Behind the Lines: How Graphomotor Principles Shape My Aesop’s Fables Worksheets

At first glance, tracing a line may seem like a simple task. But for a child just beginning to develop pencil control, that line represents focus, coordination, confidence—and even a sense of storytelling. As a teacher and resource creator, I wanted more than cute worksheets.…

ByTerezaAugust 20, 20250Comments

Uncategorized

How Do You Find the Right Word to Describe a Trait?

For many students, it’s surprisingly hard to find the right word to describe someone—even someone they know well. It’s not that they don’t have an opinion. It’s that they often can’t quite name the trait behind it. And that’s exactly why I created a simple,…

ByTerezaAugust 17, 20250Comments

Freebies & Tips

4 Ways I Teach Story Elements in K–2 (with Any Book!)

Teaching story elements is one of my favorite parts of early literacy. It’s where students begin to understand what stories are made of — and how they work. Over the years, I’ve refined a few simple strategies that make this concept stick, no matter which…

ByTerezaAugust 5, 20250Comments

Freebies & Tips

Storytelling Made Fun

A–Z Story Cards to Draw, Spell & Tell Storytelling is more than just a fun activity — it’s the foundation of language development. From the earliest age, children learn to tell stories: first by describing real-life experiences (“I went to the park”), then by retelling…

ByTerezaJuly 30, 20250Comments

Teaching Resources

Graphic Organizers That Fit Any Fiction Book – and Any Reader

Reading Comprehension That Works With Any Book for Grades 2-4 Some of the best classroom moments happen when students connect deeply with a story — when they pause to ask questions, reflect on the characters, or recognize a theme that hits close to home. But…

ByTerezaJuly 27, 20250Comments

Freebies & Tips

A–Z Vocabulary Builders: Draw, Spell & Learn 3 Words per Letter

Ready to draw, spell, and build vocabulary? This A–Z resource invites young learners to create and write three words per letter — boosting phonics and fine motor skills in a fun, engaging way. Perfect for letter-of-the-week, centers, or independent practice! Download the FREE Letter…

ByTerezaJuly 22, 20250Comments

Freebies & Tips

Little Learners, Big Lessons: Why I Rewrote Aesop’s Fables for PreK–1

Classic stories deserve fresh voices — especially when those voices belong to 5- to 7-year-olds with crayons in their hands. Aesop's fables are timeless. But if you've ever tried reading the original versions to preschoolers or early primary students, you already know: the language is…

ByTerezaJuly 19, 20250Comments

Reflections & Stories

How I Set Off on TpT with a Map from a Tiny World – And Why I Haven’t Given Up Yet

My name is Tereza, and yes – I’m a retired teacher. But if you think “retired” means quiet, still, and done… well, you’d be slightly mistaken. I’m a teacher who spent thirty years creating in a small classroom in a small country. A country many…

ByTerezaJuly 15, 20250Comments

Creative Process Reflections & Stories

Why I Called My Store Hurry Up Slowly

Welcome to Hurry Up Slowly, a place where learning grows gently and purposefully, just like the path I’ve walked to get here. I’m a retired teacher, a former textbook author, and a lifelong collector of paper, blank notebooks, and tiny sparks of inspiration. But more…

ByTerezaJune 30, 20250Comments