The Best Non-Candy Halloween Treats for Your Students

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I only recommend products that I use and love.

#1 – Halloween Treat Bags with Slap Bracelets

These treat bags are perfect to give your students on Halloween! They can take them home and use them to go trick-or-treating. 

Twelve bags come in each pack, and there are 6 different cute designs. Plus, they come with the first treat for your students to put in their bags – a fun slap bracelet. 

If you and other teachers in your grade level do Halloween rotations, these bags would be the perfect place for them to keep the crafts and other things they create in different classrooms. 

#2 – Halloween Stickers

Your students will love using these Halloween stickers to make fun holiday scenes. There are 48 sheets of stickers with 8 different designs. Plus, there are 8 sheets of extra Halloween-themed stickers that you can use as special rewards.

If you have a Halloween party with centers, these stickers will make a really fun activity. All you need are the stickers and some pieces of plain paper. Your students can decorate their Halloween characters and create a scene behind them on the paper.

#3 – Halloween Zipper Bracelets

These Halloween Zipper Bracelets come in 4 adorable designs. They are fidget toys, so your students can use them to stay focused during class. The zipper is very quiet, and you won’t even be able to hear it during your lessons.

These zipper bracelets make great Halloween treats, but they are also perfect for other uses in your classroom. You can use them to create small groups by giving each student a bracelet and having them meet up with the other students who have the same design. They are also great for prize boxes.

Learn about more ways to use your Halloween Zipper Bracelets and get free gift tags for them in this post.

#4 – Stretchy Lizards

If you’re not able to celebrate Halloween in your classroom, these stretchy lizards are a fun alternative. They come in 12 colors, and they can even be used to play math review games.

Your students will love the way these lizards feel, and they’ll have so much fun stretching them. These are also perfect for a prize box.

#5 – Halloween Themed Rubber Ducks

If your students love rubber ducks, these Halloween-themed ones are really cute. This set includes 24 different duck designs.

Use them as prizes or give each student one as a special Halloween treat. I used rubber ducks with different themes to reward my students for mastering their multiplication facts one year, and they loved it. They were always so excited to choose their next duck!

#6 – Fall Magic Scratch Bookmarks

If you’re not allowed to celebrate Halloween at school but you have a fall party, these Fall Magic Scratch Bookmarks are really cute. Your students can scratch designs into them and then use them to mark their spot in the book they’re reading.

These make a great rotation if you’re doing centers for your fall party.

#7 – Pumpkin Mini Erasers

Mini erasers are always a hit with students, and these pumpkin-themed erasers are perfect for celebrating fall. They are a great prize for games at your fall party!

No matter how you’re celebrating Halloween or fall, these non-candy treats will make it even more fun! They all also work perfectly as prizes for my Halloween Escape Room or Fall Escape Room activities.

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Join The Differentiation Conversation Community, a free community for elementary teachers where we share practical differentiation strategies, ready-to-use resources, and encouragement to help you meet the needs of all your learners.

What Do You Think?

What are your favorite non-candy Halloween treats for your students?

Let me know in the comments below.

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The Best Self-Care Products for Teachers

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I only recommend products that I use and love.

Teaching is like a non-stop rollercoaster, and sometimes you need a break. Taking care of yourself is so important. Self-care helps you hit the reset button, boost your mood, and get back in the game. Trust me, your sanity will thank you.

Self-Care Planner

One of the best ways to practice self-care is to make it a priority. By using a self-care planner, you will be able to build self-care into your busy schedule. When you see exactly how your time is being used, you’ll find ways to be more productive, and you’ll discover pockets of time that you can use for self-care.

Best Self has some amazing products for self-care, including my favorite Self Journal. They also have an amazing Overcoming Burnout Journal that is perfect for teachers. 

Aromatherapy Diffuser

Create a calming atmosphere in your home or classroom with an aromatherapy diffuser. Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile can promote relaxation and reduce stress. Set the mood for a tranquil evening of self-care after a long day of teaching.

A Comfy Chair

You probably spend a significant amount of time sitting while planning lessons and grading papers. Investing in a comfortable ergonomic chair can make a world of difference. Proper support for your back can prevent discomfort and promote good posture, contributing to both physical and mental well-being.

