Category: Blogging Besties

Let's Do Brunch!

7/28/2014

Original graphics from RedStamp.com.

Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, & Samantha made weekend brunch infamous...& it's no wonder they loved it so much! Weekend brunch is absolutely delightful. Take the morning to sleep in, get dressed up, and meet family and/or friends out for delectable dishes, specialties, & refreshing beverages. Brunch in Chicago is a staple event for many city folk, with brunch venues abounding with amazing atmosphere & tasty treats around every corner. Even though I'm a suburban lady, I happen to be lucky enough to enjoy brunch in the city TWO weekends in a row! {SQUEAL!}

This weekend one of my friend & former colleagues was in Chi-town after moving to Texas a year ago....good timing on her part, considering that we had the most horrific winter
E-V-E-R this year! It was so wonderful seeing her & was a great reason to get together other work friends that I haven't seen since the end of the school year. Take a peek at some snapshots from our outing to the beautiful Perennial Virant, where we feasted on sweet & savory treats from their locally sourced menu. My order? PV Omelet: house smoked pork loin, prairie fruits farm chevre, pesto, shaved vegetables, homefries with cheese curds, toast & homemade preserves with Fresh Green Kukicha hot tea. Words CANNOT describe how delicious every single bite was...and everyone's order looked just as delightful! Y-U-M.

// Style & Stationery //

Make your own brunch invitation with RedStamp.com!

// Can't Wait 'Til Next Week!! //

I'm sure I'll still be on Cloud 9 for the rest of the week after our amazing brunch at Perennial Virant, but guess what? The Chicago blogger meet-up brunch (graciously hosted by @darlingdressedduo & @sequinsaragirlsbestfriend, #sequinsDDDbrunch) is next week at the one-&-only Bellwether! I've never been to Bellwether, but by the looks of the atmosphere & brunch menu, I'm down right giddy about this coming Sunday's event. (I'm thinking about ordering the beet salad (arugula, pistachio, goat cheese, balsamic vinaigrette) with grilled salmon {drooling}.

Even better...is the excitement bubbling over because I get to meet so many fabulous Chicago area bloggers! If you're attending, give a shout out in the comments so we can connect before & after the event. More details about a special surprise for those attending to come soon.....SO FUN!

MEETING HOUSE & EATERY
— 302 East Illinois Street --

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My First Ever "5 -for- Friday"

7/25/2014

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It's a week of FIRSTS here on It's Elementary, My Dear, now that the blog is fully up-and-running, I have so many topics, tidbits, and link-ups that I want to write about there aren't enough hours in the day to keep up with my {super excited} thoughts! Today, I'm cranking out my FIRST EVER "5 -for- Friday" link-up with Doodle Bugs Teaching {insert happy dance here}! Let's see what fun & frolicking this week of firsts has brought me...

// My 1st Link-Up: Tune Into Technology Tuesday //

Part 2 Coming SOON:
iPad
STUDENT use

The lovely ladies {and fellow Chicago-area bloggers} over at Learning to the Core and iTeach 1:1 have cooked up a 4 week series of Tuesday tech-themed topics to pick our brains and link up with others sharing tech tips. I'm only just now linking up in time for the topic of iPads {#betterlatethannever}, but will be back again next week to chat about my obsession with QR codes. In fact, I've only posted Part 1 of my iPad postings (TEACHER use). Over the weekend I'll be wrapping up my 2nd iPad posting (and will link it, too) focusing on STUDENT use of the devices. Get a sneak peek of my kids in action adding to their digital portfolios (using the Open School ePortfolio app), which I will use for extensive assessment, feedback, and communication with parents. iPads are my FAVE "tech-sessory!"

// Excited About Midwest Meet-Ups //

I've been watching {slightly enviously} as other teacher-bloggers around the country giggle & gobble up food together at regional and state meet-ups for years! OH, how I've imagined having the chance for a Midwest or Chicago {HOLLA!} area blogger meet-up for a long time now! GUESS WHAT?!?! My dreams of a Midwest/Chicago area meet-up are coming true! Thanks to the divas at Darling Dressed Duo and Sequins Are a Girl's Best Friend, we'll be enjoying a fabulous brunch outing in downtown Chicago August 3rd! Even more surprising was when I stumbled upon {TONIGHT--just before I wrote this post!} the Midwest Blogger Meet-up co-hosted by Lessons With Coffee and Thriving in Third. I'm on cloud 9, giddy beyond belief {#hopeicansleeptonight} for these two events, because I know I'll be meeting some of the most fabulous people EVER! I can't wait for us to all become blogging besties!

