Christmas is over and the new year is upon us. It is the time of year we all wonder what the new year will bring that is new and exciting. I generally don't make New Year's Resolutions but I'm trying to think what I would consider to be the most important aspect of my life I would wish to change. I really do think it is time management in my classroom and in my household. I started this journey in August by joining a book club with Angela Watson entitled 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club. Many of you might know her from her blog http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/blog
and from her podcast Truth for Teachers. This book club and her podcasts not only encourages me but gives me some great ideas on how to cut down on the time spent working in my classroom but increase my creativity and work product. I have been able to carry some of her ideas over to my household as well. Some of my favorite things I have learned are her list making and batching ideas.
1) At the beginning of each week, I break down everything I want to get accomplished into days. I then break it down a little more by writing what I would like to get done before school, during each break and after school. At the bottom of the page I put some items that are time consuming that I would like to get done sometimes during the week and then plan a couple of afternoons to stay and work on it. I only work for the designated amount of time without distractions. (I've discovered if I play music and shut my classroom door I work a lot more efficiently.) I also have a monthly calendar with large projects.
2) Batching - Instead of grading one subject or stack at a time, I set aside a block of time to complete the task. I also do this with my planning, copies and decorating.
There is still a few more days to join 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club for this semester.
Happy New Year!
