Bev But if we have the hamster running OFF the wheel that is the daily grind of attendance cards and gradebooks... and he is using the "time on task" to think...to dwell in ideas...to converse with a partner about what is essential...then the time IS well spent! Time to reflect doesn't have to be a journal...(...It just seems to work well for those of us that like office supplies---cute little books to write in and colored gel pens! LOL) There is a balance, I think between fervently pursuing an idea and time to reflect. I think we need to get on the hamster's wheel a while...get off and then get back on again... Just a few random thoughts triggered by your comments... Jennifer In a message dated 7/21/2008 11:10:31 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
And it seems to me -- inescapably -- we're going to have to find a way to reflect and respond -- in writing!! It's so hard to keep journaling even on the table during those first weeks of school, much less front and center. But Ellin hasn't developed her thinking by "keeping her nose to the grindstone" and "efficiency" and "working harder" and all these things that are overwhelmingly tempting when we have too much to do. It's almost as if the more we have to do, the more essential it becomes for us as professionals to slow down, step back, give OURSELVES think time, and try TO UNDERSTAND. No matter how much we increase our "skill" of teaching for understanding, the truth is, we can come to it ourselves only by understanding--that which comes from looking inward. I am SO READY to be rid of "time on task" - for kids and for those who live among them!! The hamster spends a lot of time running, but he doesn't really have anywhere to go anyway. **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) _______________________________________________ Understand mailing list [email protected] http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/listinfo/understand_literacyworkshop.org
