The Essential 55
My principal passed out a copy of this book today to all the teachers on staff, and since I haven't been able to get out walking today as the final remnants on Isabel pass through the TO-area as massive rain storms, I've been sitting at home reading the book. Some interesting lessons not only for teachers and students, but for parents and life in general.
A bit of background: The book is written by Ron Clark, an American teacher who's won a bunch of awards and has been feted on Oprah a few times. Over his years working in assorted classrooms, especially in under-privileged areas, he's come up with a list of 55 rules he passes out to his students at the beginning of a school year and insists they follow. His book, "The Essential 55" is a explanation of those rules with stories from his teaching experience.
Many of the rules are common sense. Even more of the rules are common courtesy. One teacher on staff protested over the fact that we would even have to teach these rules, being that they should be taught at home. The sad truth is, though, that social graces and proper manners aren't taught to all students at home, as every teacher can attest to, so carrying these basics into the classroom helps the student, the classroom and makes the teacher's job easier.
I don't agree with every rule, but a lot of the rules were excellent and would give both teachers and parents very good food for thought. I haven't finished the book yet, but here's a few of the rules that jumped out at me:
#3 Congratulate a classmate who does something well.
Kids get so used to hearing teachers compliment and critique them that they don't realize the power is supporting each other. And, of course, it's a great life lesson, too.
#5 If you win, do not brag; if you lose, do not show anger.
#6 If you are asked a question in conversation, ask a question in return.
This just struck me as great strategy for those of us shy in new situations and conversations. I was also amused because Clark comments in the book that high school interviewers always knew students who had been in his class by the answers they gave. Eg.- If they were asked who their favorite authors were they always finished by asking who the interviewer's favorite authors were :).
#9 Always say thank you when given something.
Seems a given, right? I can already tell you the three students in my class this year who follow this rule consistently without being prompted.
#11 Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness.
Wasn't this orginally an Oprah-ism? Still, the idea captures the imagination and does get the students thinking about others in a supportive and creative way.
#23 Know other teachers' names and greet them in the hall by name.
There was one girl in my class last year who left my room everyday saying, "Have a good night, Mrs. Durno!" or "Have a good weekend, Mrs. Durno!". I came to anticipate her good-bye each day and her face immediately came to mind when I read this rule. That same girl still greets me in the hallway when she sees me. Funny the small things that leave an impression on you.
#28 Call me if you have a question about homework and leave a message- once.
Bzzzt! -Wrong-, Mr. Kotter. This is the one rule I disagreed with. Teachers have a right to keep their professional life and their private life separate. Students should not be calling their teachers at home. From 8 to 5 I am available for the needs of my students and their parents, beyond that, no, unless it's a curriculum night, interview night or very special circumstance. But, there again, Clark tells stories about going to his students' birthday parties and going out for movies with reading groups as rewards, etc., so he clearly feels differently about this.
#35 If someone drops something and you are close to it, pick it up.
Another obvious rule, too, eh? Again, I won't tell you how many times a week a student says to me, "Pick it up? But -I- didn't drop it!".
#37 If someone bumps into you, say excuse me, even if it was not your fault.
This rule just amused me because it sounds so Canadian :).
#46 No talking in a movie theatre during a movie.
If Clark can get every movie-goer to follow this rule I will put him up for sainthood. Theatre manners have become a thing of the past.
#54 Carpe Diem
Ooo, I'm having flashbacks to "Dead Poet's Society", enough to make me wonder if that movie was partly based on this guy's teaching techniques (which, if the Oprah clip we watched today is any indication, are a little eccentric). Anyway, still a great life lesson and a good way to tackle everything one does with passion.
Exercise log- Speaking of such things... one of my fellow walkers in England this week convinced me that I -can- get to Rivendell by this Monday, despite weather and curriculum nights, and who am I to prove her wrong? I am presently 12 miles from the Elves and I do indeed plan to be in Rivendell by Monday's gift opening session. Hopefully the worst of the Isabel rain is over and I'll get the last of my walking in this weekend.
A bit of background: The book is written by Ron Clark, an American teacher who's won a bunch of awards and has been feted on Oprah a few times. Over his years working in assorted classrooms, especially in under-privileged areas, he's come up with a list of 55 rules he passes out to his students at the beginning of a school year and insists they follow. His book, "The Essential 55" is a explanation of those rules with stories from his teaching experience.
Many of the rules are common sense. Even more of the rules are common courtesy. One teacher on staff protested over the fact that we would even have to teach these rules, being that they should be taught at home. The sad truth is, though, that social graces and proper manners aren't taught to all students at home, as every teacher can attest to, so carrying these basics into the classroom helps the student, the classroom and makes the teacher's job easier.
I don't agree with every rule, but a lot of the rules were excellent and would give both teachers and parents very good food for thought. I haven't finished the book yet, but here's a few of the rules that jumped out at me:
#3 Congratulate a classmate who does something well.
Kids get so used to hearing teachers compliment and critique them that they don't realize the power is supporting each other. And, of course, it's a great life lesson, too.
#5 If you win, do not brag; if you lose, do not show anger.
#6 If you are asked a question in conversation, ask a question in return.
This just struck me as great strategy for those of us shy in new situations and conversations. I was also amused because Clark comments in the book that high school interviewers always knew students who had been in his class by the answers they gave. Eg.- If they were asked who their favorite authors were they always finished by asking who the interviewer's favorite authors were :).
#9 Always say thank you when given something.
Seems a given, right? I can already tell you the three students in my class this year who follow this rule consistently without being prompted.
#11 Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness.
Wasn't this orginally an Oprah-ism? Still, the idea captures the imagination and does get the students thinking about others in a supportive and creative way.
#23 Know other teachers' names and greet them in the hall by name.
There was one girl in my class last year who left my room everyday saying, "Have a good night, Mrs. Durno!" or "Have a good weekend, Mrs. Durno!". I came to anticipate her good-bye each day and her face immediately came to mind when I read this rule. That same girl still greets me in the hallway when she sees me. Funny the small things that leave an impression on you.
#28 Call me if you have a question about homework and leave a message- once.
Bzzzt! -Wrong-, Mr. Kotter. This is the one rule I disagreed with. Teachers have a right to keep their professional life and their private life separate. Students should not be calling their teachers at home. From 8 to 5 I am available for the needs of my students and their parents, beyond that, no, unless it's a curriculum night, interview night or very special circumstance. But, there again, Clark tells stories about going to his students' birthday parties and going out for movies with reading groups as rewards, etc., so he clearly feels differently about this.
#35 If someone drops something and you are close to it, pick it up.
Another obvious rule, too, eh? Again, I won't tell you how many times a week a student says to me, "Pick it up? But -I- didn't drop it!".
#37 If someone bumps into you, say excuse me, even if it was not your fault.
This rule just amused me because it sounds so Canadian :).
#46 No talking in a movie theatre during a movie.
If Clark can get every movie-goer to follow this rule I will put him up for sainthood. Theatre manners have become a thing of the past.
#54 Carpe Diem
Ooo, I'm having flashbacks to "Dead Poet's Society", enough to make me wonder if that movie was partly based on this guy's teaching techniques (which, if the Oprah clip we watched today is any indication, are a little eccentric). Anyway, still a great life lesson and a good way to tackle everything one does with passion.
Exercise log- Speaking of such things... one of my fellow walkers in England this week convinced me that I -can- get to Rivendell by this Monday, despite weather and curriculum nights, and who am I to prove her wrong? I am presently 12 miles from the Elves and I do indeed plan to be in Rivendell by Monday's gift opening session. Hopefully the worst of the Isabel rain is over and I'll get the last of my walking in this weekend.