INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Start out by writing down everything you think you might want a couple days before you write your letter to Santa. Come back to your list every so often and reconsider what you wrote. Cross off items that you aren't crazy about, keeping only the ones you really love. Santa gets tons of letters from kids around the globe, so sometimes he isn't able to get a kid everything on their list. That's why it's important that you only include your top items. You should be full to the brim with Christmas spirit when you write your letter to Santa, and there's nothing like a little Christmas music to get the job done! You can play Christmas music on the radio, your phone, or even on a computer. Ask your parents if you need help. You can keep it simple with a plain white piece of paper, or you can go for something a little bolder! Colorful construction paper works well. Whatever paper you pick, make sure to grab a couple pieces in case of mess-ups.  Ask your parents if they have any fun paper you can use. You can also use a premade card, if you want. Talk to your parents to see what they have. You can use a pen or a pencil, but feel free to use crayons, colored pencils, and markers, too. You can even combine different writing tools, like markers and colored pencils, to make a super colorful letter. Make sure that you can write clearly and neatly with whatever writing utensil you pick. Santa needs to be able to read your letter so he can bring you want you want!

SUMMARY: Make a list of the things you want a few days before. Put on some Christmas tunes. Pick your paper. Choose something to write with.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: This person might “bump into you” in the halls between classes or make a point to speak to you each time they see you. If they go out of their way to say hello or to speak to you, this can indicate interest. Watch for the person making excuses to be near you and spend time with you. For example, they might be eager to offer you a ride home or to walk you to class. Someone who’s interested in you might touch your hand or arm as you speak or touch the small of your back as they move behind you. Touching is a way to get close to you and show interest. Eye contact while touching you is a good sign that they’re interested, especially if they smile. The person may ask if you just got a haircut, got new shoes, or tried something different with your makeup. Someone who is interested in you will pay more attention to small details. If they comment about something, take this as a good sign. For example, they might say, “That’s a nice shirt. Is it new?” Someone who’s interested in you might start mirroring your gestures, posture, or body position. Mirroring shows that they feel connected and likely attracted to you. Notice if the person started out sitting or standing in one way and later looks more similar to yourself. Change your body position and notice if theirs changes as well. Some people choose to be indirect in showing that they’re interested and may send some mixed signals. For example, they might wait to text you back or not really appear to be interested in you. While manipulative, this is one way that some people show interest. It’s up to you, however, to respond in a way that is acceptable to you. If you like it when someone plays hard to get, play along. If you don’t like it, move on.
Summary: See if they go out of their way to spend time with you. See if they gently touch you. Pay attention when they notice small changes. Notice if they are sitting or standing in a similar way as you are. Recognize if they play hard to get.

This may seem very obvious, but you need to attend class regularly in order to convince the teacher you care about it. Not showing up will hurt your grade, and you won’t give your teacher any reason to be nicer to you. If you miss class for some reason, like being sick or having to be out of town, let your teacher know as soon as you can. Ask what you will miss (or have missed), and ask about the best ways to get back on track with your assignments. . Bring all relevant materials, including pencils, pens, papers, textbooks, and homework assignments to class. Constantly having to ask the teacher or your neighbor for materials is an annoyance and shows a lack of effort in class. Your teacher will be impressed that you are on top of everything. The best way to do this is to show up a little early for class. That way, you will have time to get all of your stuff together, and be ready to go when the teacher starts class. If you aren’t ready, you will probably miss something because you were getting your materials out while the lesson began. Make sure to know and complete instructions given both in class and in assignments. After you find out, make sure you follow the guidelines on all tests and homework. Teachers make guidelines for a reason, and it can be very annoying when students don’t follow them.  Some teachers will be very specific about their instructions, so make sure you follow all of them. This could mean particular ways to title your assignments, places to put your answer, or specific information to include in your answers. If you aren’t sure about those instructions, ask the teacher. While teachers say they want students to be creative, they really want students who can follow directions and do work they way they asked. Creative people are unpredictable, and your teacher will like that she knows what you will do with a project or assignment. Your teacher wants to know that you are interested and engaged with the subjects. Asking and answering questions is a great way to do that, plus it will help you better understand the material.  One good way to do this is to ask questions about the material, but in a way that suggests you are keeping up with the class. Ask how what you are talking about how relates to material from a previous class, or how it compares to the reading you did. Your teacher will be impressed that you are trying to think more deeply about the stuff you are learning. Another good way is to participate is to answer questions when your teacher asks them. Getting classes to respond to questions can be hard, so teachers always like it when someone makes an effort to give their opinion. Teachers notice when you treat others poorly. If you are nice to your classmates, even the ones who aren’t your friends, your teacher will think better of you.  You can help your classmates make making sure they have the right materials and information for the class. Don’t be afraid to share your supplies, or help someone else who needs it. You will look nicer for helping, and your teacher will see how prepared you are. Don’t laugh or make fun of students who answer questions incorrectly. That makes you look mean, which the teacher will definitely notice.
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One-sentence summary -- Show up to class.  Be prepared for class Follow all instructions. Participate in class. Respect your classmates.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Depending on the type of pattern you have selected, the instructions may vary greatly. Read the instructions for your Barbie clothing pattern all the way through to see what materials you will need and what process you will need to follow to sew the clothing. Then, print out the pattern on a plain white piece of paper. There may only be a couple of pieces to cut out, or there may be several pieces depending on the type of clothing you are making. Make sure to cut right along the lines using a pair of sharp scissors. Go slow to ensure that you do not create a jagged edge or cut in the wrong place! After you have cut out the paper pattern pieces, pin them onto the fabric as instructed by your pattern. You might need to fold the fabric in half first, or you might need to pin the paper pattern pieces onto a specific area of the fabric or going in a specific direction. If desired, you may also trace along the edges of the paper pattern piece to create guides for cutting the fabric. Trace directly onto the fabric and then cut along the lines you have traced. With the paper pattern piece pinned to the fabric, cut the fabric right along the edges of the paper pattern piece. Make sure to cut the fabric cleanly using a pair of sharp scissors. If you traced lines onto the fabric, then you can simply cut along these lines.

SUMMARY:
Read the instructions and print out the pattern. Cut along the lines of each of the pattern pieces. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric. Cut the fabric along the edges of the paper pattern pieces.