There are many intellectual property considerations when entering into contracts or selling your products online. I’ve got some tips for fellow sellers that prove handy in contract negotiations and promoting your merchandise. First things first, safeguard your copyrights and ensure your capacity to defend them by officially registering them with the US Copyright Office! Head over to copyright.gov where, for a $65 fee, you can swiftly complete the application process online.
Within your Products:
Ensure each of your works includes a copyright disclaimer. In all my creations, including those offered for free, I insert the following on page 2, right after the cover page: :
Copying any part of this product and placing it on the Internet in any form (even a personal/classroom website) is strictly forbidden and is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). These items can be picked up in a Google search and then shared worldwide for free.
*You may use this for your own personal use, but you are not allowed to use this in any commercial courses you sell to other sellers.
Additionally, I’ve included the FBI Piracy seal in my Terms of Use (TOU) page. You can find detailed information about the seal’s use, requirements, and the TOU here: FBI Piracy Seal Information.
Alongside my Terms of Use (TOU) page, I’ve integrated the following identifier onto every single page of my products, including the free ones:
Incorporating these identifiers across your products eliminates doubt about ownership and creates a barrier against replication.
After Publication:
Regularly conduct Google searches using your name, store name, and product names. You’ll be surprised to find instances where, despite these notices on your products, people still upload them to various websites. Most infringers aren’t malicious—they often don’t realize that posting a unit on their personal or school website exposes it globally through Google. The only secure online location for a file is on a password-protected site.
Once you identify the website, individual, or school district, seek out their email address and send a DMCA letter requesting the removal of the content. You can access a template letter that I’ve used successfully on Tools for Teachers by Laurah J. Many individuals, once informed, comply and apologize promptly as they might not have been aware of their mistake.
Aside from notifying the infringing site, it’s advisable to inform Google for the removal of the content from their search function. You can take this action here: Google DMCA Complaint.
No strategy guarantees 100% protection from copyright infringement. There will always be individuals or entities willing to disregard the law despite the consequences. However, these measures can make it more challenging and dissuade those who aren’t prepared to invest the effort. They might also serve as a means to educate those who genuinely lack awareness of the law and have no intent to cause harm.
While working in your classroom, striving to support your students with limited resources, you might wonder about the boundaries when using available materials to aid their understanding. As educators, we often have flexibility within copyright guidelines, yet it’s crucial to discern when our actions might breach legal boundaries. Our responsibility is to set a positive ethical example for our students. Just as we discourage plagiarism and cheating, we must uphold the same standards ourselves.
How can teachers safeguard themselves while ensuring compliance and making the most of available resources?
In educational settings, teachers often benefit from the “fair use” principles outlined in copyright law. This doctrine allows the use of copyrighted materials without a license in specific situations to encourage freedom of expression.
According to the copyright.gov site, “Section 107 of the Copyright Act provides the statutory framework for determining whether something is a fair use and identifies certain types of uses—such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research—as examples of activities that may qualify as fair use.”
While teaching a class, you typically have considerable freedom in choosing educational materials to aid learning, such as books, lyrics, or videos. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the materials you use don’t infringe on copyrights. Avoid benefiting from stolen work by using original sources. For instance, utilize a legally purchased movie clip rather than a pirated one from a website. Similarly, use purchased educational resources like TpT products rather than improperly shared versions.
At what point might a teacher overstep the bounds of fair use?
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) explicitly prohibits the posting of copyrighted material on the Internet where it could be accessed through a general search. While using such content within your classroom is permissible, sharing it online ventures into a legally ambiguous space that could result in significant financial penalties.
Any material uploaded online must be on a password-protected platform. Creating an open webpage for your class and placing resources like textbook excerpts, TpT purchases, novels, or song lyrics for students to access at home is prohibited unless it’s protected by a password. Unprotected content, even if not linked anywhere, can be indexed in general searches, inadvertently making it available worldwide. This shifts a teacher’s well-intentioned act into the realm of internet piracy.
Most textbook publishers and teacher authors have a Terms of Use (TOU) section within their resources, outlining sharing guidelines. It’s crucial to read and adhere to these guidelines, both to demonstrate ethical standards to students and to safeguard against potential legal repercussions.
