From Zero to 2,036: My Slow Burn Journey as a TpT Seller

I'm eager to share more about my side endeavor where I craft and vend educational digital content. My process involves considering what educators might need—be it customizable digital worksheets, interactive games featuring mythological characters, or innovative lesson plans that incorporate philosophy into the classroom. I'm dedicated to creating these resources with a special focus on enriching the teaching experience for middle and high school English and humanities instructors.

The chart shows visually how my store has grown bit by bit.

    Hello, fellow educators and creators! I want to share my personal journey as a TpT (Teachers Pay Teachers) seller to offer encouragement to those just starting out and connect with my fellow middle and high school humanities and English content creators.

My Timeline on TpT

• 2017: Took the plunge and opened my TpT store. However, I didn't manage to sell any units.
• 2018: Still dipping my toes in, I sold a meager 4 units.
• 2019: Finally began to take things a bit more seriously midway through the year, resulting in 107 units sold.
• 2020 & 2021: This was when I really decided to commit, and it paid off. I sold 188 units in 2020 and a whopping 541 units in 2021.
• 2022: Continued my upward trajectory with 603 units sold.
• 2023 (as of November 1st): Already close to last year's total with 588 units sold.
• All-Time Units Sold: 2,036 and counting!

A Closer Look

As I posted (see figure above), my TpT journey is visually a slow burn (maybe burning a wild campfire, who knows?!). The quick snapshot of my journey is from the online tool TpT has created for sellers to see stats and stuff. 

My Style

I'd be the first to admit I'm not what you'd call a "serious" seller. My store doesn't follow traditional marketing techniques, and my cover designs are beautiful pieces of chaos. But the numbers speak for themselves — buyers, especially those in the middle and high school humanities and English sectors, appreciate what I bring to the table.

So, whether you're a newbie struggling to make your first sale or a veteran looking for some inspiration, remember that there's room for everyone in this marketplace. Just find your niche and stick with it!

Cheers to more learning and sharing ahead!

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Unlock Your Learning Potential: 16 Essential Resources at Just $2 Each! 🌟

As the school year gets into full swing—or if you're like me, gearing up to start teaching right after Labor Day—the need for effective educational tools for our middle and high school students couldn't be more crucial. 

In reviewing some of my most valued resources, I was thrilled to discover that 16 of them are available for just $2 each! Now that's a deal worth exploring!

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use — with printable PDFs and student-facing digital materials for each resource.

• Resources were all modified this Summer, ensuring up-to-date content.

Sharpen Your Analytical Skills

• Introduce resources aimed at analytical skills like:
• "Thinking & Writing: Graphic Organizer for Analyzing Quotes & Textual Evidence"
• "Opposing Viewpoints Debate: On Judging Appearances"

Master The Writing Process

• Focus on resources that target writing skills:
• "Detail Observation Guide: Enhance Narrative & Expository Writing"
• "Prewriting-Drafting-Revising: ELA Writing Cycle Guide"

Tools for Organized Learning

• Resources that help students stay organized:
• "Student Writing Presentation Toolbox for Middle & High School"
• "Student Writer's Portfolio Tracker: Organize & Showcase Work"

Multi-dimensional Writing

• Resources that help students explore different modes and purposes of writing:
• "Writing Modes: ELA Exercise for Improving Writing Skills"
• "Purpose & Mode in Writing: Comprehensive Chart for Student Success"

Boost Creative and Factual Writing

• Resources that offer brainstorming and research techniques:
• "Using Print & Non-Print Sources | Classroom Success for Writing"
• "Clustering Guide: Brainstorming Activity for ELA/Writing Students"

Reading for Success

• Encourage independent reading:
• "Teen Book List: Promoting Independent Reading for Grades 7-12"

Conclusion

I made each of these resources myself based on years of working in middle and high school English Language Arts and Humanities classrooms. You can't go wrong! And, listen, they're all each only $2. #winning

Call to Action:

Grab these essential resources as a bundle, save even more, and take your teaching (and your kids' learning) to the next level! 🚀

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Teaching the Mythological Marvel: Perseus and Medusa - A Tale of Heroism, Divine Intervention, and Greek Mythology for the Middle and High School Classroom

Embark on a journey through Greek mythology as you delve into the captivating tale of Perseus and his winged steed, Pegasus. The story breaks through the page — and it is the stuff of art and culture. For example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art provides a mesmerizing glimpse into this ancient myth with its iconic sculpture, Perseus with the Head of Medusa. Join us as we explore the narrative intricacies of this masterpiece and unlock the secrets of Perseus's triumph over the formidable Medusa.

