand their goals. The more personalized and professional your pitch, the better your chances of landing the job.

Balance Writing with Teaching

Starting a writing career doesn’t mean giving up teaching entirely. Many teachers begin by dedicating a few hours a week to writing projects. Whether it’s early mornings, evenings, or weekends, find a schedule that works for you and allows you to manage both responsibilities effectively. As you gain experience and confidence, you can decide whether to pursue writing full-time or keep it as a side hustle.

Let Your Passion Shine Through

The most successful writers write about topics they’re passionate about. Whether it’s sharing your love for a specific subject, helping others learn, or telling engaging stories, let your enthusiasm guide your projects. Clients and readers alike are drawn to writing that feels authentic and inspired.

The Next Step: Finding Opportunities

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore the resources available on Paid Online Writing Jobs. This platform is designed to help beginners like you find writing gigs that match your skills and interests. Its user-friendly interface and tailored job listings make it the perfect starting point for launching your writing career.

Final Thoughts

Your time in the classroom has equipped you with skills in high demand in the writing world. By recognizing your strengths, exploring niches, and leveraging resources like Paid Online Writing Jobs, you can turn your teaching experience into a fulfilling and lucrative writing career. Take the leap and start your journey from lesson plans to published pages today!

The Power of Writing Things Down

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Sometime in the blur that was my high school life in the late 1900s, I sat in my Junior English class and listened to Sylvia Daugherty, the Great and Powerful, ramble on about something or other.

None of us minded her ramblings because she was simply brilliant. She was one of those teachers. You know, the ones who could make anything interesting. I often feel like, had I taken AP English with Momma D my senior year, I might have written a senior research paper and learned something from it rather than skipping it entirely and somehow still finding a way to pass senior English and high school.

But that’s a story for a different time…

Momma D used a lot of “country” phrases and sayings. I’m assuming they were country; I don’t know any other way to describe them. I don’t remember where she was originally from, but it was likely somewhere in the mountains of Appalachia. I’m sure she had family members who knew the Hatfields, the McCoys, or possibly both who had run more than their fair share of moonshine out of those mountains. She had a flair for storytelling that, even to a disinterested 11th-grade geek, could wrap you in a warm blanket and carry you to another world.

I still remember her expressions and tone of voice as we discussed Chapter 15 from The Grapes of Wrath—the “two for a penny” chapter—and how her eyes turned a little red and a single tear formed as she talked about this short tale of abject poverty and humanity at its best.

Some of us laughed at her country sayings, some didn’t. Some rolled their eyes, and a select few students of the “I can’t be bothered with anything of consequence” crowd sat still, staring off into the distance of future memories of the best times in their life scoring that touchdown on a Friday night that mattered to no one else but them.

Rarely was there a dull moment with Momma D. One day, I decided someone needed to take down all of her quotes, saying, and other nonsense for posterity, and that someone was me. I told my buddy, “I’m gonna write these things down. There’s a gold mine in here for someone.”

He looked at me, chuckled, and went on about his business. He wasn’t focused on Junior English or much of any other subject as he was too busy becoming one of the world’s premier musicians who would travel the world playing in symphony orchestra after symphony orchestra. Maybe I’ll tell you that story one day.

The funny part of all of this is my thinking that I would ever actually commit to writing anything down. Famously, I did very little throughout all high school, and that certainly held true for my collection, “Funny Crap Momma D Said in Class.”

I wrote down exactly ONE of her sayings. ONE. And, try as I might, I can’t tell you why I chose to write that one specific phrase down, but I did. And I’ve remembered it ever since.

We talked about when something would be done, and she said, “probably around the 31st of Juvember.”

Now, I’m pretty good at looking for things, especially since the dawn of the World Wide Web, and I can’t find a reference to this anywhere. However, I’m sure someone reading this is going to reach out and tell me it’s from a fascist manifesto and I deserve to be canceled (and I probably do, but not for this).

I’ve tried to work this little phrase into as many conversations as possible, mostly because it makes me laugh but also in the desperate search for anyone else that has ever heard it.

No luck on both counts. Why does no one else think it’s funny?

