My Creative Classroom

I created a 3D model of what my ideal classroom would look like. While creating it, I have kept in mind how it will adapt to creative teaching styles and activities. As you will notice there are no desks. In my ideal classroom there would be no desk. I would have students work in small clusters around tables (on wheels) that would be taken out when needed. I would use floor pillows, bean bags and chairs for students to sit on rather than spending the whole day in traditional style desks.


This is an overview of what my classroom would look like. It has a very open feel to it with plenty of open space to do activities. The classroom can easily be transformed and adapted to multiple different kinds of activities.

This is the arts and craft corner and computer station. This space would allow students to come and work on different activities and projects. In addition to the desktop computer, my classroom would also be equip with enough lap tops for everyone. This again would allow students to be very mobile.

This is the reading corner. The shelf would be filled with all different kinds of books for students to read and use for research.

This is a closer look at the craft and computer stations. Above the craft station is a place to hang students work. From reading Ron Clark's book, I really realized the importance of showing off and applauding student work. Above the computer is a world map, I want to make sure that in my classroom students are always thinking about a bigger world view!

This is the garden. It would be taken care of and maintained by the class. I think it's important to have hands on activities and lessons where students can learn by seeing something with their own eyes. On the wall you will See a Van Gogh painting, again I think it's important to give students things to look at and always equip your classroom with things that can spark "Teachable moments" as Clark discusses in his work.

My ideal classroom would also be equip with a full kitchen. So much can be learned from cooking. Weather it is measurement or following directions, this hands on activity is a great teaching tool. I think that so often we, as teachers, feel bound to textbook and lecture style teaching. When we break down those walls and start to discover artistic ways to teach, I think that it makes teaching and learning more enjoyable.

In this corner, we have paintings and artifacts from around the world. These again are to spark student interest and give them a greater world view.

In this corner we have a tv and couch. This is also another place where classroom activities could take place.

The stage is one of the most important elements of the classroom. It would be used for students to reenact and complete class projects.

This is another overview of the classroom. The rug on the floor would also be a meeting and gathering place for class lessons, reading and more!

Ron Clark- The Excellent 11 - Chapter 3 Creativity

Chapter 3- Creativity

Chapter 3 was my favorite thus far. Creativity is something I consider to be one of my strengths and something I strive to one day take to my teaching. Clark talks in this chapter about how creativity can excite and inspire . He talks about how many kids lives today lack structure. We live in a world with more broken families then families that remain together. Clark talks about how some students pend more time on the streets then they do at home and how some homes are not safe and stable environments. As teachers, these will be obstacles that we must work through every day. In these children life's, parents support is minimal. This lack of parent support of school is something that teachers will have to constantly fight against. Clark talks about how a little creativity can help to work past these issues and show measurable results in students.

Clark discusses how by creating games and activities out of things like vocabulary and math can make all the difference. Even students who do not have parent support at home are more apt to practice something that they enjoy doing. Clark talks about how he even convinced the gym teacher to play games and do activities that reinforced things learned in class. As a teacher you must constantly be thinking outside the box and figure out how you can combine creativity and still fit in all the required material. Clark also talks about the importance of embracing teachable moments. As a teacher, sometimes you can't be afraid to steer off course and take advantage of teachable moments. "Don't be afraid to abandon a set plan or to scrap a lesson if an opportunity for learning presents itself that will be to the child's advantage." (66) If students are captivated and interested in something, go with it. With the state and national standards placed on education, often times teachers feel so locked to the lesson plan because of benchmarks they must meet. But Clark reminds us as teachers and future teachers, that we must embrace teachable moments when they come along. - What's better than students eager to learn?

In the next section Clark talks about creative discipline. One of my favorite ideas of his was called the traveling trophy. Clark took a big trophy from the schools award case and ever so often when a group of students were doing a great job, he would place the trophy on their desk. For these students, this simple trophy was a great honor. The thing I really enjoy about this idea is that it's free.. doesn't cost a dime. So often, teachers reach into their own pockets to purchase rewards for good behavior etc. I thought that this idea was really creative and would probably be very effective in the classroom.

