Behind the Scenes of a Teacher-Creator: How I Turn an Idea into a Resource You Can Use in Your Classroom Tomorrow

Peek behind the scenes! Discover how I turn sparks of inspiration into engaging classroom resources.

A Writing Assessment I made for the Greek hero Perseus

Have you ever wondered how educational resources get made — the ones you find on Teachers Pay Teachers, Made by Teachers, or my blog Stones of Erasmus? Whether it's a freebie you love or a bundle you buy, there's a whole ecosystem behind the scenes. And while every teacher-author works a bit differently, I thought I'd lift the curtain on my creative process — from random idea to clickable download.

Let me take you through the ride. Buckle in.

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Step 1: The Idea Vault (a.k.a. my Google Doc on Steroids)

It all starts with an idea — usually when I’m on the Q train or in between classes, or in line for coffee. I keep a living Google Doc titled “Content Creation Ideas” that I add to constantly. It’s a messy but magical place filled with sparks: “Ooh, this could be a cool writing prompt,” or “I need a better way to teach allegory!” Let’s just say … I have no shortage of ideas.

Step 2: The Sandbox – Where Ideas Become Real Resources

I call it “the sandbox.” This is where I play, build, and iterate. Here, I:

• Build out slides, PDFs, or Google Forms.
• Make crisp, clean illustrations with Illustrator.
• Clean up and make pretty public-domain images with Photoshop.
• Draft assessments and answer keys.
• Design for print and digital use.
• Differentiate content for different learning needs.
• Add enrichment features like further reading guides or vocabulary extensions.

This stage can take anywhere from two days to two weeks — or more if I’m creating something big (like my recent multi-day unit on the Iliad and the Odyssey).

Step 3: Securing the Files — PDF Magic & Editable Slides

Once the sandbox closes, I move into the technical zone. I use tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro to flatten and secure my PDFs. For digital resources, I lock down Google Slides so the parts I want to stay put stay put — and the parts you can edit stay editable.

Step 4: Listing It Online — Making the Storefront Shine

Writing the product listing means:

• Crafting an SEO-friendly title.
• Writing a clear, helpful description.
• Choosing keywords so other teachers can find it.
• Adding engaging thumbnails and previews.

This is where your resource enters the world.

Step 5: Marketing It — Without Feeling Like a Car Salesman

Once listed, it’s time to let people know! Sometimes, I write a blog post about the myth or topic I covered. I might email my followers or make a short video explaining how to use it in the classroom.

Marketing is about connecting: “Here’s something I made. I think it’ll help. Let me show you how.”

Step 6: Linking It All Together

This final step is about integration. I connect blog posts to store listings, products to related products — helping teachers find exactly what they need and improving visibility.

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Final Thoughts

Making educational resources is part pedagogy, part creativity, part tech wizardry — and a lot of coffee. Every resource I share has gone through this journey. I hope knowing what happens behind the scenes helps you appreciate the labor of love in every clickable download.

If you're a fellow teacher-author: keep sandboxing, keep linking, keep creating. We’re building something meaningful.

Homer, Blind Poet

Of course, this post wouldn’t be complete without sharing one of my polished, ready-to-use resources. Click to download a two-day lesson introducing Homer, Blind Poet, with extension activities.

Download for free from TpT, Made By Teachers, and here on my Blog.

If you enjoy using my resources, drop a positive comment below about how you used it.

—
Greig Roselli
Educator, Writer, Mythology Nerd, and the Heart Behind Stones of Erasmus

What Three People Said About Using My Humanities Resources in the Classroom with Actual Students

Discover what educators are saying about my engaging, classroom-tested Humanities and ELA resources for middle and high school teachers and students.

Stones of Erasmus is more than just a blog; it is where I go to create fun, engaging humanities resources that spark meaningful conversations and inspire students from grades 6-12.

Teachers, parents, and administrators love my resources! Rebekah shared that she used them “first with adult ESL students and then with my teenage sons as a conversation game,” adding that “the hook and realness of the issues” resonated with both her sons and her students. Frances, who had never taught philosophy before, said, “My students were engaged while reading and discussing the different philosophers. Thanks for putting it all together for us!”

