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Teacherpayteachers.com Sales Expectation Versus Reality

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Teacherpayteachers.com Sales Expectation Versus Reality

Can you make money on Teacherspayteachers.com?

This question has been asked of me several times and I decided to address it today.

Simply put, the answer is yes.  You can make money on Teacherspayteachers.com

However, it is absolutely NOT a get-rich scheme.  If it was, I’d never be involved in it.

If you are looking for quick cash, you will have better luck with selling some used items on a website.  Do us a favor, and stay away if that’s your goal–in my opinion, you just muck up the website and confuse the buyer. Teacherspayteachers sellers understand this is a marathon, not a sprint.  We spend an inordinate amount of time creating a product and keeping it updated. If you become a long term seller, we are super serious about it.  We pride ourselves on our resources.

Who sells on Teacherspayteachers.com?

Generally, sellers are classroom teachers, retired teachers and graphic artists.  No offense, but unless you’ve been a teacher you don’t really understand what is needed in the classroom.  Occasionally, you see someone trying to sell a product which they think educators would want.  The product sticks out like a sore thumb and I’ve noticed over time the seller drifts away.  That’s a good idea.

These sellers who stick around have resources are either time-tested (like mine for thirty-eighty plus years of teaching) or brand spending new straight from the classroom.

These are professional educators.  They have studied in college and universities, many with advanced degrees (even doctorates), or trained in a particular area such as reading, math, STEM or the arts.

Teachers must re-certify their license to continue teaching during their career.  In other words, they don’t just receive their teaching certificate and that’s the end of learning.  Quite the opposite–they take classes about every six years to stay fresh.  They are required to keep their license up just like other professions such as medicine, law enforcement, hairstyling, etc. Consequently, the Teacherspayteachers sellers know their stuff!

Occasionally, someone will grumble about the lesson they purchased was poor. It is hardly fair to blame the entire website just because one person didn’t receive what they expected.

Haven’t you read a book you didn’t like for whatever reason?

In defense of TPT sellers, perhaps the buyer didn’t look closely at the product.  The buyer needs to check out the previews because the choice is always on the buyer.  So just because one buyer doesn’t like something doesn’t mean all TPT products are below average.

I’ve been a Teacherspayteachers seller for two and a half years.  From time to time, I review seller’s products that I’ve purchased or found for free. Let me tell you folks, be happy if your child’s teacher purchases a Teacherspayteachers lesson.  I can say with absolutely honesty I review more excellent products than not so.

Are there free lessons?

There are many free lessons and resources available on Teacherspayteachers.  Sellers are very generous. Sometimes too generous.  If you are interested in something free, check out: Free Teaching Resources Blog Hop.

Or check out my freebies at Free Stuff!

We Are Here to Help

We don’t claim to be the foremost authority in our subject area.  We offer one perspective for teaching a concept.  There are many angles a teacher takes to complete a benchmark.

We are offering help, period.  At least, that’s where I come from.

Do we make money?  Yes.

Is it a lot of money?

It can be, however that’s subjective to the person selling.  It depends upon the seller’s goal–to make a little extra cash for vacations and gifts?  To make enough to stay home once their baby is born? To send their child to college?  The reasons are many.

My Why

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I stayed home with our daughters when they were young.  Because of this decision, I lost half of my pension by making this decision.  Now that I’m retired, my hope was to catch up that pension by selling through my DramaMommaSpeaks store.  I’m pleased to say my products sell well. I’m constantly comforted and pleased knowing I’ve helped some overly busy teacher saving them some time and their sanity.

If you think you may want to begin a store on Teacherspayteachers, check out my post How to Make Things to Sell on Teacherspayteachers This post will give you insight about the various steps I take when creating a product.

Boom Learning

Understandedly, on-line businesses are booming now.  There is another company you not be know–Boom Learning.  Boom Learning is an educational marketplace where teachers sell digital task cards.  If you’d like more information about them, check out my post How Do I Use Boom Cards in My Drama Class? I have several Boom cards sets–drama vocabulary, set design, hybrid lesson for the Broadway musical Wicked with more to come.  Check out my Boom lessons at:  Dramamommaspeaks at Boom Learning

Boom Learning is fairly new and growing like a weed.  Most of the Boom cards are created with elementary students in mind, however I’m beginning to see more secondary grade level resources.

I’ll leave you with this thought, Steve Maraboli says, “Get-rich-quick schemes are for the lazy and unambitious.  Respect your dreams enough to pay the full price for them.” Steve Maraboli is a life-changing Speaker, bestselling Author, and Behavioral Scientist who lends his popular voice to various topics.

