Alexa....Set a timer

Have you ever wondered how time slips away from you and the entire day is gone? As a teacher time is precious, and it hard to find time for yourself.

I have recently evaluated my daily routine, and I have discovered that I do in fact waste a lot of time.

Morning:

7:00am: My alarm goes off and I aimlessly scroll through social media for 10 minutes before dragging myself out of bed.

7:15: I make coffee and grab breakfast... but I then end up watching several episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond while doing my makeup and downing my caffeine.

8:00: I drag myself off the sofa to brush my teeth, frazzle my hair with straighteners and get dressed, (spending too long deciding what to wear.)

8:20: Throw some munch and a drink into my bag, fuss the dog who gets to literally sleep ALL DAY *jealous* and then I triple check that I have all of the resources needed for my teaching day.

8:30...ish: I begin my short walk to work (I do drive, but I prefer to walk on good days.)

Improving my morning:

I have now discovered that instead of scrolling through social media, my time is better spent brainstorming blog post ideas. Writing this blog helps me to feel very positive about what I am achieving on a daily basis, which normally I would not think about.

I have also stopped straightening my hair every morning. Not only does this help with the condition of my hair, it saves me time! Embrace the curl.

Even though my walk is short, I have begun listening to uplifting music on my journey. I have found this really helps to stimulate my brain and enlighten my mood.

My Work Day:

9:00: Even though my lessons start at 10am, I usually have some very keen learners who show up to start on their outstanding workload. This means I end up shuffling around them to set up the classroom and answering their never-ending questions. To help with the day's structure I always write up our learning schedule on the board.... not that they tend to pay much attention to it. I check my emails, I check my recent submissions and I make sure all the computers are turned on because THEY ARE SLOW.

1:00: Lunch... this should be a really important beak in the day, but for teachers this is often lost. In nice weather I try to get outside on a picnic bench, but otherwise my butt is stuck to my chair in the classroom like glue while I continue to stare at a screen, shoving marginally unhealthy foods in my face.

5:00: By this point many of my learners have runaway and I am left to pack the day away. I am particularly guilty for leaving my marking for when I get home.... the call of fluffy slippers in front of the TV is too much.

Improving my work day:

I have found that rather than denying my very keen learners entry to my classroom when they are early, that putting the radio on allows them to sit quietly with a distraction. This often allows me to run around setting up without them asking questions before the day has started. When the radio goes off, they know it is time for lesson to begin.

Take a short walk to the office at lunch! No matter how lazy I am feeling, I now try to take a trip to our admin office for some interaction and a cup of tea. This is much healthier than hiding in my classroom, I get to touch base with my colleagues and stretch my legs.

NEVER WORK AT HOME. When it comes to marking I will now plan my day more efficiently. When my learners have submitted a piece of work I will set them another peer task. While they are completing independent work I try my best to mark and map all their submissions while in the classroom. Even if I do not get it finished I will wait until the next morning if possible.

My evening:

5:30: Begin making dinner, usually pizza or something frozen thrown in the oven.

6:00: Sit in front of the TV watching some lame series on Netflix.

7:00: Walk the dog, have a shower and get into bed shamefully early to watch more Netflix.

Improving my Evening:

I have now discovered the miracle that is Hello Fresh meals. I have previously avoided packages like this because they seemed overly priced and pretentious, BUT I am actually saving money on my monthly shopping bills and hardly waste any food, which is great for the environment right? The meals are super varied and healthy and the recipes have useful timings, so when I come in from a long day at work I will pick a 20 minute recipe.

Instead of wasting my entire evening in my pit of a bed, I have begun evening yoga classes. Again, I had never really considered yoga before as I perceived it to be for spiritual individuals. Just taking this additional hour to drive to my local gym and look after myself has provided a new dimension to my evenings, and it really helps with that back ache you get from sitting at your desk all day!

Have you got any tips on how to schedule your day more efficiently? Send me a message and share your ideas!