The Big Fresh from Choice Literacy
October 11, 2008
Clock It
Is it just me, or does it seem like there are more distractions
than ever this fall? Between the financial turmoil, elections, and
usual autumn craziness, I've found it difficult to focus on some
tasks that need to be done (especially long-term projects). When
I think about my own productivity, I realize I accomplish the most
on the same day every year - the day before I leave for vacation.
It's amazing how much anyone can get done when the clock is
ticking, your desk needs to be cleared...and there is a wonderful
reward waiting for you when the work is finished.
Now I'm wondering why I've never applied those lessons from the day
before vacation to my usual workdays. Two weeks ago I attended a
productivity workshop, and got a great tip I've been using ever
since. The speaker suggested dividing the day into short (50
minute) chunks, with a break every 50 minutes for 10 minutes of fun
- some surfing on the web, listening to a favorite tune, a cup of
tea.
I've heard this advice before, but the twist that made it work this
time was the suggestion to use an online stopwatch or counter.
There are many available on the web for free. I downloaded a
counter at this link that I put in the upper right-hand corner of
my desktop:
http://www.online-stopwatch.com/
The speaker wasn't a public school teacher, so you certainly need
to adapt the advice to your circumstances and constraints. I set
the timer for 30 minutes once or twice a day, and use these little
blitzes to get through the long-term projects I tend to
procrastinate the most on. Setting aside 30 minutes twice a day,
with a break after the work is done, has done wonders for my
productivity.
What about classroom applications? There are all kinds of
variations on the same clock theme available on the web. Maybe a
virtual egg-timer is just what an easily distracted student needs
to focus on a challenging task at the computer, or to ensure a fair
distribution of scarce resources when you are divvying up time at
a computer station.
This week, we're got some suggestions for making school libraries
easier to browse, plus more as always. Enjoy!
Brenda Power
Editor, Choice Literacy
www.choiceliteracy.com
Free for All
What lessons can school librarians learn from classroom teachers?
Franki Sibberson is now a full-time school librarian, and finds her
20+ years in the classroom has made her rethink school library
design, as well as her role in promoting reading. In "A Workshop
Model in the Library: Time for More Than Book Checkout," Franki
shares ideas for library browsing baskets, as well as ways to
integrate minilessons into the school library routine:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/public/711.cfm
From the Choice Literacy Archives, more time-saving tips:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/public/613.cfm
Move aside Google - if you are a visual learner, you are going to
LOVE the new "Search Me" search engine. Type in any phrase like
"literacy coaches" or an author like "Jane Yolen," and up pops a
stack of actual web page images, rather than a linear text-based
list. There are also icons below the search box to narrow your
findings. The engine is still in beta testing, but you really have
to try this one out to appreciate the WOW factor. Of course, I've
probably just killed all the productivity you gained from that
online stopwatch, because you'll want to play at this link for hours:
http://www.searchme.com/
The Ohio Resource Center's AdLIT Program for adolescent literacy
has some wonderful free online resources if you are looking to
boost your middle and high school professional development
offerings. Their online modules include short, provocative
readings, excellent up-to-date booklists, and thoughtful workshop
suggestions. For example, their "Knowing the Resources" module is
perfect for sparking staff discussions about how to match students
to books:
http://tinyurl.com/3zlm9s
Our new Choice Literacy DVD, the K-6 Word Work Sampler, is
available for purchase this week. The 90 minute sampler includes
examples of a range of word learning strategies in kindergarten
through six grade classrooms, featuring everything from small group
lessons to individual conferences with English language learners,
to whole-class discussions of expectations for word work stations
and word sorting activities. There is a $30 discount off the
retail price for Choice Literacy members:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/products/item22.cfm
For Members Only
This week's video is the first in a two-part series, and it's ideal
for the build-up to Halloween. Aimee Buckner uses Goblins in the Castle to teach rereading skills during her daily read-aloud:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/715.cfm
One of the biggest challenges literacy leaders face is finding ways
into classrooms. In "Opening Classroom Doors," Clare Landrigan and
Tammy Mulligan share many nonthreatening techniques to break down
resistance among teachers to classroom visits and collaboration:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/708.cfm
How can school leaders support diversity and creativity within
classrooms, yet still build shared values and expectations when it comes
to literacy programs? Principal Karen Szymusiak works with her
staff to develop "Hallmarks of Reading Workshop," which is a
succinct and concrete list of expectations for time, components,
and organization of workshops. The list would be an
excellent jumping off point for discussion in a staff meeting of
bottom-line standards and allocation of time for literacy activities:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/698.cfm
This week's Choice Literacy Cluster is on Writing Better Report
Card Comments:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/members/714.cfm
Finally, the new school year has brought a slew of new members to
Choice Literacy. Welcome one and all! If you are new to the site,
and a little overwhelmed at knowing where to begin to explore the
over 600 features and videos available, the Big Fresh Archives is
often the best place to start:
http://www.choiceliteracy.com/public/department62.cfm
That's all for this week!
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About
Jennifer Allen
