Harry Wong the First Days of School and Read It.

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Chelsea Courtois In gild to be a skilful instructor, you need three things...
one) positive expectations for all students
2) consequent classroom management practices
3) l…more than In order to be a expert teacher, you demand three things...
1) positive expectations for all students
2) consistent classroom management practices
3) lesson mastery--articulate expectations, measures for success, constructive communication, etc.
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Community Reviews

 · 8,558 ratings  · 646 reviews

Start your review of The Commencement Days of Schoolhouse: How to Be An Effective Teacher [with CD]

Feb 29, 2008 Greg Garcia rated it it was ok

Recommends it for: K-5 teachers, clueless and/or nervous first-fourth dimension teachers

This book came highly recommended from several sources. I had received a copy as a gift when I began teaching at the high schoolhouse level, simply I hadn't bothered to open it until recently.

After reading it, I'g glad that I didn't adopt Wong's methodologies every bit a first-day secondary teacher. My classes would have eaten me live. Information technology's not that the book is necessarily poor, just I believe that information technology is best-suited for K-v teachers, who deal with students at a much before point in their evolution. Many of

This book came highly recommended from several sources. I had received a copy equally a gift when I began teaching at the loftier school level, merely I hadn't bothered to open it until recently.

After reading it, I'm glad that I didn't adopt Wong's methodologies every bit a offset-day secondary teacher. My classes would have eaten me alive. It's not that the book is necessarily poor, but I believe that information technology is best-suited for Grand-5 teachers, who deal with students at a much earlier point in their evolution. Many of the suggestions presented in this volume would have been dismissed every bit childish and cavalier by teens.

The book is organized more similar a mag than a text, with numerous sidebars with tangential information and testimonials from teachers who felt relieved from some of the suggestions that Wong provided. Perhaps a portion of my less-than-stellar review stems from my general distrust of books that contain an infomercial about itself equally part of its primary content.

In that location are some useful tips, simply this transmission could take easily been reduced from its unwieldy length of 352 pages to a 20-xxx page pamphlet. It is unnecessary to devote a full-length chapter to convey the benefits of dressing professionally. Furthermore, information technology is equally unnecessary to devote a department of the volume to the topic of "how to take attendance".

Equally previously stated, perhaps this book would be all-time for uncomplicated schoolhouse teachers. In my opinion, it is non the best book for secondary educators, although admittedly my feel may bias my judgment.

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January 01, 2009 Ross Bussell rated information technology it was ok

Recommends it for: new teachers who don't like to think for and effigy out things for themselves.

This book is given to new teachers in my school district, to help them start the schoolhouse year. That'southward a scary thought for me, considering I've never been a big believer in Wong'due south ethics about what teaching is.

He largely stays on the surface here, with how to dress, what to put on the walls, how to make a potent impression, etc. He definitely advocates a perpetuation of traditional schooling, with desks in rows, strict adherence to straight lines, no talking unless spoken to, and stringent homework pr

This book is given to new teachers in my school commune, to assistance them outset the school year. That's a scary thought for me, because I've never been a big believer in Wong'south ideals well-nigh what instruction is.

He largely stays on the surface hither, with how to dress, what to put on the walls, how to make a strong impression, etc. He definitely advocates a perpetuation of traditional schooling, with desks in rows, strict adherence to straight lines, no talking unless spoken to, and stringent homework practices. For the more liberally minded educator (such equally myself), this book flies in the face of what I believe makes a strong, well rounded classroom.

I gave information technology two stars considering it's not without some adept ideas. I can't give it more than two stars because it is, like Harry Wong, somewhat short minded in its process. The sad thing is that many teachers treat this book like its their bible, and they don't really think critically about information technology, it's simply because this is what teachers think they're supposed to be doing, and that'due south why I can't recommend information technology.

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Jul 23, 2008 Ayacalypso rated it it was amazing

Recommends information technology for: student teachers, new teachers, or teachers who need help getting control over their classroom.

Recommended to Ayacalypso by: A teaching course professor

This volume taught me several things that were not taught in my teaching courses, for instance:
- How spending time at the beginning of the school year, teaching class procedures instead of content volition actually maximize instructional time for the rest of the year.
- How to use a predictable daily routine to get students to begin working right away and minimize transition time.
- When is the best time to take role.
- Stressing the chemical element of educatee choice in managing behavior ("You chose not to plow i This volume taught me several things that were not taught in my teaching courses, for instance:
- How spending time at the beginning of the school year, didactics class procedures instead of content will really maximize instructional time for the rest of the year.
- How to use a predictable daily routine to get students to brainstorm working correct away and minimize transition time.
- When is the all-time time to accept role.
- Stressing the element of student selection in managing behavior ("You chose not to plough in your homework, therefore you will earn a 0 for the assignment.")
- The importance of telling students why they are learning something or why they are doing a item action.
- How to avoid being brought downwards by the negativity, low morale and energy level of other teachers.
- How to portray friendliness while nonetheless being professional to the students. ...more

