Happenings in Hodgensville: Instagram

Happenings in Hodgensville is me sharing a piece of my non-reading self with you. It's usually related to what's happening in my classroom or my sharing my latest StitchFix with you.

Today, I want to talk Instagram in a secondary classroom. I received an email asking me for tips on how to use it in a secondary classroom, and I responded. I decided then to create a blog post about it as well.

Use Instagram in my secondary classroom?! Absolutely.

I love social media for a lot of reasons, but most especially for the way I am able to communicate with my students.

Instagram is something I love using. Pictures tell stories on many levels. I use my account to share a bit of myself, my classroom, my interests, etc. While some have very focused accounts, mine is a bit of a hodgepodge of life. 

If you’re on Instagram and are a secondary teacher, you’ve probably noticed that there seems to be an absence of us. There are some of us sharing what we do in our classrooms, but there could be more.

If you’re on the fence on using Instagram to enhance your own classroom, let me share a few ways I use it for my students.

1. Create a hashtag for your students to follow. For my kids I use #hodgensap, #hodgens12, #hodgensmyth. The hashtags allow students to not have to follow you, but can see how you celebrate your classroom.
2. Selfie with your students and other teachers. It allows students to see that you understand the point of selfies, and it models for them how to do it in a constructive way. I will have students who will ask me, “Are you going to put me on your Instagram?!” It excites some. But before I take a selfie with a student, I ask, “Do you mind this going on Instagram?” I will have an occasional student say yes.
3. Share classroom happenings - last year I took a picture of my midterm review sheet and posted it on Instagram with the class hashtag. I had several students tell me they thought that was cool. And it shows them how we can use Instagram for pictures of more than just ourselves, and our food.
4. Take humorous pictures of yourself. If I’m feeling overwhelmed with grading, or if I’m having a rough day, I will day a selfie and post it with my class hashtag. This allows them to see that I can have a sense of humor, even on my roughest days.
5. Take pictures of students working in groups - I try to get them when they are looking down. I have to remind them to “not look” while I’m taking pictures. But it lets them, and their parents, see what they’re doing in class…and how comical some of their faces become when they’re working really hard.
6. Take pictures of student work that is impressive…and not so impressive. I like to make collages of projects my students complete and post it to Instagram. It gives students a defined sense of self in a new way; I’m not just hanging their work in the hall but sharing it on social media because I am proud of the work they put into their assignments.
7. Relax. Have fun. Be yourself.

I don’t have all the answers, but I hope the above tips help nudge you to start using it too.

Do you use Instagram for your students? If so, share tips below you would like to add to my list.

Happy Teaching!

-        

          - The Hodgenator

Happenings in Hodgensville - Pinning

Happenings in Hodgensville is me sharing a small piece of myself with you—sometimes it will be classroom related and sometimes just a, “Hey! Here is what is happening in my life right now” post.

Today I'm writing about pinning.

This summer I was fortunate enough to work with a lot of teachers to help them challenge their students’ reading, writing, and thinking skills. What I learned while working with these teachers is that several are not on Pinterest.

I was surprised because I just assumed that everyone was on and using it to help them with classroom ideas.

This is not the case.

So, I want to make a case for using Pinterest in your classroom.

First, I call Pinterest a place of magic. A lot happens there—it is not just a place to “pin” things. It is an inspiration. I use Pinterest to pin all kinds of decorating ideas, style ideas, and classroom ideas.

I also can share my love of books, Marilyn Monroe, Star Wars, and more…

But here is how I use it to help me grow as a teacher.

1.    I have a board titled “Hodgensville.” This is what I call my classroom, so when I see something that may inspire something I want to do in my classroom—from decorating to seating arrangements to handouts—I pin it to this board.

2.    No matter if I have taught something for fifteen years or am about to teach something for the first time, I turn to Pinterest first. I search for what I am teaching, and I scroll through ideas. Any that I really like, I “pin” for later use.

