Jordan Varn: October Blog Post: Routman (2003), Ch. 12: You Only Have So Much Time

When looking over the selected chapters from the professional reading, I knew exactly which chapter I was going to dive into. It was chapter twelve that is titled "You Only Have So Much Time". October is the time of year when teachers feel the most overwhelmed. Between conferences, report cards, school functions, and the ever growing list of "to-dos", some days can feel like you are simply treading water, waiting for relief. After reading this chapter, I feel more refocused. Starting a new grade in a new school that is in a new district is HARD! I feel like the kids some days learning the curriculum and reteaching myself skills and concepts. As the days have passed, I have felt my head become more and more cluttered with papers to grade, lessons to plan, ideas to try to implement, and some where in there, think about time I should spend with my family. Today is finally a teacher workday. This means I can THINK about what I am teaching and how I am teaching. Starting my morning off reading this chapter was a great way to refocus! On page 201, Routman states "Teachers are working too hard. We are always tired, and there is never enough time to do it all." That is exactly how I feel! Like I am working too hard to tread water but not gaining ground! Since our school's focus this year is literacy, it makes me really focus on my teaching instruction. I ask myself constantly "What can I do different?" "How can I pull away from this whole group method I am slipping into with this novel study?" "How can I hold my students more accountable and engage them in their reading?" Routman made another statement that hit home. She stated "Our students will not become better readers because we create fabulous projects and centers, give them lots of paperwork, and grade lost of papers. They will become better readers if they receive excellent instruction and have lots of time to read and talk about books." This is my daily struggle this year! How can I create this environment in a fifth grade classroom with a broken schedule during reading? This book a great resource because it gives many ideas to "try" and "apply". One thing that I already have that engages my students with meaningful reading opportunities is the "Morning Message". Students come in and learn something when they read the morning message. They also ready the procedure board and homework board. Students are asked to do a lot of reading first thing in the morning.  However, I liked what Routman said about giving students the opportunity to have fun with reading and writing first thing in the morning. Since our school has a "Wee-Delivery" system, having students write letters to their second grade book buddies as well as other teachers and friends about their learning and what they enjoy is a great way to engage in a fun way with writing and reading. This is time in the morning that is usually wasted by students waiting to have their homework checked or completing another assignment given by the teacher. Next week, I am going to have the students read the morning message and apply letter writing and then reading around the room. During this time, I need to be more proactive and watch the students and see how they are working with their writing. This is a perfect time for conferences. Even though several students leave during this time due to band or orchestra, I have an opportunity to work with students who do not have this extracurricular activity. Every day comes and goes quickly. I need to really ask myself "Is this worth it? Will the students really learn anything from this or is this just "another grade in the grade book"? Students should take pride in their work. They take more pride in meaningful activities. Students, as well as teachers, deserve each minute to be valued.