Luxurious Bath Products

Unwind and pamper yourself with luxurious bath products. A fragrant bath bomb, soothing bath salts, or a high-quality shower gel can turn a simple bath into a rejuvenating spa experience. Take this time to disconnect from work and focus on relaxation.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Create your oasis of calm with noise-canceling headphones. Whether you prefer to listen to soothing music, nature sounds, or complete silence, these headphones can help you block out distractions and find peace in your own space.

Mindfulness and Meditation Apps

Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine with meditation apps. These apps offer guided sessions that can help you relax, reduce stress, and improve focus. Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness, and watch how it positively impacts your overall well-being. The Calm app is my favorite, and teachers can use it for free. Click this link to set up your account.

A Great Pillow

Teachers often struggle with getting enough restorative sleep. Invest in a great quality pillow to help you get more rest. A good night’s sleep is essential for cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall health.

Want More Self-Care Tips?

The Best Self-Care Practices for Teachers

10 Simple and Effective Tips for Prioritizing Teacher Self-Care

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Join The Differentiation Conversation Community, a free community for elementary teachers where we share practical differentiation strategies, ready-to-use resources, and encouragement to help you meet the needs of all your learners.

What Do You Think?

What are your favorite self-care products for teachers?

Let me know in the comments below.

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The post 10 Simple and Effective Tips for Prioritizing Teacher Self-Care appeared first on Teach Without Tears.

Join other teachers to share self-care strategies in the Teacher Self-Care Community. It will officially open on May 27, 2023, and we’ll be doing a healthy eating challenge in June. Join the wait list by clicking this link and requesting to join.

What is Self-Care?

Self-care means you are taking steps to maintain your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It is an essential aspect of overall health and involves taking time to prioritize your own needs, interests, and goals. Self-care involves activities and practices that help you recharge, relax, and rejuvenate.

Self-care looks different for each person. For some people, self-care may involve physical activities, like exercise, yoga, or going for a walk in nature. For others, it may involve engaging in creative activities, like painting, playing an instrument, or writing. Self-care can also involve social activities, like spending time with friends, family, or colleagues or activities that promote mental and emotional wellbeing, like mindfulness, meditation, or therapy.

Why is Self-Care Essential for Teachers?

As teachers, we often put others above ourselves. We spend our time taking care of our students and our families. We are responsible for creating engaging lesson plans, managing our classrooms, grading assignments, and providing support to our students, among many other tasks. The demands of teaching can take a toll on your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Without proper self-care, it is easy to become overwhelmed, exhausted, and burnt out.

Without self-care, the stress of teaching can have negative effects on your health. Anxiety, depression, and other mental issues are more common when we don’t practice self-care. Stress can even cause issues with your physical health, like high blood pressure, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.

By prioritizing self-care, you can prevent burnout and improve your overall health and wellbeing. When you are healthy and well-rested, you are better able to provide high-quality instruction and support to your students. Prioritizing self-care is not only good for you, but it is also good for your students and your family.

The Best Self-Care Practices for Teachers

Incorporating self-care into your daily routine can seem challenging, especially when you are already juggling many demands. However, here are some simple and practical strategies that you can use to prioritize self-care.

1. Make Time for Yourself

One of the most important things you can do is to make time for yourself. Set aside time each day to do things you enjoy. This may involve waking up a little earlier in the morning to meditate or exercise, taking a break during the day to read or take a walk, or setting aside time in the evening to engage in a hobby or creative activity.

2. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your overall health and wellbeing. Sleep gives your body and mind time to recharge and repair. Lack of sleep can have negative effects on your body. You aren’t able to think as clearly when you don’t get enough sleep. You’re also more likely to forget things. Lack of sleep even causes higher levels of stress and a weaker immune system.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that involves bringing your attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help reduce stress and increase relaxation. There are many ways to practice mindfulness, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walking. Find a practice that works for you and incorporate it into your daily routine.

4. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and increase your energy levels. It doesn’t have to be a high-intensity workout at the gym. Even taking a short walk during your lunch break or doing a yoga video at home can be beneficial. Find a type of exercise that you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.

5. Connect with Others

Connecting with others is an essential aspect of self-care. Spending time with friends, family, or colleagues can help reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing. Even if you are short on time, try to schedule regular check-ins with friends or family members or attend social events with colleagues.

6. Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude can help shift your focus from the challenges of teaching to the positive aspects of your life. Each day, try to write down or think about three things that you are grateful for. This can be as simple as a beautiful sunset or a kind gesture from a student or colleague. Focusing on the good in your life can help increase feelings of happiness and reduce stress.

7. Set Boundaries

Teaching can be an all-consuming job, and it’s easy to let work bleed into your personal time. Setting boundaries is an essential aspect of self-care. This may involve setting specific times for answering emails or grading assignments or saying no to additional work commitments. By setting boundaries, you can help ensure that you have time for the things that matter most to you.

8. Take Breaks

Taking breaks throughout the day can help reduce stress and increase productivity. Even a short break to stretch, take a walk, or chat with a colleague can help you feel more refreshed and focused. Try to schedule regular breaks into your day to help prevent burnout.

9. Eat Well

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for your physical and mental wellbeing. Fueling your body with healthy foods can help increase your energy levels and improve your mood. Try to incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet and limit processed foods and sugary drinks.

10. Get Support

If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health, it’s important to seek support. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, seek out a therapist or counselor, or talk to a mental health professional. Remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, and it can help you feel more empowered to prioritize your self-care.

Remember that self-care is not selfish; it’s an essential aspect of overall health and wellbeing. So, take the time to prioritize your needs, interests, and goals, and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and balanced life.

You’re Invited!

Looking for more ways to differentiate your lessons and meet the needs of all your students without adding more to your plate?

Join The Differentiation Conversation Community, a free community for elementary teachers where we share practical differentiation strategies, ready-to-use resources, and encouragement to help you meet the needs of all your learners.

What Do You Think?

What are your favorite self-care practices?

Let me know in the comments below.

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The 8 Best Gifts Your Students Will Love

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I only recommend products that I use and love.

With 20 or more students in your class, it can be hard to choose gifts they will all love. It can also get expensive buying gifts for the whole class. These 8 ideas will make all of your students happy, and they won’t break the bank. (In fact, numbers 7 and 8 are completely free!)

Gift Idea #1 – Mini Inspirational Notepads

Encourage your students to write over winter break with these mini inspirational notebooks. They will love the different sayings on them, and as they write, they will be reminded to think big and believe in themselves. You could even have the students use the notebooks to write about their holiday breaks and bring them back to share in the new year.

Gift Idea #2 – Multicolor Ballpoint Pens

If you’re students love fun pens and are always “borrowing” yours, these multicolor ballpoint pens would make a great gift! They can choose the color they want to use to write. Each pen has six different colors. You could even have the students keep the pens at school and use them for editing their writing. They could use a different color to find each type of mistake.

Gift Idea #3 – Scented Bookmarks

Have you noticed that your students love anything that is scratch-and-sniff? If so, these fruit scented bookmarks will be a hit. They are such a cute and fun way for your students to keep their place in their books as they’re reading. You could also include a book with the bookmarks if you have extra Scholastic points to spend on dollar books.

Gift Idea #4 – Mini Rubik’s Cubes

Rubik’s Cubes are a fun way for your students to practice critical thinking skills. You could use these for some fun activities on the last day before winter break. Set a timer and see which student can solve the Rubik’s Cube first. You could also do a lesson on strategies to solve the puzzle.

Gift Idea #5 – Mini Pop-It Keychains

If your students are obsessed with pop-its, these keychains are a cute gift idea. They can use them as fidgets in the classroom or take them home. They will love hanging them on their backpacks or desks.

Gift Idea #6 – Scratch and Sniff Stickers

Stickers are another fun gift for your students. And what’s even better than regular stickers? Scratch and sniff stickers! Your students will enjoy decorating their papers, folders, and binders with these adorable stickers. 

Gift Idea #7 – A No Homework Pass

If you’re looking for a gift idea that doesn’t cost any money but will be appreciated by all your students, try a no homework pass. It allows your students to skip their homework for one night. The homework pass will come in handy if they have a big baseball game after school or if they just forget their homework paper at school. 

Gift Idea #8 – A Coupon for Something They Love

Think about something your class really enjoys this year, and create a special coupon to let them enjoy it on a day of their choice. Maybe they love stuffed animals, and you want to give them a coupon to bring a stuffed animal from home for a day. Maybe they really like playing games on their devices. You could give them a free tech time coupon that allows them to play a game of their choice for 15 minutes. You could even personalize the coupons to your students based on what they each enjoy or give them a choice from a set of coupons. 

