My Periscope Journey - PD in your PJs!

Listen, I am a bit of a dork and LOVE professional development. I spent my Saturday sitting and listening to free webinars about implementing more technology into my classroom. I loved sitting and listening and getting new ideas - on my couch!

Professional Development

PD is so crucial to us teachers. However, not all of us have the ability to go and hear great presenters or collaborate with grade partners. Take me for example. I teach in a small Catholic school and am the only Kindergarten teacher in my school. Our school also doesn't have the funds to bring in the resources that I personally want to hear. Like Jen Jones from @hellojenjones, she is a power house in the field of literacy!
No way my school could bring her in. BUT she shares so much on her periscope channel.

What is Periscope?

Periscope is an live video streaming app. . Their tagline is "explore the world through the eyes of someone else". How awesome is that?! Your account is linked to your twitter, if you have one. Then you can easily see when someone goes live. I follow a variety of teachers and love it because they have so much to offer. I gain a wealth of knowledge by interacting live with awesome teachers. So much better than read through a book! You can even see strategies being implemented live! 

I am new to Periscope, but it is really life changing. I LOVE being able to get on an engage with other teachers. Oh huge perk - the teachers are all positive!! There is such a wonderful online community of positive people that are just waiting to come into your life and motivate you.

That's what teachers do. We motivate and inspire. Not only our students, but other educators. 

But I Can't Get On For The Scopes

That's okay! I can't always catch people live. So I go on a lot when I am on the treadmill or just getting ready for the day. When you catch the replays you can also fast forward if you need.

These are just a few of the accounts that I follow.

@iteachtvnetwork

 (THE place for awesome teaching strategies. 

Multiple teachers come on this channel. You can find replays here.) 

@hopeking 

She teaches at the Ron Clark Academy - enough said!

@brookebrowntpt 

Brooke gives us so many ideas for the littles and with implementing STEM activities

@hellojenjones 

Solid literacy PD right here!

@WBTlittlerocket 

Andrea is helping you with your Whole Brain Teaching!

And of course follow me @_kristen_z 

 I am sharing with you the how and why of teaching diversity in your classroom!

Personal Development

Now, not all scopes are teaching related. Because, well, we are people. Yes we teach but it is not the only thing that defines us. For example - I share about what I am cooking in the kitchen, because to me, cooking and being healthy as a teacher is important. BUT I am also doing a solid series on teaching diversity. Looking for ideas in the classroom - I got you. Need great picture books - hit me up!

And health and beauty for us teachers? @myrandasue is your girl.

Myranda is actually one of my best friends. We have known each other since 2010 after working a summer program together. I swear she is my soul mate! LOL We live literally across the country from each other. So, when you see my travel pictures...she is the one that is there with me!

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Take the Challenge

Now - get on periscope! Maybe you just want to watch and be motivated. That's okay. But Jen Jones is challenging us all. Get on and make a scope. This online community is so powerful to be a part of!
Remember you are an awesome educator and you have something valuable to share with others. Find your voice and come and join us!!

Please Note...

Periscope is not scripted. Yes, often we jot down notes about what we want to talk about. But often, as in the classroom, the conversation can lead us in different directions. We are sharing with you our ideas and strategies. We might forget what we want to say. We may get off topic. But that is what I LOVE about it. It's real, raw and every changing. We are real people that are sharing their ideas. Come and be interactive with us!!

Check out some fellow bloggers who are sharing why they love periscope. Click on their button below!

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