I create fun, engaging Middle and High School ELA activities loved by teachers, perfect for philosophy, mythology, and diverse, growth-minded classrooms.

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Unlocking Greek Mythology: Fresh Vocabulary Lessons Your Students Will Love Before Spring Break!

I bet you are ready for Spring Break (or maybe it has already started)—especially if you teach middle and high school. I know I am. Whether you are teaching mythology to middle school students in an ELA class, or you are diving into Homer's epics with high school students—the weeks before spring break are an effective time to do something different with all those myths you are reading. Bernard Evslin, in his fantastic book of Greek myth, has a chapter on vocabulary called "When Myth Becomes Language". I have created a slew of resources to connect the murky, enigmatic myths we read with kids to how these stories are part of our everyday life and language. Check it out, and I guarantee your students will appreciate the fresh look (while helping them build academic vocabulary).

I sell quality humanities-content on TpT.
Thank you for supporting Stones of Erasmus.

Bring Greek Mythology into Everyday Life: Engaging Lessons on How Myth Becomes Language!

Are your students fascinated by Greek myths but wondering how these ancient stories relate to their lives today? Inspired by Bernard Evslin's insightful exploration of myth and language, these classroom-ready resources vividly demonstrate how mythology permeates our everyday vocabulary and expressions.

Perfectly suited for middle school ELA classes or high school students diving into Homer’s epics, this collection offers an exciting shift from traditional teaching—especially ideal for the energizing weeks leading up to Spring Break!

Your students will:

✓ Explore engaging vocabulary activities that directly link mythical stories to modern language.

✓ Discover how common words and expressions originated from the rich tapestry of Greek mythology.

✓ Participate in interactive exercises that build essential academic vocabulary skills aligned with Common Core Standards.

✓ Make meaningful connections between ancient texts and contemporary life, deepening their appreciation and understanding of literature.

Students love working with these myth-related vocabulary cards.
Buy them on the Stones of Erasmus TpT store.

Classroom-tested and designed for active engagement, these lessons turn mythology into accessible, intriguing, and highly relevant content your students will love. Boost student enthusiasm and vocabulary retention with this dynamic, practical resource set.

Digital Download: Comprehensive, easy-to-use materials guaranteed to add depth and excitement to your ELA and Humanities curriculum.

Free Mythology Resource

Not sure what to teach next? Here's a freebie to get you started. I compiled some of my most popular reading cards from units I have assembled for Stones of Erasmus.

Note to My Readers about Paid Content on Stones of Erasmus

This blog post advertises digital content I make and sell as part of my side hustle on TpT—just like my lovely blog, it is also called Stones of Erasmus! Thanks for supporting me on this humanities-inspired journey.

Let us know what you think by dropping a line support@stonesoferasmus.com. Also, if you like my stuff, write a review. TPT is pretty amazing and they will give you TPT credits for writing a review. And it helps buyers know what they are getting before they click purchase.

Valentine, Christian Martyr and Saint — Resources for the Middle and High School Humanities and English Language Arts Classroom

Hey, y'all. I feel like Valentine's Day is such an ingrained part of American school life; however, few of us know the actual, legendary story. So—let's rectify that with a true-to-the-source resource on Valentine, a Christian martyr from Rome in the Third Century. Let's go!

You'll love this historically-based resource detailing the mystery surrounding Valentine the Saint and Valentine's Day. Download it here from my TpT store.

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm thrilled to share my latest educational adventure with you! We're diving into the mysterious world of Saint Valentine, a figure whose story is as fascinating as it is enigmatic. In 1969, the Catholic Church made the intriguing decision to remove Saint Valentine from its liturgical calendar, citing doubts about his true identity. Was there one Valentine, or several figures merging into this legendary name? This captivating question is the cornerstone of our new resource, designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking among students.

What's Inside This Resource?