This was the textbook for the seminar that accompanied my student teaching this by semester. It was, maybe, not written for me, as by the time I was student pedagogy, I had already been in the classroom for a number of years. I did find some of the information, particularly on classroom routines and arrangement, very helpful and expect forward to implementing some of them in my side by side classroom. Withal, much of this volume erred on the touchy-feely, chipper "ALL students can succeed!" side. Role This was the textbook for the seminar that accompanied my student teaching this by semester. Information technology was, perhaps, not written for me, as past the time I was student teaching, I had already been in the classroom for a number of years. I did find some of the information, especially on classroom routines and system, very helpful and await frontwards to implementing some of them in my next classroom. However, much of this book erred on the touchy-feely, chipper "ALL students tin succeed!" side. Especially irritating to me was how much of the "ALL students can succeed!" message was based in the idea that success would automatically come if the instructor was effective. Of course I'thousand not knocking constructive teachers (I would similar to be one, obviously) and am not saying that teachers shouldn't attempt and be the absolute best they can, but after awhile there are factors exterior of the classroom that teachers merely tin can't solve: poverty, family unit issues, available resources, etc., that contribute to student success. I remember while books like this are trying to exist encouraging nearly the power of teachers, they tin can besides perpetuate the myth that it is mostly teachers who are responsible for the success of schools. My experience and reading tells me that it is a roughly partnership between teachers, community, and government systems, and we forget the responsibility of the terminal 2 parties at our peril. ...more

Aug xv, 2018 Phil Jensen rated it really liked information technology

A veteran teacher's perspective

I have been teaching for xvi years, and almost of those were spent in grades 6-8. I read this book because I have heard information technology mentioned by other teachers and it is the #1 education book on Goodreads.

Classroom Direction and Subject

Unit of measurement C on classroom management is great. Wong's accent on previewing procedures, setting the tone, and making constructive use of form fourth dimension is correct. I wish I had read this unit xvi years ago when I started education. I attended the IU scho

A veteran instructor's perspective

I have been teaching for sixteen years, and virtually of those were spent in grades half-dozen-8. I read this book because I have heard information technology mentioned by other teachers and it is the #1 teaching book on Goodreads.

Classroom Management and Subject area

Unit C on classroom direction is great. Wong'south accent on previewing procedures, setting the tone, and making effective use of grade time is right. I wish I had read this unit 16 years ago when I started teaching. I attended the IU school of education in the late '90s, and I speculate that they did not apply Wong's book because it was already old-schoolhouse by that betoken.

Harry Thou. Wong is controversially old-school past modern standards. He is progressive compared to some of the teachers I grew up with, in regards to speaking respectfully to students and making it his task to assistance the ones who autumn behind. Withal, he's not much into inquiry-based learning or educatee-centered instruction.

As luck would have it, I am also reading Engaging Children: Igniting a Drive for Deeper Learning past Ellin Oliver Keene at the moment, and in that location is a stark dissimilarity betwixt the two authors. Keene recommends a classroom that is always buzzing with low-level chatter and features lots of nooks and alcoves for students to work in. Harry K. Wong is having none of that. All desks face up the forepart, all students and areas in the classroom are visible to the instructor, and students speak simply with the teacher's permission. Wong does strongly encourage cooperative learning, but it is very structured and heavily previewed. The difference between Wong and Keene is the difference betwixt a person who teaches for a living and a person who writes about teaching for a living. Keene has some good ideas, merely but Wong can give you the applied advice to make them work.

I have been and continue to be a huge Responsive Classroom fan. If I were to recommend i volume on didactics to a offset year teacher, information technology would exist from their catalogue- probably The Morn Meeting Book: K-8. However, Wong has some skillful counterpoints to that. In RC, the grade generates the rules together. Wong points out that this can be kind of a little activeness because many rules are already set by the school or the teacher. Furthermore, a well prepared instructor already has all the classroom procedures laid out, and concrete procedures are arguably more important than wide rules of conduct. Personally, I modify the RC beginning of year activity to having the students brainstorm what their classmates can do to help them learn. Then I consolidate and post the list. We review it periodically, and I commonly refer to it equally "group expectations," but it'southward non really the same as grade rules.

Please and Cheers Mistakes

Harry K. Wong has a lot of opinions, and the but one I would call flagrantly incorrect is his use of please and thanks. I strongly hold with the Responsive Classroom take on these words, as explained in The Ability of Our Words: Instructor Language That Helps Children Larn.

