Email Etiquette

Friday, September 30, 2016

Hello Joyful Speechies!

The beginning of the school year means students transferring and having to send/receive record requests from other schools. This year particularly I've felt the emails have been...dare I say...rude?

I know I'm not the only one receiving these half-(hearted) emails.

What do I expect when I open an email?

Well for starters, you need a greeting. For example, "Good morning." You need the body of the paragraph to state your business, in which throwing in a few "please and thank you" never hurt anybody. And then you should definitely say "Thank you" and then sign your name.

Because you know what? As miserable as it is to have to sit down and write a polite email- someone is taking time out of their day to read it. So you better make them feel at least a little tiny ounce of respect in it.

P.S. Please God, don't be a Gary and write your emails in comic sans. Yes, I've heard from teachers that it's the "only font that has characters the way we teach writing." But if you're writing an email, the other person likely can already read. Use an "adult" font, like Times New Roman, Georgia, or even Tahoma. And also don't make it 24 point font. It makes everything look like it's written for a Kindergartener. Some say personal preference on this one, buuuuuut... I firmly believe this should be a rule of thumb.


BARF and INCORRECT. Gary from "Parks and Recreation" on NBC

And look, I know we're busy. I know that everything isn't always sunshine and roses. But a little decency in the form of a simple, "Hello" would be much appreciated. And I'm sure you can agree.

Joyfully,

Back to School Supplies [MUST Have]

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Hello Joyful Speechies,

It's likely a trait of all Speechies and I am no exception- I LOVE good school supplies and it's a plus if they're pretty.
Liz Lemon gets me from "30 Rock" on NBC
Check out below what I think are must haves and let me know in the comments below for anything you think I missed! *All pictures should link to the exact product I'm talking about.

1. Mechanical Pencils

No, no, no, not just any mechanical pencils --- Paper Mate Clear Point Mechanical Pencils. These things are my go-to and they are amazing.


2. Pens and Pens

I just found these white pens and I love them. They are fairly cheap, but with the white they look chic.

 
2. Cat Tape Dispenser

I saw this and thought, "Are you freaking kidding me?!" They combined two of the coolest things- an adorable cat and Post-It Notes. Sold.


3. Pretty Hanging File Folders (and Tiered Holder)

Organization is the key to success when you're an SLP. I have three clear stackable filing trays with pretty folders that keep me organized and so I can see my pretty file folders. I just placed an order for this tiered file folder organizer so I can feel like Kelli Finglass of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Don't watch "Making the Team"? Well, let me tell you her office is #goals. She has a wrap-around-desk and labeled folders that make my Type-A-side swoon.


Kelli Finglass (see in the back? Swooning!):
 
4. Black and White Printer

If your school is anything like mine, the one printer for the entire building is constantly out-of-order or has a line out of the door. I had to alleviate this unnecessary stressor last year by purchasing my own black-and-white-only printer. The key is to purchase a printer that uses toner. That means you get more pages for your buck. This is the exact one I own and it's super easy to use. I love it!


5. Color Printer (with Scanner and Copier Functions!)

It was so nice having my black and white printer I went above and beyond and purchased a color printer a few months later. It's an ink-jet and can be costly to print, so I use it sparingly. I use it the most for its copying and scanning capability.


6. Label Maker

Now I'm starting to show my crazy with this one...but I label everything. Binders? Yep. Games? Yep. Notebooks? Yep. Drawers? Yep. This is the label maker I use to keep my mind at ease.

I could go on forever listing what I use, but those are some biggies.
Obviously everyone has different needs in their positions. What are your must-haves? Comment below to let me know!
Joyfully,
 
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