If you’re looking for gift ideas for other teachers at your school or your children’s teachers, check out this post. 

Discover fun Christmas activities to do with your students the week before holiday break. 

You’re Invited!

Looking for more ways to differentiate your lessons and meet the needs of all your students without adding more to your plate?

Join The Differentiation Conversation Community, a free community for elementary teachers where we share practical differentiation strategies, ready-to-use resources, and encouragement to help you meet the needs of all your learners.

What Do You Think?

What is your favorite gift to give your students?

Let me know in the comments below.

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**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I only recommend products that I use and love.

Best Teacher Gifts for 2024

We all know there are certain gifts to avoid getting teachers. I don’t know about you, but I can’t possibly fit another mug in my kitchen cabinet. We also know that most teachers enjoy getting gift cards, but sometimes we’re looking for a more meaningful gift for a teacher at our own school or for a special teacher your child loves. 

These gifts are sure to excite any teacher and show how much you appreciate them. 

Gift Idea #1 – For the Baker

If you know a teacher who loves baking, this cute pot holder might be the perfect gift. You can personalize the color and the saying on the front of it. Then, just add your favorite cake or cookie mix, a few cute kitchen utensils, and maybe a gift card to a bakery near the school, and the gift is complete. 

Gift Idea #2 – For the Teacher Who Loves Reading

If your child’s teacher loves reading, I’m sure he or she would definitely appreciate a book with this special personalized bookmark. You could add a gift card for a bookstore to complete this gift.

Gift Idea #3 – For the Techy Teacher

The Makeblock mBot2 is the perfect gift for a techy teacher who needs the latest technology in his/her classroom. The mBot2 robot is the perfect way to teach students coding because it starts them off with a basic drag-and-drop system and they can advance to Python when they are ready. This gift will benefit both the teacher and the students in the class as they explore new STEM skills.

Gift Idea #4 – For the Teacher Who Needs to Relax

This self-care gift box is a great way to help a teacher relax. It includes a silk eye mask, a rose-scented candle, an insulated tumbler, bath salts, a bath bomb, and homemade soap. If you go in on this gift with other parents from your child’s class or other teachers from your school, you could add in a spa gift card to make this the ultimate relaxation escape. 

Gift Idea #5 – For the Disney-Loving Teacher

If you know a teacher who loves Disney, this personalized stationery set would be a great gift! It includes a notepad, a pen, and two packs of sticky notes. The teacher will have so much fun using this set to write notes to their students! You can even include a Disney gift card for them to use during their next vacation.

Gift Idea #6 – For the Snack-Loving Teacher

Most teachers have a supply of snacks hidden in a desk drawer. Help them restock those yummy snacks with this special snack package. It comes stocked with some sweet and savory treats that are perfect for a quick pick-me-up during the school day. You could add a gift card to a local grocery store or convenience store so they can restock when it starts to run low. 

Gift Idea #7 – For the Coffee Lover

If your child’s teacher brings coffee to school every day, then a Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts gift card may be the perfect gift. You can make it more interesting by putting it in one of cute these gift card holders. 

Gift Idea #8 – For Every Teacher

Even if you don’t buy your child’s teacher a gift, a hand-written thank you note will show just how much you appreciate all the hard work he or she does. Just have your child write a special note to the teacher inside this beautiful thank you card, and it will be treasured for years to come. (I’m sure I’m not the only teacher who has a drawer full of notes and cards from former students.)

You’re Invited!

Looking for more ways to differentiate your lessons and meet the needs of all your students without adding more to your plate?

Join The Differentiation Conversation Community, a free community for elementary teachers where we share practical differentiation strategies, ready-to-use resources, and encouragement to help you meet the needs of all your learners.

What Do You Think?

What do you think are the best teacher gifts?

Let me know in the comments.

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The post Holiday Gift Guide: Best Teacher Gifts for 2024 appeared first on Teach Without Tears.

Cyber Monday Deals for Teachers

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I only recommend products that I use and love.

#1 – Holiday Gifts for Teammates

If you exchange gifts with your teammates at school, Cyber Monday is the perfect time to shop for them. Picking the perfect gifts can be a challenge, though. Here are some ideas to help you get started.

