Kristin Humphries December Blog Post 5: You Only Have So Much Time

          I have to say that this is the first saying that many people express when they are thinking of all the things that they have to do, “You only have so much time.” As a mom, wife, and a teacher I can truly say that my time is spent on things that are the most important. It’s hard sometimes to step back, evaluate, and then choose which things that are the most important. For me, everything seems important. Especially when you feel that everything in your life deserves all of your attention. When I read this chapter by Routman, I read some very productive ways to use the time that I have with my students.

Routman advocates many helpful ways to use our time with students. She explains that we should make every moment count. For students to become better readers they need the opportunity to “spend most of reading time reading connected texts (Routman, p.205).” She also explains that students work well when they are actively engaged, like collaborating during a group project. She recommends that teachers need to look at our schedules to see if we can add more time for teaching and learning. Routman suggests that students should have time to reflect each day. When teachers reflect and then grow as educators, we pass on our love of learning to our students.