I know the feeling - and distractions are everywhere.
A student needs you, your principal has a question, wait and now there is an emergency in the cafeteria. You suddenly feel pulled in every direction to help everyone...right?
But what about that teacher you were on your way to visit at planning.....And just like that your schedule has been changed. NOW I am not saying we should not be flexible but a schedule is created to ensure you able to plan time to be effective.
Try these creative ways to create more time in your schedule
- Create a routine. Create habits and build predictability in your schedule. example: set times to check emails don't feel obligated to respond immediately.
- Maximize your efforts. Avoid distractions that will suck your time with no benefits to student learning.
- Say "NO"! Make judgement calls and prioritize, say no or delegate when appropriate.
- Schedule for the unexpected. Build in margins of time to deal with the unexpected. When something arises respond that you will get to it at that designated time.
- Try the Pomodoro technique. This time management technique is based on the idea that frequent breaks in focus can improve mental agility. It works like this: work diligently for 25 minutes, then take a three to five minute break. Repeat this cycle four times and then take a longer, 15 to 30 minute break. The purpose here is to keep your mental acuity sharp and avoid focus fatigue.