The vast majority of teachers sharing materials online may not realize they’re making them accessible to a wider audience beyond their students and parents. Teachers are generally generous and honest, aiming to facilitate easy access for their students and families. Hopefully, this information helps in navigating compliance and sets a standard of best practices. In an environment where teachers often face unwarranted criticism, preserving honesty and integrity within the profession is essential.
I have three kids—my eldest is now 24 and recently graduated from college, while the others are close behind at almost 21 and 18! I focused on financial literacy with them during their high school years, aiming to foster their independence while instilling responsible money management. During a session where I was assisting my daughter in completing her W-4 for a new job, she remarked, “I wish they taught this stuff in school. It’s frustrating that they spend time on less important things and skip over what’s truly essential—like how to handle a job or file taxes.” Her insight struck a chord with me. It dawned on me that there’s a genuine need for curriculum materials not just for my kids but for all teens who could benefit from this knowledge.
I sat down to compile a list of vital skills essential for high schoolers or college beginners—a rundown of the key aspects I’ve been guiding my own kids through. Beginning with the basics, like setting up a savings accountto manage allowance or gift money for their future wants and needs.
Next, it’s a good idea for a teen who is ready to embark on their first job to open a checking account so that they are all ready to be paid via direct deposit when that job offer comes in!
Securing that initial job feels like a major milestone, yet once the offer is extended, teens often find themselves confronted with a stack of paperwork—W-4s, direct deposit forms—and no clue where to begin!
Then comes the eye-opening moment when they receive their first paycheck, facing taxes for the very first time!
After the initial surprise of paying taxes settles, teens realize they might have a chance to reclaim some of that money through a tax refund! But here’s the catch—they need to file that 1040 form to claim it! Introducing Jobs and Taxes for Teens, a product designed to guide teens through each step: completing the W-4, deciphering a paystub, comprehending their W-2, and filing their 1040 return to secure their refund.
Students will delve into the realm of credit and debit cards, understanding the critical concept of how interest charges can swiftly escalate into overwhelming debts. The crucial lesson here lies in moderation and responsibility to maintain control over finances.
Having financial literacy at the outset of adulthood is crucial for embarking on a responsible path, leading to the establishment of a positive credit score. This, in turn, paves the way toward affording significant milestones like purchasing cars, homeownership, and attaining the various aspects of the American Dream!
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Finding the perfect book to engage and captivate your students is like finding lost treasure. One such novel that deserves a place of honor in classroom libraries is Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater. This timeless tale isn’t just a delightful story; it’s a powerful tool for teaching, sparking curiosity, and fostering essential skills in students. Teachers seeking to engage and inspire their students will find numerous reasons why this charming story deserves a place within their lesson plans.
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The Benefits of Using Mr. Popper’s Penguins in Your Classroom:
Captivating Storyline Sparks Imagination: Mr. Popper’s Penguins follows the delightful tale of Mr. Popper, an ordinary man whose life takes an extraordinary turn when he receives a penguin as an unexpected gift. The escapades that follow, as Mr. Popper and his family adapt to their new, unconventional pet, are both hilarious and heartwarming. This engaging storyline stimulates students’ imagination, fostering a love for reading and storytelling.
Offers Multi-disciplinary Learning Opportunities: This novel isn’t confined to just the reading curriculum. It opens doors to interdisciplinary exploration. From science to geography, history to social studies, there’s a wealth of educational content waiting to be uncovered within its pages. Teachers can seamlessly integrate lessons on ecosystems, climate, geography, and even historical contexts, fostering a holistic learning experience.
Explores Character Development and Moral Lessons: Through Mr. Popper’s journey with the penguins, students can grasp essential values such as responsibility, compassion, and adaptability. Discussions around character motivations, decisions, and consequences provide a rich ground for moral development.
Expands Language and Literacy Development: The novel’s rich vocabulary and descriptive language serve as an excellent resource for language and literacy development. From exploring new words to understanding various literary devices, Mr. Popper’s Penguins offers ample opportunities for language-focused activities.
