Blog Posts

Mission Possible: Resolution to Organize

1/7/2016

CONGRATULATIONS! You've almost completed your first week back after winter break! It's always tough, so I hope my previous posts about sharing tips for beating the back to school blues & ways to use winter-themed STEM & ELA activities to engage the kiddos on these first crazy days back were helpful!

Now, it's time to tackle those school-related New Year's resolutions. Listen. I'm the WORST at this, so take this series of posts as lessons I've learned by years of trial and failure as I attempt to maintain those goals! These are resolutions for ME RIGHT NOW...considering my room looks kind of like a disaster zone, as I did not go in to do any clean up nor organization over break. #sorrynotsorry

JANUARY IS A GREAT TIME TO:
1) Tweak your classroom setup & cover up unsightly spaces
2) Declutter & organize
3) Find new extraordinary classroom uses for ordinary items to maximize functionality & organization

I'll be posting about these tips, tricks, & techniques that I've highlighted in popular Scholastic Top Teaching blog posts to help you kick off your classroom New Year's resolutions & give you some
good ol' support!

// Tweak Your Classroom Setup & Cover Ugly Classroom Surfaces //

Check out these FULL posts over at my Scholastic Top Teaching blog!

// 5 Classroom Items I'm Glad I DITCHED //

Each year I think about and look for inspiration on how to make my classroom arrangement work better for students and our daily flow. Using trial and error, and research-based findings, I've learned that we can live (much better, in fact) without many common classroom items. Read the full Scholastic Top Teaching blog post to see my top five list of things I'm glad I've ditched in my room. Get a preview below:

Teacher desk
Overhead fluorescent lighting
Large rug
Single student desks
Multi-Colored, Busy Bulletin Boards

// Quick Covers for UGLY Classroom Surfaces //

School surfaces take a beating. Even in newer schools, but certainly in older ones, classroom spaces take tons of wear and tear. We spend the majority of our waking hours in these rooms, so we want them to look their best for our students and ourselves. You’ll be shocked at these quick and simple cover solutions for unsightly classroom surfaces. They’re so easy, just by picking up a few items (or use what you already have) you can transform your ugliest spots in minutes! Read the full Scholastic Top Teaching blog post to see these AMAZINGLY simple & effective transformations that take surfaces from BLAH to BAM!. Get a preview below:

Check back the next two days for parts #2-3 of this series! XOXO -Lindsey

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Back to School STEM & ELA Can Be "SNOW" Much Fun!

1/4/2016

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// Hands-On STEM for the Winter WIN! //

You’ve weathered the countdown to winter break, and now you really have to prepare for coming back in January. It’s time to engage your kiddos, and help them forget how fun it was to lounge around watching TV or play on the beach during winter vacation.

You need to help them survive days upon days of indoor recess (if you live in a cold/snowy area), and all the while, teach them something they’ll actually remember. I love to take this opportunity to weave some seasonal STEM into the mix! Kids love it, they engage in hands-on science, and when tied to a favorite children’s story combined with frosty conditions outside, it’s STEM put into a context that sticks with the kiddos.

Inspired by the winter wonderland outside our windows here in Chicago in January, we love engaging in STEM challenges centered on the concept of insulation and experiments with changing states of matter. See the insulation creations students worked together to design in order to keep their ice cubes frozen for the longest period of time! This STEM challenge is super simple: Check out my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post for materials list and instructions! {HINT: Gather materials, tell the kids the challenge, and.......WATCH THEM GO!}

Hands-on sensory-based science = engagement = happy students = happy teacher! I followed this simple, two-ingredient recipe from Two Sisters Crafting to create perfectly realistic snow for my son’s winter party. It was super cool and easy to make. The kids went absolutely nuts for this stuff, and it’s a great lesson both in sensory exploration and changing states of matter. This STEM experiment is super simple: Check out my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post for materials list and instructions! (PS: Try this AT HOME with your own children for FUN when cooped up inside the house because it's freezing....OR if you're fortunate enough to live in a year-round warm climate that doesn't get snow! ...because we have to try to maintain sanity at HOME, too. LOL!)

// Frosty Winter Fun Math Mania //

I love how beautifully snowflakes lend themselves to the study of math concepts, particularly geometry. Using the books above, examine the absolutely amazing images of snowflake crystals. Facilitate a class discussion about the geometric shapes (both 2-D and 3-D) that they see in the photos and illustrations. I'm GIVING AWAY 2 SNOWFLAKE SYMMETRY FREE DOWNLOADS on my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post! Pop over to get them NOW!

Whether you’re brave enough to get into a real class snowball fight (I wouldn’t advise it!) or you prefer to use paper or cotton balls with the fun target, having fun with a snowball fight can be a great way to learn about, graph, and track data. If you hop on over to my Scholastic Blog post, you'll get access to FREE SNOWBALL FIGHT ACTIVITY DOWNLOADS! Want a complete set of WINTER MATH & ELA PRINT-&-GO CENTERS? Get them 20% off in my TPT store! You can use them daily as independent centers, or to drive your small group instruction in a fun way!

