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Jennifer Orr

@jenorr.bsky.social
869 followers 313 following 2K posts

Long time elementary school teacher, author of Demystifying Discussion and co-author of We're Gonna Keep on Talking

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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 21h
I know there are so many things that this administration has destroyed that should break my heart, but this one hits home for me. In many ways, this is my metaphor for these past two years.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Oh my goodness, this thread. The connections to Come From Away (literal quotes that are the same at points) really got me. That said, what an awful experience.
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Reposted by Jennifer Orr
Tressie McMillan Cottom @tressiemcphd.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
this being a little Black girl is pushing me close to the edge.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
@dlaufenberg.bsky.social This is definitely not my norm... TimeGuessr #1200 — 45,757/50,000 1️⃣ 🏆10,000 · 📅 0y · 🌍 37ft 2️⃣ 🏆9,829 · 📅 1y · 🌍 3.2mi 3️⃣ 🏆9,834 · 📅 0y · 🌍 10.2mi 4️⃣ 🏆6,147 · 📅 11y · 🌍 219.3mi 5️⃣ 🏆9,947 · 📅 0y · 🌍 1.3mi timeguessr.com
timeguessr.com
TimeGuessr
TimeGuessr - the game that tests both your geography and history knowledge. Guess where and when historic photos were taken.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
I'm a fan of everything Jason Reynolds has written, but this book holds a special place in my heart as we saw a musical adaptation of it that was phenomenal. I'm so glad more students will get the chance to read it!
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
@thetattooedprof.bsky.social I assume you did maptap today...my youngest messaged us that we needed to do it and then shared that their score was 911. There was a screen shot to prove it.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Alright, @dlaufenberg.bsky.social, I'm getting better! (Not consistently, but I'll take this one today.) TimeGuessr #1193 — 44,344/50,000 1️⃣ 🏆8,300 · 📅 6y · 🌍 3.1mi 2️⃣ 🏆9,748 · 📅 2y · 🌍 1.2mi 3️⃣ 🏆9,249 · 📅 0y · 🌍 156.1mi 4️⃣ 🏆8,696 · 📅 3y · 🌍 250.8mi 5️⃣ 🏆8,351 · 📅 6y · 🌍 1.1mi timeguessr.com
timeguessr.com
TimeGuessr
TimeGuessr - the game that tests both your geography and history knowledge. Guess where and when historic photos were taken.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
One of my students took his shoes off today (a common thing, I believe) and I told him to put them back on. He looked at me, shocked, and with great indignity said, “You noticed!” I’m hoping my poker face is a strong as I believe it to be…
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Today was the first day of school in my 29th year of elementary school teaching. How am I still surprised by how much I need to do at the end of the first day and how utterly exhausted I am? 29 years, people! Have I learned nothing?!!
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
@dlaufenberg.bsky.social You've got me completely hooked and I am not good at it! But today was better than most. TimeGuessr #1187 — 42,914/50,000 1️⃣ 🏆7,268 · 📅 6y · 🌍 392.8mi 2️⃣ 🏆8,432 · 📅 3y · 🌍 415.2mi 3️⃣ 🏆8,330 · 📅 7y · 🌍 2.0mi 4️⃣ 🏆9,709 · 📅 2y · 🌍 2.7mi 5️⃣ 🏆9,175 · 📅 0y · 🌍 202.2mi timeguessr.com
timeguessr.com
TimeGuessr
TimeGuessr - the game that tests both your geography and history knowledge. Guess where and when historic photos were taken.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Back in June, when I packed up my classroom, I did a phenomenal job of organizing my cabinets. August Jen is so grateful to June Jen. I hope future Jen is not super annoyed at the choices August Jen is making as she preps for kids to arrive on Monday morning...
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Thanks to @thetattedpup.bsky.social I'm addicted to MapTap. Thanks to @dlaufenberg.bsky.social I'm addicted to TimeGuessr. When other things don't get done in my life, I'm blaming these two!
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
@thetattooedprof.bsky.social Mildly embarrassing score on MapTap today (I started strong with the first two and then struggled - I did manage to be in the correct countries!) but learning about Bear made it worth the pain.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
My frustration around dress codes for their racism and sexism is strong. Dress codes infuriate me.