"Thank you lot" is reserved for personal favors, such as picking upwardly my pencil when I drib information technology. To admit positive (but expected) behaviors, say something like, "Good work. I noticed yous waiting until it was your turn." The student is not doing me a personal favor by showing respect to another pupil; they are meeting schoolhouse expectations.

"Would yous please" should never be used unless you're willing to get "no" in return. I was brought upward to employ please, so I put it on the front of directions, such every bit, "Please mitt me your homework." That is not an open question, and I lower my vox on the period to show that "no" is not an acceptable reply.

It's kind of dated

Nosotros all need to cut Harry Thou. Wong a piddling slack. The get-go edition of this book was in 1990, and my copy, purchased new, seems to have been lightly updated in the early 2000s. Most of this book was written before white boards or email. Many schools still had rotary phones and mimeograph machines. Typing was washed on typewriters. If at that place was a computer in the classroom, it had a greenscale screen and no modem.

Parts of this book are quaint. Society is more accepting of "excessive jewelry" than it used to exist. About people don't use paper class books anymore. And so there'due south Harry M. Wong's obsession with calling coil. I imagine this was a real problem in his school, just I oasis't seen it be a problem in any schoolhouse I've been in.

That format, though.

I am shocked that some people dislike information technology. Personally, I found it extremely reader-friendly. Harry Wong gets correct downwards to business with lots of chapter headings, subheadings, and short, direct paragraphs. Quotes, anecdotes, examples, and other supporting material go into clearly marked sidebars in the margin. Harry Wong puts the most applied things in the center and makes them easy to find. By dissimilarity, Ellin Oliver Keene spends iv pages of her book describing a plane ride she took in one case. I wish Heinemann would hire Harry K. Wong to edit their books.

I got through nearly 200 pages of Wong'southward book in one afternoon, and I accept the formatting to thank for it.

The Other Stuff

The classroom direction portion is dynamite. The parts around it range from okay to kind of kooky. I think a lot of the lesson planning and positive mindset portions is either common-sense or gets learned chop-chop past new teachers. The terminal two chapters are meant to be inspirational, and they come beyond kind of shouty. They remind me virtually of a famous business essay from the early 1900s called A Message to Garcia.

I recommend that new teachers read Unit of measurement C and possibly give a quick browse to the residual.

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Jul 02, 2007 sydney rated it it was ok

Recommends it for: new teachers

UUUUGGGH. All signs pointed to 'yeah': an ambassador I respected recommended this book every bit a good manual on how to approach classroom management from the offset of the twelvemonth, it was referenced often every bit a good starting point for new teachers, it was the same size and shape every bit Fred Jones' Tools for Didactics.

But Harry One thousand. and Rosemary T. Wong might be a little flake crazy. They self-published this book and so they could have consummate command over every aspect of it, which means that it's full of their

UUUUGGGH. All signs pointed to 'yes': an administrator I respected recommended this book as a adept manual on how to arroyo classroom management from the beginning of the year, it was referenced frequently equally a practiced starting point for new teachers, it was the aforementioned size and shape every bit Fred Jones' Tools for Didactics.

But Harry Chiliad. and Rosemary T. Wong might exist a little bit crazy. They self-published this book then they could have complete control over every aspect of it, which ways that it's full of their weird adages, rhetoric, and platitudes about beingness an "constructive" (versus an "ineffective") teacher.

Some of the stuff in here is practiced, solid advice, by and large in the middle three chapters (classroom management, lesson mastery, and something else I can't recall). I found the "lesson mastery" stuff most helpful-- tips for how to set upwardly a gradebook, how to synch tests to objectives, etc. A lot of the advice in the center chapters, though, is more suited to teachers of younger kids (K-8, maybe even K-5) than high schoolers.

But the commencement and last chapters were brimming full of crazytalk. The offset affiliate was so vague that I found it nearly completely useless. They talked a lot virtually what teachers should be sure to practise without actually giving any advice on how to achieve those things. The last chapter and the Epilogue upped the ante-- they went subsequently "pitiful" teachers, "worker-teachers," teachers who dislike in-service meetings, with no mercy. They railed against the American family unit falling apart and the lack of family suppers. They tried to inspire but only left me feeling like I'd perused an inspirational wall calendar catalog.

(To be fair, the Wongs don't recommend reading the book comprehend-to-encompass, like I did. They intend for it to be used as a manual, pulled out and referenced when a teacher is having a specific problem.)

If you're a new teacher, borrow this from someone and read the center chapters aslope Tools for Education. And then become talk to a veteran teacher well-nigh some of the chief techniques you lot think you want to implement in your classroom and run into what they recollect. That'due south i piece of advice this volume gets right: the best support system for teachers is other teachers.