If your teammates always come to school with coffee or tea in the morning, help them stock up on their favorite warm beverages for the winter.

This Stash Tea Sampler comes with 50 different flavors.There is even a holiday collection that features special flavors, like Christmas in Paris and Holiday Chai.

If your teammates are coffee drinkers, they might prefer the 12 Gourmet Coffees of Christmas Gift Set. They can try a different flavor each day over holiday break.

If your co-workers love staying organized, this clipboard folio would be a great gift! The clipboard on the front will hold important papers they need, they can write important information on the notebook inside, and there’s even a folder for extra papers. There are also lots of cute designs to choose from, so you can find a different pattern for each of your teammates.

The holiday season is always stressful with all the activities at school and holiday prep at home. Help your teammates destress with this Spa Day Skincare Beauty Kit.

#2 – Gifts for Your Students

You can also find some great deals on holiday gifts for your students. If you like to give your students a special treat before holiday break or you need a prize for your Christmas Unlock the Box Mystery, look no further! There are lots of great Cyber Monday deals!

Your students will love these stretchy lizards! They come in 12 different colors, and they stick to walls, chairs, and lots of other fun places. 

These invisible ink pens will be a hit with your students! They can write secret messages to their friends and use the light on the back of the pen to read the messages they receive.

If your students love desk pets, these animal erasers would be the perfect gift! You could even give them supplies to create houses for their new pets.

#3 – Things for Your Classroom

If you don’t have a small dry erase whiteboard in your classroom, I highly recommend grabbing one during the Cyber Monday sale. You’ll love how easy it is to carry this small whiteboard from one place in your classroom to another. Plus, it’s the perfect place to model problems during your small group math lessons. This AWELUX Dry Erase White Board is my favorite.

Mr. Sketch Scented Markers are perfect for creating beautiful anchor charts. Cyber Monday is a great time to stock up on them!

Stay organized with this 3 tier rolling cart. There’s plenty of space for all your teaching supplies. Plus, you can take it with you everywhere you go – from your whole group mini lesson on the carpet to your small group table for reading groups.

#4 – Gifts for You

Ok, so it’s close to the holidays, and we’re supposed to be shopping for others, but you can’t shop on Cyber Monday without buying yourself a few things.

Block out all the sounds around you and listen to some relaxing music with these wireless ear buds. After a long day of teaching (or even during your planning time), these can help you take a break and forget about everything else for a little while.

If you need your caffeine fix to get through the morning, this Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker is perfect for you! You can even keep it in your classroom to brew yourself a pick-me-up any time you need it.

#5 – TPT

Don’t forget about the TPT Cyber Sale!

Everything in the Teach Without Tears store will be 25% off. Stock up on holiday items now!

December Early Finisher Activities

Reading Is Snow Much Fun December Reading Challenge

Christmas Unlock the Box Mystery

Christmas Activities Pack

Happy Shopping!

I like to get as much shopping done on Cyber Monday as possible. That way, I have plenty of time for everything to be delivered and wrapped.

I hope you get lots of the items on your shopping list checked off!

Want More Great Deals?

Find some fun holiday activities to do with your students. 

Discover my favorite teaching resources on Amazon.

You’re Invited!

Looking for more ways to differentiate your lessons and meet the needs of all your students without adding more to your plate?

Join The Differentiation Conversation Community, a free community for elementary teachers where we share practical differentiation strategies, ready-to-use resources, and encouragement to help you meet the needs of all your learners.

What Do You Think?

What are your favorite things to buy on Cyber Monday?

Let me know in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this post and think your teacher friends will, too, please click the button to share it on your favorite social media platform.

The post The Best Cyber Monday Deals for Teachers appeared first on Teach Without Tears.

10 Quick and Easy Meal Planning Tips for Teachers

When I first started teaching, I lived at home, and my mom made all of my meals. It was perfect! I could come home from school and spend my night planning and grading. As a first year teacher, I needed as much time as I could get to keep from drowning.

Then, I got married and suddenly, I was responsible for making dinner. I actually love to cook, but after a long day at school, it’s the last thing I feel like doing. My husband and I ended up going out to eat at least two or three time a week.

