Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #233780 in Books
• Published on: 2004-07-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 3.00 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Customer Reviews

Baedecker's for the Classroom
Like classic travel books, this one tours the classroom, giving helpful advice for the myriad decisions facing the teacher. It is a godsend for the novice or substitute; veterans find it a refreshing reality check.

Soundbites, memorable oganizers, and anecdotes pepper this oversize paperback. The ideas are digestible, recognizable, and ready to use.

It is a staple for teacher education programs. Students feel empowered to have it, as if the secretive profession has given them entry to the magic recipes. It will of course not replace the critical elements of content knowledge, pedagogical skill, or a disposition to like kids and to enjoy constantly adjusting one's day.

Any student who persists in believing there is 'one right way' to do everything, and that with adequate planning all difficulties will be prevented, this book will first of all provide false hope, but then provide a resource for reflection.

The only limitation is that there is a 'one size fits all' breeziness, even with a nod toward differentiation and flexibility. It is informed by practical experience, transmitted here from an expert to those less experienced. Any mention of theory or research merely supports the techniques.

Not a bad book, and I'm glad the author is publishing it himself so that he may presumably be compensated for a fine effort, unlike most academic publications.

A Personal Testimonial
I have been a high school English teacher for 10 years. In the summer of 1998, Harry Wong spoke to our faculty and this book was available for purchase in the lobby. I bought it and read it with the guarded suspicion typical of many "veteran" teachers who are actually stuck in "survival" mode. I read Wong's book and implemented some of his ideas in my classroom during the 98-99 school year. That year was the most positive of my teaching career, with only one office referral all year! I am rereading the book this week gearing up for the first day of school, August 19. I will implement even more of Harry Wong's ideas this year. I recommend this book to everyone, and not just first year teachers. I believe this book is even more beneficial to veteran teachers, who will be shaken when they recognize themselves in the many descriptions of the ineffective teacher, and realize that they could be the effective teacher with just a few changes. READ THIS BOOK! Borrow it from a friend, order it from Amazon.com, go to your local book store, beg your administration to add a copy to your school library--just get it!!

This is the most practical book for teachers I've seen.
This book has shown me, a first-year teacher, the most effective ways to budget my time, energy and resources. There are so many valuable examples and suggestions for behavior management, procedures, setting rules, and overall ways to be a highly successful teacher. This selection goes beyond theory and actually shows the reader a path to take in order to be the kind of teacher that makes a positive impact on the lives of children, parents, and collegues alike. Reading this book decreased my anxiety in the few weeks before my first teaching experience, simply because it helped me realize exactly what I wanted my classroom to become. I highly suggest this to any teacher, new or veteran, as a refresher course in why we have chosen this career and how to be our best!