As I close on Reading Essentials by Routman, her final thoughts are "you only have so much time" (Routman, 201). Routman points out that teachers are always demanding more time as more things keep being added upon us. Routmans says that most of our time should be spent thinking and using our best judgement for what works best with our students by "keeping work simple and providing opportunities for them to expand their skills, knowledge, and thinking"(Routman 204). I liked Routman's ideas about "bell ringers"- read by yourself, read with a partner, or write a note to a friend. I would definitely like to try something a bit different in my room, even though I feel like my morning work procedures are great reviews and front loaders of information. Always keeping students reading and writing and making it worthwhile. "Enjoy your students, enjoy your teaching, and enjoy your life" (Routman, 221).
I really enjoyed reading this text and have learned a great deal about reading and writing, writing and reading. Happy teaching!
In the book I read, it says, "Evaluating our time can be a gift." How true is that??? It seems like what we do as teachers is keep piling "stuff" on to do when it only makes the work load nearly impossible and us as teachers less effective.
ReplyDeleteWasn't it refreshing to hear Routman's advice about time? After reading her book, I vowed to evaluate my use of time for my students and myself. I have been guilty of "assessing and assigning" all too often. I will be spending more time reflecting and thinking about how to engage my students in more meaningful literacy activities.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that this text has been helpful to you. It is one of my favorite professional development texts about reading because Routman challenges us to consider our current practices: what we do, why we do it and continues us to reflect on how we can use what we know about the teaching of reading to continually improve and refine our practice. Thank you for doing that! I'd love to hear more about the possibilities you are considering for changing up your morning work.