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Set the Timer

 


What can you do in two minutes?

It’s not a new game show nor is it an idle question. 

Howard High Schools to start 2 minutes earlier, beginning in May, Kiersten Hacker, Baltimore Sun

A two-hour delay on March 3 and a three-hour early dismissal on March 16, when the state experienced tornado threats, caused a four-hour deficit for the Howard County Public School System. To make up the hours, June 8 will be a full school day for all students, and high school students will start their days at 7:48 a.m. instead of 7:50 a.m., beginning May 4.

The conflict between the spirit and the letter of the law is right out in front here. It says a lot about state requirements that this kind of a solution is considered to be reasonable.

Who will be responsible for those extra two minutes of high school instruction? Teachers, of course. I sure hope they are ready to make those minutes meaningful.

A Google search didn’t turn up many classroom-oriented suggestions. But maybe some of these will work:

Want to boost productivity at home or at work? Here are 120 ideas for you. Get fit, learn useful skills, change your life!

Here’s a thought: two minute thank you notes:

Dear _____,

Thank you for _____. It made me feel _____. I hope you _____. 

Sincerely,

_____

Every day. Yes, every darn day from May 4th until the end of the year. Two minutes of reflection and gratitude. Writing and self-expression. 

Even better: skip the extra two minutes and commit to making all the other minutes just slightly juicier to make up for the loss. But that wouldn’t add up, I guess.

What can you do in two minutes? Read this blog post. (I checked.)


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