Blog Post 4 Routman (2003), Ch. 12: You Only Have So Much Time – Tonya Hendricks

“You only have so much time,” is one of those phrases that should be on my classroom wall just to encourage me when I’m feeling defeated by the unfortunate reality that I did not get everything done that I had planned to do for the day.  Reality is, there will never be enough time to get it all done at work or at home for that matter.  I agree with Routman when she states, “the elusive balanced life remains a mirage.”  However, in this chapter Routman introduces many ideas that she believes will help keep one’s time meaningful while protecting it’s individual value.  I believe that her idea of “living an interesting life” is something that we all strive for and hope for.  I particularly appreciate her idea of spending most of your time “thinking.”  I often feel like I simply can’t turn my brain off.   The wheels in my head are continually spinning with thoughts, ideas, and plans for what I am going to do next. My inner “To Do,” lists grow by the minute.  I do also agree with Routman when she suggests keeping a few “key questions,” continually in your mind.  Questions like, “What do I want my students to know and understand and what expectations do I have for them.” Also, “How will I know when my students understand what I am teaching?” These questions are very important in meeting my student’s needs. Routman also describes how we need to “keep work meaningful, yet simple, make every minute count, and make ongoing evaluation part of every Literacy Activity.”