• Print and Digital Access: Get your hands on both PDF and Google Workspace formats, plus Easel integration.
• Three-Day Lesson Plan: Complete with insightful teacher's notes.
• Key Characters and Places Anchor Chart: Situate Valentine in his ancient Roman milieu of the 3rd century.
• Reading Cards: Dive into the 'Lives of the Saints' and a detailed dictionary entry on Saint Valentine, each enriched with art and literary connections.
• Note-taking Template & 16-Question Bank: Tailored for both teachers and students.
• Exit Ticket: A crucial tool for assessing student understanding and a foundation for research and writing assignments.
• Frayer Model Vocabulary Template: Engage students visually and creatively in understanding vocabulary.
• Research Paper Prompt: Encourage students to explore the historical depths of Saint Valentine's life and legends.
• Further Reading List: Far from just a bibliography, this is a treasure trove for deeper exploration and student projects.

Designed for middle and high schoolers, this resource fits seamlessly into thematic lessons around Saint Valentine's Day in English Language Arts and Humanities classes.

Even More Love for Your Lessons:

1. Three Myths of Lovers
2. Tales of Love and Discord
3. Pygmalion and Galatea

Find teacher-related resources

on the Stones of Erasmus TpT Store.

For full access to this resource and more, navigate to my website, Stones of Erasmus. Let's explore the heart of history together!

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Unleashing Creativity: Crafting Engaging Digital Content for Humanities Education

Dive into the world of digital content creation for middle and high school humanities education. Discover how public domain resources are transformed into engaging and fun learning materials.

As a passionate educator, I've dedicated countless hours to crafting engaging digital content for middle and high school humanities teachers. The intricate process involves dozens of steps and takes up to six hours per listing. But the result? A treasure trove of resources that bring depth and engagement to the classroom.

My journey begins with sourcing public domain content from libraries such as the New York Public Library digital collections and public domain content I find on Google Books and from the Library of Congress. These timeless resources serve as the foundation upon which I build. I then add my original lesson plans, question banks, exit tickets, writing prompts, and activities. The aim? To create content that not only educates but also captivates.

Sometimes, the raw materials need a little sprucing up. An illustration from a nineteenth-century book might be old and dingy, or text from a public domain source might be outdated. That's where Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator come into play, helping me breathe new life into these resources. 

Revitalizing history: the top image showcases my restoration of a 19th-century lithograph, significantly enhancing its clarity compared to the original below. Retrieved from the NYPL digital collection.

My favorites? Mythology resources and philosophy activities. There's something incredibly rewarding about bringing these age-old disciplines to life for today's students. It's a labor of love, and I'm always excited about dreaming up what I should create next. Join me on this journey of making learning more engaging and fun, one digital resource at a time.

I partner with TpT to provide educational content for Humanities and English language arts teachers.

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Engaging ELA Lessons: Exploring the Greek Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with Middle and High School Students

Dive into the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with a comprehensive, interactive, and distance-learning-optimized ELA resource.

Stones of Erasmus offers an Educational Download designed to teach the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice

In the realm of English Language Arts (ELA), the ancient, tragic tale of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice offers a rich tapestry of themes and lessons for middle and high school students. Stones of Erasmus has created a comprehensive educational resource that provides an engaging, interactive, and distance-learning optimized approach to this timeless tale.

Orpheus enters the underworld.
Image Credit: NYPL Digital Collections

Orpheus stands at the precipice of the underworld, known as Orcus in Roman mythology — and, as Hades in Greek mythology. This signifies the moment in the enduring myth of Orpheus when the gifted musician, driven by desperate love and profound grief, dares to venture into the realm of the dead. His aim, to retrieve his beloved Eurydice, would become one of the most poignant tales of love, loss, and the power of art in ancient myth.

The story of Orpheus, the divine musician who loses his wife Eurydice twice, is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the creative power of music and art. Our resource brings this myth to life in the classroom, whether virtual or physical, through a variety of activities and discussion prompts.

Over a three-day lesson plan, students will delve into the myth, analyze its characters and themes, and engage in critical thinking. The resource includes:

• 1. Art + Literature Connections: Students compare the myth with artwork by renowned artists like Auguste Rodin, fostering a deeper understanding of the story.

• 2. Reading Cards: This lesson is most effective when supplemented with diverse texts from Edith Hamilton's Mythology, Bulfinch's Mythology, and Ovid's Metamorphoses. However, the resource also includes an introductory dictionary entry on classic Greek and Roman mythology for a comprehensive start.