Creatively creating Unity is something that Clark also talks in depth about. He writes, "When all the students feel ownership of their school and feel part of a place they are proud of, they are going to enjoy being there and become better students. (70) He talked about activities like decorating the classroom door or a class fundraiser were all events that could create unity.

Another point that Clark brings forth is that creativity can help you reach students that seem "unreachable". One of Clark's creative strategies is create raps out of popular songs to help his students memorize important events or facts. As a teacher, Clark talks about the importance of laughing, singing and dancing while in the classroom. He urges teachers not to be afraid to make a fool of themselves, because often times this is the exact thing that sparks an interests or creates a connection with students. Clark writes, "Weather you are teaching your class, talking to your own kids, or giving a speech, it is crucial that you know the personality of the group you are speaking to and that you find a way to relate to them and get them to the point where they are willing to listen." (79) We know that all students don't understand and grasp things through traditional lecture and the creative methods that teachers use can help to reach a whole new group of students.

The last point that Clark speaks about is how creativity leads to respect. Clark discusses how students appreciate creative lesson plans. Weather teachers realize it or not, children understand and appreciate when teachers go out of their way to make a lesson more creative and fun.

Ron Clark- The Excellent 11 - Chapter 2 Adventure

Chapter 2- Adventure

In this chapter Clark Talks about how important a scene of adventure is in Education. He talks about the importance of teachers calling upon their youthful scene of adventure. Clark writes, "Life can be really difficult for teenagers, and they are often worried about what others will think that they won't let down their guard. As teachers and parents we need to make sure they are in an environment where they feel that they can be themselves, laugh and be free." (26) It is so important for the classroom to be a fun and comfortable environment for students. When teachers make a class more adventurous, it makes students more engaged and excited to involved in classroom activity.

"Sometimes as teacher we have to remember what if feels like, to be young and to re-create that scene of daring. We have to take a few risks and show our students that we still know how to laugh, have fun and to experience a little adventure in our lives." (28) The more years you have under your belt as a teacher, the more wisdom you can bring to your teaching, however, with that wisdom one must not "grow old". Teachers must be fresh and youthful in their teaching approach and not be afraid to look silly. I will never forget my seventh grade language arts teacher Mrs. Holzwarth. Although she had been teaching for over 20 years, her sense of adventure was strong as ever. Everyday was an adventure- weather it was dressing up, singing or silly songs, Mrs. Holzwarth kept her squirmy seventh graders interested and engaged.

Clark also talks in this section about finding and forming bonds with your students. Clark writes, "When adults and kids experience some type of adventure, it pulls them together and creates a bond like nothing else." (31) Clark goes on to talk about taking risks with your students- going outside your comfort zone.

Clark then talks about how adventure is taking a risk. Clark goes on to talk about how he as a teacher took his biggest risk as a young teacher. After seeing a TV special on the poor teaching conditions in Harlem New York, he got up and moved in hopes of making a difference. Sometimes as a teacher you have to follow your heart, go where the path does not lead and find the adventure inside yourself. This adventure will keep you young, keep you learning and keep you connected with your students.

The next section in this chapter talks about realistic adventure. Simple things like teaching a lessons outside or bringing in food from the country your teaching about. Clark talks about how adventure doesn't mean extravagant field trips, that bring adventure to the classroom can be as simple of dressing up. As a teacher you have to be smart with adventure and be prepared and organize. It's important that the adventure that you are bringing to the classroom has a purpose and benefits the students. The best thing about adventure based activities is that teachers and students alike learn things about themselves. Weather it's team building activities or a field trip to Washington DC, these adventurous activities form bonds and create memories that will last a life time.

Ron Clark- The Excellent 11 - Chapter 2 Adventure

Ron Clark- The Excellent 11 - Chapter 1 Enthusiasm

Chapter 1- Enthusiasm

In this chapter Clark talks about the importance of enthusiasm and how it can totally transform teachers, students and schools. He starts off by telling his first story about the school he worked at in North Carolina. For the first time the school had received "excellent" level scores on state wide tests. The teachers were so excited and began to brainstorm how they could reward the students. Every idea they came up with involved money and a budget they did not have. Clark then came up with the idea of surprising the students by having a teacher talent show. At first there were a small group of teachers that got really excited about the idea and quickly jumped on board. However, there were a group of teachers that were very pessimistic about the whole even and were quick to point out obstacles. They felt that the students would loose respect for them as teachers and that they would look foolish. Other teachers complained that it would be too much work, that they didn't have costumes and that there would be no one to watch the students during this event.

