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!