I so agree.  Respect your dreams enough to pay the full price for them.  It is always worth it.  Everything I’ve ever accomplished which took work and dedication has paid off handsomely for me.  My teacherspayteachers.com store is my latest example. 

Do you have an idea for a lesson?  I’d love to know more about it.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Hamilton, the Broadway Musical

 

 

 

 

Five Reasons You Shouldn’t See The Prom Musical on Your Own

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Five Reasons You Shouldn’t See The Prom Musical on Your Own

I know this blog title sounds like I’m going to talk about something scary in The Prom–it’s quite the opposite! It’s wonderful.

Did you know Netflix is streaming The Prom musical?

It’s available to stream beginning December 11.  I’m looking forward to seeing it.

Here are five reasons you shouldn’t see The Prom musical on Your Own:

Reason #1–Movies are meant to be seen with someone, in my opinion. How much fun is it to see a musical all by yourself? You need someone to sing with you!

1960's prom night. : TheWayWeWere

A Synopsis of The Prom

Emma becomes an instant outcast and a national headline when her high school cancels the prom rather than let her attend with her girlfriend. Sensing a chance to correct an injustice and maybe get some good publicity along the way a group of fading celebrities takes up the cause, and invades Emma’s small Indiana town. But their bumbling attempts at social activism make the situation far worse than they or Emma could have ever imagined. Cultures clash and the town erupts in chaos. The community’s reputation, Emma’s future, and the celebrities’ careers, all hang in the balance, until a true hero emerges to save the day. Uproarious and ultimately uplifting, this musical proves that standing up for yourself and inspiring others to accept their differences can make you the star you were always meant to be.

40 Cool Pics of the '70s Prom Couples ~ Vintage Everyday

Emma becomes an instant outcast and a national headline when her high school cancels the prom rather than let her attend with her girlfriend. Sensing a chance to correct an injustice and maybe get some good publicity along the way a group of fading celebrities takes up the cause, and invades Emma’s small Indiana town. But their bumbling attempts at social activism make the situation far worse than they or Emma could have ever imagined. Cultures clash and the town erupts in chaos. The community’s reputation, Emma’s future, and the celebrities’ careers, all hang in the balance, until a true hero emerges to save the day. Uproarious and ultimately uplifting, this musical proves that standing up for yourself and inspiring others to accept their differences can make you the star you were always meant to be.

An All Star Cast

Reason #2–The Cast is exceptional! Having someone to chat with about the direction makes the viewing all the more worthwhile.

Nice, huh?

The movie cast is excellent and includes Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Renalls, Kevin Chamberlain, Ariana Grande, Keegan Michael-Key, Kerry Washington and a host of other great performers.  Newcomer, Emma Pellman will portray the lead role of Emma and Arianna DeBose as Alyssa.

Wow!

The Creative Team

Reason #3–This is an excellent artistic staff at the helm.  I mean, Casey Nicholaw?  You can’t get someone much better than him.  Just check out his biography. You might miss something in the direction  if you watch by yourself and a friend might catch it.  I understand the humor is spot on.

Casey Nicholaw, Director

Casey Nicholaw (born 1962) is an American theatre director, choreographer and performer. He has been nominated for Tony Awards for directing and choreographing The Drowsy Chaperone (2006), The Book of Mormon (2011), Something Rotten! (2015), and Mean Girls (2018) and for choreographing Monty Python’s Spamalot (2005) and Aladdin (2014), winning for his co-direction of The Book of Mormon. He also was nominated for the Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Direction and Choreography for The Drowsy Chaperone (2006) and Something Rotten! (2015) and for Outstanding Choreography for Spamalot (2005).  

Bob Martin, Co-Playwright

Bob Martin began his career acting and directing at The Second City in Toronto in 1996. He won a Tony award for Best Book for a Musical and Best Actor in a Musical category portraying “Man in Chair” in Drowsy Chaperone.  In addition, Martin wrote the Urinetown music and lyrics. Among many of ventures,  he returned to Broadway by co-writing the book for Elf with Thomas Meehan. He co-wrote Prom the Musical with

Like many artists, Martin’s resume is varied.  It includes writing the book for a musical adaptation of the 1973 film The Sting and is currently writing the book for a sequel to The Drowsy Chaperone, a musical adaptation of The Princess Bride, a musical adaptation of A Night at the Museum, and a musical adaptation of Millions.

Chad Beugelin, Lyricist and Co-Playwright

Chad Beguelin (born September 24, 1969) is an American playwright and four-time Tony Award nominee. He wrote the book for Disney’s Aladdin, as well as additional lyrics for the score. He was nominated for Best Original Book and Best Original Score for Aladdin. He is also known for his collaborations with composer Matthew Sklar, having written the lyrics and co-written the book for the Broadway musical The Wedding Singer and the lyrics for the Broadway musical Elf the Musical. Beguelin was nominated for two Tony Awards for his work on The Wedding Singer, as well as a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics. He, too, graduated from New York University’s Tish School of the Arts.