// Snowglobe ELA Keeps the Winter Blues AWAY //

Residing in a northern (almost Wisconsin) suburb of Chicago, I often feel like I live inside a snow globe. Just this week, we’ve had blustery snowfall and subzero temperatures. While I don’t actually live inside a snow globe, it’s fun to imagine if I did. Read my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post to find out blizzards of fun applications, including a wonderful writing project, for one of my favorite frosty books, The Snow Globe Family. On that blog post, you'll also have access to FREE DOWNLOAD TEMPLATES for snow globe images and WRITING PLANNING PAGES! Print-and-GO!

// WANT MORE WINTER MATH & ELA CENTERS? //
20% off MON-WED!

**12 INSTANT, NO PREP, PRINT-AND-USE MATH Work Stations
**5 INSTANT, NO PREP, PRINT-AND-USE GRAMMAR/ELA Work Stations
**3 center menus/checklists for teacher management & student accountability
**This is a BUNDLE set of my Winter Wonder Math Centers & Winter Games Grammar Centers at a discounted price. ($2 off)
{SEE SLIDESHOW PREVIEW BELOW!}

COMMON CORE ALIGNMENT SKILLS AREAS:

**ELA SKILLS TARGETED:
adjectives
order of adjectives
adverbs
relative adverbs
verb tenses
progressive verb tenses
prepositions
similes
metaphors

**MATH SKILLS:
single & multi-digit multiplication
factors & multiples, prime factorization
complex addition/subtraction
division
partial quotients
perimeter, area, volume
geometry
points, segments, rays, angles
data, graphing, & coordinates

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Beat the Back-to-School BLUES!

1/4/2016

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Break is over. This is real. I'm not ready. NOT.EVEN.CLOSE. This break was so great, I never want it to end. Yet it is...and I'm NOT happy about it. SO, I'm going to try to take my own advice (below) on how to beat the back-to-school blues. Check out my Scholastic Instructor article on the topic, as well as some fun ideas that will hopefully preserve your sanity these first few weeks back! Come back TOMORROW for classroom STEM & ELA activities to keep those squirrelly kiddos engaged! GOOD LUCK!
#wecandothis #hopefullythishelps

XOXO,
Lindsey :-)

Check out my teacher-tested-and-approved tips for organization (great to spruce up for the New Year!), having FUN with your teammates & colleagues, & reaching out to your extended network!

// More TIPS for Beating the B2S Blues! //

I just HAD to write more on this topic, once I was back to school this fall. See myScholastic Top Teaching blog post that also shows some great meal prep tips & ideas for giving little gifts to colleagues you love...because making OTHERS happy when you go B2S, will make YOU happy, too!

// HANG IN THERE //

You're going back to school, & there's nothing you can do about that fact. However, YOU can be in control of YOU. YOU can make it the best winter B2S possible. Hopefully some of these tips helped!
Come back TOMORROW for activities to keep those kiddos engage in the areas of STEM & ELA in these first few weeks back! You can do this....we can help! WELCOME BACK!
{SNEAK PEEK BELOW!!!!|

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Best of 2015: FEELING GRATEFUL

12/30/2015

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A Year of Firsts, Friends, Family, & Fierce GRATITUDE

This has been a year of so many amazing happenings that it's hard to summarize. Inspired by the TOP 9 of 2015 Instagram posts I have been seeing, I attempted to create my collage....and failed miserably! I just couldn't fit my favorite memories into 9 little boxes. So, I decided to split them into categories: personal -vs- professional lives.....STILL FAILED. {Brevity is not one of my fortes.} SO, without further adieu, is my WAY-MORE-THAN-9 "Best of 2015" memories!

// PROFESSIONAL MEMORIES //

2015 -- What a year in my professional life!!! This past year was filled with teaching friendships old and new...Pool party meet-ups, conferences, adventures with great teammates, and birthdays in Vegas, meeting up with friends at a photo shoot & training with Scholastic in NYC, creating new Marketing Maven products, and....of course....the Indian Trail lip sync where I got to channel my inner Axl and watch our awesome staff band together and crank out a first place collaborative performance in ONE PRACTICE.

Some of my kiddos rocked the Indian Trail media club with video news broadcasts, thanks to Teach-o Schwave! We started the year with our awesome NE region unit gushing with love for NYC & honoring the memory of 9/11.

Beyond the Fairytale is a new after school club for girls, focusing on new, stronger portrayals of typical fairytale princesses and learning lessons from the new versions to uplift each other and be good role models for other young ladies.

