Real Talk about Time Management Book Review

Hello friends,

If you know me, then you know I'm all about spending time in the day and using my time productively. I use strategies such as calendar blocking, scheduling in everything, using calendars, and setting reminders. I'm always looking to inform my practice and share what I know with the future teachers in my life. So, when Corwin provided me with the book "Real Talk About Time Management: 35 best practices for educators" by Serena Pariser and Edward Deroche, I had to check it out!

First, let me say that I enjoyed the ease of this book. Pariser and Deroche provided real examples, practical advice, and resources every step. I particularly enjoyed the questions and activities at the end of each section. The authors divided the book into four sections and provided several time management strategies for each section. I am going to share a few of my favorite strategies from each of the sections.

Section 1- Time management mindset

Strategy 6 -Am I scraping the right car?

• be intentional with the time you have at school

• build relationships with students

• prepare for lessons

• get ahead as much as you can

Strategy 7 - Watch your water cooler

• Be mindful of your energy leaks

• Don't overcommit to things

• Don't multitask

• Bring healthy snacks and lunches, so you stay energized throughout the day

• Check your email 2 or 3 times a day and schedule it!

Section 2 - Planning

Strategy 12 - Meetings

• Two types of meetings - formal and informal

• - have agendas to keep on task and focused

• and shared necessary action steps

• . Informal meetings are called for a specific purpose

• ; be intentional with your time at informal meetings.

Strategy 15 - cellphones, emails, and social media. Oh my!

• No multitasking, friends!

• select a time to check email, social media, and text messages

• set aside time to answer email messages thoughtfully

Section 3 - At School

Strategy 19 - Group work

• consider how you will group the students before the lesson

• arrange classroom space, so it is conducive to class group work

• give out roles

• use a rubric to assess participation

Strategy 28 - Have a system with email

• set up boundaries for email response times, and turn around and let people know of your boundaries

• flag email messages that you can't get to yet so you can return them later

• some emails are better answered in a text, direct message, or phone call, so try that

• filter messages or organize them into folders in your email provider.

Section 4 - At home

Strategy 31 - Taking care of yourself

• self-care is critical. It includes exercise, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and eating healthy

• emotional needs are met.

Strategy 33 - Enjoy time after school and on the weekend

• use this time to recharge

• enjoy an activity

• unplug from technology

• this benefits you, your family, and your students.

Friends, these are just a few strategies in "Real Talk About Time Management: 35 best practices for educators" by Serena Pariser and Edward Deroche. To see the other strategies pick up your copy today! IT comes in an ebook and paperback.