Saturday, February 7, 2015

Saturday Sayings: Efficiency



For years, the librarian at my school has offered a second library time to each classroom (minus kindergarten), and I always politely decline.  This likely doesn't make sense for the teacher who could read alI day and wants the same for her kids.  But simply there's never enough time to teach all I have to teach.  What teacher hasn't found themselves thinking or saying this at some point?  It's a common theme, especially with growing class sizes and growing curriculums.  I have my kids from 8:10 to 2:35.  With the limited time I have, their success depends greatly on my efficiency.

I looked up the word efficient.  It means "achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense."  When a visitor comments on how the kids are always on-task and the teacher makes it look so easy, they're talking about efficiency.

Reading Routman's quote prodded me to consider my day and the things I have in place that make my practice efficient.  My list isn't exhaustive, but everything here plays an essential part in the efficiency of the classroom and success of students.
  • There are systems in place that were established on day one.  Daily modeling and practicing of routines and procedures and then holding a high expectation for follow-through, streamlines the classroom and minimizes wasteful bi-products.
  • Good classroom management is a priority and obviously goes hand in hand with the first bullet.  Efficiency is hard to achieve in the midst of chaos, consistent interruptions, or distracting off-task behavior.
  • Pacing is key, not only within a lesson but from one lesson to the next.  Downtime is dangerous.  
  • Instruction is authentic and purposeful.  Students are much more productive when they care about and see a purpose for what they're doing.  Busywork doesn't cut it.
  • Organization is a priority especially with the myriad of balls a teacher has in the air at any one moment.   Too much time can be wasted if materials aren't where they're supposed to be, if there's no system for collecting, organizing, and working with student information, or if the day-to-day long to-do list can't be corralled (to name a few).  
Certainly there are moments, days, or weeks that are less efficient than others, but I believe Routman is still right.  The more efficient I am, the more effective I'll be, and my students will reap the benefits.


16 comments:

  1. This was such a good reminder for me! I struggle with the effective use of my time. The weeks I have organized all my materials well just feel better. The special days and celebrations sometimes throw me for a loop. I have to continually ask myself, "Is this cute or is it meaningful?" It can be both, but if it isn't meaningful I must change!
    Jenny

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    1. Jenny, that's a perfect question to ask. We all need to rely on that question more often.

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  2. This is something I struggle with as well! I am not a very organized person (I know, shocking, right?! :) But we can also get off on tangents with their questions-which I encourage and feel like I have to answer. Something I strive to be better at!

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    1. Miss Trayers, you bring up a great point about their questions. Maybe the more efficient we are, the more time we have for their questions and following their lead.

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  3. Using our time wisely in the classroom makes such a difference. Routines and procedures set the stage for learning. I iiked what you said about authentic instruction. That is so important!

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    1. Sandra, yes it makes such a difference. There's so little to time to make the magic happen.

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  4. I so agree that taking the time to teach those routines and procedures are key. Creates an efficient learning environment where learning time can be maximized. I feel so much of the time that I don't have a moment to waste. Not that every day runs smoothly and efficiently as I would like, but that is our goal.
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, it's my goal too. You really don't have much extra time in your budget with how many kids you service every day. You middle name is Efficient!

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  5. Oh I absolutely agree. Teaching with efficiency and avoiding as much downtime as possible is key (although I also try my best to keep things relaxed while maintaining a certain pace:). I also refused the extra Library time at my school for exactly the same reasons as you!
    Grade ONEderful

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    1. Barb, yep great point. Relaxed and natural too are definitely parts of the picture.

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  6. I agree that efficiency is key. I have to say I could never turn down extra library time if my library had good books for the kids. My library isn't so great. You might want to read how Donalyn MIller takes her kids to the library. She helps them plan what to look for and choose the right book. Maybe the extra time in the library could be guided by you. Just an idea.

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    1. Kimberley, I love Donalyn. She's a great example of an effective teacher. If I were take an extra library slot, I'd definitely go with your advice. Thank you!

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  7. Wow! Short day! I have kids 40 minutes longer than you do and I can barely fit it all in! Efficiency is so important!

    Tara
    The Math Maniac

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    1. Tara, it's all I've ever known. I'm sure I'd feel spoiled with 40 extra minutes!

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  8. I don't even know how to respond to this post except that I AGREE with it all and LOVED it!! I feel like this is my constant goal as a teacher...be as efficient as I can.
    Thank you! I feel like you always read my mind :)
    Em

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    1. Em, I'm smart to read your mind. You've got great ideas and wonderful practices!

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