I am kind of sick of TPT. I am sick of the cutesy clipart everyone uses. I think it's kind of doing a disservice to teachers because it makes us think that everything has to be *adorable*. I'm sure I'll still be searching for things come fall, but, I don't know. I'm kind of over it.
I have heard this a lot on this site, so I'm sure there is a lot of truth in it. I know I am using TPT more and more for 5th grade, and I have been impressed by some high quality materials that really don't have any fancy borders or clip art. Most of it requires $$$, but I have found a couple of good items for free. I hope that you are able to find some 1st grade items that are as good as what I have found. I agree that the cutesy clipart and adorable items alone is a disservice to teachers.
:lol: The whole TPT thing seems to be a hot topic lately. The thing that bothers me the most are the cute fonts that are really difficult to read. I do find a lot of useful things on TPT, though.
LOL! Yeah, I think I've had enough of chevron for a while. Chevron has literally exploded this past year.
I have used free things on TPT with no "cute" stuff. It's just hard to sort through everything since there is so much on there. I guess I'm out of the loop because I don't know what chevron is...is it on TPT?
Chevron is that v-shaped design graphic. I remember when it was popular for needlepoint. Anyway, it is popular now for accent or backgrounds, etc. I only look for things for my youngest students, anyway, and I'm mostly interested in the content. However, I couldn't resist the lesson for Little Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. The old lady had a skirt that lifted and you pasted all the animals there. Too cute. I only use the freebies, so I'm not a very valued customer. I get a weekly email about the new freebies, which I love.
Chevron is a pattern (like gingham, plaid, etc.) It's very much on trend in the fashion and paper crafting world as well. Example of chevron: http://tltpanelusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Orange_Chevron.jpg
I think people are doing whatever they can to market their products. Cutesy is the way most people go about that. That being said, I completely understand what you are saying. The age-inappropriate fonts have bothered me the most.
Bottom line, cute sells on TPT for some grade levels. I buy what works for me...yes, some of it is cute, but it doesnt replace good teaching...i pick and choose what complements my instruction. There seems to be a want for less decorated materials...maybe that would be a good 'side' business for someone...creating those kinds of things and selling on TPT.
Include me in the clueless about Chevron thing. I happened to have bought a border last week of this pattern and had no idea that's what is called. Also I prefer some thing like that over 'cutesy' border patterns or just go with solid colors or fabric ribbons. Also I'm also clueless some what on TPT. I've been on the site maybe three times and may have downloaded the free stuff. Since I teach 5th grade I don't do cute stuff unless its something I may have put together myself. Do they have things that are worth paying?
I haven't bought anything (yet). I enjoy looking but I'm looking at content, usefulness, purpose...with some cute since I teach K & 1st. I don't like the fancy fonts for younger children tho. I'm mainly getting tired of so much of it being on pinterest. I thought that was for ideas, wish lists, dreaming...not for selling.
I totally get what OP is saying. I hAve only been on TPT for labels (ar clip chart, library labels, and marzano rubric). Besides that there's nothing else for me (yet). As for pinerest, I only look at classroom organization photos. *shrugs* Most of it is toooooo much stuff. Like I ask before, who has the time and MONEY to do all of that (Some stuff takes money) *shrugs*
Yes I've been wondering that too! I've seen some good classroom pics posting with so much going on but it looks overwhelming to me. I don't have the time for setting up and keeping up with so much stuff! This year will be even less time since they haven't finished doing the floors and we won't be allow into our rooms till a couple of days before kids are back.
The cuteness factor has affected my sales. My stuff isn't cute, and I am definitely selling less than I used to.
Oh my gosh, THANK YOU!! :lol: The chevron explosion is driving me insane. This really bothers me too! I've used TPT frequently in the past, but lately I've discovered that I really like making my own stuff. Now I mostly buy graphics, fonts, and borders from TPT. I *totally* agree about the illegible and age appropriate fonts. That drives me nuts. I also get extremely overwhelmed by worksheets that look like they're trying to win an art contest. And some stuff is really TOO cute. I still use TPT occasionally, but I find I like the things I create myself better. They are usually much less cutesy and busy than the TPT versions. I would rather find an idea on Pinterest and make it myself.
Chevron is kind of refreshing after all the zebra print & pink stuff I've seen over the last few years! (sorry, all you zebra print lovers!)
