Learn from Reading.Writing.Thinking.Sharing.

Get to Know Kristin Jordan of 
READING. WRITING. THINKING. SHARING. 

Classroom Experience:

I have been a Literacy Specialist for four years, working with struggling readers and writers in grades 2-5.

Valuable things learned beneficial to teachers, teacher-authors, or bloggers:

     In both blogging and creating teaching resources, I've learned the power of Professional Learning Communities. 21st century tools and technology have created endless opportunities for collaboration and professional learning among teachers. I love being a part of these networks because I can stay "fresh" as my teaching evolves with current trends of best classroom practice. I'm amazed at how being a part of the teacher-author community has changed my teaching!
     I will admit though, I am often overwhelmed with the number of blogs, forums, and options for collaborative learning that are out there, and I always feel like I'm one step behind. (Seriously, how can we keep up with them all?!?) I try to manage reading all my favorite blogs, while marketing and keeping up with my own blog, but I'm still working on finding a better balance! 
     For teachers who are new to the blogging world, I would recommend starting small and not jumping in too fast. It can easily become overwhelming! I tend to be overzealous and bite off more than I can chew, but I've learned that even if you do that, you can always take a few steps back. For now, my goal is to learn ONE new thing a day, or connect with ONE new teacher a day. Although I'll probably never be able to read EVERYTHING or blog everyday, I feel like I'm constantly growing and learning. Be active at a level that works for you!

Advice for a beginning or veteran teacher?
My advice would be to never stop learning! There are always new strategies to try and ideas to explore. As the world changes around us, students evolve as learners. Teachers need to evolve too. Not only does it help us stay "fresh" in the world of teaching, but it provides a great model for students to become lifelong learners as well.
Great ideas, lessons, or pieces of advice learned from other blog(s):

Teaching blogs have opened up a whole new world to me! Reading about strategies and activities REAL teachers are integrating across the country is truly inspiring. I love learning about new ideas and trying them out in my own classroom. Of course, I can't just pick ONE!

Some of my favorite blogs recently are:

http://theorganizedclassroomblog.com/

http://teachinginroom6.blogspot.com/

http://tunstalltimes.blogspot.com/

http://clutterfreeclassroom.blogspot.com/

http://panickedteacher.typepad.com/

TWO Freebies Ms. Jordan Picked to Share! 

"What is Fluency?" Student Reference

"Ticket Out the Door" Post-Lesson Assessment

At what online marketplaces/vendors does this teacher-author have stores?

Teachers Pay Teachers
 Teachers Notebook

Helpful Hints for the Classroom:

I feel like I'm constantly saying, "Why didn't I think of that?!?" as I'm exploring Pinterest and teacher blogs. Some of my recent favorites for small groups...
Dice in small, clear containers for games and table work:

Source: sunnydaysinsecondgrade.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Thumbtacks glued to clothes pins for quickly hanging and displaying student work:

Source: etsy.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Taking pictures of anchor charts and putting in binder (saves wall space, and great when you have different charts for different groups you want to save!):

Source: teachingmyfriends.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Check out my growing boards of additional Classroom Organization & Management ideas: 

              Classroom Management      Classroom Organization

Something cool, weird, or funny about you, OUTSIDE of the classroom:

     I love to travel! I've been to seven countries since 2005 and hope to explore more in the near future. Traveling allows me to continue learning and growing as a teacher and an individual. I'm always intrigued by new places and hope to one day write children's books from my experiences around the world.
I have an extremely fat cat named Zeus, who thinks he's 10 lb lap-cat (not the 20 lb tiger cat that he actually is!). Zeus keeps me company as I explore blogs, write posts, and create my products! Perhaps he's my muse?
Also, I just got engaged and am getting married in 2013! Hmmm... I wonder (and worry!) how I'm going to juggle wedding planning, teaching, blogging, selling, and learning! :)

Stay Connected with Kristin...
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Google +

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I would like to say THANKS to Kristin, for sharing her ideas and freebies with us!  Be sure to swing by her blog and/or her stores to see all of the other teaching resources she has! You can leave Kristin a comment below to let her know that you stopped by, and that you picked up some helpful info and her awesome free download! 
Have a great day!
Ann Marie