Blog Archives

We've Got Spirit, Yes We Do! {LIP SYNC MANIA}

8/30/2015

Last Monday was our B2S district institute day, and it ROCKED....literally. Of course, we talked business and discussed more serious changes and challenges facing our district in the year to come, but then...we lit up the stage with 12 schools performing live lip syncs. It was AMAZING.....and WE WON! We still can't believe it!
Sometime this year, we'll get to cash in our prize of a free catered staff lunch from Chipotle...and I think we ALL can agree that's quite a prize.

Our montage centered around a TIGER theme, since that's our mascot, and featured three songs: Welcome to the Jungle, Eye of the Tiger, and Roar.

What's even better than winning a catered staff lunch from Chipotle (...and beyond getting to dress up like Axl Rose) was what this win represented to our staff. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we only found out about the district lip sync contest a few weeks before the big event, while every other school knew since before the end of last year. However, we didn't let that stop us. In fact, if fueled us.

That's what's great about our staff. Despite setbacks and against all odds, we pulled together at the last minute, took input from everyone on songs, choreography, and funny little touches, and pulled together something incredible. With only one practice, we hustled and banded together to perform in front of over 700 district staff, administrators, and school board members....and we had an absolute blast. EVERY SINGLE STAFF MEMBER participated in some way, shape, or form.

Whether they were a mainline performer, band musician, back-up dancer, or pep rally cheerleader, this was seriously a show of how scrappy, determined, creative, and UNIFIED we are because #wearebettertogether. I'm so proud of our school, not because we won, but because of HOW we won. This is going to be a GREAT year and I'm proud to be a TIGER! #schoolrocksandsoshouldyou

See For Yourself! Watch our winning lip sync.

Did you do something awesome for your back to school inservice day(s)? If so, please share!
Need a costume for a school spirit day, district event, or upcoming Halloween class party?
Save yourself the hassle and shop for Halloween costumes online.

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Grand Teachers GIVEAWAY!

8/21/2015

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Celebrate Personal Milestones of #BloggingBesties

Congratulations to sweet Ashlyn from The Creative Classroom! She's reached 1,000 TPT followers...and that's a BIG DEAL! I'm teaming up with Ashlyn and a motley crew of many other fave teacher bloggers to celebrate this achievement with a fun Instagram link up and $100 TPT Gift Card GIVEAWAY!

Link Up with the FUN on Instagram!

Grab the original, blank images, fill them in with your own answers,
and repost on Instagram. Be sure to tag @lindseypetlak and @thecreativeclassroom and use the hashtag #grandteachers.

// ORIGINALS //

// MY ANSWERS //

ENTER to WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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GET ORGANIZED...or at Least START Out that Way!

8/6/2015

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It's back to school time, and while my classroom may look like a bomb went off by the end of the year, or STEM challenge goodies may be strewn about during maker time on any given day...I like to AT LEAST START the year organized. No matter how "Type A" you are, or how hard you try, keeping a perfectly organized classroom is nearly (if not completely) impossible. I always tell myself that the best I can do is to SET UP THE ROOM to NATURALLY ENCOURAGE organization, and then maintaining that organization throughout the year is much easier.

The only problems are time, cost, ease of use, and classroom practicality. It takes a LOT of trial, error, and frankly wasted time, energy, & money to find what really works for you & your room. Soooooo, I like to get super clever, and even "cheat" a bit when it comes to clever classroom storage solutions. We can NEVER have too much good storage in a classroom, so sometimes you have to look at ordinary items in different ways to imagine how they could be used for storage in your room. Keep reading & pop on over to my Scholastic Top Teaching blog to see how I made the following my FAVORITE storage solutions that have stood the test of time!

Laundry bags = LICE PREVENTION (and a neater space)
Dollar store containers for...well...pretty much everything
Thrift store finds as cute, durable storage to match my room theme
IKEA Magazine racks make GREAT STUDENT MAILBOXES!
Kitchen & food storage goodies that serve fabulous class storage purposes
Hardware finds that are great for math manipulatives
Home goods that make the room more cozy & hold TONS of stuff
Office supplies that find a great home in the classroom for executive functioning

// SNEAK PEEK of my Clever Classroom Storage Solutions //

See the slideshow below for a quick look at how I used bargain finds, household goods, thrift shop surprises, and unusual items for CHEAP & EFFECTIVE classroom storage!
*NOTE: Each individual picture is linked directly to specific blog posts about how I used that tool in my classroom last year. Just click and you'll be redirected!

