The SLANT Box

SLANT

Sending Love Across the Nation to Teachers

SLANT : Verb - Reach out and be rewarded!

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I really love getting mail; especially mail that does not involve me paying a bill.  I love the smell of ink on paper that someone spent time writing (really writing) a letter on.  Sometimes I can even get a whiff of that person who sent it to me.  

I also love presents.  So much so that I regularly get myself presents in the form of Birchbox, Ipsy and Julep, StitchFix (There are more that I am probably going to get, it's a sick habit.)  I used to do a fabric scrap swap and it was always so fun to see what the other person found for me every month.

So, I had an idea.  What an amazing idea for educators!  I GLOW every time I get any of the above boxes.  And while all the boxes do a fantastic job choosing items I might like, I sometimes think that they just do not get it. I love jewelry, but I do not often wear it as it snags on my id badge, or kids rip it out.  I love coffee, but I do not have time to make a whole pot of coffee - nor can I afford to drink it for lack of bathroom time.  Non-educators do not know the glory that a fresh pack of post-its can have on a bad day, or the power of a Flair Marker.  

I have absolutely enjoyed meeting tons of new educators since the start of LessonsWithCoffee.  I started this blog as a global networking forum, a way to meet people that have the passion that I do for children and their future, it is quite literally a Professional Learning Committee.  I am floored by the creativity, energy, and commitment I see from you all on a daily basis.  I especially appreciate the kind emails and words of encouragement that we share with each other on a day-to-day basis, and appreciate the advice I have gotten from many of you - you encourage me to be a more reflective teacher not only in my classroom but in my personal life as well. 

So because I teach math:

1/3 Super fun things in the mail + 1/3 Meeting new educators + 1/3 Encouragement and Support = The SLANT BOX

We all know what SLANT means in the education world, but I have changed it to Sending Love Across the Nation to Teachers.

Sooooooo.....I'm starting a monthly box swap and am very excited to roll out all the details.  I think that it is going to be so much fun! Each month there will be a different theme. Anything from a season, to a color, to a topic (like school lunch, or School Pride), to a book.

o if you are a BLOGGER and would like to Sign up please click this link.

if you are a NON-BLOGGER and would like to sign up please click this link.

The theme for SLANT BOX February is rather uncreative- I Love Edcucation.

Let's face it, none of us would be where we were if we ourselves would not have become educated, gone to school, had mentors, and decided to stay in the world of edcuation. 

Remember your boxes MUST BE PERSONALIZED IN SOME WAY. Flipping ask your partner what kind of candy is thier favorite and throw that in there.  That is the lwast you can do.

This box should be about them, but also about how as teachers we love to educate.  Perhaps you could throw in some items that would help them stay not sick so they can go to work, a teacher refelctoin journal, Chicken Soup for the Teacher Soul.  What ever you think will be a little "Valentine" for your educator Partner. 

The rest of the rules are the same.

You must sign up by the 11:59 pm on the January 30th 2014. (Central Standard Time.).  I will pair you with an other Educator by Sunday the first of February.  YOU MUST CONTACT YOUR MATCH WITH IN 48 HOURS.  If you do not hear from you partner please fill out THIS FORM. (will also be in your matches email)  You will email back and forth to get to know each other,totally creep read (and hopefully follow) their blogs and slightly stalk other social networks they may have. 

By the 25th(or there abouts) of the month you will create a box, for the educator you were paired to send to, and ship it off, they will l return the favor. Who likes having a birthday?  I DO, I DO!  This is totally like having a birthday every month!  The best part is you can drop in and out whenever you want.  No yearly commitments.  You just make a one-month at a time decision.  Do you need some encouragement this month? Join us! Spent too much your on a new swimsuit for Spring Break 2015? Come back next month!  You are re-paired each month with a new person so you can feel free to join, or skip whenever you please!  Listen we get it.  Conferences are coming up, you're a student teacher and have finals, your in your masters class and have to finish your theses.  No questions, just come back when you want!

BECAUSE EVEN THE BEST CLASS NEEDS THEM:

RULES

1) Packages must have a $15 value. This does not mean you NEED to spend 15$,  It just needs to value this. Use your judgment, but if you want to spend more, feel free!