// We hope YOU can join us for BOTH events! //

// S.L.A.N.T. Me Silly! //

Soooooo...I've been catching {slightly jealous & definitely curious} glimpses of S.L.A.N.T. boxes all over Instagram, always wondering, "How in the WORLD do I get into this totally awesome exchange club?!?!?" Well, tonight during some {almost} midnight, totally random blog hopping, I landed at Lessons & Coffee. Not only did it introduce me to the Midwest Blogger Meet-up (see above), but I seem to have stumbled upon the MOTHERSHIP for joining in the S.L.A.N.T. box fun! INSTANTLY, I signed up for the August exchange, & will be pacing the floors until I hear back about my match & start gathering goodies for the them of "Hometown Pride."

// It's Gettin' HAUTE in Here! //

Even if you don't personally know me, but follow the blog, my Instagram, or Pinterest boards, you know I love beautiful design. One thing you probably DON'T know about me {unless you're a personal friend} is that graphic design is one of my passionate hobbies. I LOVE IT. For nearly 2 full years, I created couture wedding, holiday, & everyday stationary and art prints for clients all over the world. It was artsy and wonderful...but led me away from education & out of education. Despite my success & enjoyment, I was called back to the classroom & am ever grateful that I returned. Now, I have the perfect opportunity to combine my love of design with my calling to education!! I'm cooking up some DELICIOUS DESIGNS that will soon be revealed. See a sneak peek of my design inspiration below. Check back for haute stationery providing "Smart Style for Trendy Teachers!"

// Mommy & Me //

I CHERISH the moments when I get to play MOMMY in a school setting & the role of TEACHER takes a back seat. This past Mother's Day tea party at my son's preschool was the first such experience {no planning, prepping, or corralling kids was nice!} and tomorrow is another. I arranged to volunteer at Grayson's school once a week between now and the start of MY back-to-school. This week's theme is "Little Chefs," & I've cooked up some tasty activities for the cute little kiddos in Gray's class. See the center activity materials below & watch for a full post with action pics coming soon!
#soexcited #lovehimsomuch #mommytime

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Tune Into Technology Link-Up: iPad TEACHER use (Part 1)

7/23/2014

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I’m NOT suggesting that iPads will ever nor can ever replace teachers and/or real books, but I have to admit...now that I’m spoiled by using them in the classroom, I could never do without! From planning, to classroom management... assessment, to student projects and creativity, iPads are an integral cog in our classroom wheel and we don’t even have 1:1 devices! Fortunately, we are able to do some janky juggling of iPad borrowing in order to “make it work” (in the wise words of the one and only Tim Gunn) for our classroom use. See how this tech tool has turned our world upside down in the best ways possible! {#couldn’tlivewithoutit}

TOP TEACHER TOOL: One reason iPads make me giddy is because of the usability for both students and TEACHERS. I use my personal iPad throughout the day to keep me sane and simplify the exhaustive list of housekeeping and management tasks we do constantly. (I need a nap just thinking about it during the summer months!) Does it replace me reading real books aloud? No. Is it my best buddy throughout the day? Y-E-S

// Heavy Hitters //

Class Dojo
What It Is: ClassDojo is a classroom tool that helps teachers improve behavior in their classrooms quickly and easily. It also captures and generates data on behavior that teachers can share with parents and administrators. Better learning behaviors, smoother lessons and hassle-free data — and its free! Class Dojo website

How I Use It: Dojo points are doled out daily in our class. See my blog post on using a classroom economy to see the role Dojo points play in our daily routines. Parents of my students have the ability to view their child’s accumulated points for positive and negative behaviors any time they wish, or I am able to email a weekly report. With new messaging and student/class sharing capabilities, I can’t even IMAGINE how much more I’ll utilize this app this year (....I’m guessing nearly 24/7!!) To see how I use this app specifically for grade cards and conferences, read more on my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post!

