Helpful Hints from a Novice Teacher

I know I am new to the game and still have much to learn, but I know I've picked up a few simple tricks over the last few months that some might benefit from. These two tips may not be new to you and they may not even be the best way to do things but they have helped me recently so I thought I would share. 

Tip #1: Removing background from an image! 

So you've found the perfect clip art for your slideshow/worksheet/newsletter etc. You've got your page all set up with a lovely background but when you insert your perfect clip art, there is a chunky white box blocking your lovely background. *sigh*

Well no more! Here is a quick (and usually easy) way to remove those white box backgrounds around images.

Step 1: Once you insert the image, go to the Format tab at the top of the tool bar.

Step 2: Next on the far left select the "Color" drop-down menu. 

Step 3: At the bottom of that drop-down menus the option to "Set Transparent Color." Select that option.

Step 4: Use the mouse to click on the white background of the image.

Step 5: Ta Da! The background color should then disappear.

Disclaimer: If you select a color that is elsewhere in the image, then that part of the image will become transparent as well, showing the background. For example, if the foxes eyes were white in my clip art, then when I set white as the transparent color, the eyes would then show the background (creepy!). So this tip is not flawless but it often works for what I need.

This example is done in PowerPoint but can also be done in Word with the same steps!

Tip #2: Figuring out what number follower you are on bloglovin’.
(Only when you INITIALLY begin following.)

If you love entering giveaways like me, then you have probably been asked “What number follower are you?” It is a fairly common question bloggers use on their rafflecopter entries. I even used this option on my own giveaway a while ago and realized something. A lot of my new blog followers weren't sure how to answer this question.

If you are a BRAND NEW follower for a blog on bloglovin’, here is how you can determine your number when you begin following.

Step 1: Click the Bloglovin' button on the blog you'd like to follow. 

Step 2: Click the "Follow" button.

Hint: Other great blog recommendations will pop up. I've found awesome blogs just from the bloglovin' recommendations. 

Step 3: Refresh the page! Look and see how many followers there are. You're the newest follower so your number is what ever appears (34 in my example below). 

*Refresh the page*

If you happen to already be following a blog when they ask you what number you are you can’t (to my knowledge determine what number you are.) My advice is to let them know that you’ve already been following by saying something along the lines of “I started following back in March!” or “I started following previously during your XYZ Giveaway.” Even just simply saying, “I’ve been following your blog for a while,” works. From my own experience, I appreciated the participants that told me something rather than leaving the entry blank, which could send mixed signals. But then again it's up to you as a blogger, this is just my own opinion!

If you are looking for even more wonderful tips to make your teaching life a little simpler, maker sure to check out all the blogger participating in today's linky here!