That was fine until we had children. When my son was born, it was a pain dragging everything he needed to a restaurant. Instead, we stopped at the drive-thru or got take-out on the way home. This was expensive and not very healthy.

I knew something had to change, and that’s when I started meal planning. It has completely changed the way I cook and the way I spend my evenings after school.

Here are my 10 best meal planning tips for teachers.

#1 – Choose a time for meal planning.

Building a time for meal planning into your weekly schedule is so important. If you don’t make it a priority, it won’t happen.

I set aside an hour every Thursday night to find recipes and make my grocery list. Then, I get up early on Saturday morning to go to the grocery store and spend the next 2 hours preparing all of our dinners for the week. By noon, all of my cooking for the week is finished, and I can enjoy the rest of my weekend.

#2 – Set out all of your ingredients.

One of the ways I always waste the most time is looking for ingredients. I know I bought it, but I can’t find it when I need it. That’s why I set out all of my ingredients before I even start cooking.

Before I go to the grocery store, I go through my pantry to see what I already have. I put those items on the kitchen counter. When I get home from the grocery store, I unpack the bags and leave anything I need out on the counter.

That way, all I have to do is grab the ingredients I need for the recipe I’m making.

#3 – Start by cooking your proteins.

You probably need some cooked chicken or beef for some of your meals. Start by baking your chicken in the oven and browning your ground beef. Once your proteins are cooked, it’s really easy to put the rest of the meals together.

While the proteins are cooking, you can boil the water for pasta and assemble any meals that don’t require a cooked protein.

#4 – Multitask and work on more than one meal at a time.

If you make one meal at a time, it’s probably going to take longer than 2 hours. It’s a good idea to look at all of your recipes and plan out what you’ll do first, second, and so on.

While the pasta for one meal is cooking, you can cut the veggies for another meal. You want to use your time wisely so your meals are finished as quickly as possible.

#5 – Don’t forget about breakfast and lunch.

You should think about breakfast and lunch when you’re meal planning, too. Each week, I make a breakfast that will last my family the whole week. That way, I don’t have to think about what we’re eating on those busy mornings before school.

I always make extra of the dinners so I don’t have to worry about lunch. My husband and I take leftovers each day. That way, I only have to worry about making sandwiches for the kids when they’re not buying the school lunches.

Dessert is also part of my weekly meal planning. I like to have something sweet to take for a snack at school. Of course my kids love dessert, too!

#6 – Label the meals with the cooking instructions.

When you’re finished making a meal, cover it with aluminum foil. Then, use a Sharpie to write the cooking instructions.

When I first started meal planning, I didn’t do this, and each night, I had to look up the directions for the oven temperature and cooking time. Now, I just pull a meal out of the refrigerator when I get home from work and look at the top to see how to cook it.

#7 – Write your meals on your calendar.

This is another tip I learned the hard way. I would just make all my meals and put them in the refrigerator without thinking about when we would eat each one.

One week, Friday rolled around, and the only meal left in the refrigerator was a chicken pot pie that had to cook for an hour. We had to be at my son’s school for an event at 6:00, so there was no way it would cook in time.

Since then, I write my meals on my calendar, so I can see what’s going on each night of the week. I know I need a quick-cooking meal on the nights my son has soccer practice.

#8 – Prepare some freezer meals for weeks you don’t have time to meal plan.

It’s inevitable that there will be weekends when you can’t meal plan. You have things planned for both Saturday and Sunday, and there won’t be two hours to set aside to prepare food.

I avoid this problem by making some freezer meals. There are 2 ways to do this. You could take a day to prepare a bunch of freezer meals all at once. I do this before school starts and over long breaks, like Christmas.

If you don’t want to spend a day making freezer meals, you can simply double a recipe during your meal preparation each week and freeze it. That way, freezer meals will build up for those weeks when you can’t meal plan.

Check out some of my favorite freezer meals.

#9 – Don’t worry about the weekends.

I don’t make meals for the weekends. We usually go out to eat one night and have leftovers the other night. The only way I cook dinner is if we’re having guests at our house.

You’re Invited!

Looking for more ways to differentiate your lessons and meet the needs of all your students without adding more to your plate?

Join The Differentiation Conversation Community, a free community for elementary teachers where we share practical differentiation strategies, ready-to-use resources, and encouragement to help you meet the needs of all your learners.

What Do You Think?