What did the Reviewers Think of it When It Opened on Broadway?

Reason #4–Reviewers love the Broadway version.  See if you agree with the reviewers.  You can’t exactly discuss the pros and cons of the production with just yourself.   When it opened on Broadway, the reviewers extol much praise on the show.  That’s a good sign the musical will be well accepted, too.

The Prom was the first musical of the 2018–2019 Broadway season to be named a New York Times Critics Pick, with Jesse Green calling it “such a joyful hoot. With its kinetic dancing, broad mugging and belty anthems, it makes you believe in musical comedy again.”

Frank Rizzo, writing for Variety wrote that “with a tuneful score, a playful book, and performances that remind you what Broadway heart and chutzpah are all about, this cause celebre of a show turns out to be a joyous, funny, and sweet production that should appeal to several generations of musical fans.”

New York Magazine‘s Sara Holdren wrote: “There’s such genuine joy rolling off the stage in The Prom that you’re ready and willing to forgive it its minor misfires… Did I shed several real tears in The Prom’s final scene? Maybe I did… I also seldom stopped laughing. The show is full of witty delights.”[16]

Adam Feldman of Time Out Magazine gave the show 4 out of 5 stars, saying “It is cheering to see a musical comedy that engages with modern questions, with a teenage lesbian romance at its center to boot… But while the issues are contemporary, there is a 1980s feel to the character types and the overall style of Chad Beguelin and Matthew Sklar’s score, which resembles their work in The Wedding Singer; a stronger dose of reality in the lyrics and the book (by Beguelin and Bob Martin) would better justify the show’s eventual turn to sentimental education. But Casey Nicholaw’s peppy direction helps give the show enough momentum to power past its narrative potholes and occasional bumps of heavy-handedness.”

In The Hollywood Reporter, David Rooney called the show “one part satire, packed with delicious theatrical in-jokes delivered with aplomb by game stage veterans playing caricatures of themselves; and one part inclusivity teaching moment, reminding us there’s a place for everyone beneath the Mylar balloons at a high school dance, even in conservative Indiana. If the two halves aren’t entirely seamless, especially in the uneven second act, the show has enough humor and heart to paper over the cracks.”

Reason #5  Your Students will LOVE it! You will feel so trendy because you will know the newest scoop in the show. There’s nothing better than making them happy (it does wonders for your ego too.) The Prom is contemporary, fun, quick witted and entertaining.

I have a Broadway musical lesson for The Prom available at The Prom Broadway Musical Lesson

It includes:

  • Letter to Teacher
  • Warm Up–MY Version of a Popular Physical Warm Up
  • Teacher’s Script–What I Say and How I Say it!
  • History of Prom and How it Became an Important Event in a Young Person’s Life
  • Photos (1950’s & 2018)
  • Plot of the Musical
  • Separate File of Photos for Teacher’s Use in Lecture
  • History about the Origination of the Production
  • Information on the Director, Casey Nicholaw
  • Information on the composer and choreographer, Matthew Skylar
  • Information about the Co-Playwrights, Bob Martin & Chad Beugelin
  • Information about the lyricist, Chad Beugelin
  • A Shortened Lesson on : What are the Tony Awards?
  • List of Tony Awards
  • New York City Map with Competing Theatres Labeled
  • Student Note Page
  • Teacher Note Page Key
  • Trivia about The Prom, LGBTQ rights and Recent Data About Prom
  • Lyrics from “Just Breathe”–good for class discussions or as a jumping off point
  • Extension Activities–Terrific Suggestions of Ways to Secure the Learning and Enrich the Experience
  • Sources & Links to Film Clips from the Show
  • And More!

If hope you’ll check out The Prom soon.  I know I will!  What Broadway musical is your favorite?  You know I’d love to know more about you. Don’t know much about me?  Check out:  The Top Reasons to Listen to Podcasts   Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Dramamommaspeaks

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live! on NBC

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Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live!  on NBC

Happy Holidays (okay, it’s a little early, but covid….)

Pretty soon, all of the holidays special will begin and luckily, this year is no exception.

On December 9, there is going to be a live version on NBC of the Broadway musical, “The Grinch”!

How awesome is that?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

(Yes, I know this photo is from the movie.)