The Argive hero Perseus pervades myth, art, and literature.

The Narrative Enigma: Perseus and Medusa Sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Immerse yourself in the splendor of the European Sculpture Court at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Amidst the masterpieces, one statue stands out with its compelling storytelling ability—the Perseus with the Head of Medusa. Discover the striking connection between this sculpture and Canova's replica of Perseus in the Vatican museums, which elegantly borrows from the grace of Apollo Belvedere.

A Captivating Contrast: Canova vs. Caravaggio - Beauty and Horror in Sculpture

Dive into the enthralling juxtaposition between Canova's Perseus and Caravaggio's Medusa's Head. While Caravaggio's interpretation leans towards horrific grandeur, Canova's sculpture opts for subtle beauty and triumphant serenity. Explore the intricate details that distinguish the two artistic approaches, including Canova's subtle depiction of snakes on Medusa's brow.

The Hero's Quest: Perseus's Epic Adventure

Unravel the captivating tale of Perseus, the valiant son of Zeus, and his heroic quest to slay the mortal Gorgon, Medusa. Discover the harrowing circumstances that led Perseus to undertake this perilous mission, from being locked in a chest as a child to seeking revenge against Polydectes, his mother's treacherous husband. Journey alongside Perseus as he ventures to the edge of the world in pursuit of his formidable foe.

Divine Assistance: Gods, Goddesses, and Nymph Sisters

Explore the intricate web of divine intervention that guided Perseus on his quest. Uncover the gods and goddesses who lent their aid, including Athena, who bestowed him with a shield, and Hermes, who granted him a scimitar. Delve into the critical role played by the Graeae, the nymph sisters who provided invaluable assistance on his treacherous path.

Triumph over the Gorgon: Perseus's Confrontation with Medusa

Witness the climactic battle as Perseus faces Medusa, armed with his shield, scimitar, cape of invisibility, and winged sandals. Learn Perseus's crucial tactic to avoid Medusa's deadly gaze and transform her into stone. Discover the astonishing outcome of their encounter, as Pegasus, the legendary winged horse, emerges from Medusa's severed head.

Discover Mythology Resources from Stones of Erasmus

Engage Your Classroom with Three-Day English Language Arts Lesson

Ignite your students' imagination and passion for Greek mythology with a meticulously designed three-day English Language Arts Lesson. Dive deep with a unit on the hero's journey, divine intervention, heroism, conflict, and the mythical creatures that populate the ancient Greek world. This resource is specifically tailored for distance learning, providing Google Apps, PDF, and Easel Activities and Assessments (exclusive to Teachers Pay Teachers) compatible with Google Classroom and other learning management platforms.

Unlock the Power of Greek Mythology with Our Resource

Our comprehensive resource package is aligned with Common Core Standards, making it a valuable addition to your curriculum. Featuring teacher's notes, a three-day lesson calendar, engaging activities, and assessment tools, this resource ensures an immersive and educational experience for your students. Foster critical thinking and literary analysis as you explore the representation of Perseus and Medusa in different artistic mediums.

Unleash the Potential of Greek Mythology in Your Classroom

Introduce your students to the fascinating world of Greek mythology through our engaging and thought-provoking educational resource. Perfect for middle and high school students, this resource can be seamlessly integrated into an English Language Arts Mythology unit or as a standalone lesson. Combine it with other myth-related materials to create a comprehensive exploration of ancient Greek culture and storytelling.

Unearth the Mysteries of Greek Mythology Today!

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to bring the mesmerizing tales of Perseus, Medusa, and other mythological figures to life in your classroom. Equip your students with the knowledge and analytical skills to appreciate these captivating stories' timeless beauty and significance. Dive into the realm of Greek mythology and watch your students' imaginations soar!

For more information and to access our educational resources, please visit Stones of Erasmus on Teachers Pay Teachers, and other educational content sites.

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Unlocking Student Accountability in Group Discussions: The Power of Self-Evaluation in the English Language Arts Classroom

Once upon a time, in a bustling middle school, an English Language Arts class gathered in groups, each fervently discussing the nuances of a narrative they were assigned to read. As the bell rang signaling the end of the period, the students scurried to their next class. The teacher, however, noticed a missed opportunity - a chance to debrief and reflect.

