Real Talk about Time Management Book Review
Updated: Jul 8, 2022
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