Not actually recommended for experienced teachers, unless you desire to amuse yourself and instructor friends by reading aloud from the frenetic, boldfaced "inspirational" sections.

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Aug 21, 2008 Drew rated it it was ok

If Harry Wong tried these strategies with my students, he'd get shanked. If Harry Wong tried these strategies with my students, he'd get shanked. ...more than

Aug 14, 2011 Carolyn rated it did non like it

Highly patronizing of students and will be more than likely to develop reactive behaviour, especially from children who are old enough to recognized when they're existence treated as inferior and immature. This establishes the teacher as the cardinal administrative figure and attempts to give them control over the classroom via various manipulative strategies. Though the teacher is typically the centre of the classroom, a learning-focused method of teaching (rather than maintaining organizational stru Highly patronizing of students and will exist more than than probable to develop reactive behaviour, especially from children who are old enough to recognized when they're being treated as inferior and young. This establishes the teacher every bit the primal authoritative effigy and attempts to requite them control over the classroom via various manipulative strategies. Though the teacher is typically the centre of the classroom, a learning-focused method of teaching (rather than maintaining organizational structure as is suggested in Wong'south methodology) is more successful at educating students. This extends into the framework of modern Western instruction, merely regardless of a teacher's position in a schoolhouse district full of rules, treating children equally human beings, rather than unruly pests to be tamed and controlled, is what should be sought. ...more than

Aug eighteen, 2007 Tristan rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Pre-service teachers

I'thou drafting upward a lawsuit confronting my teaching college for not exposing me to this volume. Possibly class activeness, on behalf of my first-twelvemonth students.

These are insights that I could easily have come up with on my own, if left to my own devices for 20 years or so. I'm glad I didn't take to do that. The book doesn't beat around the bush-league. The important parts are in bold, with pictures and diagrams. Any teacher can benefit from reading this volume, or even merely flipping through it for the key points.

I'one thousand drafting up a lawsuit against my education college for non exposing me to this book. Possibly course activity, on behalf of my first-year students.

These are insights that I could easily have come upward with on my own, if left to my own devices for xx years or then. I'k glad I didn't have to do that. The book doesn't beat around the bush. The important parts are in bold, with pictures and diagrams. Any instructor tin can benefit from reading this book, or fifty-fifty simply flipping through it for the key points.

...more than

As other reviews have noted:
This isn't a book yous "read". Skim, aye. Read, no.

This is very "quondam schoolhouse". And while i certainly wouldn't adivse throwing the baby out with the bathroom water at that place were some suggestions in hither that I merely couldn't get behind.

But as a more "touchy-feely" kind of person (I'm INFP) i appreciate a dissimilar perspective (my estimate is ESTJ) on how to exist a good instructor. The schoolhouse I will be teaching at thoroughly embraces many of his proffer (all the teachers stand up at the

As other reviews have noted:
This isn't a volume yous "read". Skim, yes. Read, no.

This is very "old school". And while i certainly wouldn't adivse throwing the babe out with the bath water at that place were some suggestions in here that I only couldn't get behind.

But every bit a more "touchy-feely" kind of person (I'1000 INFP) i appreciate a unlike perspective (my guess is ESTJ) on how to be a good teacher. The schoolhouse I will be education at thoroughly embraces many of his suggestion (all the teachers stand up at the door when classes change). This was a very applied book with clear examples of what you lot should and should not do.

I did not like the layout. Also I thought way to much fourth dimension was spent on each point. This book could probably be 1/3 to 1/2 the size with a better layout and getting to the bespeak.

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Aug 29, 2019 Debbie rated it it was astonishing

A must-take for ALL teachers! It outlines how to organize everything a instructor needs to accept/do within the first calendar week of school so that your classroom tin run smoothly for the entire yr. I would always buy this book to give to my student teachers. Highly recommend!

Feb 22, 2012 Irene McHugh rated it it was amazing

You shouldn't read this book cover-to-comprehend. It'southward not meant to be "the solution" for every situation that arises in the first few days of school. It's meant to get the educator thinking nearly what'south going to happen in those get-go few days. How will you set up for these unlike situations?

Anyone who'southward taught for at to the lowest degree five years in the public school organization knows that your schoolhouse year will be smoother and students will larn more than if you institute clear procedures in the beginning days of schoolhouse.

You lot shouldn't read this book cover-to-embrace. It'south not meant to be "the solution" for every situation that arises in the commencement few days of schoolhouse. It'south meant to get the educator thinking well-nigh what's going to happen in those first few days. How volition y'all prepare for these different situations?