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live! on NBC

#1  THE PLOT

If you don’t know the musical, (because you’ve been living in a cave or something) the story goes like this:

The action of the musical happens in mysterious Whoville. Christmas is a wonderful holiday, which is adored by all the residents of the fantastic town. Who doesn’t love this time of the year, when everything around is covered with fluffy snow, when we feel a smell of a fir-tree, and people exchange with magnificent gifts? Therefore, on the eve of the holiday, the inhabitants are concerned about purchases of the gifts, decoration of the houses and, of course, preparation of dishes for the holiday table.

Once upon a time, a man lived in a town. His was called Grinch. His body was green and hairy. That’s why nobody in the Whoville loved him. The main hero took offense on the inhabitants and decided to live on the lonely mountain, which was blown by winds. A dog was an only being, who kept his company. On this mountain, he sat in a cave and was angry at the whole world.

Breakfast with the Grinch 11-2010

Breakfast with the Grinch from vastateparkstaff

Grinch hated Christmas most of all. While the population of a town had fun with all hearts, the indicator of already bad Grinch’s mood expressed something awful. Each Christmas appeared to be a terrible torture for the green hermit. One day, a spiteful inhabitant of the mountain decided to finish a holiday once and for all. While the carefree Whovilleans were sleeping in holiday night with pleasure, perfidious Grinch decided to steal Christmas from the citizens, to make nobody able to have fun anymore.

Now, as well as the residents of the town, Grinch is in cares: he needs to prepare an ideal crime, that nobody could follow his ways. Two teenagers and two girls got on the mountain, where Grinch lived, and it finally angered him. He left the cave, put on a fancy dress and went down to the city, where he began to frighten everyone, who occurred on his path. What to do, if the circumstance, which is hard to cope with, unexpectedly interferes into the plans of Grinch? To speak more precisely, it is the little girl, who even wants to make friends with the character.

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live on NBC

The girl, who helped the father with mail, was frightened so much that she fell in the packing machine, but then, probably, Grinch felt sorry and pulled her out. Cindy thanked him. Being raged by the fact that someone can think that he is kind, Grinch wrapped her with the tinsel. Then the girl thought that, maybe, Grinch is not so bad as everyone speaks about him. She also absolutely cannot understand the sense of Christmas and wants to reconcile him with the residents. However, finally, Grinch realizes that sense of Christmas is not in gifts. The repentant villain decided to return the gifts to the inhabitants, and they accepted him to their society.

#2 MATTHEW MORRISON

Matthew James Morrison will portray Grinch! Morrison is an American actor, dancer, and singer-songwriter. Morrison is known for starring in multiple Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including his portrayal of Link Larkin in Hairspray  on Broadway, and for his role as Will Schuester on the television show Glee. He received a Tony Award nomination for his featured role as Fabrizio Nacarelli in the musical The Light in the Piazza.

#3 DENIS O’HARE

Denis O’Hare will play his dog, Max.  O’Hare is an American actor, singer, and author noted for his award-winning performances in the plays and musicals such as Sweet Charity,  as well as portraying vampire king Russell Eddington on HBO’s fantasy series True Blood. He has been nominated for an Primetime Emmy for Best Actor.

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live on NBC

#4 THE COSTUMES

Personally, I think the costumes from the film version were exceptional.  I don’t know if they can reach that level of detail, but I’m interested in seeing if they do so.

#5 THE CHOREOGRAPHY

From viewing the snippet on NBC, I can tell the choreography is fun and playful.  That’s got to be a plus, huh? Here’s a trailer for the show:

https://www.today.com/popculture/nbc-bringing-grinch-life-new-musical-holiday-special-t198362

As you may know, several musicals have been performed live in recent years.  In my opinion, some were better than others.  I enjoyed NBC’s Hairspray and Jesus Christmas Super Star the most.  I would hope these production companies are learning how to produce a better product each time they attempt one.  Who knows?

Another was good production was  A Christmas Story.  In case you don’t me, I am a retired drama teacher having taught and directed for thirty-eight years.  You can find my resume here:Teaching Resume

A Christmas Story Broadway Musical Lesson

Now I created drama education resources for my business, Dramamommaspeaks.  I have a lesson about A Christmas Story which would complement the Grinch Live! If you are in a hybrid learning classroom or distance learning, these musicals work well for teachers.

You can find it here: A Christmas Story Broadway Musical Lesson

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live on NBC

Need a quick emergency lesson plan? Or one for a substitute? Everything is provided for the busy teacher.