• 3. Reading Comprehension and Critical Thinking Questions: These questions encourage students to delve deeper into the text, promoting comprehension and critical thinking.

• 4. Frayer Model Vocabulary Cards: This visual approach to vocabulary helps students understand terms, geography, and challenging words in the context of the story.

• 5. Exit Tickets: These provide immediate feedback on students' understanding of the lesson, helping teachers adjust future instruction as needed.

• 6. Essay Writing Activity: This activity caps off the lesson, allowing students to express their understanding of the myth in a creative way.

Our resource aligns well with the Common Core Standards, particularly the reading literature standard that encourages the analysis of a subject or key scene in two different artistic mediums.

Whether used as a stand-alone lesson or paired with a larger unit on Myth, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Robert Graves’s Greek Myths, or Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, or Parallel Myths by J.F. Bierlein, this resource offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice.

For more resources like this, visit the Stones of Erasmus TpT store, and join us on our journey to make ELA education more engaging and interactive.

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Kronos (Chronus) Dethroned: Otherwise Known as Saturn Retold in an Engaging 3-Day Lesson from Stones of Erasmus

@cafedumonde "I use my Granny voice and tell the story of Cronus and how he was dethroned by Zeus, thus beginning the Titanomachy." #GreekMythology #Cronus #Zeus #Titanomachy #Storytelling #ancientlegends ♬ Moonlight Sonata - Beethoven - Classical Piano - Instrumental Classical Music - Classical Playlist - Sleeping Music - Music For Relaxation - Classical Piano & Classical Music & Classical

In the intricate tapestry of Greek mythology, few figures stand as tall as Kronos, or Saturn, the eminent ruler of the Titans. The child of Gaia, the earth, and Uranus, the sky, Kronos epitomizes a generation of divine entities that have forever etched their stories in our cultural psyche. Commonly recognized as the God of Time, a title possibly introduced later by Greek writers like Hesiod, Kronos' tale commences at the heart of the cosmos, quite literally birthed from the earth and sky.

Rhea tricks Kronos

A pivotal figure, Kronos ascended to power in a manner that was anything but ordinary. In a bold move of patricide, he seized power from Uranus, his father, through a gruesome act of castration. Ouch. This gruesome act had far-reaching consequences. In a twist of mythological irony, the remains of Uranus's severed genitals mingled with the sea and gave birth to Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. And that's what love's got to do with it — a tale that powerfully demonstrates the interconnectedness of love and strife.

Kronos' union with Rhea, one of the Titanides, was steeped in tumult and apprehension. Haunted by the specter of his brutal ascension, Kronos was convinced that his children would repeat his actions. Driven by fear and paranoia, he devoured each newborn — Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and Poseidon. However, Rhea, weary of her husband's horrifying dietary habits, hatched a plan to save their last child, Zeus.

In an act of maternal bravery, Rhea tricked Kronos by giving him a stone cloaked in infant's clothes instead of her newborn. Meanwhile, Zeus was spirited away to the island of Crete, where nymphs tenderly cared for him until he came of age. As an adult, Zeus infiltrated Kronos' court, cunningly earning the Titan King's trust as his cupbearer. When the time was ripe, Zeus served Kronos a potent concoction that caused the Titan to regurgitate his swallowed children. This act marked the beginning of Zeus' retribution, leading to a decade-long war and, ultimately, the retrieval of his rightful Olympian throne.

Indeed, Kronos' narrative is a compelling tapestry of cosmic power plays, familial betrayal, cunning stratagems, and ultimate redemption. Through its rich, engaging tales, Greek mythology continues to captivate, offering timeless lessons on life, power, and destiny.

Kronos: 3-Day Lesson

Looking to impart a riveting 3-day lesson to your middle or high school students in English Language Arts or Humanities? We've got you covered. Head over to the Stones of Erasmus TpT store and grab a copy today. Enhance your teaching experience effortlessly.