Promotes Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: The various predicaments Mr. Popper faces throughout the narrative encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. Analyzing characters’ decisions, predicting outcomes, and brainstorming alternative solutions to challenges presented in the story foster cognitive development and logical reasoning.
Cultivates a Love for Reading: Introducing students to a book as delightful and engaging as Mr. Popper’s Penguins can instill a lifelong love for reading. By capturing students’ attention and imagination, teachers pave the way for a deeper appreciation of literature and storytelling, fostering a habit of reading for pleasure.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins isn’t just a story; it’s a gateway to a world of imagination. Its blend of entertainment and educational value makes it an invaluable resource for educators seeking to inspire, engage, and impart essential life lessons. By embracing this beloved classic, teachers open doors to a world of learning opportunities that extend far beyond the pages of the book.
Embrace the magic of storytelling and consider adding Mr. Popper’s Penguins to your classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Mr. Popper’s Penguins
You can purchase this novel study which contains both a printable and a Google Drive™ format at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Are you looking for the perfect novel to captivate your students’ attention and ignite their imagination? Look no further than The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements. This modern and relatable novel offers a rich tapestry of themes, characters, and educational value that make it an invaluable asset in any classroom setting.
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Benefits of Using The Last Holiday Concert in Your Classroom:
Contains an Engaging Narrative: Andrew Clements, a master storyteller, weaves a compelling narrative that resonates with middle-grade students. The book revolves around Hart Evans, a middle school student tasked with directing the school’s holiday concert after his teacher’s unexpected departure. As Hart navigates challenges and inspires his peers, the story highlights resilience, leadership, and the power of teamwork.
Encourages Development of Empathy and Social Skills: Through the protagonist’s journey, students are exposed to the complexities of interpersonal relationships, fostering empathy and understanding. The struggles faced by the characters resonate with young readers, encouraging them to navigate their own challenges with compassion and resilience. This narrative also emphasizes the importance of effective communication and collaboration, essential skills for personal and academic growth.
Brings Relevance to Classroom Themes: The novel touches on various themes that align with classroom discussions, including:
Leadership and Responsibility: Hart’s journey emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and assuming responsibility, making it an excellent discussion point for character development.
Teamwork and Collaboration: The collaborative efforts of students in organizing the concert foster discussions on teamwork and cooperation.
Creativity and Problem-Solving: As Hart encounters obstacles, students learn the value of creativity and critical thinking in overcoming challenges.
Promotes Critical Thinking: Teachers appreciate how The Last Holiday Concert encourages critical thinking and discussion among students. The book touches upon various social and emotional issues, prompting readers to analyze the characters’ motivations and decisions. It provides an excellent platform for classroom discussions about friendship, empathy, responsibility, and the significance of pursuing one’s passions.
Provides Opportunities for Cross-Curricular Integration: The Last Holiday Concert seamlessly integrates into multiple curricular areas such as:
Language Arts: Explore literary elements such as plot, character development, and symbolism through engaging discussions and activities.
Music and Arts: Delve into the world of music, rhythm, and artistic expression, connecting the story to real-life experiences through musical appreciation and performances.
Addresses Social Dynamics: The book touches on relatable social dynamics within a school setting, from friendships and conflicts to the sense of belonging and self-discovery. It provides a platform for discussions on empathy, understanding differences, and fostering inclusive environments.
Encouraging Creativity and Expression:The Last Holiday Concert celebrates creativity and self-expression through music. Teachers can use the story to inspire students to explore their artistic talents, whether through writing, music, or visual arts. By connecting with the characters’ passion for music, students may discover their own avenues for creative expression, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts.
Incorporating The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements into your classroom offers a myriad of educational benefits. Its compelling narrative, thematic relevance, and capacity to stimulate discussions make it an indispensable tool for fostering a dynamic and engaging classroom.
Unlock the potential of your classroom with The Last Holiday Concert, and watch as your student’s imagination takes flight within the pages of this captivating novel.
I offer a complete novel study for The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements that can be used for a whole class novel study, in lit circles, book clubs, and for independent student work.
Try a free sample of the novel study for The Last Holiday Concert
You can purchase this novel study which contains both a printable and a Google Drive™ format at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
