The title of this chapter definitely called to me, so I picked to it for my next post. I have been feeling especially stretched with my time this year so far. The first two quotes of the chapter let me know that I am reading this chapter at exactly the right time. "How do we do it all and not work sunrise to sunset every day of the week?" How do we do it? I have no idea. Because of the limited time in a day, I often ask my self the same question as Donna Kline in the first quote. Are the activities my class does meaningful or just busy work?
As I continued to read the chapter, even the subheadings caught my attention making me want to read more and more. I loved being reassured to trust myself and my experience, and know that everything we do matters, no matter how big or small. The author suggests to keep work simple and to make every minute count. We should use the time we have with our students teaching and learning. The author offers suggestion to cut down on transition times, and to even use down time as a teaching opportunity. I found it especially interesting that according to research, we have kids' attention for about 10 minutes at a time, and then they need a brain break. I try my best to keep my whole group lessons upbeat, fast paced, and no more than 15 minutes or I know I will start to lose them and that's when the behavior problems start.
My favorite part of the chapter is the suggestion to live an interesting life. Don't let the housekeeping duties of being a teacher become your entire life. Go to the movies, spend time with your family, cook for fun, read for pleasure. It is nice to see those listed as activities for teachers to do and do them without feeling guilty. We will not be the best we can be if we don't give ourselves brain breaks just like we give our students. My favorite sentence in the chapter is "our students will not become better readers because we create fabulous projects and centers, give them lots of paperwork, and grade lots of papers. They will become better if they receive excellent instruction..." from enthusiastic and happy teachers.
With that being said, it is now 7:30 in the evening and I am signing off without feeling guilty to go spend some time with my family and get some much needed rest! :)
Kelli,
ReplyDeleteYour words "keep it simple and make every minute count" are so true. You are right after about 10-15 minutes, we lose the kids' attention. It's so important to keep that forefront in our minds, especially while planning instruction. I love how you also reflected on the guilt we carry as teachers. Its hard not to do so when every politician is shouting that schools are failing and teachers need to do more. I also agree that we have to take care of ourselves so we can be those enthusiastic and happy teachers. All kids want a happy and loving teacher, I love the way you signed off!!! :)
Hi Kelli,
ReplyDeleteThis chapter was a breath of fresh air for me too. We need a reminder after the first nine weeks of school to take a look at our schedule and specifically analyze how we are using the limited time we have. Are we engaging our students' in meaningful reading and writing and thinking or are we rushing through activities and crossing off items on our to do list. Many times this rushed teaching style can translate to our lives outside too and Routman's reminder to engage in a fulfilled life as well allows us to bring our joy into our classrooms. Sincerely, Dawn