How do you get dinner on the table during the busy school week?

Let me know in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this post and think your teacher friends will, too, please click the button to share it on your favorite social media platform.

The post 10 Quick and Easy Meal Planning Tips for Teachers appeared first on Teach Without Tears.

Save Money After You Shop

You get home from the store and empty all your bags. Put everything away where it goes, but don’t throw away your receipts. They can help you save even more money on the items you just purchased. There are several different apps that allow you to scan your receipt to get cash back if you bought certain products. These are some of my favorites.

1. Rakuten

What I Love About Rakuten:

• You get money back on things you’re already buying.
• You just click a button, and Rakuten does the rest.
• After you make a qualifying purchase, the money is added to your account. You will receive a check in the mail the following month.

How It Works –

1. Use my affiliate link to go to the Rakuten website and create an account.
2. When you’re shopping online, click on the Rakuten button.
3. Shop as you normally would.
4. Rakuten will add money to your account.

2. Ibotta

What I Love About Ibotta:

• They work with hundreds of grocery stores across the country.
• You can get money back on groceries or online purchases at hundreds of other retailers.
• There are special bonuses if you redeem a certain number of offers.
• It is really easy to withdraw your money. You can send it directly to Paypal or get gift cards for popular stores. I’ve already made over $100 with Ibotta.

How It Works –

1. Go to the Ibotta website and create an account. You will get $20 free just for signing up.
2. Download the Ibotta app on your phone. I would love it if you would use my referral code: eepppjy.
3. Go to “Find Offers,” choose your store, and select the items you bought.
4. Go to “Redeem” and take pictures of your receipt.
5. You will receive an email when the money is added to your account.

3. Checkout 51

What I Love About Checkout 51:

• You don’t have to choose a store. Any receipt will work.
• There are offers for lots of popular brands.
• You can get the money you earn through PayPal or a check mailed to your house.

How It Works –

1. Go to the Checkout 51 website and create an account.
2. Download the Checkout 51 app on your phone.
3. Press the plus sign for all the items you purchased.
4. Go to “Redeem” and take pictures of your receipt.
5. You will receive an email when the money is added to your account.

4. SavingStar

What I Love About SavingStar:

• You can add your grocery store card number into the SavingStar app. If that works for your grocery store, you don’t have to scan any receipts.
• You will get an email telling you when rebates have been added to your account.
• You can get the money you earn through a bank account deposit, PayPal, or a Starbucks, iTunes, or AMC Theaters eGift Card.

How It Works –

1. Download the SavingStar app on your phone and set up an account.
2. Click on any rebate offers you might buy. You have to do this before you go to the grocery store if you loaded your grocery store card number into the app.
3. You will get an email when savings have been added to your account.

5. Fetch Rewards

What I Love About Fetch Rewards:

• I just started using Fetch Rewards, but I already love that I don’t have to choose offers. Just take pictures of your receipt, and the app checks for any available offers.
• You cash out your rewards for gift cards from lots of popular stores.

How It Works –

1. Download the Fetch Rewards app on your phone and set up an account. Enter my referral code, J2VAB, to get 2,000 points.
2. Take pictures of your receipts. Points will be added to your account for any available offers.

Helpful Hints

I save hundreds of dollars using these apps each year. However, they can lead to spending more money if you try to buy items just to get the rebates. That’s why I wait until after I shop to check the apps. This works for all of them except SavingStar.

When I get home from the grocery store, I look through the apps and select the items I bought. Then, I lay out my receipts and take the pictures. All of this takes only a few minutes, and the money is usually added to my account within a few minutes.

Find out how to save money with coupons and by making a list.

You’re Invited!

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Join The Differentiation Conversation Community, a free community for elementary teachers where we share practical differentiation strategies, ready-to-use resources, and encouragement to help you meet the needs of all your learners.

What Do You Think?

What are your favorite ways to save money?

Let me know in the comments below.

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**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I only recommend products that I use and love.

Holiday Tea Party Invitations

The first impression your guests will have of your tea party is the invitation you send.  I’ve found a different invitation each year to start the excitement for the event. One of my absolute favorite invitations was the one I used for my very first tea party.  You write all of the details about the date and location on the tea bags, and they slide down into the tea cup.  All of my guests loved it!