Such moments are a chance to instill accountability in students and provide a forum for metacognitive reflection, making classroom learning a more conscious process. Harnessing these opportunities, the teacher introduced a new ritual in their class. After each group activity, they set aside three minutes for students to self-evaluate their performance, creating a potent opportunity for formative assessment.

In these moments, the students pondered upon their participation, considering whether they had effectively contributed to discussions, built on others' ideas, and expressed their views clearly and persuasively. The tangible ripple effect was palpable, with students becoming more accountable, mindful, and confident speakers and listeners.

Empower your ELA class! Foster accountability & reflection
with Stones of Erasmus' Self-Evaluation Form.

Imagine if your classroom could emulate this! With Stones of Erasmus' Self-Evaluation Form for Group Work, it can! This resource offers a teacher guide, a self-evaluation form, a Google Form for group work self-evaluation, and a bonus link to a FREE student note-taking template.

Using evaluations in your English Language Arts classroom isn't just about creating better speakers and listeners; it's about enhancing student accountability and setting class routines. By allotting grades for evaluations, you show students that their participation counts towards their overall performance, amplifying the importance of effective collaboration and communication.

Like our teacher, you too can foster accountability in your classroom, contributing towards a more engaging, reflective, and productive learning environment. Explore more about this resource and others at stonesoferasmus.com. Let's journey together towards better teaching, writing, and arts & letters.

Exclusively from Stones of Erasmus

© 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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Athena Resources are Abundant on Stones of Erasmus: Plus, A Free Coloring Book (Just Click the Link!)

Greetings, dear readers!

Download a free PDF of an Athena-Inspired coloring book.

As part of our ongoing journey to make learning both engaging and fun, Stones of Erasmus is thrilled to announce a unique offering – a free, Athena-inspired coloring book! This isn't your ordinary coloring book; it's a piece of art, designed with dedication and love, intended to bring the mesmerizing world of Greek mythology closer to you and your students.

Meet Athena: The Goddess of Wisdom

For those who are new to Greek mythology, Athena, also known as Minerva in Roman mythology, is the goddess of wisdom. She is often depicted as a perpetual virgin and is symbolized by the owl. This powerful and wise goddess is the star of our coloring book. Each coloring book page displays Athena in myriad ways, ranging from serious to whimsical interpretations. We've applied our creative license, delivering unique depictions of the goddess to inspire your imagination. To deepen the learning experience, we've also included a "Further Reading Guide" with links to mythology-related books and websites where you can discover more about Athena and her fascinating stories.

Use the Coloring Book in the Classroom

This Athena-inspired coloring book is an excellent resource to supplement a mythology unit for middle or high school students. Each student could be assigned a different 'Athena' and invited to develop their creative writing skills by crafting a backstory, detailing the goddess's character traits, or elaborating on a specific myth.

And of course, the book can also serve its traditional purpose: providing hours of coloring fun!

Let's Respect Copyright

We feel it's important to mention that this coloring book is protected by U.S. copyright law. It is intended for educational purposes in a classroom setting and not for wider distribution. If you know a fellow teacher or educator who might benefit from this resource, we encourage you to share the link to this post. Let's respect creativity and the hard work of creating these resources.

Get Your Free Coloring Book Today

Our Athena coloring book is more than just a book; it's an invitation to explore, learn, and have fun. So why wait? Click the link, download your free Athena-inspired coloring book, and embark on a fascinating journey into the world of Greek mythology!

(Note: This blog post is subject to copyright. Please ensure you adhere to the terms mentioned above. For the premium version of the coloring book, click here!)

Happy coloring!

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Rediscovering Ancient Myths with "Narcissus and Echo" Teaching Resource and Educational Digital Download

In Greek mythology's vast and enthralling realm, two tragic characters stand out, captivating the hearts of students and teachers alike: Narcissus and Echo. These emblematic figures, embodying love, beauty, and vanity, have permeated our culture and language, leaving indelible imprints. To immerse ourselves and our students in their dramatic tale, I have created an educational resource, a comprehensive teaching kit that explores their narrative in engaging and thought-provoking ways.

This resource is not just a static, lifeless document. It is an interactive, vibrant educational tool designed to spark interest and facilitate discussion. With a target audience of middle and high school students, the kit is available as a PDF, Google Slides, and as an Easel Activity and Assessment (exclusive to TpT), offering multiple avenues for engagement.

