Find the time for writing has been a struggle. Routman states that "those who write every day in a regular planned writing session produce about twice the volume of ideas than those who do not." I am going to post this statement in the writing center for next school year. My ultimate goal is to transpire my students into well rounded readers and writers. I hope by expressing my joy for reading and writing they will also grow to share a love as well. When I think about the time I spent teaching writing last year, must of my lessons were free writes. When in the beginning I needed to focus on grammar and conventions. When reading I discovered freewriting is a great way to build endurance and confidence.
On page 185 a first grade teacher reconfigured her daily schedule. How would adminstrators feel about taking it upon yourself to change your schedule? I love the idea, but I wouldn't want to step on any toes.
Good question about the schedule. So much of our day is constrained by "special classes" - music, PE, library, plus centers time and MTSS time - it was a whirlwind - but in 7th grade I will have regular class periods each day and I think I will be fairly free to organize them as I see fit, with the standards in mind, of course!
ReplyDeleteAs Regie Routman says, we make time for the things we value. This is true in life and in the classroom. When I am having a particularly busy week, I constantly have to re-prioritize what I am going to try to accomplish. Teachers do this every day. For me, when I get busy, I often drop relaxing. Instead of sitting on the couch to watch TV, I am up and doing things around the house. In the classroom, what are the things that get dropped when you run out of time? Is it writing? Sharing? Publishing? And how can these things be woven back into another day?
ReplyDeletegood questions. I am having a hard time imagining having only 50 minutes with a group of kids and getting everything done. It was hard in 3rd grade with specials, centers, and everything else, but there were also nooks and crannies of time I could work with that I just won't have when the kids aren't with me all day. It's going to be a whole different mindset.
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