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Reposted by Jennifer Orr
Shana V. White (she/her) @shanavwhite.blacksky.app · 23/07/2026
#PairedText
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Yup. Anyone who is taking a line that harms others is not someone I need to be here for. And this line seems to be a common one that people who otherwise seem great are willing to draw. Being anti-trans should be a bigger red flag for many folks than it seems to be.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
@jennbinis.bsky.social Were watching the PBS Great Performances Suffs and we keep getting distracted by Jenn Colella’s voice. It’s so distinct. It probably doesn’t help that we just watched the AppleTV Come From Away just a few days ago.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
I am so excited to see this book out in the wild! And I hope (like desperately and with all fingers and toes crossed) that it helps new (and new-ish) teachers in any small way. Thank you for making available for those people, @msommerville.bsky.social!
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
When you teach outside DC your 4th graders share: Saturday I went to a camp at the Vice President’s house. My sister tie dyed shirts. I went on the bouncy house. Q: Why did you go to a camp at the VP’s house? A: They invited people they know. JD knows my dad. We went in my dad’s motorcade.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
This. It's true for K-12 as well.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
They’re here! The process of writing a book is a long one and, at this point, it’s been a bit since I’ve actively been doing anything on this one. So this feels a bit surreal.
Multiple copies of Letters to a New Teacher: Real Advice and Practical Strategies for Getting Started in Elementary Teaching in a box.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Our district math unit assessments often have a question or two that are open ended and that I have to score. This is my favorite. And yes, it’s a correct answer.
Computer screen with the question: Based on the data from the graph, predict the height of the tree when measured in head 7. Justify you answer in complete sentences. 
The student’s response says: 25 because the tree keeps growing do you think I’m a nerd you damn computer.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
I had fourth graders talking about seeing this movie and I flashed back to reading the book because of Tressie and Bluesky.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Having walked past the White House today to (with great disappointment) confirm the existence of this construction, I agree with Shana. It would not be happening. And the anger I feel that this is where we are as a country is beyond words.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
About a year and a half ago I tried glass flame work. One of the things I have been struggling to do as well as I want is implosions (pushing colored glass into clear glass). Last night I made some that I’m super proud of. These photos are before and after the kiln.
Glass implosion with green and pink petals in glass pendant in front of a work table. Glass implosion with green and pink petals in glass pendant on gray background. Glass implosion with white petals in glass pendant in front of a work table.Glass implosion with white and red petals in glass pendant on gray background.
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Reposted by Jennifer Orr
Tressie McMillan Cottom @tressiemcphd.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Can MAGA Survive Without Its Moms? www.nytimes.com/2026/05/23/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Can MAGA Survive Without Its Moms?
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
If you are curious what it is like to be a female, Black intellectual online these days, these replies make it very clear. Also, if people run Tressie off this site again I am going to be quite irate. There are not enough good things online these days, and AI is making that so much worse, so stop.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Hey @thetattooedprof.bsky.social, I’m presenting at a conference in Charlotte August 3-5. Any chance you’ll be in town? I’d love to see you.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
I work with amazing colleagues. One got this Venus flytrap for us to share with our fourth graders as we study plants.
Small Venus flytrap in a pot with at least eight traps.
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Reposted by Jennifer Orr
Jon Becker @jonbecker.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Trump is DEFUNDING EDUCATION. (I have been saying that Dems need to say this over and over)
edweek.org
Trump Holds Back $2 Billion for Education Grants. What Will Happen Next?
The White House is keeping congressionally approved money locked up through a little-known process.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Evergreen.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
It's been quite a day. And I'm exhausted, but also unable to go to bed until I wrote about it. It's been quite some time since I've written a blog post but today it was needed.
jenorr.com
We Are Powerless (h/t to In the Heights)
On my way to work this morning, while stopped at a red light, I witnessed an accident. Actually, I mostly heard it. The middle lane, where I was, went straight, and there were turn lanes on each si…
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
I have so many thoughts about this but mostly I appreciate Shana saying it. It means a lot to know people see this reality.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
I'm going to aim for both of these things because we could all use some help these days. I appreciate the nudge in the right direction.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
There are so many fewer people writing publicly (blogging, really, is what I mean) and I still enjoy those who do. Right now I'm feeling much gratitude to @edifiedlistener.bsky.social for the fact that she keeps writing and for how much her writing resonates with me.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
College admissions (like so many other things in our society) are based, mostly, on very specific things that not everyone is good at. We miss a lot of awesome folks as a result. (My college GPA was under 3.0. My professional career in education is not, I think, what that would have predicted.)