Educational Digital Downloads Like This One are Available from Stones of Erasmus. 

Feature-Rich Learning Experience

The resource features a meticulously curated three-day lesson calendar with helpful teacher's notes. An intuitive anchor chart detailing key characters and places provides learners with context and geographical understanding of where these tragic Greek youths lived. A map activity brings this historical context to life, setting the stage for the narratives of Narcissus and Echo.

For the heart of the lesson, there are two-story versions of the Narcissus and Echo myth, each provided with a student-friendly reading protocol. The narratives, followed by a 9-count question bank, aid comprehension and promote discussion. A custom note-taking template ensures students actively engage with the material.

To further enrich the lesson, Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards are included. This innovative technique encourages students to explore vocabulary visually, diving deeper into the terms and contextual entries that fit the story.

Active Understanding and Summative Assessment

The learning process doesn't stop there. Half-sheet exit tickets offer a quick way to gauge student understanding at the end of the lesson. Simultaneously, a writing activity serving as a summative assessment challenges students to write a detailed five-paragraph essay exploring the characters of Echo and Narcissus.

A further reading list, often mistaken as merely a bibliography, provides a wealth of additional resources for those wanting to delve deeper into the myth. Whether for additional assignments or individual exploration, these resources facilitate a more profound understanding and engagement with the tragic tale of Echo and Narcissus.

Teachers will appreciate the included answer keys for all student-facing documents. These keys guide students on what to expect in their written and oral responses.

Integrating the Old with the New

This resource, created with high school students in mind, is an excellent addition to any English Language Arts Mythology unit. It encourages students to discuss beauty, vanity, unrequited love, anthropomorphic personification, and more.

Moreover, this resource can easily be paired with a larger unit on Ovid's Metamorphoses, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, or Edith Hamilton's Mythology. It supplements a unit on Graeco-Roman Mythology, offering links to full-text primary resources online.

To explore more myths and legends, check out similar resources on the stories of Cupid and Psyche, Zeus and Metis & The Birth of Athena, Apollo and Daphne, and many more lessons included in the Middle and High School Mythology Series.

A Gift of Knowledge

Lastly, I'd like to thank the New York Public Library Digital Collections. They have made a wealth of public domain material available to the public, a generous gift to educators and learners alike.

Discover a new world of ancient tales with this resource, and join me on a journey through the enthralling stories that have shaped human culture and thought. Embark on the path of knowledge at Stones of Erasmus, © 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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Keeping the Hearth Fire Burning: The Tale of Hestia and the Vestal Virgins

A flame flickered persistently in ancient Rome at the heart of the city. This was no ordinary fire but the sacred flame of the goddess Vesta, the Roman equivalent of Hestia, the Greek goddess of the hearth. Handpicked from Rome's noble families, six Vestal Virgins were tasked with a sacred duty — keeping the flame from going out. It was believed that the stability of Rome, its people, and its vast empire depended on this flame. So important was this duty that should a Vestal Virgin fail and the flame extinguished, she would be buried alive. Such was the reverence to Vesta, the humble goddess of the hearth.

Just as the Vestal Virgins were responsible for maintaining the sacred flame of Vesta, I believe it is our role as educators to keep the love of knowledge alive and burning brightly in our students' minds. With this ethos, I have created an educational resource that delves into the story of Hestia (or Vesta), offering a fascinating three-day lesson plan designed to fully engage students in exploring this remarkable goddess.

Hestia, or as the Romans know her, Vesta, is the Goddess of the Hearth Fire.

A Pathway to Ancient Mythology

This resource, available as a digital download in PDF, Google Slides, and Easel Activity and Assessment formats begins with an overview of Hestia and her place within ancient mythology. The daughter of Titans Kronus and Rhea, and one of Zeus's siblings, Hestia was an original Olympian. Although not as well-known as some of her Olympian siblings, her significance, particularly to the Romans in the form of Vesta, is fascinating and illuminating.

With an extensive teacher three-day lesson calendar, complete with notes, this resource guides educators through an immersive exploration of Hestia and her role in ancient society. Reading cards focus on aspects of Hestia's life and influence, including her depiction in art and culture, her symbolization as the goddess of the hearth fire, and an intriguing look at the Vestal Virgins and their crucial role in Roman society.