OpenSchool ePortfolio
What It Is: “OpenSchool ePortfolio allows a teacher to easily create and maintain digital portfolios for an entire class or multiple classes. This FREE app incorporates multimedia tools built into mobile digital devices and has an inviting interface that motivates students to participate in the process of creating an authentic record of their academic, artistic and social growth.” –OpenSchool app description

How I Use It: This is my favorite new digital find! In our classroom, we participate in tons of project-based learning, creative ways to demonstrate our understanding, and a variety of cumulating student products. Such work requires rubric scoring, and is often difficult to physically put into a portfolio and equally problematic to share with parents. OpenSchool allows me to assign tasks and projects to individuals or the entire class. Students (or I) then upload photos, videos, voice recordings, or other documents as evidence of work completed. Using the built-in rubric system, I am able to instantly grade the submitted projects. To see how I use this app specifically for grade cards and conferences, read more on my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post!

iDoceo
What It Is: iDoceo is an app-based gradebook for the iPad. No Internet access is required to use it. This app will calculate averages in real time, includes features for seating, lesson plans, checklists, icon/text/number grading, and more. You may import and export information to and from this app, to make record keeping and communicating data simple and efficient. iDoceo is a not-free, but inexpensive app.

How I Use It: I ADORE iDoceo for numerous reasons! It’s my first year using this app, and I can’t wait to learn more functions as I further explore. Recently iDoceo made some major upgrades to their app, which will enable me to use the program even more than I already do! Currently, I’m using iDoceo to track standards taught and practiced, checklists for school forms, and behavior. It’s most useful for recording scores on non-percentage-based assignments (like projects and/or interactive student notebooks) using the 1-4 scale from our report cards and Marzano’s Levels of Thinking/Understanding. To see how I use this app specifically for grade cards and conferences, read more on my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post!

// Quick -but- Quality //

Class Messenger:
Class Messenger, powered by Scholastic, has enhanced my home-school communication in the most positive ways. I’m able to send updates, reminders, photos, surveys, requests, and more instantly throughout the day. Since messages are available via phone text, app push notification, and email, there’s a way to reach every parent. Try Class Messenger to make home-school connections today!

ClamCase Pro:
This all-in-one, iPad keyboard, case, and stand has totally and completely changed the way I use my iPad. If I had to guess, I’d say I use it five times more while in the classroom than I previously did. Check this product out if you want to maximize the use of your tech device, both as a tablet, and a mini-laptop. It’s a bit expensive, but totally worth it. My recommendation: Don’t leave for school without it!

Book Wizard Mobile:
The Scholastic Book Wizard offers a searchable database of over 50,000 books from all publishers as well as a huge selection of teaching resources to help you match the right books to your students. Plus, you can search, create, and save book lists and purchase books through the Teacher Store.

Now that Book Wizard has gone mobile, the possibilities for being more effective and efficient in managing your classroom library and creating customized book lists are endless! See the information below for specifics on this new app and start imagining all of the ways you will benefit from using it. For me, the ability to SCAN barcodes on the backs of books and instantly use my iPad or iPhone to get text information and make book lists is PRICELESS! Get Scholastic's Free Book Wizard Mobile in the App Store. To see how I use this app specifically for grade cards and conferences, read more on my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post!

// my FAVE Tech-sessory //

I’m a girl who LOVES her accessories (ask anyone who works with or knows me!), and I’m not ashamed to admit that my iPad might be my #1 accessory because I use it so much! Thanks to this link-up, I can’t wait to discover new cap-APP-bilities for my fave tool. To see how I max out use of iPads with my students, check out my Part 2 post!