So without the support of the whole staff, the teachers began to plan this special event. As this small cluster of teachers began to get excited about the event, more and more teachers joined in and decided to participate. By the day of the performance all teachers agreed to take part and were excited to show off their hard work to the students. The students were so excited and gave a standing ovation to the teachers as they performed. Clark writes, " Teachers who never seemed to show enthusiasm or spark were standing before the students, dressed to the nines dancing and singing away." (pg 5) The enthusiasm that one teacher had transferred to a small cluster, to all teachers and then onto the students. Having enthusiasm can make school a better place for everyone. Clark writes about the effect that the day had upon the students, "Something was different about our school after that day. We were all a little closer, everyone seemed much happier. Our discipline problems went down drastically. Some said that the students wouldn't respect them if they sang and danced like that, but on the contrary, they seemed to respect and appreciate us a lot more." (5-6)

Clark goes on to talk about how it's important to focus your enthusiasm as a teacher and make sure it serves a purpose. Clark writes, "I have to remind myself constantly, however, that I must focus on the educational purpose behind my antics, and I have to make sure that everything I do is not only motivating my students but also meeting their challenges and helping them learn the concepts I am trying to teach." (7) With this he also talks about setting the bar high for your students. This is something I also strongly believe in. It's important to have high expectations of students and help them to reach those expectations. Showing students that they can attain goals is something that they will be able to carry with them for the rest of their lives.

"I believe that as teachers we must set the bar as high as possible. I am a firm believer that we can get out of our student what we expect, and if we aren't setting our expectations extremely high, students aren't going to perform extremely high." (9) Clark talks in this section about how he told his students that they were going to have to memorize all the presidents and the historical things they did. He was having them do this so to give them a historical background for learning American history. Clark came up with a president rap (see below) and involved other elective teachers in the learning. He said that their would be two grades for the assignment. 100 and 0- students must get every president otherwise they would get a 0. Clark set the bar height- and the students all met the expectation. When giving students a high expectation and giving them the tools to reach the expectation, the direct result is built confidence in the student.



In the next sub-section Clark talks about how enthusiasm is fueled by our surroundings. He talks about the importance of making the classroom a place where students are excited and enthusiastic about. Clark talks about how by simply painting his Harlem classroom and desks sparked the interest and excitement of his students. With small classroom budgets, often times teachers don't feel they have the funds to spice up their classrooms. I think it's important for teachers to work with what they have and each year try to add to their classroom to make it a more inviting and comfortable environment.

In this chapter Clark also address placing enthusiasm in the hearts of unmotivated children. He talks about how simple words of encouragement "I know you are going to do really well at this""You are really smart so I know that you will do great at this assignment" etc can go a really long way. Clark also asks the very thought provoking question of how much time to spend on unmotivated and struggling students. Clark writes, " I found that sometimes I spend so much time trying to reach those few that the rest of the class was suffer. At what point do you abandon the efforts to reach the stubborn few in order to meet the needs of the rest of the class?" (15) I think that this question is a great one.. with no right direct answer. As a teacher you want to see all your student succeed, but sometimes that effort holds back the back the rest of the class. I think that this is probably one of the most difficult things for teachers and requires a balancing act.

Clark closes the chapter by talking about of enthusiasm is contagious and how it has a great effect of on others. He talks about how important it is as a teacher to show students how enthusiastic you are about teaching. This excitement and enthusiasm helps to engage students. Clark writes, "When we are active and truly enthusiastic about our lives and jobs, we are often much happier." (22)

Rules 51-55

Rule #50: "Be positive and enjoy life. Some things just aren't worth getting upset over. Keep everything in perspective and focus on the good in your life." (Pg 142)

- This another good rule to live by. So often we sweat the small stuff and don't look at the big pciture. I know that personally I have to remind myself what is important and what is really worth getting upset about.

