5 Reasons to Create a Classroom Anthology

A child’s school years set them up for success in life. Having a good education and a love of learning helps children enter adult life with the tools they need to thrive. A great educational experience is vitally important to students. Classroom anthologies can be one piece of the larger educational puzzle that enhances the classroom experience of students.

Classroom anthologies are beneficial to teachers and students alike. Here are five benefits a classroom anthology offers to teachers and students.

1. Meaningfulness

Students love having a tangible result of their work in hand. It allows them to be proud of the work they have done and it is easier to retain as a keepsake than an essay or test.

Classroom anthologies remind students of their time in class and the lessons they’ve learned. When they look at the anthology sitting on their shelves it can give them a sense of pride as well as positive feelings about their time in the classroom which may allow them to recall some of the lessons they learned.

2. Student Motivation

Students are more willing to put work into something lasting. Knowing their work will be put into a classroom anthology can motivate apathetic students because their work matters. The work they are doing isn’t going to be just another score written down in the teacher’s grade book.  Their work will be on display to other students and their families.

A teacher making a classroom anthology with students

3. Increase Writing Skills

A classroom anthology is a perfect end goal for an educational unit on the elements of story. Teaching students how character, plot, and setting create a story is a perfect opportunity for the teacher to end the coursework with the class putting their knowledge to use and creating their own stories.

Similarly, anthologies can be made from poetry or essays on related topics. They can be tied to a wide variety of writing-related units.

Additionally, student art related to the work can be added to the anthology as well to give students a rounded educational experience.

4. School fundraising

Student-made anthologies are a great fundraising opportunity.

Using anthologies to earn money for the school increases school spirit and lets students feel like they are making a difference. It also teaches them about production, distribution, and sales. This can lead to discussions about economics, entrepreneurship, mathematics, and other business-related topics.

5. Parent Appreciation

In the modern school environment where so much classwork and testing takes place online, parents can feel left out of the educational sphere. Instead of papers and tests being sent home for parent viewing, many schools simply calculate grades in an online progress book.

Having a classroom anthology gives parents the opportunity to see their child’s work and to have tangible keepsakes of their child’s educational journey.

Classroom anthologies are great opportunities for teachers to showcase student work and for students to have a keepsake from their class.

InstantPublisher is an easy and affordable way for teachers to bring the benefits of a classroom anthology to their students. Visit our website today to learn more.

7 Things Every Guidebook Should Include

Guidebooks help guests make the most of their visits to an attraction.

Guidebooks should be written in plain language so that it is easy for guests to understand. It should also be easy to use and attractive to look at.

Here are seven items that every guidebook should include:

1. Maps

It is easy to get lost in an area one has never visited before. Every guidebook should have a detailed map of the attraction. It is important to label points of interest so that guests can make the most of their visit.

A woman reading a guidebook in the car from a guide book publishing company

The map should also include restrooms, security stations, first aid stations, gift shops, and customer service stations. Having these items on the map directs guests to the appropriate places to get their needs met and creates a safe environment for them to enjoy the attraction.

2. Safety Information

Guests not only need to know who to go to for assistance but what to do in case of an emergency.

Potential emergencies vary based on the size and location of your attraction. For instance, an indoor attraction should have fire exits clearly marked. Outdoor attractions with shelters intended for use during bad weather should be clearly marked in the guidebook.

The guidebook should also indicate where any onsite automated external defibrillators (AED) are and include directions on their use.

Additionally, emergency contact information should be listed even if it is as simple as indicating that 911 should be called for emergencies. People from out of the country may not be familiar with local emergency numbers and in emergencies, people often panic. Having a safety section in your guidebook keeps your visitors safe.

3. Attraction Rules

It is important to have a list of rules for guests to follow. Sometimes attraction owners think that rules should be self-evident but guests who have never been to a similar attraction before may be unaware not to touch paintings in a museum or to stay behind the boundaries at a zoo for safety.

Whatever rules you expect your guests to follow should be stated clearly in your guidebook so that visitors know how to behave appropriately.

4. Attraction Dates and Times

Every attraction owner wants their visitors to return for subsequent trips. It is important to tell guests the times that the attraction is open as well as any dates the attraction is closed. If an attraction varies by season, such as a living history farm, that should be noted as well. This lets guests know what to expect from different visits and to plan future visits. Be sure to include any fun traditional events like Christmas lights or 4th of July fireworks.

5. Contact Information

Make sure your guidebook lists contact information that guests might need. This should include the phone number to customer service, the website, and any social media presence your attraction has.

6. History

Make sure your guidebook includes some history and context for your attraction. How did it come to be, who created it, why was it created, etc. If pictures are available include them. Guests will appreciate learning the wider context of the attraction they are visiting. It will help them appreciate the sights they are seeing and make them feel emotionally invested in their visit.

7. Local Interests

Your guests will be coming from far and wide. It is wise to give them information in your guidebook about the area outside of your attraction. Suggesting lodgings, foods, and related attractions can give your visitors a more impactful visit. Be sure to include local small businesses. Visitors will appreciate experiencing the uniqueness of your area and will want to visit your attraction again.

Now that you know what to include in your guidebook are you ready to get started? InstantPublisher can help with all your professional printing needs. Whether you want to make informational guidebooks, eye-catching calendars, or glamorous brochures InstantPublisher is the printer for you. Visit our website today for more information.