Anyone who'due south taught for at least 5 years in the public school system knows that your school year volition be smoother and students will learn more than if y'all institute clear procedures in the commencement days of schoolhouse. That's the heart of this book.

I re-scan this book every August. I choice and choose my inspiration based on the electric current classroom reality I'm dealing with as a teacher.

I would recommend this volume to any teacher who knows the power of reflection. Additionally, I'd recommend this book to new teachers, especially those who are content-noesis rich, only pedagogically poor (the new teacher who has a master'southward caste in history, but has never taken a methods class or a classroom management class).

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November 26, 2016 Yair Ben-Zvi rated it did not like it

Gutless, bloodless, gormless, sophistry. Honestly, I am amazed that a book that describes itself (relentlessly) in such helpful (some might even say arrogant or dogmatic) terms can (and does) offering so little in tangible help for new teachers. Actually, this book almost doesn't crave me to be impressed with information technology as it seems to be ineluctably self-satisfied with itself, almost daring yous to run across a flaw in its perfect pedagogical methods...of which in that location are MANY. I will say that there is merit in som Gutless, anemic, gormless, sophistry. Honestly, I am amazed that a book that describes itself (relentlessly) in such helpful (some might even say arrogant or dogmatic) terms can (and does) offer and then little in tangible aid for new teachers. Really, this book almost doesn't require me to be impressed with it as it seems to be ineluctably self-satisfied with itself, nearly daring you lot to meet a flaw in its perfect pedagogical methods...of which there are MANY. I will say that there is merit in some of this nonsense, namely the bromides to consistency....simply the complete condone for students (that border on the sociopathic) who flip their nose (and other trunk parts) at any school, instructor, authority and simply enjoining teachers to use more procedures or (I'll just preface with some vomiting) more than Love, are nothing short of laughable. And the book refusing to give teachers the authority or, God assist us all, the ability to use subject field (IN ALMOST ANY CIRCUMSTANCE) while simultaneously shifting any and all blame away from parents, students or the poor put upon administrators (the well-nigh obviously useless of the bunch though heaven for-fend you question why THEY earn more) is, honestly, disgusting and the proceeds are more a petty Orwellian concerning linguistic communication (the digression betwixt DECIDING and CHOOSING is at once hilarious and spooky as someone with championship 'Doctor' actually helped to conceive this and some of the gullible are actually ownership this...).

And then, as someone who more than likely will lose his teaching position let me just say that this book is in service to exactly NO One but its authors and their coruscating circle of yeah men and yeah women. The fact that this paean to conformity actually has the balls to bring upwards Rosa Parks and Jim Crow as as a 'pre'-instance to its own methods....well, presumptuous comes to mind every bit does express joy and vomit inducing...

Read this for laughs and then bemoan the land of American instruction, in that lodge.

...more

Jul 22, 2019 Teri rated information technology it was ok

I wanna go 1 star because parts of this-maybe Even nearly of it-I was dying a trivial inside. I don't know that this is for new teachers, it might be for someone that has never pupil taught, been in a classroom, or taken any classes most pedagogy. I agreed with the part nigh procedures, different assessments rather than but exam taking-none of that was new but I see how it could be helpful to a "new" educator. I feel like the authors went off the runway on piffling tangents at times and the sel I wanna go 1 star because parts of this-perhaps Even nearly of it-I was dying a little within. I don't know that this is for new teachers, it might exist for someone that has never student taught, been in a classroom, or taken any classes about instruction. I agreed with the role about procedures, different assessments rather than just test taking-none of that was new simply I see how it could be helpful to a "new" educator. I feel like the authors went off the runway on trivial tangents at times and the cocky-promotion was annoying. Yet, I am reading this with a group of colleagues and the discussions we accept based off of each chapter have been actually astonishing, and so it might be a good manner to get some conversations flowing and ideas shared . ...more

Jun 09, 2011 Amanda rated it it was ok

Extremely repetitive and full of self-promotion. I am not sure why information technology takes 300+ pages to say that your class will run smoothly if you lot accept routines in place. There are a few chapters in the classroom management section that are worth reading but the the rest of the book is non. I felt like this volume places 100% of the responsibility for learning on the teacher and claims that the only factor which affects student learning is the instructor'southward "attitude." Mode too much behaviorism in this book. Extremely repetitive and total of self-promotion. I am non certain why it takes 300+ pages to say that your class will run smoothly if you have routines in identify. In that location are a few chapters in the classroom management department that are worth reading simply the the rest of the volume is not. I felt similar this book places 100% of the responsibility for learning on the teacher and claims that the simply factor which affects student learning is the teacher'due south "attitude." Way also much behaviorism in this book. ...more than

