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 +

_________________

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

Wise Owl Factory's Video Gives a Shout Out to Teacher Resources...

I am soooo grateful that Carolyn Wilhelm of Wise Owl Factory featured a product of mine, found on my blog and in TpT and TN Stores, in her you tube video about the Pinterest board "Featured on We Teach!" Various other bloggers/teacher-authors' products are mentioned as well! It's totally worth your time to view video and check out the products!

Visit the "Featured on We Teach" Pinterest board here!

If you are not yet a member of We Teach, it is a great place to connect/collaborate with many teachers and bloggers, and other great people!
Thank you so much, Carolyn Wilhelm!
Check out the video below and feel free to comment to tell me what you think!

The product of mine she mentions in the video is my free Persuasive Essay Research Organizer Pack! Please download it and use as you see fit!

Have a great rest of the week!!

Announcing Connect-a-Blog's New Move...

You just have to visit this spectacular Pre K thru 12 Collaborative Teaching Blog! 

           Connect-a-Blog has moved to a new site! You will find this blog one valuable resource no matter the grade you teach! It offers boocoodles (I love this word, as do my students) of resources, some priced and lots of free ones, in addition to great postings by a wide variety of contributing authors! Please check it out and visit its Facebook page, Twitter, & Pinterest Accounts!
           You will find it's a totally awesome teaching blog! Not to mention, you will have immediate access to many fabulous blogs you are already familiar with as well as others you will be glad to have found! Again, the contributing authors and their blogs provide resources in all grade levels and subjects! Do not miss out on bookmarking this web site! The blog is not new; however, it has been moved to a new site on Wordpress!

           Stop by & just see what you find! Please show your support by linking up with us! Find the blog link above and other social media links below:

Pinterest is AWESOME!

Twitter.....Here you go "Tweeters"

Need I really ask that you "Like" us on Facebook?

You are going to love this blog if you don't already! There are plenty of authors with fabulous blogs that sure think it's not to be missed out on if you are a teacher and/or blogger. Don't be the only one not a part of the community!!  :)

Regards,

P.S. How are my persuasion tactics working? I'm currently teaching a persuasive writing unit in class....I hope I'm okay at it! :) Leave me a comment if I happened to persuade you to visit!! 

Have a great day---and weekend!

It's Blog Hoppin Tuesday!!!

I think I'm addicted to Link Ups!!!Join in on all the Blog Hopping Happening!!! You must be a memeber and have a badge on your page somewhere, but that's all!! Don't Miss Out!!Happy New Year Blog Hopping!Regards,

Get Your Free Read Alouds eBook Right Here! - The Organized Classroom Blog

Get Your Free Read Alouds eBook Right Here! - The Organized Classroom Blog

     This awesome product is from Charity Preston at The Organized Classroom Blog! She's offering it for free; All you do is "Pay with a Tweet," and you can download it!!

     Charity is Awesome!! If I haven't mentioned before, she has the greatest video course "Teaching Blog Traffic School" ---which I highly recommend as well! Find out more at Teaching Blog Traffic School ---You will be glad you did it!

     I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful break and has had a beautiful holiday!! The sun is FINALLY out (no more rain) so I'm headed outdoors!!

Regards,

Ann Marie Smith

Get to Know This TpT Teacher Author...

Arlene Manemann 

What grade level(s) and/or subject(s) are you currently teaching? What grade levels have you taught prior to this year?  7 - 12, but now retired...

If currently in the classroom, how long have you been teaching? 

If not, how long did you teach?        35 Years

When did you join Teachers Pay Teachers as a Seller? What made you decide to become a seller?    2009

One piece of advice you can give to a beginning teacher & one piece for a veteran teacher:   

     I've supervised student teachers, and the biggest problem initially is usually classroom management. Start the school year with your classroom arranged in rows and your curriculum arranged in a regular weekly schedule. Once the students associate your room with order, you can (and should) have all sorts of innovative seating arrangements and approaches to the curriculum. But, get them working as a unified team first.

     For veteran teachers, I learned the hard way that "my way" and "new ways" are not counterproductive. My approach to a lesson might benefit from the new way and sometimes be replaced entirely. That was hard for me to cope with, but after the first few "adjustments", it became easier.

Something unique about you both as a teacher and outside of the classroom:

     I am a puzzle freak. There's hardly a lesson that I make that doesn't have some kind of a puzzle with it; mostly they do teach something, but are intended for fun. At home, I love working the New York Times crossword puzzles, especially on Friday and Saturday, and see if I can beat my own best times.

TpT Store Link: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Arlene-Manemann

One of your best selling product links:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/GEOGRAPHY-BASICS-Teaching-Unit

What other bio information would you like to share?

     My daughter is a high school chemistry teacher and I've created or typed up so many of her assignments, I think I might actually be able to get a good grade in chemistry now! Well, maybe not in the stoichiometry part.