// Get ALL of the Juicy Details //

I've curated all of my best tried-and-true clever classroom storage solutions from over the years in these two Scholastic Top Teaching blog posts! I had so many great tips, tricks, & techniques, that I busted up the collection into two separate posts. Quick lists of items for your storage treasure hunt & their awesome...even UNUSUAL uses are listed out simply to help you grab-n-go with some back to school organization....without the hassle or cost!

// Follow ALL of my Scholastic Top Teaching Adventures! //

Don't miss out on my Scholastic Top Teaching blog posts for the 2015-2016 school year! Click the image below to go to my Scholastic blogger page and subscribe to updates!

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#ClassDojoDoesItAgain : NEW! CLASS STORY

8/5/2015

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Just when you think ClassDojo couldn't possibly get any better...they go and do it again! I love how the Dojo crew is always looking for ways to listen to teacher needs and making continual improvements to make our day-to-day classroom lives better!

The introduction of ClassDojo messaging took connecting classrooms and parents to a new level, and they've outdone themselves again. I have LOVED being able to send private or whole class messages to parents communicating individual successes or classroom happenings using Dojo messaging.

Now, Dojo is kickin' it up a notch with their new release....CLASS STORY.

WHAT IS THIS AWESOME NEW ADDITION?
Class Story the latest addition to ClassDojo makes sharing anything from the day even easier: from photos of students working hard, to important notes or announcements. Teachers can see when parents have read their Class Story posts, so they always know their messages are getting home.

As a parent, I know I would LOVE THIS FEATURE that gives me a tiny peek into what my child is doing each day while at school....because we all know they go home and say they did "nothing" when asked! LOL! The more we can keep the lines of communication open and flowing...the better. Transparency is key in today's classroom, and this allows you to post and share in a way that is teacher-controlled (you KNOW we love that!) and safe for all users, unlike outside social networks.

HOW IT WORKS:
Teachers can add posts using photos or text updates! Posts are shared with all connected parents automatically. Unlike class websites, Twitter, or Instagram, this means that only parents can see these important stories and no one else, keeping ClassDojo safe for families, students, and teachers. Teachers will know when parents have seen their posts with read receipts, plus they’ll feel the love when parents “like” their posts.

NOTE: This feature is still in the beta stage, so you'll need to sign up as a beta app tester here in order to use this feature just in time for back to school!
Don't miss out on the other recent Dojo upgrade announcement! Check out Dojo GROUPS features in m previous blog post and use in conjunction with Class Story!

// WHY I LOVE IT //

1) OUR NATURE: Like it or not (or LOVE IT), we live in a culture that is accustomed to constant, instant communication and updates on any thing and everything. Why would we expect parents to want anything less from school communication? A quick all-class message posted, photo of an author visit, field trip, or work station time....all take only a few seconds, document your hard work and student engagement, and put parent minds at ease about the mystery of what is happening all day at school!

2) ONE STOP SHOP: I thought Dojo was great when it only had basic features for classroom management....and pieced together other resources (paper and digital) for other parent communication purposes. Since ClassDojo constantly makes improvements, they have listened to teachers who say they don't want to have to go to a dozen different places to connect in different ways with parents, because..."ain't nobody got time for that!"

SO, now you can manage your classroom using Dojo points, which pushes automatically to parents and tracks data, send private messages with multi-media features to individual parents for direct communication using messaging....AND....post unified class photos, announcements, reminders, and more using the new CLASS WALL features!! {SQUEAL!}

NO MORE worries about pushing out info via social media (even with privacy controls, it's a little scary).
NO MORE pulling from multiple different resources to cover your communication bases.
NO MORE paper trail for behavior, individual messages, or quick class announcements or happenings.

3) TELL YOUR CLASS STORY: The name of this new feature really says it all. Every class is different, in fact YOUR class is different from year-to-year. No one has time to write a novel about what happens in our classes each day, and frankly speaking as a parent, no one has time to read a novel of your day either. However, it's SO IMPORTANT to tell our class stories...celebrate those tiny, but super special moments...capture memories from special events...send snapshots of learning and AH-HA moments that shine a light on student success. Use this super simple tool to your advantage in telling YOUR class story!

// BE A BETA INSIDER //

What's better than using the great features rolled out by ClassDojo? Being a Dojo insider! The wizards over at Dojo are are working hard to bring Class Story live ASAP. Sign up to be a beta tester of this new feature and help Dojo put the finishing touches on this great new tech tool!