Sep 01, 2021 Kiera D. rated it did not like information technology

I'yard sorry, this is RIDICULOUS. If yous need a book to tell you that you lot should call students by their name and pronounce their names correctly then y'all should not exist in this profession. Common sense will serve you better than anything in here. I'thousand sorry, this is RIDICULOUS. If you demand a book to tell you that yous should call students by their proper name and pronounce their names correctly then you should non be in this profession. Common sense will serve you lot better than anything in here. ...more than

Apr 05, 2011 ScrappyMags rated it it was amazing

This was my Bible when I kickoff began teaching high school and five years later, I always glance over this virtually a week or then before schoolhouse starts to go on my focus in the right place. I dearly treasure this book. Some say this is not for loftier school - well, they are incorrect. You lot don't take to adopt ALL of his ideals (my classroom is set up in a horseshoe-blazon arrangement), but the basics are forever - and permit me tell you this, I am constantly told "wow, you lot have amazing classroom direction". Thank you H This was my Bible when I first began teaching loftier schoolhouse and v years later, I e'er glance over this almost a calendar week or so before school starts to keep my focus in the right identify. I dearly treasure this book. Some say this is not for loftier school - well, they are wrong. You don't take to prefer ALL of his ideals (my classroom is set up in a horseshoe-blazon arrangement), merely the basics are forever - and let me tell you this, I am constantly told "wow, you have astonishing classroom management". Thanks Harry. He's right about having elementary rules and sticking to those rules and having a clear discipline AND advantage program in identify in the classroom. I've had to fight with administrators at times equally I reward my kids with 1/2 hour of "no lecture" fourth dimension - a fun game I invent or form-related jeopardy, etc.. my kids Dear that fourth dimension because they get to cull what to do. Considering of this, my course is taught bell to bong on a block schedule. Yeah! And every yr when I review the book I'm able to incorporate more than & more into my room. No, non everything has worked, but that'southward to be expected and that's how you notice your "groove" as a instructor - y'all try and yous neglect? You go out information technology. You try and succeed? Keep it! I've kept 95% of what I've tried and adopted from this volume. ...more than

December 13, 2008 Bird rated it it was ok

I take very strong feelings nigh this volume. Personally, I think well-nigh of it is useless. If you take zero classroom management skills, it could be a helpful resources. Withal, Harry Wong has some bizarre ideas almost the teaching profession, many of which I exercise not agree with.

The most obvious case that springs to mind is his view on "dressing as a professional." (Yes, there is an entire section devoted to this.) He states that teachers should dress professionally because students see their pare

I have very strong feelings nearly this book. Personally, I think most of information technology is useless. If yous take zero classroom direction skills, it could be a helpful resource. However, Harry Wong has some bizarre ideas about the educational activity profession, many of which I exercise non agree with.

The most obvious example that springs to mind is his view on "dressing equally a professional person." (Aye, there is an entire department devoted to this.) He states that teachers should dress professionally because students see their parents leave home in business attire and that is what they have learned to equate with a professional adult. What schools has he been education in? In the rural school where I work, the majority of the parents are non leaving for work in suits. Almost are a part of the working form where the focus is on making a living to feed your family, not on "looking like a professional."

Anyway, I could rant about many other issues that I disagree with. I did give it two stars though, equally get-go teachers may find some of the content useful.

...more than

Feb 09, 2010 dirt rated it did not like it

Some administrator at a job interview mentioned this book... I was kind of hung up on the male teachers should wear ties part and couldn't go much further. I can't call up of ane expert thought I institute in this book. Some ambassador at a job interview mentioned this book... I was kind of hung up on the male teachers should habiliment ties part and couldn't go much further. I can't think of one good idea I institute in this volume. ...more

An interesting book, though clearly focused more on elementary school teaching than loftier school teaching. I'm starting teaching this autumn, so we'll run into how useful it is in the coming months. An interesting book, though conspicuously focused more on simple school instruction than high school teaching. I'm starting instruction this fall, so we'll see how useful it is in the coming months. ...more

Aug 17, 2021 Kendall rated it actually liked it

very informative and helpful only besides one-sided point of view.

Jul 04, 2015 Kathy rated it really liked it

Harry and Rosemary Wong have fix out to streamline classroom management (versus "discipline") in this piece of cake-to-follow guide. They posit that a smoothen-running classroom is the responsibility of the teacher and the consequence of the teacher's ability to teach procedures.

Post-obit procedures helps students do their work with less confusion and thus assistance them succeed. Knowledge of classroom procedures tells them:

How to enter the classroom
What to practise when they enter the classroom
Where to find the assignmen

Harry and Rosemary Wong have ready out to streamline classroom management (versus "subject field") in this like shooting fish in a barrel-to-follow guide. They posit that a shine-running classroom is the responsibility of the teacher and the result of the teacher'due south ability to teach procedures.