2) Please do not stray from the theme of the month. Get creative! I know you have a Pinterest, get on it and use it!

3) Include a letter to say "hi!"  This letter could include support, encouragement or congratulations!  This is why you need to get to know your partners! Make an effort to know them through their blogs and social media.  THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL!  It is awesome-sauce getting gifts, but that letter will last forever!

4) Your box must include one item that is handmade, this could be the card you write rule 3 on.  It must also include 5+ items per box. Who wants a boring box? Again, we are educators; we are creative and inspired and can turn a toilet paper tube into something awesome.  Do it!

5) Your box may not include TPT gift certificates or access to any items from your store that count towards your 10$ value.  Not to be ugly on the topic but this is not an advertisement arena for your businesses...just a way to get to know other educators in a positive supportive way with out the guilt of having to purchase something.  That being said, you can create an item that you feel your partner might like- the time and effort putting it together for them would count towards your 10$ value. 

6) Once you received your box you will post (link up on blogs) or # on social media. 

Preferably the more the better.  We will use the # SLANTBOXES. I ALSO HAVE A NEW PINTERST BOARD THAT YOU CAN PIN TO IF YOU CHOOSE.  You will all be invited to pin based off of the email you sign up with.  If you would like a different email please ask me IN PINTERSEST

7) US residents you are totally in.  International friends, I  do my best.  I cannot make promises that there will be enough interest from your country.  (Therefore you might want to tell others!!!!!)  Just fill out the form like everyone else and I will try to get you matched up. If you are ok sending internationally I always have friends that are willing to do that. 

8) If you do not have a blog that is ok.  But I do ask that you post on FaceBook or Instagram

9)  I tell my students all the time I am not their mothers.  Therefore, where I hope that no one flakes, and packages do not get lost in the mail I am by no means responsible after I send out the names of the senders/sendees. I highly recommend tracking your packages and sending your partner the tracking number. Along with package tracking I as cute as some of those bubble wraps are, get a "if it fits it ships" flat rate box.  You will thank me when your package only costs 5$ to ship rather than 15$ due to weight.  On that note, if you do not send a box, you will no longer be invited to participate, and if you feel as though your partner is being a flake please let me know THROUGH THIS FORM!  I will try to work something out.

10) Give yourself a hug and have some fun!

So that is the gist of the SLANT box.  If you are interested (and I hope you are) please click one of the links above.

February Theme

I LOVE teaching!

Let's face it, none of us would be where we were if we ourselves would not have become educated, gone to school, had mentors, and decided to stay in the world of edcuation.  This box should be about them, but also about how as teachers we love to educate.  Perhaps you could throw in some items that would help them stay not sick so they can go to work, a teacher refelctoin journal, Chicken Soup for the Teacher Soul.  What ever you think will be a little "Valentine" for your educator Partner. 

***PLEASE BE AWARE OF YOUR PARTNERS BELIEFS. ALSO PLEASE BE OPEN TO SHARING YOUR BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS. ***

Cant wait to see what you all dream up!

Past Themes Include:
August (2013) - A Few Of My Favorite Things
September (2013) - OH MY GOODNESS I CANT BELIEVE I FORGOT (insert what they forgot)!!!!!
October (2013)- Teaching Can Be Scary
March (2014) - Lucky To Be Teaching
April (2014) - Spring Into a Good Book
May (2014) - May I introduce .....
June/July (2014) - Sunshine!
August (2014) -Home Town Pride
September (2014) - Teacher Voice ON!
October (2014) - Fall Into Good Teaching
Winter (2014) - 12 days of Teaching!

Cheers!

Jameson 

Grab the button and spread the word! This is going to be awesome!

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Finally, I know that there are flakers.  But here is the deal.  I CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEM NOT SENDING A PACKAGE.  I do take them off the list of players but I there is literally nothing I can do.  I hope that you do not think that I am going to go purchase you a gift because someone else blew it.  I get it you spent a lot of time and energy and someone sucked...but honestly what do you want me to do about it.  I am not trying to get mean about this...I am just tired of the comments saying that so-in-so did not comply and now I have to make up for them.  I am a teacher....living on a teacher salary you know.