organization
I really like being organized. Sometime over organization is taking too much of my time yet if makes me feel more secure for the days I am having to trouble shoot do to some things not working properly, like a copier, projector, computer???? I find finding the balance a journey, if things don't work it very funky for me. I am suddenly scambling and have to be creative to find a way, but I usually do. Its just he not always the best.
It's funny but I completely understand April. Getting organized is like a coping mechanism for me and the process really does help reduce stress!
I have to agree with this on two levels. For one, I agree that you can't be too organized. We have a duty to our students in this way. But for me, I actually ENJOY the process of organization. This is strange, admittedly. But, in a way, it is my stress releaser. :-)
It's true. Sometimes good time management requires a little up front investment. Don't let that scare you off. It has a great return in the end!
The intial time investment in organizing your daily tasks may require additional time but once organized you will have time to slow down and you will not always be scrambling thru clutter
My feeling is that organization is "the name
of the game"- as teacher or student, in relationships, at home, at work, -in life.
Organization is somehow linked to "self discipline", and both help one "hone in on
truth". In fact, I feel "study skills"(involving
organization) are more helpful outside school,
than in school.
I find your comment interesting and quite true, showing the difference between person. I have to be organized in order to feel less stressed.
But the part about the noisy or quiet enviroment is very interesting I've found. I'm a bit of both. Since I grew up in a large family, I grew up with noise all around me. Yet, I'm so easily distrated. Sometiems I work best sitting in a cafe, or outside where children are playing because sometimes, the quiet will eventually drive me nuts. Yet, if I can hear a very specific conversation or if TV is on...then I'm doomed. I love to work outside, taking deep breathes, getting natural lighting, hearing the wind in the trees, people driving or walking by...it helps cope with the stress of trying to get something done that isn't necessarily pleasant.
Mary Ann
Love your approach Catherine. Just goes to show you that home grown approaches like use of binders and tabs really can make all the difference. We don't always need access to expensive technologies to be the most efficient.
I had to do the same thing with juggling 4 classes (3 brand new), subbing, scouts, and being a mother of 4. I found that If I put my assignment lesson plans in a binder that are separated using tabs I can easily refer back to a past assignment or know what is coming up in the next few weeks without having to dig through files. It's saved me a ton of stress!!
Sometimes, we get so caught up in all that we have to do that we forget to take the time to organize our work and lives. We say that we don't have time. Recently, I took an hour out of my schedule to create files for all of my classes and and to organize my computer files as well. It greatly helped me reduce my stress.
You could probably find better ways to adapt to a noisy environment Gail. Earplugs are a helpful tool for example. If you practice working in a noisy environment, you could get better at it.
This is true. My husband can work through all kinds of noise and TV's going, etc. I am the opposite. Do you think it is possible to change in this area? I would love to learn to work more effectively in a noisy environment.
I completely understand where you are coming from Cheryl. Some of us thrive on good organization and little distraction. Others are just the opposite and require chaos and interruption to get the job done. It's all about knowing who you are and what you need.
I can't function without being organized and on the days that I have outside factors causing distractions, I find that my organization is the only thing that gets me through.
I agree, the more organized I am, the less stress I have.
Yes, organization is a time investment. But investing can really pay off in making you more effective at your tasks.