I’m telling you this story to underline the importance of writing stuff down. The importance of always carrying a notebook, writing pad, paper, or whatever you choose to write on in case you have an idea or come across something that makes you sad, glad, or angry.

I’ve talked about the idea of a commonplace book many times. There is power in writing things down on paper—yes, there’s actual research that writing on paper is better for retention than using a device—and going back through those things from time to time.

Commonplace books have long been tools for thinkers, authors, and leaders. Mark Twain, C. S. Lewis, W. H. Auden, Virginia Woolf, Marcus Aurelius, Anne Lamott, Robert Greene, Ryan Holiday, JFK, and many others all kept commonplace books in one form or another.

John Locke even wrote a book on writing commonplace books.

In Medieval Europe, they were sometimes called the florilegium (Latin for “a gathering of flowers”). Thomas of Ireland wrote a famous one called the Manipulus Florumi, which contained over 6,000 extracts from books in the library of the Sorbonne in Paris, organized by theme.

Commonplace books were once valued because books were so costly. But they may be even more valuable now because information is so cheap.

The Internet and the World Wide Web have made information so cheap and easy to access that it’s often difficult to sort through all the garbage and find the gems. Your commonplace book, along with many others, can help do the sorting.

I think every student needs a commonplace book. Not just for studying and learning, although they are a great tool for those things, but to have a way to remember all the things that mean something to us, no matter how silly or inconsequential they are.

Like the notes of a sixteen-year-old boy in his Junior English class over thirty years ago.

While reading Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird,” I thought about this moment and came to her chapter on index cards. Right beside some text I underlined, I wrote, “Sylvia Daugherty, 11th Grade, Juvember.”

Write things down. You never know when you’ll need them or when they’ll bring you a moment of joy.

The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!

Monday, May 6, 2024

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Greetings Starfighters,

I’ve come to grips with something that will be very helpful when working with teachers and students going forward. I’ve come to understand that my brain works a little differently than others regarding visualization.

I had just assumed that everyone sees images or even films playing in the inner theatre of the mind when thinking about events in the past or even as they tell a story. If I’m saying something about something I did or somewhere I went, I can very easily see the events unfold in my mind like I’m watching a movie.

I just assumed this is what everyone did when accessing memories. And, of course, I was hopelessly, completely wrong.

When I write a story and share it with my wife, I often say to her, “I just write the movie playing in my head.”

I don’t know how much that ability affects designing lesson plans or professional development activities for teachers, but I imagine that it does. Some people just can’t do it. I have to come to terms with how they see the world and how they process memories because they are not like me.

Yet again, I’m learning that you must learn the experiences of others before you can truly understand how they see the world, even in the world of their own mind. More on this in a bit.

Quote of the Day

“When you appeared in this world, you cried, and all the people around you rejoiced. You have to live your life in such a way that when you leave this world, you will rejoice, and all the people around you will cry.” (Leo Tolstoy and Peter Sekirin, A Calendar of Wisdom)

Musical Interlude

I have these five questions I ask people when I’m getting to know them; questions I stole directly from super music producer David Foster. The first question is simply, “Beatles or Stones?”

I may have to change that at some point, but while I have a healthy appreciation for the Beatles, I know I’ve found my people when I hang around those who answer Stones.

Of course, I’m speaking of the Rolling Stones. They are brilliant, with just enough bluesy rock to really get the adrenaline flowing and settle into a great jam.

Here’s a performance from the Tokyo Dome in 1990:

Long Read of the Day

Hyperphantasia, or intense visual imagery, can teach us about creativity and mental health. People like me, with hyperphantasia, can imagine things very clearly, sometimes blending our thoughts with what we see around us. This could change how we think about mental health.

On the other hand, aphantasia is when you can’t picture things in your mind. People with aphantasia think and remember things without seeing pictures, which differs from the bright images of hyperphantasia. While hyperphantasia can make creative work more vibrant, aphantasia can lead people to jobs where they don’t need to imagine things visually.