We coded as a class and have rocked some STEM projects, even simple ones like building a house of cards. New birthday traditions were introduced this year, and we enjoyed our annual Halloween Mad Science party & experiments as much as ever.

Personally, I presented at after school staff development trainings on the topics of ClassDojo & digital student portfolios. I was extremely fortunate and grateful to have an article published in Scholastic Instructor magazine, and one of my Scholastic blog posts was named as an EduBlog Editor's Choice Content Winner!

WHAT A YEAR! I am so grateful for it all!

// PERSONAL MEMORIES //

We had LOADS of summer fun, including days at the beach and pool, summer nights at the drive-in theater, a mind-blowing U2 concert with Chris Petlak & Amy Rapp, found our new favorite spot: Pier 290 in Lake Geneva & enjoyed beach time and boating while there. 4th of July & Labor Day meant we relaxed Blue Harbor Resort, which was wonderful.

I celebrated Sam Anzalone Bucaro's wedding with a mom's night out (pretty hilarious and lots of fun), experienced my first hair blow out (will never be the same again), & tried (LOVED) Stitch Fix. Gray & I enjoyed breaking out our cute boots down at my parents' country home during the spring, & my mom made the most awesome construction cake for Gray's birthday that I've ever seen. Mom & Dad totally renovated our old shed...making it an awesome, antique-filled family gathering space, perfect for BBQs and bonfires.

Grayson started preschool, we dressed as a superhero family for Halloween & had a blast with Uncle Chris & Aunt Amy at Marvel Universe LIVE! Gray tried skiing for the first time, Claire Arlene Reed made him the best sundae he's ever eaten Timothy O'Toole's in Gurnee.

To survive the cold weather over the past year...We painted canvases (and eggs), & had movie nights with good friends Jamie DeYoung-Ciszewski & Glen Ciszewski. Somehow we managed to survive (barely) NORGE 2015 with the amazing Heidi Savoca Doyle & her crew....and we just had the most magical Christmas EVER!

Cheers to these memories, and a year full of new ones in 2016!

// THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT & FRIENDSHIP!!! //

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ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE: CRAFTY DIY TEACHERS {& other fab ladies}

12/20/2015

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I'm back again with one of my ultimate teacher gift guides! If you missed my previous guides...check them out! There's something for everyone, & these gifts are perfect beyond the holidays. {bossbabe gifts, techie gifts, fashionista gifts} Today I'm featuring must-haves for the DIY, crafty teacher {or other fab lady}. Some are challenging, others relaxing & therapeutic. Some items you may actually want to make and GIVE as gifts...others will be to amazing to give away!

If you still need to buy for colleagues, blogging besties, or teachers of your own kiddos, take a peek. Think about upcoming birthdays & other gift-giving opportunities beyond the holidays. Know other fab ladies who are constantly creating? They'll love these. Better yet?? Look around for YOURSELF! This is MY personal craft-astic WISH LIST, featuring fun goodies for every interest. TOMORROW will feature a new gift guide, so come back for more swoon-worthy gift ideas!

1) I love the new stone & tassel necklace trend! What's fun about this Agate Pendant Necklace Kit is that you can learn to create them YOURSELF!

2) I always love terrarium, & these little planters put into lightbulbs shine brightly, for sure. Easy to make, & soothing as an addition to your office space or other household area.

3) Add a touch of nostalgia to your crafting fix with this darling embroidery kit! This looks like something straight out of my grandmother's house, & while I don't sew, I'm totally drawn to this!

4) Any true crafter needs this darling bag. It's clever, cute, & made me chuckle.

5) Want more DIY kit & class options? Brit+Co has TONS to keep you craftastically busy!

6) You will see several favorite DIY jewelry kits on this wish list, so......I figured we need to create some nice catch-all jewelry dishes to go with! Make these gorgeous marbled jewelry trays & give to someone special, or keep them for yourself because they're just to pretty & functional.

7) This DIY crystal necklace kit is so clever in the way it has you craft the piece of jewelry...yet it's simple enough a kid could do it!

8) One of several DIY jewelry kits I love, this layered leather bracelet kit with metal accents is stylish, simple, & comes with everything you need to create your own.

9) I shared my terrarium love above, but these teardrop versions are just my favorite. Perfect for tabletop, or can be hung from the ceiling for a dramatic effect.

10) Simple, personalized necklaces are huge right now, & being able to make your own is even better! Pick up this gold bar necklace kit & get creative with your own accessories line.

11) No one is more thrilled about the coloring book revival that is currently taking place, & for even those who doubt the power of coloring as an adult...this Lost Ocean coloring book will change your mind with its whimsical beauty!

12) I remember learning how to make hand-carved stamps! Now you can relive those childhood memories with this carve-a-stamp kit that includes everything you need to get your stamp on!