This Product includes:

  • Letter to Teacher
  • Two Warm Ups–MY Version of Popular Exercises
  • Teacher’s Script–what I say and how I say it!
  • Photos of the Production
  • Separate File of Slides for Teacher to Use to Lecture
  • Plot of the Musical
  • History about the Origination of the Production
  • Information concerning the composer, Pasek and Paul (who also co-wrote Dear Evan Hansen)
  • History about the Film and Musical Helping One Another
  • A Shortened Lesson on : What are the Tony Awards?
  • Tony Awards it Received
  • What are the Tony Awards
  • New York City Map with Competing Theatres Labeled
  • Student Note Page
  • Teacher Note Page Key
  • Trivia
  • Quotes from the Musical–Good for Discussions and Assignments
  • Extension Activities–Five different activities, individual and group
  • Sources & Links to Film Clips from the Show

This lesson works well with any grade level, although it was created for secondary students.  Reading, Language Arts, Vocal Music and Drama classes have success with it!

Or pick up my holiday lesson bundle at: Drama Lessons Holiday Themed 

I hope you’ll check out Grinch on December 9 and think about purchasing my Broadway lesson on A Christmas Story.  If nothing else, both will put you in the holiday spirit!

Which Grinch character is your favorite?  Mine is Max.  I’d love to hear from you.  Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Deborah Baldwin of DramaMommaSpeaks

 

 

370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

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370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

Today I want to speak about 370 million Indigenous people want you to know about their cultures. That’s a heady number–370 million people.

370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

“Navajo Rug” by teofilo

My Navajo Rug

When I was a child, I contracted pneumonia at the beginning of a vacation while we traveled in the southwest.  Instead of going home early, my parents bedded me down in the car to sleep at night to get out of the cold while they slept in a very primitive tent trailer. During that unusual vacation I learned how to swallow huge pills for the pneumonia.  Because of this adventure, I can still take lots of pills all at once because of that fateful vacation.

While we traveled on that trip, we stopped somewhere in New Mexico and purchased a Navajo rug.  Many years later, when my dad died, my mother gave it to me because they used it to keep me warm in the car during the pneumonia.  I will never forget that.

To this day, that Navajo rug lays in our cedar chest protected from the elements.  It occurred to me as I worked on this blog post that I have never learned much about the Navajo nation.  Why didn’t I learn about them when I was in school?

I’m a Trailer Blazer

I am a person who sees a problem and sets out to fix it in some way. Whenever I see the need, I set to it.  Generally, I started youth theater programs for community theaters.  I’ve also co-created a national playwriting contest for youth theater plays, developed an ESL drama club and a few programs. My friend said I’m a trail blazer–I create, get the program up and running and then I’m ready to move on.  Yup, that’s me! Want to learn about my ESL Drama Club:  go to Overcoming Fear and Anxiety When Speaking English As A Second Language

Four years ago, I opened a drama education store (Dramamommaspeaks at TeacherspayTeachers.com)  to provide drama education resources for grades three to twelve.  I teach differently, not staying with the tried and true, because there are many opinions about what a student should learn about theater arts. In general, my teacher’s lessons or units are supplemental.

370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

Recently I saw the movie,  Hunt for the Wilder People.  If you have seen it yet, I strongly suggest that you do.  It’s marvelous in so many ways. As I watching this funny and bittersweet story about a Maori boy in New Zealand and his unique relationship to his foster father, I realized I knew very little about the Maori culture.

Who are Indigenous People?

I can’t be the only person who thinks this way.  Truth be told, as children we never studied various cultures in social studies.  I was a student in the 1960s.  I’m sure our current social studies education includes learning about other cultures, but I don’t know how much they are studied.

The world is a mess right now.  We have lost our sense of compassion for people who are different from ourselves.  Could I help? Maybe a teeny bit.

My research began by seeking information about indigenous people.  Looking for facts and details about indigenous people, I found the UnitedNations.org website.

How many people identify as indigenous?

“It is estimated that there are more than 370 million indigenous people spread across 70 countries worldwide.
Practicing unique traditions, they retain social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct
from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Spread across the world from the Arctic to the South
Pacific, they are the descendants – according to a common definition – of those who inhabited a country or a
geographical region at the time when people of different cultures or ethnic origin. ”

370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

Should I call them Indigenous People? 

The UnitedNations.org post continues, “The term ‘indigenous’ has prevailed as a generic term for many years. In some countries, there may be preference for other terms including  first peoples/nations, aboriginals, ethnic groups, adivasi,
janajati. Occupational and geographical terms like hunter-gatherers, nomads, peasants, hill people, etc.,
also exist and for all practical purposes can be used interchangeably with “indigenous peoples”.

My masters in education focused on arts integration infused in core subjects.  Nothing makes me happier than to discover a way to integrate drama into a core subject classroom.

Because arts integration reaches and engages students, I am always on the hunt for learning opportunities using drama integration to support the core subjects.