A Bronze Sculpture of Hestia Now
Housed in the Louvre Museum

To ensure your students are making the most out of this resource, it includes a 22-count question bank for quick comprehension checks and a custom note-taking template to encourage accountability. To further help students fully engage with the subject matter, the resource offers Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards, helping students to think about vocabulary visually in a four-section square, encouraging a deep understanding of terms and concepts related to the story.

Extend the Learning Journey

I've included a further reading list, not just as a simple bibliography but as a way to encourage students to delve deeper into the subject. Assign different sources to students and organize presentations where learning can go deeper into the story. Answer keys are provided for all student-facing documents, giving teachers plenty of guidance on what to expect from students in their written and oral responses.

Educational Digital Downloads from Stones of Erasmus are
Chock Full of Resources for the Middle and High School Classroom

Designed for high school students and suitable for an English Language Arts Mythology unit, this resource can be used as a standalone lesson or paired with a larger unit on early Greek myths, primordial stories, or well-known literature such as Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, Ovid's Metamorphoses, and Fasti, or Edith Hamilton's Mythology.

Explore other Middle and High School Mythology Series lessons for more comprehensive mythology resources, such as Artemis (Or, Diana), Hades the God of the Underworld, Niobe and Her Children, and the highly popular Plato's Cave lesson.

Join me in bringing ancient mythology to life in the classroom. Keep the flame of knowledge burning, just like the Vestal Virgins kept the flame of Vesta. Head over to my website, Stones of Erasmus, and explore the world of mythology through these captivating educational resources. © 2023 stonesoferasmus.com.

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The Marble Maiden: Pygmalion, Galatea, and the Art of Love

In the sun-bathed island of Cyprus, a young artist named Pygmalion sought a beauty so perfect, so flawless, it could not be found in any living woman. Driven by an obsession of his ideal, Pygmalion turned to the marble blocks of his studio. His skilled hands chiseled the cold stone, shaping curves and contours until a woman of unearthly beauty emerged. She was so lifelike that one could swear she would move if spoken to. He named his creation Galatea, and against all odds, fell passionately in love with her.

As strange as it sounds, Pygmalion's tale is more than a story of love; it is a tale of artistic devotion, obsession, and the blurred lines between the creator and creation. And now, you have the opportunity to bring this intriguing Greek myth to your classroom, through an engaging and comprehensive resource I've crafted especially for middle and high school students.

Educational igital downloads like
This One are Available from Stones of Erasmus.

Introducing Pygmalion and Galatea: An Exploration of Myth and Art

This resource, offered as a PDF, Google Slides, and an Easel Activity and Assessment (exclusive to TpT), centers around the captivating narrative of Pygmalion and Galatea. With a three-day lesson plan complete with teachers' notes, it provides a structured, in-depth look at this myth, setting the geographical context with a map activity that situates the tale in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

Within this resource, reading cards offer two different versions of the Pygmalion and Galatea story, as well as an analysis of the myth through Clement of Alexandria's perspective. There are also art and literature connections which include a 16th-century artistic representation of the tale by Hendrick Goltzius, and a study of the myth's representation in various other forms of art.

To ensure your students' engagement, the resource offers a 14-count question bank for comprehension checks, and a custom note-taking template to encourage personal accountability. Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards offer students an effective way to visually understand the vocabulary related to the story. And just before wrapping up the class, a half-sheet exit ticket helps you gauge your students' understanding of the lesson.

Dig Deeper, Learn More

The learning doesn't stop here! I have included a further reading list, not just as a simple bibliography, but as a stepping stone to deeper exploration. By assigning different sources to students and organizing presentations, the learners can delve further into the story.

A unique aspect of this resource is the writing activity, which serves as a summative assessment. It asks students to analyze Pygmalion's character as either a "creator" or a "misogynist," stimulating thought-provoking discussions about gender, representation of women in literature and art, and more.

Answer keys are provided for all student-facing documents, giving you ample guidance on what to expect from students in their written and oral responses.

This resource can stand on its own, or can be paired with a larger unit on Graeco-Roman mythology or other popular texts like Ovid's Metamorphoses, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves's Greek Myths, or Edith Hamilton's Mythology.

If you found this resource compelling, you might also be interested in other lessons included in the Middle and High School Mythology Series, such as Cupid and Psyche, Zeus and Metis & The Birth of Athena, Apollo and Daphne, and the ever-popular Plato's Cave lesson.

Come, join me on my journey as we breathe life into ancient myths. Visit Stones of Erasmus on the web and together, let us make learning an adventure. © 2023

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