13-14) Aren't paper flowers just gorgeous? Better yet, they last forever! This paper flowers online tutorial is at the top of my wish list. Rather than searching for materials, I'll just add on the floral kit at a discount, so that I can get crafting immediately after watching the video. To help extend my paper flower frenzy, I think this Paper to Petal book is the perfect choice!

15) Hand-lettering makes me happy, happy, happy! I love it all, everywhere: art prints, chalkboards, notecards, you name it. Learn to hand-letter yourself with this online hand-lettering course!

16) Pick up this Hand Lettering Ledger to keep learning beyond the online course.

17) I'm obsessed with calligraphy....have been since I was little & my grandma bought my first calligraphy kit for me! It's never to late to learn or improve, & these Calligraphy 101 & 201 online classes & deluxe kit means you can enjoy what I call, "calligra-therapy" whenever you want!

18) If watercolor brush calligraphy is more your speed & medium, then try out this brush calligraphy online class & don't forget to add in the kit for a major discount when purchased with the course!

19) If you're as terrarium-obsessed as I am....why not WEAR ONE around your neck? Pick up this DIY terrarium necklace & make it happen!

20) Looking to learn simple gardening, but not necessarily on the terrarium train? Take thisonline succulent gardening course & get started today. Some green plants would brighten up your winter!

21) Serve your custom crafted cocktails in this custom created glass kit. Add some sparkle to your sipping!

22) Everyone loves a delish cup of eggnog, especially at holiday time. Why not craft your own? This DIY eggnog kit has everything you need to bring the taste of the holidays to life!

23) Love custom designed handbags, but hate paying for designer name brands? Want to put your own design stamp on the next purse you carry? Check out this DIY Handbag Design Course by Rebecca Minkoff. Get the DIY Fringe Clutch Kit with the course at a big discount & you'll have your first project ready-to-go. You'll be the next Kate Spade in no time!

24) Create wearable art with these DIY knotted necklaces. Watch the online knotted jewelry course & pick up the necklace kit to start creating instantly. Perfect to give as a gift or keep for yourself because the finished pieces look so fab.

Can't decide?!?!? Give the gift of a MONTHLY CRAFT SUBSCRIPTION!

*The fine print: this post contains affiliate links which means that if you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Of course, you are not obligated to use these links to make your purchase but please know that when you do,
it supports my blog and for that I thank you. XOXO, Lindsey

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Mission Possible: Resolution to Organize

// Tweak Your Classroom Setup & Cover Ugly Classroom Surfaces //

// 5 Classroom Items I'm Glad I DITCHED //

// Quick Covers for UGLY Classroom Surfaces //

Back to School STEM & ELA Can Be "SNOW" Much Fun!

// Hands-On STEM for the Winter WIN! //

// Frosty Winter Fun Math Mania //

// Snowglobe ELA Keeps the Winter Blues AWAY //

// WANT MORE WINTER MATH & ELA CENTERS? //
20% off MON-WED!

COMMON CORE ALIGNMENT SKILLS AREAS:

Beat the Back-to-School BLUES!

// More TIPS for Beating the B2S Blues! //

// HANG IN THERE //

Best of 2015: FEELING GRATEFUL

A Year of Firsts, Friends, Family, & Fierce GRATITUDE

// PROFESSIONAL MEMORIES //

// PERSONAL MEMORIES //

// THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT & FRIENDSHIP!!! //

ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE: CRAFTY DIY TEACHERS {& other fab ladies}

Can't decide?!?!? Give the gift of a MONTHLY CRAFT SUBSCRIPTION!

// CONNECT //

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 //

Mission Possible: Resolution to Organize

// Tweak Your Classroom Setup & Cover Ugly Classroom Surfaces //

// 5 Classroom Items I'm Glad I DITCHED //

// Quick Covers for UGLY Classroom Surfaces //

Back to School STEM & ELA Can Be "SNOW" Much Fun!

// Hands-On STEM for the Winter WIN! //

// Frosty Winter Fun Math Mania //

// Snowglobe ELA Keeps the Winter Blues AWAY //

// WANT MORE WINTER MATH & ELA CENTERS? //20% off MON-WED!

COMMON CORE ALIGNMENT SKILLS AREAS:

Beat the Back-to-School BLUES!﻿

// More TIPS for Beating the B2S Blues! //

// HANG IN THERE //

Best of 2015: FEELING GRATEFUL

A Year of Firsts, Friends, Family, & Fierce GRATITUDE

// PROFESSIONAL MEMORIES //

// PERSONAL MEMORIES //

// THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT & FRIENDSHIP!!! //

ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE: CRAFTY DIY TEACHERS {& other fab ladies}

Can't decide?!?!? Give the gift of a MONTHLY CRAFT SUBSCRIPTION!

// 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 //

// WANT MORE WINTER MATH & ELA CENTERS? //
20% off MON-WED!

Beat the Back-to-School BLUES!

Find Me On
// TPT //