370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

Enter Indigenous People Units

I collect international folk tales to use in drama class or arts integration lessons.  To date, my plays and readers theater units concern about China, Mexico, Peru,  the Cherokee Indian, Italy, Pakistan, Germany, Romania, Alaska, Japan and a Jewish story.  I believe multiculturalism is very important.  See what I mean.  The Reasons Teaching Multiculturalism in the Classroom is Vitally Important If you are interested in any of these units below, please check them out in my Teacherspayteachers.com store, or my store at Payhip.com or my store at MadebyTeachers.

 

370 Millions People

In light of the world and the racial conflicts which have come to the forefront, I’ve turned my attention people of different cultures–namely indigenous people and their legend and folk tales.  I hope social studies, language arts, reading and drama teachers will appreciate the lessons and use them in their classroom.  They are enjoying the above mentioned ones I’ve developed.

Here’s a video preview of Sedna, An Inuit Tale

Indigenous People Units

As of this writing, I have two lessons available.  I’m hoping in time to have around ten, but of course I can create as many as I can find to share.

 

The products include some of the following depending upon the resource:

  • Two warm ups–one physical and one imaginative, both boost energy
  • Original version of the Legend of Corn Maidens or Magic Lake–great for comparison and contrast
  • Teacher’s script–what I say and how I say it!
  • Advice in directing reader’s theater
  • Blocking plot for performance
  • Kachina Dolls or Machu Picchu Information
  • Vocabulary and pronunciation
  • Who are the Zuni or Inca people?
  • Eleven to Thirteen page scripts with roles for 20+
  • Original song reminiscent of the Zuni music
  • Sheet music (optional for performance)
  • Sound bytes of music
  • Enrichment activities–designing a costume, designing a set, study of other Native American creation myths or a drama exercise using tableaux

As you can see, there is plenty of material for a lesson or two.

I hope you’ll check out these lessons and the rest to come.  Honestly, I don’t know what will be next, but I know one thing–I’m going to help educate our students about indigenous people through dramatic arts. If you are interested in the reasons for using readers theater as a way to integrate drama into your classroom, go to  The Reasons Reader’s Theater is Successful with Our Students or  How to Excite Students With Drama Integration

What arts integration lessons are your favorite?  I’d love to hear.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

370 Million Indigenous People Want You to Know About Their Cultures

The Top Reasons to Listen to Podcasts

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The Top Reasons to Listen to Podcasts

Today, I want to discuss the top reasons to listen to podcasts.  Recently, I bought a treadmill.  It is my first exercise contraption of this kind.  What with winter approaching, I think it’s a good idea to have one since the pandemic keeps our community’s recreation center ( and exercise equipment) closed.  I’m enjoying it and the opportunity to learn while I exercise. For the first time, I’ve really gotten into podcasts!

The Top Reasons to Listen to Podcasts

My youngest daughter is an avid podcast listener.  She likes them because not only does it keep her mind busy and focused, but helps her not feel isolated as she quarantines with our granddaughter with special needs.

I know podcasts work with learners of a certain kind (aural), but not every knows the value of them.  When I was researching this topic, I found keepinspiriringme.com a website focused on personal development.  One of the reasons I enjoy blogging is researching new topics to learn about and share with others. I’d never heard of Keepinspiringme.com  Awesome.

Podcasting is a business avenue I’ve considered for myself, but as yet I haven’t taken it up. I have all the equipment necessary. I even have video trainings for podcasting, but that’s as far as I’ve reached in my journey. I guess I’m just not ready yet.  Right now, I’m learning about marketing with Instagram (and that’s a different blog post all together.) Here’s my most recent podcast interview: “I have a big heart.  I’m just intense.” with Jeff King of The Narrative Enneagram. 

The Top Reasons to Listen to Podcasts

If you haven’t ever listened to a podcast, I highly recommend it! Here are reasons to listen to podcasts from keepinspiringme.com.

  • They are free entertainment–whoa!  That’s enough reason for me to listen, how about you?
  • You can listen to them anywhere–while exercising like I do, driving, shopping or merely hanging out at home.
  • A person can become bored with their music library.  Variety is the spice of life.  Podcasts give you a breather from your go-to music which can become a little tired sometimes.
  • They are usually conversations instead of stories.  Because podcasts are generally between several people  and not just a story,  the listener gets more off hand, spontaneous moments which make for lively discussions! If you like the non-fiction genre, podcasts are the place for you.
  • Podcasts are perfect for mindless chores–folding laundry? cleaning the bathroom? making dinner? You get my point.
  • A person can even learn about a subject or an industry.  That’s cool!  Sometimes I am interested in a particular education tip and I search the topic plus podcasts and learn about it through a podcast rather than taking the time to read yet another article or book.  (I don’t know about you, but I read all day, every day.)

