So Many Standards, So Little Time

     I am feeling as though I will never be able to incorporate all of the Common Core standards in a deep and meaningful way within my third grade classroom. It has me asking the question, "How much time do you have in your school day?"

     It seems as though we are asking students to learn more content much more deeply than ever before, yet we have not increased instructional time.  At least not in my district.  My students begin school at 8:05 a.m. and leave at 2:20.  In actuality, class cannot begin until at least 8:20, due to a number of students having breakfast in the cafeteria, school-wide announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance.  Within that six hour block of time, students are out of the classroom for lunch, recess, and a fifty minute specialist period, which accounts for at least an hour and thirty-five minutes.  Factor in bathroom breaks and a quick snack in the morning, and we are down to about four hours of classroom instruction. Yikes!

I would love to hear from you!  How much instructional time do you have daily, and how are you making it work?

So... I set up this blog long ago with the intention of adding to it regularly.  I was also hoping to create some CCSS materials for TPT.  But, I spend so much time at work that I can't justify blogging when I get home.  My husband and I just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary!!!  Whoohoo!  However, it is difficult to carve out time together.  I have recently seen some bloggers expressing their own feelings of being overwhelmed.  There just isn't time to get everything done, and done well.

I will be honest.  When I first started reading blogs posted by other educators, I was energized and inspired, but also wondered how all these great people hold it all together.   How do they have time to create these great resources, blog, teach, and have family time?  Why can't I make that happen, too?  I would like to thank those of you who have shared your honest feelings about the struggles of being the educator you know you could be.  I feel more connected.

Don't get me wrong. I am usually a cup-half- full kind of person, and I love teaching.  I cannot imagine my future without some connection to educating children.  It is just important to remember that we cannot always be everything to everyone.  So, to my fellow educators- I challenge you to do something kind for yourself today and every day.  Know that you are fantastic.  Accept that there are limitations.  Embrace every day as another opportunity to do your best. Most importantly, take a moment to view yourself through the eyes of your students.  They will always keep you on the right path. :)

Kelly