Katrina Hankins Blog post #7--Routman Ch 12 "You Only Have So Much Time"

Sometimes when I read, and reread, Routman’s book I feel like I’m having a conversation over coffee with a colleague about what is going on in my classroom.  This chapter brought together so many thoughts that I experience most of those that happen during the summer.  Although I don’t feel like I have a very interesting life, I am interested.  It is during the summer when I immerse myself in author studies and children’s books as well as professional books. Of course I continue this during the year but it is that block of time during summer break that gives me the opportunity to go deeper myself so that I can share more with my students and colleagues in the new school year.  I love that time!  It makes me feel like I have more substance, more to offer in this profession. 

I also loved planning during the course of the summer.  Routman had four questions to help teachers plan and direct instruction.  This reminds me of the unit plans that I created every summer and now as a coach hope to help create for our PBL units.  This kind of thinking helped me to establish a framework for my year and reference points in order to monitor our progress.  It made organization of resources and tools possible yet was loose enough to allow my students to be the most important factor in how it all played out.  By having structures in place I was able to make every minute with my students count and make time for their needs instead of having to figure things out as I go.

One of the most important concepts Routman reminds us of is that we need to keep things simple.  That can be a challenge if we are trying to “fit it all in” and segment our days with a standards-based checklist for each of the subjects we teach in elementary school.  To me, the components of balanced literacy and integration through PBLs come together to create a natural learning environment that has purpose and progress.  I love having students come in to start their day with choice instead of a cold, meaningless packet of worksheets.  I love having their day continue with independence and support of their peers and my guidance helping them achieve a better understanding of themselves and the world.  I love the schedules that we’ve created here at RES that value the uninterrupted time to really read, write, and process information and I love the fact that we have assistants push into classrooms to help struggling readers instead of disrupting their day by pulling them out.

Finally, I love that we have started the conversations and collaboration among teachers about literacy instruction.  I truly hope that these opportunities become richer and more meaningful as we continue to work toward endorsements but more importantly toward becoming better teachers and helping our students become better readers.  If we do things out of our hearts because we truly care and desire to grow, then all of this will be an amazing experience for everyone.  I truly hope this is the beginning of the force of change that will gain in the strength and momentum we need to transform our schools and our nation.  As Routman on page 219 says, “Amen.”