Overuse of Chevron, lol. I haven't used anything from TPT yet... My top websites have been: 1. handwritingworksheets.com 2. Education.com 3. havefunteaching.com
For many teachers, TPT is treated as a 2nd job. They subscribe to clipart websites, purchased the fonts, and designate certain time to work. You can actually make really good money. The top seller has earned over $1 million.
:thumb::thumb: That is so TRUE! I'm so over that combination. Some teachers even carry it over to their home decor.
Since many people are wondering what is useful on TPT, I went through my purchases, and found some things that have been big hits in my classroom. Sure, I could have made many of these things myself, but I would rather pay $2 for something that is already made. How Much is Your Word Worth: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Spelling-How-Much-is-Your-Word-Worth-243744 I used these labels all over my room. She even made some custom ones for me in different colors: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Label-Pack-Editable-Polka-Dot-Brights-754837 I had a "Mustache Day" at the end of the school year, and I found tons of fun mustache-related activities on TPT: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mustache-Mania-Math-and-Literacy-Activities-455357 I LOVE these cards! I use them for word work: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/52-Spelling-Center-Activity-Cards-260339 This was a fun addition to my measurement unit: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/...easuring-Length-Aligned-to-Common-Core-277215 I changed this game up a bit, and my students played it in teams: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Monster-Math-Madness-Regrouping-Game-286101 I love doing this each year: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/...ting-Craft-Project-cute-bulletin-board-159662 These writing prompts were a fun addition to work on writing in October: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/...ory-Starters-for-Writing-Color-Edition-315721
Thanks DrivingP! Love the label font! Well, I guess I live constantly in the clueless world but that's another thing I don't get- the mustache thing. It's every where! Straws, covers for devices, t-shirts to name a few and now the classroom!? Why? What's it suppose to mean or is it just silliness? Another one that falls in the category of 'I hate to admit it but'
I don't really get the mustache thing, either, but my class was OBSESSED! They would always make their own paper mustaches during indoor recess. If their folders had puppies or kittens, they would decorate them with mustaches. :lol: I definitely wouldn't have done a mustache day if it weren't for my class' obsession.
I only purchase from another teacher I know. Her units are similar to my teaching style and I am happy to support her. She's creating units while staying home with her children, but she taught for many years. If you don't like the stuff, don't buy it.
There are several members here who are TPT creators and many who are purchasers...while some may choose not to partake of the offerings at TPT, there are plenty who find the site to be a valuable resource.:thumb: like all things, one makes the choices that work well for themselves and their students.
I use to dislike TPT for many of the reasons stated on this thread, but now I really like it. I find I have to use it like I do amazon.com. I need to know exactly what I am looking for. If I just browse there is too much, and too much irrelevant to me. I suggest putting the grade, the subject, and the type of materials you are specifically looking for. It isn't "Google", so the search engine isn't perfect, but it does help find some really good stuff in a hurry.
I've never used TPT, never even browsed it. But one of my old coworkers said he made about $500-$1000/year selling things. Seems like a nice little side project to have for sure!
I really don't understand the animosity. If you don't like something, don't buy it. My stuff is not cute - it's mostly practical tools for teachers, like lesson plan templates with drop-down menus of the common core standards. I use very few of the items with the "cute kids" and such on them, because they don't look like my kids (100% African American school population). I have purchased a few graphics kits from people who DID provide African American kid clip art, because I am no artist. When I go to the grocery store, I see olives. I can't stand olives, but that doesn't prevent me from going to the store. I just don't buy them.
Maybe I misunderstood the tone of this forum but I thought it was more of a 'sound off' like pet peeve of sorts. I don't think the posters who don't like it are actually the ones buying it. I may not agree with some of the comments but I'm respecting their opinions so long as it doesn't go into the bashing mode...
I look at TPT like I see high heels, they're not for everyone. That being said, my grade level has had a LOT of fun finding wonderful generic ideas from TPT. But we also use Super Teacher Worksheets.com as a supplement.
That's wonderful! I've seen some really nice things from super talented teachers. I'm among that thankful teachers who don't have that kind of creativity and enjoy from those who do.
Of course, but I meant that some takes money to buy and create. Good for the teachers who are creative...I just don't have the time.
Yes, but that is what is so great about TPT. I have bought some great Common Core materials that would have taken me forever to create. I am busy too. I didn't have to spend dozens of hours creating, because someone else did this, and I paid a small amount of $$. It was far less $$$ than a teacher store. In addition, the materials were far higher quality then what I find at the teacher stores.