Studying these conditions can show how they affect jobs and mental health. People with hyperphantasia might remember past events very clearly, which can strengthen their feelings. However, people with aphantasia might find it hard to do tasks that require imagination or memory because they can’t use visual images to help them remember things.

Video of the Day

In this interview, Paul Auster, who recently passed away, discusses his journey to becoming a writer, triggered by a childhood memory of a missed autograph from baseball player Willie Mays. This event led him to always carry a pencil, symbolizing his readiness and later influencing his writing decision. Auster reflects on his early struggles with writing, where he amassed numerous unfinished manuscripts, viewing them as an apprenticeship for his later success. He emphasizes the laborious nature of his writing process, often rewriting a single page multiple times to achieve the perfect rhythm and fluidity, likening it to composing music.

This is a great video to share with your young writers, or if you have that writing itch you need to scratch yourself, take heed.

Final Thoughts

Sitting next to me is quite possibly the greatest shirt I’ve ever purchased. It just arrived in the mail today. If you think you can handle the awesome, perhaps I will share it with you tomorrow.

The Meta-Diaries of Marion Milner: Prescribing Creativity

MARION MILNER, SUMMER BEECHES. — **MARION MILNER,** *SUMMER BEECHES*.

Marion Milner’s unique approach to self-discovery involved using her creative explorations in literature and art as a therapeutic project. Through her meta-diaries, she abandoned preconceived goals and embraced free writing to uncover hidden thoughts and dark instincts. Milner’s focus on creativity influenced her self-discovery and guided her therapeutic practice with patients like Simon, emphasizing the importance of creative expression for maintaining a sense of the future.

Since 1926, Milner had been writing diaries in which she recorded her impressions of life in ways that seem ordinary enough. She would, for example, note seeing “a little boy in a sailor suit dancing and skipping by himself on his way to look at the sea lions,” or reflect, “I realized how untrustworthy I am in personal relationships … always agreeing with the person present.” But in the thirties Milner turned her diaries, as a sort of raw material, into her first books, which were published as essayistic reflections about her diaries: A Life of One’s Own (1934) and An Experiment in Leisure (1937). In them she invented something new and a genre of her own: a diary about a diary, or what the critic Hugh Haughton has called a “meta-diary.” Contemporaries like W. H. Auden responded with enthusiasm.

Three Writing Tips Backed By Scientific Evidence

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As my doctoral colleagues and I near the end of Year 2, we’re thinking more and more about writing our dissertations. While that process involves much research and planning, it also involves a whole heck of a lot of writing.

So, how do you write better? Here are three tips based on scientific evidence:

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list, and it doesn’t mention the most important part about becoming a good writer…

Writing. All. The. Time. The more you write, the better you’ll get. 2,000 words a day, according to Stephen King.

So, get to writing, my friends.

Doing the Work of Learning

There is no substitute for doing the work, whatever your work may be. Put in the time, mastery will come.

Is journalism disappearing?

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I know folks have strong feelings about this, especially journalism profs. Trust me — there’s no one who loves journalism as much as me, or someone who is constantly screaming about the blurring lines between *content* and *journalism.* But — I’m coming from a place of concern.
Tulika Bose, Scientific American

Leaders from several US journalism schools discuss the news industry’s declining state and how they prepare students to enter a turbulent business. They acknowledge the harsh economic realities facing the industry, which has seen layoffs and the closure of several news outlets.

However, they stress the importance of journalism and the need to teach students the skills needed to report on crucial events and provide accurate information to the public. These educators are also exploring ways to make journalism education more affordable and equip students with the knowledge to understand the business side of news.

Using Photography as a Writing Tool

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Photography allows me to reevaluate my linguistic and narrative choices from a fresh perspective and reframe the central questions of my work.
Jennifer Croft

Jennifer Croft, a recipient of literary grants and a founding editor of The Buenos Aires Review, discusses how photography can be used as a tool to inspire and improve writing. Croft highlights various considerations in photography, such as format, frame, contrast, texture, and depth of field, that can be applied to literature in productive ways. By adopting a fresh perspective and reframing the central questions of their work, writers can experiment with different techniques and enhance their storytelling.

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