Following procedures helps students exercise their work with less defoliation and thus assistance them succeed. Cognition of classroom procedures tells them:

How to enter the classroom
What to do when they enter the classroom
Where to find the consignment
What to do when you want their attention
Where you want finished assignments placed
What to do if they want to sharpen a pencil
Where to find assignments if they have been absent-minded
What to do at dismissal of form

The teacher must apply 3 steps to teach procedures: Explain, Rehearse, and Reinforce correct procedures (or reteach an incorrect one).

Wong provides physical advice for some daily classroom procedures, such every bit predetermined manus signals students utilize to silently bespeak the teacher:

If they wish to speak, they are to raise the alphabetize finger.
If they wish to leave their seat, they are to raise 2 fingers.
If they need a teacher'south help, they are to enhance three fingers.
The important matter is that the class is not disturbed.

I tin can appreciate that this guide is also simplistic for those who have long teaching careers already nether their belts, but as a new teacher I have found a number of interesting and informative ideas I plan to bring into my classroom.

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Jul 31, 2011 Alison rated it it was astonishing

I have to tell you I've had about 5 copies of this book. I've given all but one of them away to student teachers I've mentored, people I know who think about going into instruction, or anyone who is interested. I Love THIS BOOK!!!!!
I was starting time introduced to Harry Wong in an intro teaching class back in 1999 at CMU. It was the textbook we had to use in that grade. I remember seeing it on the shelf in the book shop & being glad it didn't cost a $150. That was about the extent of it, but then I inevi I have to tell you I've had most 5 copies of this book. I've given all but one of them away to educatee teachers I've mentored, people I know who remember about going into pedagogy, or anyone who is interested. I LOVE THIS Book!!!!!
I was commencement introduced to Harry Wong in an intro teaching class back in 1999 at CMU. It was the textbook nosotros had to employ in that class. I remember seeing it on the shelf in the book store & existence glad it didn't cost a $150. That was near the extent of it, but then I inevitably had to cleft it open & I was hooked.
Wong's writing style is laid back. His ancedotes are hilarious. The tips & tricks he sprinkles throughout the book are top notch. He is a teacher and then he knows if its something you have to spend a massive corporeality of fourth dimension planning for & getting materials together for you aren't going to do it. These ideas are things you tin can put into practice in your classroom the very next day! Speaking every bit a busy over worked instructor that's about as good equally it gets!
If you lot've been teaching 25 years or are near to prepare foot in your very beginning classroom or yous are entering a teacher education plan this book is a must read!!! ...more

Aug 06, 2012 Jen rated it information technology was astonishing

If someone asked me how to prepare to exist a teacher, I would say that they should read Harry Wong's volume. I got this volume in my get-go year of teaching elementary schoolhouse (won during a raffle at a teacher-induction programme/in-service), and information technology proved to be invaluable at different stages of my career (still cursory- 6 years) as a teacher. From this book, I was reassured well-nigh how I would ready my classroom, what procedures and routines I'd have planned, how to fix up and manage the affluence of pape If someone asked me how to prepare to exist a teacher, I would say that they should read Harry Wong's book. I got this book in my first year of instruction unproblematic school (won during a raffle at a teacher-induction program/in-service), and it proved to be invaluable at different stages of my career (however brief- half-dozen years) equally a instructor. From this book, I was reassured near how I would prepare my classroom, what procedures and routines I'd have planned, how to gear up up and manage the abundance of paperwork that came my way, how to deal with students, parents, staff, etc. This is ane of those books that should be on the bookshelves of every modern classroom teacher.

If I had any criticisms, information technology would be that Mr. Wong does not address how to navigate the demands of standardized testing, prescribed curricula, and the joy and art of teaching. To me, ever since the instructor-credentialing plan, that will ever be the crux of the matter in public school educational activity. How practice yous manage to withal love didactics and personalize your educational activity while even so having to deal with No Child Left Backside, and shortly, the Common Core Standards?

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The commune I am moving to asked I read this volume over the summertime and so I thought I should count this toward my "to-read" goal this year. I read it as a first twelvemonth teacher...well, not all of it. It was interesting going back and reading it now that I've been educational activity for five years. I would recommend it to whatsoever new teacher simply starting out. I practice concur with Wong'south philosophies, although some of them are a petty "perfect world." Just, I hold that nosotros can't get bogged down with making excuses and loo The district I am moving to asked I read this book over the summer so I thought I should count this toward my "to-read" goal this year. I read it equally a first yr teacher...well, not all of it. It was interesting going back and reading it now that I've been teaching for five years. I would recommend it to any new teacher just starting out. I exercise hold with Wong's philosophies, although some of them are a petty "perfect world." Merely, I agree that we can't get bogged down with making excuses and looking at the things we cannot control. I can control myself and how I collaborate with my students. At the high school level, you probably shouldn't talk every bit "sweetly" to them as the volume suggests, nevertheless I detect the more respect you give the more than you get. Good ideas and overall a good application to add to the other philosophies out in that location. ...more

I am a fan of the Wongs' The Classroom Management Book, not then much this one. The Start Days of School is probably a dandy book for some new teachers. Their advice is not wrong, just actually general and obvious to me, a person who has held a job before.

