Finding the Unexpected (#nerdlution Day 2)

I was able to sneak in an outdoor run today.  Running outside in December in Iowa is rare.  This morning of low temperatures above 37 degrees was completely unexpected.  To be honest, it felt too good to be true.  I savored every second and ended up running more than I have in months.  Because of an injury, I am paying the price for it tonight with a very sore joint.  It was worth it.  

Perhpas the universe is trying to tell me something because finding unexpected time keeps emerging in conversation.  After reading about "reading on the edge" -- "sneaking precious minutes here and there" -- in Donalyn Miller's Reading in the Wild, I have been thinking about how this translates beyond students' independent reading.  Our district adopted new reading materials this year.  Philosophically, I'm on the same page, and I believe that the materials will enhance student learning. But with a focus on materials implementation, time is especially tight.  For example, finding adequate time to confer with students or teach students how to have meaningful book club discussions is challenging for some teachers.  How can we find moments in our day to (fill in the blank)?  If we think about our priorities and keep on the lookout, we can find those moments.