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Reposted by Jennifer Orr
Nate Bowling @natebowling.com · 07/04/2026
Late last year, the US experienced the longest government shutdown in the country's history over GOP efforts to cut $70 billion in annual ACA subsidies. The US is now fighting a war, launched with zero public debate, that costs roughly $11 billion dollars per week. www.csis.org/analysis/ira...
csis.org
Iran War Cost Estimate Update: $11.3 Billion at Day 6, $16.5 Billion at Day 12
This update uses the DOD-reported $11.3 billion war cost to calculate the impact on munition inventories. It also estimates the cost of combat losses and damage to bases ($1.7 billion) and the total c...
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
I am not a sports person (I have many issues with competitive sports at various levels in our country) but my alma mater just won the DIII Men's Championship Basketball game and I have to admit it feels good.
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Reposted by Jennifer Orr
We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
📢 EDUCATOR GIVEAWAY! Don’t miss your chance to win a two-book picture book bundle containing UNBREAKABLE by Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez and THREE PIECES OF BROKEN GLASS by Emily Barth Isler! 🍎 bit.ly/PB-bundle
Light blue graphic that has the word “Giveaway” written in the background in repeating rows. There are light yellow flowers on either side of the graphic as well. Two picture books are shown on the cover image: “Three Pieces of Broken Glass” written by Emily Barth Isler and illustrated by Vesper Stamper and “Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp” written by Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez, illustrated by Chris Sasaki.
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Reposted by Jennifer Orr
Shana V. White (she/her) @shanavwhite.blacksky.app · 01/04/2026
Can we skip the April fools jokes tomorrow since this country is a joke?
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
I talk about their grown ups with my elementary students. Not every kid lives with their mom or dad. This piece is, not surprisingly, fabulous. I'm disappointed in Edutopia for the title.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
In year 28 of elementary classroom teaching I have some rules I think should be adopted: - no school on April 1st, ever - Halloween is celebrated on the last Friday in October - June 7th should be a holiday until this 6-7 nonsense is over I'm sure I have more but I need spring break now!
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
And we have indoor recess...
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
It is our last day before spring break and it is obvious (we are all struggling). It's pajama day and we had a whole school assembly this morning and a fire drill. I can't decide if it's brilliant to throw things off on this day because it's something of a wash anyway or if it's just mean.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
I am so grateful Shana posted this. I think it all the time but wouldn't have thought to share it. Yes. This. It's not a given that this is the road we will travel. We don't have to opt in.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
"This war is so dumb," Sadly, yes. This sums up so much about 2026 (and 2025, sadly).
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
I wrote a book! It is amazing to see the final cover, spine, and back cover of the book that should be out in late June.
The cover, spine, and back cover of Letter to a New Teacher: Real Advice and Practical Strategies for Getting Started in Elementary Teaching.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
My hands were bright blue yesterday due to a science experiment. Then there’s a burn from me foolishly picking up a hot mandrel (the metal rod used to make glass beads) when it fell out of the kiln. I dropped it quickly! But any touch after metal has been in a 1,500 degree kiln is not good.
Bright blue fingertips after a science experiment involving blue food dye. Pale blue fingertips. The middle fingertip has a burn that shows as a raised line.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Oh man, I have so many thoughts about how we use technology in schools. (And I won an award for doing so from ISTE.) Technology has lowered the bar for strong instruction and distracted kids. It can be so good, but it mostly isn't.
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Jennifer Orr @jenorr.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
As I've had more opportunities to write professionally (articles, three books) I have come to respect and be in awe of all kinds of editors. They are amazing and working with them has made my writing better and made me a better writer.
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