A Podcast Worth Following

A wonderful fellow named Dr. Jimmy Chrismon podcasts concerning drama education, Thedtalks.com.  If you haven’t listened to him, I suggest you do.  He has developed his podcast into something very useful to educators.  Check it out at:  https://thedtalks.com

Dr. Jimmy Chrismon is a theatre educator with 17 years of experience in the public schools of North and South Carolina.  Mr. Chrismon currently teaches full time as an Assistant Professor of Theatre Teacher Education at Illinois State University.  He was an adjunct theatre faculty member at Winthrop University and Central Piedmont Community College.  In addition, he has acted, directed, designed, and produced professionally for 21 years.  He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Education from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow.

Jimmy Chrismon Educator

Mr. Chrismon received his Master of Education Degree in Theatre Education from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and he most recently completed his Doctor of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Gardner-Webb University. In the past, he has also worked for The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and The Lake Norman School of the Arts.  Mr. Chrismon currently resides in Bloomington, Illinois.

Here’s a recent podcast interview of m, LISTEN!  Or this one, LISTEN

Want to know about my experience as a female entrepreneur who started her business after the age of sixty?  LISTEN. 

Dr. Chrismon’s Resume

Moreover, Dr. Chrismon’s acting credits include: Lonely Planet, Doubt: A Parable, Company, The History Boys, Godspell, Shadow Box, The Baltimore Waltz, Tick, tick…Boom!, The Little Shop of Horrors, The Odd Couple, Children of Eden, Candide, The Miser, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Crucible, Dracula, The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe, and others.

His directing credits include: Seussical: The Musical, Godspell, Miss Nelson Is Missing, Rent, Spring Awakening, The Importance of Being Earnest, Children of Eden, Tarzan, Aida, All Shook Up, Grease, The Odd Couple, Lonely Planet, Interrupting Vanessa, Medea, the Wizard of Oz, A Raisin in the Sun, A Very Common Procedure, Geography Club, You’re a Good Man, Charlie, Brown, The Laramie Project, and others.

He’s worth listening to, huh?

the top reasons to listen to a podcast

My Thedtalk podcast interview!

Since I’ve taught since 1979, I’ve been interviewed many times by people in the arts.  Jimmy was very refreshing to speak to one hot day in August.

In light of the passing of George Floyd and a well justified focus on Black Lives Matter, many people are writing about the subject of white privilege.  My interview with Jimmy includes discussion of a blog post I penned concerning my light bulb moment about white privilege on the stage.  The blog post was inspired by this meme.

Check out the post here: Facts You Never Knew about White Theatrical Privilege on the Stage. 

Second Podcast Interview

Also, I was interviewed a second time by Dr. Patricia Dickenson from Teacher Prep from Dr. D. She interviewed me about my TPT business.  You can listen here: Teacher Side Hustle Turn Your  Passion Into Profit.   I am the second interview at about 22 minutes.

Here’s another one Drama Education with Deb Baldwin

Podcasting is here to stay.  According to https://podcasthosting.org podcasting is a big business!

In the United States alone:

  • 75% of the US population is familiar with the term “podcasting”
  • 50% of all US homes are podcast fans
  • 55% (155 million) of the US population has listened to a podcast
  • 37% (104 million) listen to podcasts at least every month
  • 24% (68 million) listen to podcasts weekly
  • 16 million people in the US are “avid podcast fans”–WHAT?!?
  • Age of listeners:
    • 12-34: 48%
    • 35-54: 32%
    • 55+: 20%

Okay friends, I had NO idea it was so popular.

In conclusion,  I hope you’ll listen to http://www.Thedtalks.com and the October 14, 2020 broadcast about DramaMommaSpeaks.  If you’d like to listen to another podcast interview of mine, go to: https://dramamommaspeaks.com/2018/04/06/10788  It focuses on my middle grade award winning book, Bumbling Bea.

Do you listen to podcasts? What are you top reasons to listen to podcasts?  I’d love to know about it.  Contact me at Dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

 

Deborah Baldwin of DramaMommaSpeaks

How Do I Use Boom Cards in My Drama Class?

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How Do I Use Boom Cards in My Drama Class?

Teachers are creative beings and love an intriguing teaching method.  They are busy searching out new ways to reach students on a day-to-day basis. “To build a better mouse trap.” I always say. 

When the pandemic closed our schools, teachers scrambled for digital lessons.  Folks, they were amazing!  While everyone is extolling the virtues of our front line workers (and they are amazing), teachers should almost be included with them!

Did anyone even notice how quickly, smoothly and expertly the teachers pivoted to on-line learning? I even shifted gears in record time and I’m not in the classroom.  See how: Drama Lessons for Home-Bound Students or During the Corona Virus Quarantine

Teachers are rock stars!

What are Boom Cards?