3.    Confession: I hate teaching poetry. I have never enjoyed reading and studying it. I struggle with the idea of rhythm in poetry. With senior English, I have no choice but to teach it. (I can get away with not teaching it in AP Lang since we are a non-fiction class.) So, I turned to Pinterest for ideas on how to help me bring it to my classroom (1) without torturing myself and (2) engaging my students. Through Pinterest, I found a great YouTube video that teaches students how to properly use TP-CASTT. I found two different version of TP-CASTT to use with my students. This inspired me to teach TP-CASTT to my students using Dr. Seuss books. I broke them into groups of three, had one read the book to them while the other two worked through TP-CASTT together. This allowed students to practice the strategy without overloading them with “scary” language and gave them a foundation to use TP-CASTT on an assigned poem.

4.    With Pinterest, I don’t have to “bookmark” everything and then lose it when my browser updates, which has happened a few times. I know I have an idea pinned on my Hodgensville board, so it does not take me long to find it.

5.    It gives me a common language with my students. They are social media mavens. They use social media for so many things. The first time I ever mentioned Pinterest, they were surprised I knew what it was. I told them, “I was on Pinterest back when it was new and no one really knew what it was.” That always surprises them—and it allows me to appear hip and tech savvy in a world where being those two things at my age are getting more difficult.

6.    Pinterest really is a place of amazing professional development. Many of us have joked about earning PD credit because we spend so much time on the site, but truly, it is a site that I find so much inspiration and new ideas and development, that it really should be considered PD.

How many of you are on Pinterest? How do you use it in your classroom/PD?

Leave a comment below and let’s talk about what inspires us as educators, what helps us grow our craft? Pinterest is just one small and simple example.

Happy Teaching!

     - The Hodgenator

Happenings in Hodgensville - May's Stitch Fix

Happenings in Hodgensville is me sharing a small piece of myself with you—sometimes it will be classroom related and sometimes just a, “Hey! Here is what is happening in my life right now” post.

Last month I shared that I have started using Stitch Fix, and today I want to share my latest fix with you.

What IS Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is an personal styling service that charges you a $20 styling fee—a fee that is immediately put toward any purchase you make. You fill out an exhaustive survey on your body type, what you like to wear, what type of pieces you would like to receive, your favorite styles to wear, how much you’re willing to spend, etc.  I did say the survey was exhaustive, right?

They “schedule” your box, and you wait. Upon arrival, you will find five pieces—one is usually an accessory—that you can try on at home and decide what you want to keep.

There is a pre-paid envelope in your box, so anything you do not want to keep can easily be placed in and dropped at your local post office.

It really is that simple. And, if you love all five pieces, you not only have the $20 styling fee toward your purchase but also receive a 25% discount on every piece. BUT, only IF you purchase all five items.

They also have an amazing referral program. You can share your referral link to Facebook and Twitter and on your blog and receive $25 credit when your friends/family/referrals receive their first Fix. (Mine is located at the bottom of this post.)

What I love about it is this—as your check out on their website, you tell them if you’re keeping the piece or returning. Then, they ask you specific questions on the style of the piece, the price, the fit, and any additional comments you wish to make. About every single piece.

Here is why I really love Stitch Fix:

1.    I love to shop but am sometimes too busy.

2.    I love clothes and always want to add pieces.

3.    I am completely intimidated by trends and how to dress my body.

4.    I love not having the pressure of shopping in a store. Sometimes those reps are like sharks, circling and waiting. I don’t like that feeling.

5.    I love having the opportunity to try on at home, take pics of the outfits on my body, and have three days to decide what to keep and what to send back.