This year, I printed my own invitations.  There are some really cute ones on Etsy. You can also design your own. I found this adorable design on Canva. I put it on the cover of a card that I created in Microsoft Publisher.  After adding the details inside, I just printed them and delivered them. That saved me time and money while still getting my guests excited about the event.

Holiday Tea Party Decorations

One of the best things about hosting a holiday tea is that most of your decorating is already done.  All of your holiday decorations set the mood for the party, and not much more is necessary. The one area I focus on is my tablescape.  A beautiful holiday tablecloth, placemats, and napkins will wow your guests. Since they will be spending the most time at the table, this will be the focus of the party.

Since it’s a tea party, the one necessary item is tea cups.  I have a very eclectic collection of tea cups. When my guests arrive, they choose their seat based on their favorite cup.  I received some of them from my grandmother. The rest I picked up at various stores over the years, or I received them as gifts.

Holiday Tea Party Menu

The menu is the most important part of your tea party.  You want a wide assortment of foods people can pick up with their fingers.  I always serve a first course of appetizers and tea sandwiches and a second course of dessert and scones.

Appetizers

As my guests arrive, they are greeted by a counter filled with delicious appetizers.  Each year I try to change what I serve, but here are a few favorites that I almost always make.  There is never any of the hot bacon cheddar dip left by the end of the party. Everyone loves it served on Ritz Crackers.

• Olive Garden Copycat Caprese Flatbread from Carrie at Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
• Hot Bacon Cheddar Dip from Holly at Spend with Pennies
• Broccoli and Cheese Mini Quiches from Anna at Crunchy Creamy Sweet

Tea Sandwiches

It’s not a tea party without finger sandwiches.  You can fill them with anything you like. Just make sure you remove the crusts and cut them into small triangles.  I always make 3 types of tea sandwiches because my server has three tiers. These are a few of my favorites.

• Egg Salad – from Jaclyn at Cooking Classy

• Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Lemony Dill Spread from Tracey at The Kitchen is my Playground

• Chicken Salad with Almonds and Tarragon from Gerry at Foodness Gracious

Scones

Scones are essential to a tea party, just like the tea sandwiches.  The first few years I experimented with different scone recipes. Then, I discovered the Barefoot Contessa’s recipe, and I’ve been using it ever since.  They are light and flaky, and I love the combination of the cranberry and orange flavors. Make sure you serve your scones with jam and Devonshire cream.

• Cranberry Orange Scones from Ina Garten

• Devonshire Cream from Maggie at Smashed Peas and Carrots

Desserts

• Chocolate chip cookies from Kim at The Baking ChocolaTess
• Cheesecake bites from Mostly Homemade Mom
• Sugar Cookies from Katrina at In Katrina’s Kitchen

Tea

Of course, you can’t have a tea party without tea.  I like to offer a wide variety of teas so my guests can choose their favorites.  I have water boiling in a teapot on the stove when my guests arrive. Then, I fill their teacups as they choose a seat.  I always have milk, sugar cubes, and lemon on the table for my guests to add to their tea.

Holiday Tea Party Favors

You want to leave your guests with something to remember your tea party.  I’ve had lots of different favors over the years. Some of the favorites were teacup candles and tea bags to go.

This year I’m trying something different.  Usually everyone is so full after the first course that they don’t have room for dessert.  I end up with tons of leftover cookies. When I was shopping at the Dollar Tree, I found some adorable tin containers.  Each one has a different design. I put a piece of foil inside each one, and my guests will be able to fill it with chocolate chip cookies, linzer tarts, and scones before they leave.  Now my guests can choose their seats based on their favorite teacup and favor.

Every person I invited is attending my tea this year.  They know they can expect a great time filled with friends, delicious foods, and great conversations.

Get some other ideas for bringing holiday cheer to your school.

You’re Invited!

Looking for ways to differentiate your lessons and meet the needs of all your students without adding more to your plate?

Join The Differentiation Conversation Community, a free community for elementary teachers where we share practical differentiation strategies, ready-to-use resources, and encouragement to help you meet the needs of all your learners.

What Do You Think?

What are your special holiday traditions?

Let me know in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this post and think your teacher friends will, too, please click the button to share it on your favorite social media platform.

The post How to Plan a Holiday Tea Party for Your Teacher Friends appeared first on Teach Without Tears.