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Currently AUGUST {{YIKES!}}

8/3/2015

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I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S AUGUST!!! To help soften the blow of my summer slipping away...I'm linking up with Farley over @ Oh, Boy 4th Grade for August Currently!!

// LISTENING //

Grayson is easing back into his school routine so that when I go back it isn't too much of a shock {we've had a pretty care-free summer!}, so today I'm camped out at my favorite...STARBUCKS, getting some work done. They are rockin' some seriously awesome retro tunes in here, & I'm just groovin' right along. PS: Have you tried the Justin's dark chocolate PB cups @ Starbucks. O-M-G!!!!!

// THINKING //

Sometimes you just HAVE to unplug and stop multi-tasking. I'm sure we've ALL been working like crazy to prep for the TPT back to school sale and also for going back to school ourselves. After way too many late nights and over-multi-tasked days.....I stopped myself and did NO WORK this weekend. I just enjoyed my family and the amazingly gorgeous weather. Don't forget to PACE & take time for YOURSELF & your FAMILY!!!

// B2S RAK //

We often think about RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) around holiday time, but RAK-ing doesn't need to stop there. B2S time is a fab opportunity to make your colleagues & children's teachers feel all warm & fuzzy inside. Let's face it, B2S puts everyone a bit on-edge, and whether it's picking up someone's favorite Starbucks drink, a fun goodie back, or just LOADS OF CHOCOLATE and/or CAFFEINE...we all love a good pick-me-up when we're getting back into the swing of things. I'll be writing some B2S Blog posts with more ideas and photos for making your teammates and colleagues feel cool just in time for back to school! {{STAY TUNED}}

// LOVING //

Summer has finally decided to show up here in Chicago-land! Last week, over the weekend, and even throughout this week, we are set for gorgeous weather: sun, perfect heat, & a just-right breeze. At the end of the month...when I'm in a NON-air conditioned room with 20+ sweaty 4th graders, I won't be loving this heat so much, but for now...I'm going to soak up every last drop.

// WANTING //

I'm torn right now between back-to-school prep, family activities, severely needing to organize my house....and....wanting desperately to start some new creative Marketing Maven products!! On the docket:

LOGO custom creations
NEW photo mock-ups featuring chalkboard backdrops
WORDPRESS site/blog designs
NEW teacher notecards/prints
BRANDING concept kits

// TPT B2S SALE //

Save up to 28% site-wide on TPT for their annual back to sale BLOWOUT! My ENTIRE STORE is on sale, plus you'll get an extra discount if you use code: BTS15 at checkout. Stock up on classroom and TPT seller goodies before Aug. 4th @11:59 pm!

// SHOP MY TPT //

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We've Got Spirit, Yes We Do! {LIP SYNC MANIA}

See For Yourself! Watch our winning lip sync.

Grand Teachers GIVEAWAY!

Celebrate Personal Milestones of #BloggingBesties

Link Up with the FUN on Instagram!

// ORIGINALS //

// MY ANSWERS //

ENTER to WIN!

GET ORGANIZED...or at Least START Out that Way!

// SNEAK PEEK of my Clever Classroom Storage Solutions //

// Get ALL of the Juicy Details //

// Follow ALL of my Scholastic Top Teaching Adventures! //

#ClassDojoDoesItAgain : NEW! CLASS STORY

// WHY I LOVE IT //

// BE A BETA INSIDER //

Currently AUGUST {{YIKES!}}

// LISTENING //

// THINKING //

// B2S RAK //

// LOVING //

// WANTING //

// TPT B2S SALE //

// SHOP MY TPT //

// 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 //

We've Got Spirit, Yes We Do! {LIP SYNC MANIA}

See For Yourself! Watch our winning lip sync.

Grand Teachers GIVEAWAY!

Celebrate Personal Milestones of #BloggingBesties

Link Up with the FUN on Instagram!

// ORIGINALS //

// MY ANSWERS //

ENTER to WIN!

GET ORGANIZED...or at Least START Out that Way!

// SNEAK PEEK of my Clever Classroom Storage Solutions //

// Get ALL of the Juicy Details //

// Follow ALL of my Scholastic Top Teaching Adventures! //

Be an IEMD INSIDER!

#ClassDojoDoesItAgain : NEW! CLASS STORY

// WHY I LOVE IT //

// BE A BETA INSIDER //

Be an IEMD INSIDER!

Currently AUGUST {{YIKES!}}

// LISTENING //

// THINKING //

// B2S RAK //

// LOVING //

// WANTING //

// TPT B2S SALE //

// SHOP MY TPT //

// 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 //

Find Me On
// TPT //