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Teaching the Mythological Marvel: Perseus and Medusa - A Tale of Heroism, Divine Intervention, and Greek Mythology for the Middle and High School Classroom

Embark on a journey through Greek mythology as you delve into the captivating tale of Perseus and his winged steed, Pegasus. The story breaks through the page — and it is the stuff of art and culture. For example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art provides a mesmerizing glimpse into this ancient myth with its iconic sculpture, Perseus with the Head of Medusa. Join us as we explore the narrative intricacies of this masterpiece and unlock the secrets of Perseus's triumph over the formidable Medusa.

The Argive hero Perseus pervades myth, art, and literature.

The Narrative Enigma: Perseus and Medusa Sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Immerse yourself in the splendor of the European Sculpture Court at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Amidst the masterpieces, one statue stands out with its compelling storytelling ability—the Perseus with the Head of Medusa. Discover the striking connection between this sculpture and Canova's replica of Perseus in the Vatican museums, which elegantly borrows from the grace of Apollo Belvedere.

A Captivating Contrast: Canova vs. Caravaggio - Beauty and Horror in Sculpture

Dive into the enthralling juxtaposition between Canova's Perseus and Caravaggio's Medusa's Head. While Caravaggio's interpretation leans towards horrific grandeur, Canova's sculpture opts for subtle beauty and triumphant serenity. Explore the intricate details that distinguish the two artistic approaches, including Canova's subtle depiction of snakes on Medusa's brow.

The Hero's Quest: Perseus's Epic Adventure

Unravel the captivating tale of Perseus, the valiant son of Zeus, and his heroic quest to slay the mortal Gorgon, Medusa. Discover the harrowing circumstances that led Perseus to undertake this perilous mission, from being locked in a chest as a child to seeking revenge against Polydectes, his mother's treacherous husband. Journey alongside Perseus as he ventures to the edge of the world in pursuit of his formidable foe.

Divine Assistance: Gods, Goddesses, and Nymph Sisters

Explore the intricate web of divine intervention that guided Perseus on his quest. Uncover the gods and goddesses who lent their aid, including Athena, who bestowed him with a shield, and Hermes, who granted him a scimitar. Delve into the critical role played by the Graeae, the nymph sisters who provided invaluable assistance on his treacherous path.

Triumph over the Gorgon: Perseus's Confrontation with Medusa

Witness the climactic battle as Perseus faces Medusa, armed with his shield, scimitar, cape of invisibility, and winged sandals. Learn Perseus's crucial tactic to avoid Medusa's deadly gaze and transform her into stone. Discover the astonishing outcome of their encounter, as Pegasus, the legendary winged horse, emerges from Medusa's severed head.

Discover Mythology Resources from Stones of Erasmus

Engage Your Classroom with Three-Day English Language Arts Lesson

Ignite your students' imagination and passion for Greek mythology with a meticulously designed three-day English Language Arts Lesson. Dive deep with a unit on the hero's journey, divine intervention, heroism, conflict, and the mythical creatures that populate the ancient Greek world. This resource is specifically tailored for distance learning, providing Google Apps, PDF, and Easel Activities and Assessments (exclusive to Teachers Pay Teachers) compatible with Google Classroom and other learning management platforms.

Unlock the Power of Greek Mythology with Our Resource

Our comprehensive resource package is aligned with Common Core Standards, making it a valuable addition to your curriculum. Featuring teacher's notes, a three-day lesson calendar, engaging activities, and assessment tools, this resource ensures an immersive and educational experience for your students. Foster critical thinking and literary analysis as you explore the representation of Perseus and Medusa in different artistic mediums.

Unleash the Potential of Greek Mythology in Your Classroom

Introduce your students to the fascinating world of Greek mythology through our engaging and thought-provoking educational resource. Perfect for middle and high school students, this resource can be seamlessly integrated into an English Language Arts Mythology unit or as a standalone lesson. Combine it with other myth-related materials to create a comprehensive exploration of ancient Greek culture and storytelling.

Unearth the Mysteries of Greek Mythology Today!

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to bring the mesmerizing tales of Perseus, Medusa, and other mythological figures to life in your classroom. Equip your students with the knowledge and analytical skills to appreciate these captivating stories' timeless beauty and significance. Dive into the realm of Greek mythology and watch your students' imaginations soar!

For more information and to access our educational resources, please visit Stones of Erasmus on Teachers Pay Teachers, and other educational content sites.

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