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A {Fashionable} Chicago Teacher-Blogger Soiree

7/18/2014

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WOO HOO! I've been watching {slightly enviously} as other teacher-bloggers around the country giggle & gobble up food together at regional and state meet-ups for years! OH, how I've imagined having the chance for a Midwest or Chicago {HOLLA!} area blogger meet-up for a long time now! From meeting other teacher bloggers through Scholastic and the Vegas meet-up event this year, I now realize first-hand how teachers become fast blogging besties & I'd love the chance to connect like that with lovelies from THE BEST region in the country. #kiddingnotkidding {If you're from the Midwest or Chicago, can I get a what-what?!?!}

GUESS WHAT?!?! My dreams of a Chicago area meet-up are coming true in just a few weeks! Thanks to the divas at Darling Dressed Duo and Sequins Are a Girl's Best Friend, we'll be enjoying a fabulous brunch outing in downtown Chicago August 3rd! Details are yet to come, but I know one thing fo-sho...I'LL BE THERE WITH BELLS ON! I don't consider myself a FASHION-ista by any means {much more of a BARGAIN-ista}, but this will be a BLAST, so don't miss out just because you're worried you're not runway ready.
Teachers + Bloggers + Fashion + Brunch = RIGHT UP MY {downtown Chicago} ALLEY.

// R.S.V.P. to Join Us! //

1) Click on the Instagram post from Darling Dressed Duo below.
2) Leave your R.S.V.P. in the comments under the image on Instagram
// or // Send a private message to DDD.

// Take a Sneak Peek @ Your Hostesses {& Me} //

I snagged Instagram posts from both hosts & my own Instagram page to give you a sneak peek at our styles!
Click to view on Instagram & follow all 3 of us so we may get to know you before the big event!
Leave a COMMENT BELOW with a link to your INSTAGRAM profile if you are a Chicago area
teacher-blogger who loves to snap pics of YOUR teacher style!

// I couldn't Decide Which Was My Favorite... //

// We hope to See YOU on August 3rd!! //

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Forward>>

Let's Do Brunch!

// Style & Stationery //

// Can't Wait 'Til Next Week!! //

My First Ever "5 -for- Friday"

// My 1st Link-Up: Tune Into Technology Tuesday //

Part 2 Coming SOON:
iPad
STUDENT use

// Excited About Midwest Meet-Ups //

// We hope YOU can join us for BOTH events! //

// S.L.A.N.T. Me Silly! //

// It's Gettin' HAUTE in Here! //

// Mommy & Me //

Never Miss
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Tune Into Technology Link-Up: iPad TEACHER use (Part 1)

// Heavy Hitters //

// Quick -but- Quality //

// my FAVE Tech-sessory //

Never Miss
A Beat:
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A {Fashionable} Chicago Teacher-Blogger Soiree

// R.S.V.P. to Join Us! //

// Take a Sneak Peek @ Your Hostesses {& Me} //

// I couldn't Decide Which Was My Favorite... //

// We hope to See YOU on August 3rd!! //

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// CONNECT //

MEET LINDSEY

Find Me On
// TPT //

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// Home // Blog // About // Shop // Connect //

Let's Do Brunch!

// Style & Stationery //

// Can't Wait 'Til Next Week!! //

My First Ever "5 -for- Friday"

// My 1st Link-Up: Tune Into Technology Tuesday //

Part 2 Coming SOON: iPad STUDENT use

// Excited About Midwest Meet-Ups //

// We hope YOU can join us for BOTH events! //

// S.L.A.N.T. Me Silly! //

// It's Gettin' HAUTE in Here! //

// Mommy & Me //

Never Miss a Beat: Subscribe >>>>>>>>>

Tune Into Technology Link-Up: iPad TEACHER use (Part 1)

// Heavy Hitters //

// Quick -but- Quality //

// my FAVE Tech-sessory //

Never Miss A Beat: Subscribe >>>>>>>>>

A {Fashionable} Chicago Teacher-Blogger Soiree

// R.S.V.P. to Join Us! //

// Take a Sneak Peek @ Your Hostesses {& Me} //

// I couldn't Decide Which Was My Favorite... //

// We hope to See YOU on August 3rd!! //

Never Miss A Beat: Subscribe >>>>>>>>>

// CONNECT //

Be an INSIDER!

MEET LINDSEY

Find Me On// TPT //

FAVORITE THINGS

ERIN CONDREN

SITE DESIGN

SHOP NOW

PHOTO LOVE

PIN-TASTIC

CATEGORIES

ARCHIVES

LINKED UP

// Home // Blog // About // Shop // Connect //

Part 2 Coming SOON:
iPad
STUDENT use

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a Beat:
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Never Miss
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