"Dress for Success" and "Have your Classroom Ready" are right upwards there with "Show up on time." Totally important, but not what I demand to read a book nearly.

Edit: I'm coming back to this review to add together a star. The more than I reflect on it, the concluding sect

I am a fan of the Wongs' The Classroom Direction Book, non and then much this one. The First Days of School is probably a great book for some new teachers. Their advice is not wrong, just really general and obvious to me, a person who has held a task before.

"Clothes for Success" and "Take your Classroom Ready" are right upwards there with "Show up on time." Totally important, but not what I need to read a book about.

Edit: I'thou coming back to this review to add a star. The more than I reflect on information technology, the last department of the book on growing as a professional and teacher leadership were pretty great. :)

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This is a wonderfully informative volume valuable to rookie and professional teachers akin. As someone looking to begin her showtime year of teaching in the fall, I found all this data to be relevant and eye-opening. If past some phenomenon I receive the opportunity to outset my educational activity career this year, y'all tin can exist assured that I will use Harry Wong'south methodologies. This is a wonderfully informative book valuable to rookie and professional person teachers alike. Every bit someone looking to begin her start year of education in the autumn, I found all this data to exist relevant and eye-opening. If past some miracle I receive the opportunity to commencement my didactics career this year, you can be bodacious that I will use Harry Wong's methodologies. ...more

Jun 04, 2008 Donalyn rated it liked it

A classic. A must-read for every new teacher or any teacher looking for renewal.

Wong's idea that "whoever is doing the most work is doing the most learning, and it should not always exist you [the teacher]," has stuck with me since the outset time I read this book half dozen years ago.

A classic. A must-read for every new teacher or whatsoever teacher looking for renewal.

Wong's idea that "whoever is doing the most work is doing the most learning, and it should not always be you lot [the instructor]," has stuck with me since the first time I read this book six years ago.

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As a new classroom instructor, this book was helpful for giving me checklists of what to recall during the kickoff couple weeks. I referred to it several times, those first couple of weeks.

Harry G. Wong is an author, a speaker, and a publisher on the subject of teaching. He has authored over thirty publications, frequently coauthoring with his wife Rosemary Wong, which he did on his best known work, The First Days of School. He as well has authored a monthly column on world wide web.teachers.cyberspace, a CD fix, and a book on New Instructor Induction. He has an eLearning form on classroom management and has ap
Harry K. Wong is an author, a speaker, and a publisher on the subject of education. He has authored over 30 publications, often coauthoring with his married woman Rosemary Wong, which he did on his best known work, The First Days of Schoolhouse. He also has authored a monthly column on world wide web.teachers.net, a CD prepare, and a volume on New Teacher Induction. He has an eLearning grade on classroom management and has appeared in an award-winning video series, The Effective Teacher.

His many journal articles can exist found in Educational Leadership, KAPPAN, Primary Leadership, NASSP Bulletin, American School Board Journal, Kappa Delta Pi Record, School Business Affairs, and Pedagogy Week. Most of these can be accessed on www.NewTeacher.com.

Harry Wong is a former secondary science classroom teacher. A San Francisco native, he is a graduate of Lowell Loftier School. His undergraduate degree is from University of California, Berkeley. His doctorate is from Brigham Young University in Utah.

Dr. Wong has been awarded the Horace Mann Outstanding Educator Honor, Upton Sinclair Accolade, Outstanding Secondary Teacher Laurels, the Science Instructor Achievement Recognition Award, the Outstanding Biological science Teacher Award, and the Valley Forge Instructor's Medal.

In 2012, the National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kansas, presented him with its commencement ever Lifetime Achievement Laurels.

Harry K. Wong has given some 3500 presentations to over a million people. He has been the general session speaker at every major educational meeting and at Toastmasters International. His lectures have taken him to every American land and Canadian province and to Europe, Asia, Due south America, Africa, and Antarctica. His wife, Rosemary, shares the stage with him equally he travels the world helping teachers.

He and Rosemary are new instructor advocates. He is the father of 3 children, four grandchildren, and is madly in beloved with his Sicilian, mentor-teacher married woman. They have built a schoolhouse in Cambodia.

...more

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