Routman’s Chapter 12, You Only Have So Much Time, is a
chapter that all educators can relate to. Between new standards, curriculum
changes, testing, etc. teachers are
constantly struggling to find the time to squeeze in all that they need to
teach and do. Routman stresses that we
need to make time for ourselves as teachers and not feel guilty if we leave
school at a reasonable time to spend time with our family or catch coffee with
friends. We are better teachers if we
take time for ourselves and not let ourselves become burdened with grading papers
or creating amazing lessons. Along with
taking time for ourselves, Routman makes many implications for the classroom and
how teachers can best utilize the time given in a school day to teach and
assess students. It is important that
teachers use their best judgment and experiences to help them when planning
lessons and activities. Teachers need to
exercise common sense and good judgment and understand that program manuals and
teacher guides are at best resources and do not have to be followed exactly as
presented. You have to do what is best
and most appropriate for your specific group of students. Some more strategies to help with time
management is to make ongoing evaluation part of every literacy activity, keep
work simple, keep a lively pace, use transitional periods as teaching time,
make resources in the room useful and easy to access, reduce interruptions, reevaluate
time blocks, etc. We as teachers should
continue to evaluate how we use our time.
First and foremost, we must do whatever we can to ensure that our
students love learning. Routman states that we all invest more energy when a
task is pleasurable. Focusing on
strengths is the best way to learn anything.
Kids will not be joyful when learning if we are not setting a joyful
example.
Wise, wise words! It's all about balance isn't it, but then it is so easy to get wrapped up in that "to do" list. It is nice to hear reassuring words that will help us pack it in early and go home to spend time with our families!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! We as teachers have to communicate all the good things students do. Often we are so focused on what they CAN'T do! When we as teachers know where they are, we can make a road map to get them there.
ReplyDeleteTime is definitely something all teachers struggle with. If we can strive for balance, not only will we be happier, but our students will reap the benefits as well! I know with a new baby, you have had to learn that at times you just have to walk out and let it "wait until tomorrow!"
Hi Casey,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I loved Routman's practical and relevant advice she provides us all in this chapter. I appreciate the advice she provides on maximizing our instructional time and taking time to reflect and evaluate how we spend our time in our daily schedule to see where we can make changes so that what we value is what we prioritize. I especially agree with your last statement, "Kids will not be joyful when learning if we are not setting a joyful example." This is so true...They are only in our classrooms for a little while. We need to make our top priority to make it their best year ever. Childhood is fleeting and our goal as teachers is not only to grow them as readers and writers but also to grow joyful people too! Thanks, Dawn