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My humorous thoughts about life.

"My Humorous and Helpful Thoughts About Teaching / Educational Resources for Your Classroom / Music and Random Fun"

Friday, August 1, 2025

Enter to Win a $10 TpT Giftcard!


Teachers,

Here is a quick and easy contest. Go to the Rafflecopter below and enter to win a $10 TpT gift card! The more you click, the better your chance of winning. You get the most entries for spreading the word!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f4a8c3a520/?

Contest ends in time for the TpT sitewide sale on August 5th & 6th, so hurry. Everything at TpT will be 20% off with an additional 5% by using the code BTS25. Of course, that does not include a new 50% off resource. 

The winner will be sent a notice and asked to verify receipt of it by the end of the day to win. If no reply, I will choose a new winner.

Thanks!

Joyce

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Sunday, July 27, 2025

My Story and High School Reading Passages

You can skip the narrative and find the resource below.

How I became a Writer

Long ago, I worked on a memorable writing activity with my kids. I gave my students a partially written story in which they filled in the details. After deciding to complete the activity with them and enjoying it thoroughly, I became a writer.  Five novels, a writing course at The Institute for Children's Literature with April Lurie, and multiple writing conferences later, here I am. I've written many short stories and questions on TpT. 

Although none of my novels have been published, I'm a published author thanks to Paul Revere's Ride on Me, a short story which appeared in AppleSeeds Magazine, which was part of Carus, or the Cricket family. I'm still writing short stories or reading passages.

After writing my stories, mostly nonfiction or historical fiction, I grade level score them according to readability checkers and content. My writing tends to score in the middle to high school range, so here you have it! 

I write all of my stories myself and have NEVER used AI. After time and money spent developing my craft, I take offense to a computer doing what I do. It can't!


High School Reading Passages

Although I've written a plethora of reading passages and grouped them together in bundles, my best seller is my original High School Reading Comprehension Passages and Questions.

Make language arts class fun with these high school reading comprehension passages and questions with answers. This secondary resource contains classroom-ready nonfiction articles, discussion questions, writing prompts, and answer keys to develop your kids’ critical thinking skills. Plus, quick and easy setup and clear directions make these engaging activities perfect for centers or for emergency sub plans for high school English.

Inside this easy use, no prep, bundle, you'll find:

  • 52 pages
  • 7 Resources
  • Reading Passages
  • Discussion Questions
  • Writing Prompts
  • Printable Worksheets
  • Link to Google Slides
  • Easel Worksheets
  • Answer Keys

This no prep bundle contains passages about:

  • Martin Pistorius
  • Alice & Freda
  • Horror Movies / Ed Gein
  • History of Impeachment
  • Drugs and Alcohol
  • Accountable Talk Story
  • Covid and Teens


Read what teachers, like you, have said about this resource.

Wendy Kurtz

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  This is a very effective resource. So far we worked on the Impeachment articles. They were engaging and sparked deeper looks into further information. I had many opportunities to model active reading. I recommend this resource.

Helen W.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  My students have been fascinated by the passages they've had to read. The questions have always led to very engaging discussions. It's a great resource that I would recommend.


Jennifer D.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  I loved the topics of some of these passages. They were interesting to my high schoolers and encouraged them to participate! 

Jennifer F.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  I use this resource with a student that I tutor. He loves these stories and passages. Great questions.


Click here to find this resource on TpT.


Joyce

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Thursday, July 24, 2025

😂 An Original Back to School Tip

What is it about dryers that makes items stick to other items, especially nylon material? One morning, I hurriedly dressed and headed off to multiple errands. Then I met my daughter for lunch and entered another place of business. I know, sounds kind of boring.

At night, I attended a Meet the New Clergy party with several friends and acquaintances. While visiting with others, something black fell off of the inside of my skirt and onto the floor. At first I thought it was a napkin but quickly realized it was a pair of my black undies. I snatched them off the floor and shoved them into my pocket. A couple of young people saw and had a good laugh.

The twenty-one-year-old told me she always worries about that.

"No need to worry." I chuckled. "I did it and survived," I said.

Moral of the story: Check yourself thoroughly before heading to school! You may survive, but getting your kids to stop laughing and focus on schoolwork is a little tougher.



Joyce

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