Finding More Minutes

Have you ever felt like you could perform magic in that classroom of yours if you either had more time or fewer students?  I've definitely dreamt about both.  I don't see either necessarily happening, at least for myself.  In light of this, I like to teach with a sense of urgency as recommended by my all-time favorite teacher guru, Regie Routman.  

Last year a new teacher in my building came to me one day and told me she'd noticed how quickly I get my kids in from recess and transitioned into learning.  She'd even done the math and figured I created about 20 extra minutes of teaching time each day because of that one strategy.  I hope it's okay I shared that.  I don't mean to pat myself on the back but to make the point that every minute does count and they might be found in unexpected places.  Sometimes we can tighten things up when we're searching for more minutes to teach all that's on the agenda.  

What do you think about these little nuggets? 

(my favorite)

Recently I found these great thoughts by way of a short and sweet, but powerful blog post titled "Maximize Your Time."  (Click on the graphic below to read it.  I'd highly recommend it.)  

During your visit, you'll also be able to read an excellent pdf about maximizing time, which is where the quotes above came from.  It's a great resource that you'll definitely want to check out.  (If you have troubles tracking down the pdf link, just holler.)

I believe that maximizing time, especially in my transitions, is so important that I even incorporate them into my weekly lesson plans.  Go here if you're interested in reading about that.  I hope something here has helped you track down a few unexpected but handy minutes of your own.

Pencil Holder Upgrade

I enjoyed an updated pencil organizer this year.  It was fairly simple to make.  I found the containers at Target last summer.  First I covered them with scrapbook paper.  Then I glued them together.  I drew the words, found some appropriate graphics, and Mod Podged them on.  There you have it.  

Now I'll be looking forward to using this little guy next year. Everyone has been raving about them.  It's about time I figure out why! :)

(My new pencil sharpener that will hopefully last more than a year to two.)

Thanks Tara from 4th Grade Frolics for letting me link up!

Saturday Sayings: Safety Net

This quote comes from Catching Readers Before They Fall by Pat Johnson and Katie Keier.  It kind of makes sense that the authors would be referencing safety nets with a title like that.  What kinds of safety nets are typically available for our early readers?  There's possibly Reading Recovery, Title 1, and intervention groups, to name a few.  You could probably add to the list.  Aren't we glad these safety nets are in place?  Our little struggling readers are surrounded with support.  The authors of this book though, would argue that there's one safety net that needs to be stronger than any of the others.  It's not to say the others aren't important, because of course they are, but the teacher needs to be the strongest support system these little readers will come in contact with.  Quality literacy instruction from the classroom teacher will spread a pretty strong safety net.  

When I think of the net I spread this year, I'm saddened about the few who found a way to slip through the holes, yet so very thankful for the other nets in the system that will help support these little ones.  Regardless of those supports though, I'm continually challenged to find ways to improve the quality of my classroom instruction and the strength of my own net.  My favorite little people are counting on it to be strong.

Morning Must-Haves

Halle from Across the Hall in 2nd Grade is linking it up with favorite things this summer.  I thought I'd join in with today's topic:  Morning Must-Haves.  My mornings aren't very thrilling, so it's a short list.

My Bible is part of my morning.  I've been hanging out in Psalms since January.  I also have a Christian devotional that I'm working my way through.

I don't believe a morning can exist without breakfast.  About 100% of the time, this is my breakfast of choice.  It tastes nothing like cardboard.  Yep, I'd highly recommend it.

I actually feel a little guilty about this one, but I like to have my MacBook Pro nearby during my mornings.  I check my email, Facebook, maybe listen to some music, etc.

Depending on the time of year, I find myself wrapped in one of these.  I don't particularly enjoy paying for heat.  I actually let my thermostat get up to a balmy 68 on winter mornings.

Your morning must-have list is most likely much more exciting than mine.  You should go visit Halle and link up too!

Summer Writing Surprise

Sometimes I find myself in the possession of random classroom sets of coupons for various things, and I'm not always exactly sure how to use them.  Like these...

I'm not an advocate of bribery and try to avoid it as much as possible.  I value intrinsic rewards, but I think the way I want to use these coupons for summer writing admittedly borders on the external.  When it comes to writing, my kids are accustomed to being writers every day during writing workshop and many make the choice to write during Daily 5 too.  Writing is a natural part of their day.  It can be a different story when it comes to writing over the summer.  Each one goes home for summer with a packet like this to motivate them though.  (Go here to see what it's all about.)  

Sometimes I hear from a handful of them and sometimes not so much.  (I realize that can have something to do with parents and stamps.)  Again, I suppose this will resemble bribery, but I told my little ones that if they write to me, I'll send them a little surprise.  That's where the coupons above come in handy.  I guess I mention all this to say, those random coupons that you might find in your possession could be used for the same purpose.   

A Most Boring (but hopefully useful) Post

Yep, this has got to be about the most boring topic ever, but maybe someone out there will find it ever so slightly useful.  I recently packed up my classroom and said my goodbyes.  I like to make sure everything is nicely tucked away, safe from dust and from wandering off.  When I cover my shelves, I first recycle any bulletin board paper that I take off my walls.  

Instead of using fresh paper when I run out of what's on my walls, I use large plastic garbage bags from the custodian's closet.

It only took two bags to cover four shelves, and the bags are actually easier to manipulate than butcher paper.  I figure it's not a bad way to make sure everything is in tip top shape when I return in August.  Boring and hopefully useful too.

Saturday Sayings: I Value...

With a quote like that, it only makes sense to make a list.  

I value...

authenticity

purposeful and meaningful instruction

teaching skills in context

teaching to the heart

the whole child

a respectful climate

high expectations

internal rewards

logical consequences

community

problem solving and independence

kids teaching kids

(I'll probably think of ten more obvious and important things I value once I post this.)

Having said all that, does my reality match up with my pedagogy?  I say I value these things.  Where might there be some disconnect when it comes to what occurs daily in my classroom?  Food for thought, huh?  Good thing I have three months to ponder such things.

(At the moment, I also value summer vacation.)