6.    I enjoy having pieces chosen for me from CA, giving me something fresh and new I might not find locally.

Here is why my husband loves Stitch Fix:

1.    He doesn’t have to go shopping with me as often.

2.    He doesn’t feel the pressure of helping me pick out pieces.

3.    He loves to see how excited I get when I see my box on my front porch.

4.    He enjoys seeing what is waiting for me in my box too—because he knows my love for clothes.

Here is what was in my MAY box—spoiler: I kept ALL items

 

Adorable packaging. I LOVE opening my box and seeing my envelope that contains my style cards, a personalized note, and the invoice.

After I open the box and look over my style cards, I always lay the outfits out on my bed. This gives me a chance to really look at the pieces and to see if I can pair any of them together. This also gives me a chance to see if I already  have pieces I can pair.

Here is what my Stitch Fix items look like on:

Malcolm Heathered Dolman Sleeve Knit Shirt by Renee C ($48.00)

This is the FIRST thing I tried on. I paired it with my jeans from last fix, and voila. I have an adorable outfit. I LOVE this shirt. It is so soft, the cut is perfect for me, and I love the color. It is versatile and I can pair this shirt with a variety of bottoms.

Addison Striped Knit Cardigan by 41Hawthorn ($48.00)

Madeleina Embroidery Detailed Tank by Renee C ($48.00)

I paired these two together—and look how adorable. I am still wearing the jeans from last fix, and I love the softness of this look. I do not usually buy blue, and every box has given me blue. I have to say I love this color on me. Part of it is because I recently darkened my hair, so the blue helps with the contrast.

Tammi Sailboat Print Fit & Flare Dress by 41Hawthorn ($68.00)  

I am IN LOVE with this dress. I feel like a hot mama with this dress on. This is not something I would pick out for myself, but the cut is flattering to my body (there is a belt on the side the cinches the waist).

Remmie Multi-Color Chevron Print Skirt by Papermoon ($58.00)

The final item I tried on. The style card recommended that I pair this skirt with a jean shirt. I really liked that idea. It softened the look for me. This was my least favorite item in the box, but I kept it because it was worth keeping financially. With the 25% discount, I would have had to pay an additional $4.50 for four items or keep all five and save the $4.50. So, I kept it.

(Sorry my pics are not that awesome. I had my husband take the pictures, and he is NOT a master photographer. Actually, I try to avoid having him take pictures as much as possible. Plus, he used my phone. So...)

As a whole, I am in love with Stitch Fix. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my next box scheduled for May. If any of you are interested giving it a shot, visit their website. If you click on this link, I will receive $25.00 credit when you receive your first fix, and I know my husband will be ever so grateful to you.

Happy Shopping!

-      The Hodgenator

Happenings in Hodgensville - Stitch Fix

This box makes me happy

I am stepping away from the typically book review and sharing a piece of myself with you. For this month, I'm sharing my passion for a new element I've added to my life.

A few months ago I was out shopping with a friend of mine. She mentioned that she has been working with Stitch Fix for a while, a personal on-line styling service. We spoke about it for a while, and after visiting the website, I thought I would give it a try.

I am in my second month, and I will say that I LOVE IT! I really love it. I love it so much that I want to share it with you.

What IS Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is an personal styling service that charges you a $20 styling fee—a fee that is immediately put toward any purchase you make. You fill out an exhaustive survey on your body type, what you like to wear, what type of pieces you would like to receive, your favorite styles to wear, how much you’re willing to spend, etc.  I did say the survey was exhaustive, right?

They “schedule” your box, and you wait. Upon arrival, you will find five pieces—one is usually an accessory—that you can try on at home and decide what you want to keep.

There is a pre-paid envelope in your box, so anything you do not want to keep can easily be placed in and dropped at your local post office.

It really is that simple. And, if you love all five pieces, you not only have the $20 styling fee toward your purchase but also receive a 25% discount on every piece. BUT, only IF you purchase all five items.

They also have an amazing referral program. You can share your referral link to Facebook and Twitter and on your blog and receive $25 credit when your friends/family/referrals receive their first Fix. (Mine is located at the bottom of this post.)