Boom cards are self-grading that are gamified and provide teachers and parents the data they want. A teacher can use them for remedial instruction, review for a test or direct instruction.  They are awesome.  If you haven’t seen Boom Cards, check them out here: Boomcards.com

What are their strengths?

  • Digital task cards (in this case Boom Cards) build a skill base for the twenty-first century learning tools.
  • Digital task cards are flexible.
  • They can be used on a wide variety of devices.
  • They are a paperless resource–save those trees and ink.
  • They are similar to all other digital task cards or digital apps.–they are easy to use and understand.
  • Digital task cards are easy to share, give feedback and grade.

Teaching with Games

How Do I Use Boom Cards in My Drama Class?

How Do I Use Boom Cards in My Drama Class?

While I was researching this post, I found this rationale for teaching with games from ACD.org a website for administrators, principals and teachers says:

In classrooms showing the greatest gains, teachers did specific things. To get similar results, teachers should games for these reasons.

Use inconsequential competition. In general, students like to compete as long as the stakes are not high. During a two-week unit of instruction, a teacher might organize students into teams of four students each. Teams might play games four or five times during that unit. Each time they play, the first three teams to complete the game receive points (for example, 3 points for the first team to finish, 2 points for the second team, and 1 point for the third team). At the end of the unit, the teacher adds up the points for each team, and the three teams with the highest number of points get some inconsequential but fun reward, such as coupons to buy juice from the vending machines in the cafeteria.
Throughout the year, the teacher should reorganize the teams so all students have the experience of winning and losing. However, teachers must not factor game points into students’ grades for the unit. The points and rewards are simply for fun.

Target essential academic content. If games do not focus on important academic content, they will have little or no effect on student achievement and waste valuable classroom time. The most efficient way to maintain an academic focus is to organize games around important terms and phrases. For example, during a unit on dance moves, a dance teacher might identify terms and phrases such as axial movement, line of gravity, movement phrase, and nonlocomotor movement. Questions and answers would involve information important to these terms and phrases.

How Do I Use Boom Cards in My Drama Class?

How Do I Use Boom Cards in My Drama Class

Debrief the game. The most common error teachers make when using games is to add up team points and move on. The whole point of playing academic games in the classroom is to provide opportunities for students to examine important content in a lively and enjoyable venue. To stimulate analysis of important terms and phrases, a teacher can ask students which questions were difficult to answer and why.
For example, suppose that during a game of Pictionary in a mathematics class, students had difficulty drawing an image to represent the Fibonacci sequence. At the conclusion of the game, the teacher would ask students about their difficulties with this item. The discussion would serve as a brief review of the defining characteristics of a Fibonacci sequence.

Have students revise their notes. One generalization that applies to learning all types of content is that students must have opportunities to revise their understanding of the content as time goes by. When a game has ended and the class has discussed difficult terms and concepts related to the content, the teacher should give students time to revise their notes. A teacher might ask students to look over what they have previously written about this content in their notes and make any necessary changes. This might involve correcting misconceptions or adding new information that the students were unaware of.

Pretty wonderful, huh? Here is another post about using games in the classroom: Games + Teaching Method= Our Students Win!

HOW DO I USE BOOM CARDS IN MY DRAMA CLASSROOM?  If I were you, I’d assign Boom Cards for distance learning or use them as differentiated instruction in the classroom. These are suitable for middle grade students.  You could introduce the unit with the Boom Cards, assign them as homework for those with WiFi access or make them part of the lesson for the day.

As of this writing, I have nine sets of Boom Cards and hybrid blended classroom lessons.

 

Each set includes:

  • 20-40 Cards
  • Questions for Each Section

The hybrid boom cards PDF include:

  • Letter to Teacher
  • Rationale
  • Warm up
  • Procedure
  • Links
  • Enrichment Activities and more!

I was a little hesitant to embark on the digital task card wagon.  Theater is usually taught in real time on a stage.  Plus, it’s very experiential.  We learn on our feet so to speak.

When I discovered Boom Cards I really had to think outside of the box and consider how a drama teacher could use digital card instruction.  Honestly, it wasn’t difficult to see how to use them–there are a myriad of ways as I mentioned above.

As a student, I would have enjoyed and appreciated learning through Boom Cards, especially with math concepts.  Beginning at about third grade, I was rotten at math. Our teacher became sick and the substitute who finished the school year took over.  When I didn’t understand multiplication, she left me in the dust pretty fast.  I understand why, though.  She was overwhelmed with the responsibility of finishing the year for someone.

Just think what these Boom Cards might have done for me?

Bookmark this post, because if you know me, you know I’ll add more sets as I have time.  

Have you taught with Boom Cards?  I’d love to hear about it.  Contact me DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net