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 everything, using calendars, and setting reminders. I always want to inform my practice and share my knowledge with future teachers. 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 at 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 stay 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 - cell phones, 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 water, and eating healthy
to meet emotional needs.

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.