What I love about it is this—as your check out on their website, you tell them if you’re keeping the piece or returning. Then, they ask you specific questions on the style of the piece, the price, the fit, and any additional comments you wish to make. About every single piece.

For my second box, I was very specific in my comments on how the pieces fit, what I wanted to see in my box next, etc.

Here is why I really love Stitch Fix:

 

1.    I love to shop but am sometimes too busy.

2.    I love clothes and always want to add pieces.

3.    I am completely intimidated about trends and how to dress my body.

4.    I enjoy having pieces chosen for me from CA, giving me something fresh and new I might not find locally.

5. They send styling cards for each piece, showing you how you can wear it in the day as well as evening. Love. This.

Here is why my husband loves Stitch Fix:

1.    He doesn’t have to go shopping with me as often.

2.    He doesn’t feel the pressure of helping me pick out pieces.

3.    He loves to see how excited I get when I see my box on my front porch.

4.    He enjoys seeing what is waiting for me in my box too—because he knows my love for clothes.

Sharing my April Fix

Here is what was in my April box—enjoy!

The packaging is so adorable. The envelope contains my styling cards, a note written to me about why the pieces were picked, and the invoice. 

opening the box

Here are the styling cards. I love these. They are a great way to see how I can style the pieces to fit my own personal style. I also love that they give both a day and a night look. I love looking at these before unwrapping the tissue paper to see what has been picked for me.

I keep ALL of my style cards

I find unwrapping of the tissue paper as exciting as Christmas morning. I mean, I know I already know what is IN the paper, but it is still fun to see it and to know that someone picked out the looks just for me. I am especially pleased that box of my boxes have been a 100% hit with me. 

style cards + looks = happiness

So here are the looks, unwrapped. The shirt is an exact replica of a dress I received in my first box. I love that maxi dress, not something I would've picked out on my own, and those jeans and shirt are an absolute win. Now, I was nervous about having pants sent to me. I am very picky about my pants, but I decided to give it a try. If you count, you see four pieces. 

love all of these

 My fifth was a necklace, again a piece I wouldn't have picked for myself because of its size and color. I have a bulging disc in my neck, and I was concerned. But, I put it on and it wasn't near as heavy as I expected. I didn't have an issue at all the day I wore it.

The necklace of awesome

The necklace was picked to go with the jeans/striped shirt look you see above. What a wonderful color combo. I never would have paired a navy blue striped shirt with that necklace. I wore the entire look to school and received numerous compliments.

seriously love these jeans

This was my absolute favorite look. Those jeans are soooo comfy. The fit was absolutely perfect. The cuff is sewn, which is nice, and on the left leg it has that "worn" look (I think that's what it's called.) I am a jeans/shirt kind of gal, and the look was a 100% win with me.

can't talk jeans without talking back view

I really love the look of my butt in these jeans too. Anytime I find a pair where my butt looks firm, I am sold. Yep, I went there. But ladies, we all know that the way our butt looks in jeans is the most important part, for most of us.

I loved the dress and the shirt, but as a I said, I had that shirt as a dress already. I kept the shirt because financially, it was cheaper to keep all 5 pieces than to keep the 4 I loved and to return the shirt. It was like the shirt was free with the 25% discount, so I kept it, and I've worn it. I love the material and the color (navy blue with white polka dots). 

The only piece I haven't worn to work yet has been the dress. It has been too cold or rainy to have it make an appearance. I am hoping for beautiful weather this coming week so I can wear it. 

As a whole, I am in love with Stitch Fix. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my next box scheduled for May. If any of you are interested giving it a shot, visit their website. If you click on this link, I will receive $25.00 credit when you receive your first fix, and I know my husband will be ever so grateful to you.

Do any of you already do Stitch Fix? Do you blog about your styles? If so, leave me a link below so I can "pin" it to my Pinterest board. 

Happy Shopping!

-      The Hodgenator