What is Stitch Fix?

It is a styling service that for $20 (which gets credited towards any items you keep) you get five items hand-selected for you by a stylist.  You fill out a style profile and link a Pinterest board, so your stylists know what you like.  If you are interested in trying out this service, please use my referral link as I can get credit for sending you their way.

I had some pretty specific requests this month: something plaid, colored cords or jeans, a jean jacket, and a top to match the pencil skirt from a previous fix.  I am usually not this specific, but I have some pretty specific needs.

I have to be sure to thank my youngest daughter, Shmurtz, was my photography today, so I hope you think the shots worth as the seven-year-old took them.

I was disappointed in the colors/patterns.  I am moving towards more brights in my wardrobe, and I felt that this was a step backwards.  The fabrics and fits were lovely.  I would have preferred a pretty red or blue plaid and red pants.  The pants were a wonderful fit as is my experience with Kut from the Kloth pants, but I already own two pairs of brown cords in my closet.

Daniel Rainn Rozie Button Down Top $68  RETURNED

Kut from the Kloth Jonathan Skinny Corduroy $68 RETURNED

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I saw a couple of these sweaters on Pinterest.  They looked perfect, so while I didn't pin one to my board, I am glad one arrived.  I think the length is perfect; it is super soft, and has the best detail on the elbows.

I paired it with some pink leggings from Old Navy that I don't wear all that often, but with the length of this sweater, I could certainly pull them out more often.

Brixon Ivy Fierro Elbow Patch Crew Neck Sweater $58 KEPT

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I got a jean jacket a few fixes ago, but it didn't fit right.  I don't currently own a jean jacket, and in the same way my stylists have pushed me to get a pencil skirt, I think I am ready to go jean jacket.

However, this was NOT the jean jacket I was looking for.  It was super soft and stretchy, which is a must for me in any jacket, but it was too big and the wash wasn't what I wanted.  

Liverpool Kolten Denim Jacket $98 RETURNED

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Who doesn't need a new bag?

I received a bag similar to this during a summer fix that I didn't keep.  I did keep a bag from my July Fix.  I pinned this bag two weeks ago, and I got it.  I adore it, and I have only used it for one day.  It has five pockets (two outside and three inside).  My Chromebook fits in it along with everything else.

Urban Expressions Elisha Zipper Accent Structured Satchel $50 KEPT

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I am challenging my stylist to look back over my requests and provide a box under $200 for those who need a less expensive option.  Here is the note I left for November:

Be sure to follow my Pinterest Stitch Fix Board:

I can't even express how happy I am to be part of this blog hop and that you stopped by.

Thanks for stopping at my house to trick or treat!

Sometimes it seems as though the elementary teachers have all the fun when it comes to celebrating holidays and seasons.  However, I know my high school students are just as excited for apple stickers, monsters, and candy as my own third grader.  Secondary teachers can join in the holiday fun too, and here are three ways to do that in your classroom.

1) Organize your texts to coincide with the seasons

Over the past six years at my current position, I have worked to make my sequence of texts in an order that works for my students and makes sense.  I now teach British Literature backwards starting with modern literature and ending with Beowulf.  Through this process I was able to arrange my texts to coincide with the seasons and holidays, so we now read Frankenstein during October.  This allows plentiful opportunities to tie our classwork into the events surrounding Halloween including Frankenstein Movies, short stories, history, and non fiction works.

Character Study Notes

Just the thought of witches and evil magic is enough to get most of my students engaged in the text.

2)  Hero Writing Assignment

When I find that I have students that are in need of some basic essay skills, I always turn to my Hero Writing Assignment.  This assignment is perfect for Halloween season because of all the super heroes that are plastered on so many items.

It also works well for Thanksgiving season because students can choose to write about a hero in their own life.  I always start with a Traits of a Hero Graphic organizer to get students started.

The essay itself can focus on any essay skill that the students need.  This year it for my students it is thesis writing and adding evidence.  Students then develop an essay in which they detail why the person or character they chose to write about is a hero.

3)  Throw a holiday event as a reward

Our school is working towards fully implementing PBIS.  One of the pieces we are still  working on is rewards for our classrooms, grade levels, and school.  One of the rewards that I am currently trying out is themed parties as a reward for completion of a unit of study.  As I said above, I plan my texts and writing assignments out to match the holidays and seasons; this allows me to tie in holiday event rewards with my texts and writing assignments.  

Check out how I am doing this for my Frankenstein Halloween Party

Be sure to enter our great giveaway:

Mini Green Monster Pails $5.98/dozen

Frankie Face Stickers $1.98/roll

These together with some M and M bags made perfect gifts to kick off our Frankenstein unit.

Halloween Candy Holder Stand-Up $5.98

Doesn't it look super cute with the goodies?

Crafts

I had three different crafts ready for my students and each of them got to pick two of the three to create.  This really got them psyched up about the book.

Everybody needs a hug, so grab a set for your party: Monster Hug Accordion $4.98/12

Be sure to snag your own set: Monster Hanging Fan Set $4.98/12

Mini Lime Green Paper Lanterns $8.50/DZN

We cut out hair, eyes, noses, mouths, and scars for our monsters.

Decor

Every great party needs decor, and I did not want to disappoint in this area after reading Teach Like a Pirate last summer.

I made this guy many years ago with a fabric pannel.  When I found him in my Halloween boxes as home, I knew he would be the perfect addition to our decor.

This Haunted Farmhouse Banner was my FAVORITE item for this party.  I covered my board with it right near the door, so it was the first thing the students saw when they came in.

Each student got their picture taken in front of it when they got their book.  It really was a blast.  It was the perfect addition to the room to set the mood.

Are you ready to plan your own Frankenstein book party?

Be sure enter the Spooktacular Giveaway from Oriental Trading Company as well.  Just click the image below.

My favorite way to get a jump on my Sunday To-Do List:   Teaching Trio for The Sunday Scoop

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