Rule # 52: "Accept that you are going to make mistakes, Learn from them and move on." (Pg 146)

- I agree with Clark and think that this rule is really important. It's important to remind students that they can always start fresh, start over and overcome past mistakes. So often children are labled as "trouble makers" at a young age and it is something that they forever carry with them. By making this a rule and reminding his students of this rule, Clark is ofering his students the gift of starting over. We all do make mistakes and often times they are the best lessons.

Rule #54: "Carpe diem. You only live today once, so don't waste it. Life is made up of special moments, many of which happen when caution is thrown to the wind and people take action and seize the day. " (pg 156)

- I think that this quote is fitting for the end because Carpe Diem - Seize the day- is exactly what Clark does on a daily basis. He lives life to the fullest and seizes every opportunity every day for both him and his students. Clark has not waited for sucess to find him, he and gone and found sucess. I think that Clark provides inspiration and hope to teachers everywhere that when you seize the day & seize opportunities, great things CAN happen!

Rules 41-50

Rule #42: "When we return from a trip, you will shake my hand as well as the hands of every chaperone. You will thank us for taking the time to take you on the trip, and you will let us know that you appreciate having the opportunity to go. I am not concerned with being thanked; I am concerned with teaching you that it is appropriate to show appreciation when someone has gone out of his or her way to help you." (Pg 121)

- A simple thanks is sometimes hard to come by. Often times people think that the thanks is implied or simply forget to ofter the gesture. I will never forget, my senior year, my parents taking a friend of mine on a really nice spring break trip to Mexico. They paid for everything, our airfare, hotels, foot and entertainment. At the conclusion of the trip, my mom was hurt that my friend never thanked my parents for taking her. I come from a middle class family. I haven't done a ton of traveling, and family vacations happen ever once in a while, so for my family to take a friend of mine was a big deal. Looking back at it, my friend was not ungrateful, she just lacked the training in proper manners. I'm sure now, 4 years later, she would be mortified to think that she forgot to thank my parents- but it's in the past-. Clark instills important values into his students that will in turn make them better individuals. - Individuals who are more aware, more insightful and more informed.

Rule# 47: "Do not bring Doritos into the school building." (Pg 131)

- Now at this point you might be a little lost- Rule 47? What is it's importance and why is it important. Clark talks about how all teachers must adapt their own rule 47- something random that you can make a joke out of that students respond to.
Clark write, " This rule definitely causes some commotion and gets the students talking. There will always be students each year who resent not being able to bring Doritos for lunch, but I warn them repeatedly what will happen if they do so. Some will test me, and if I see them with the chips, I will walk over to them wearing a face of disgust, snatch the bag from the table, walk over to the trash can, and bust the bag, sending chips all over the place. Sometimes in class, I will notice a bag of Doritos sticking out of someone's backpack. I will walk to the board and continue to teach like normal. All of a sudden, I will turn quickly to face the class and say, "No one move!" I will then begin to sniff, gliding slowly to the right, slowly to the left. "Silence!" My nose will begin to lead me in the correct direction until eventually, "Aha!" I will "find" the Doritos, march over to the trash, and crush them, much to the delight of the students and, believe it or not, much to the enjoyment of even the student who has just lost his lunchtime snack." (pg 133)
Clark talks about how rule 47 is your opportunity to do something, make some funny rule that will allow students to have fun and joke with you as a teacher. I thought this was a really cute idea and would love to see how this would play out in the classroom.

Rule #49: "Stand up for what you believe in. You should not take no for an answer if your heart and mind are leading you in a direction that you feel strongly about." (pg 137)

- I just love this rule- it is one we should all live by, but I think it's important to remind students and each other of this often!

Rules 31-40

Rule #33: " When we go on field trips, we will meet different people. When I introduce you to the people, make sure that you remember their names. Then, when we are leaving, make sure to shake their hands and thank them, mentioning their names as you do so." (pg 105)

- Rule number 33 really had an impact on me, because I wish I was told this when I was younger. Had someone told me the importance of remembering or addressing people by name, I would be much better off today. Often times I can't even remember someones name right after being introduced to them (I am so focused on what I'm going to say etc. that I am not even really listening during introductions). I would find it very impressive as a speaker to have a group of fifth graders remember my name at the end of a tour, presentation etc. Again, Clark is equipping his students with the life skill necessary to succeed in life.

Rule #39: "If we are on a field trip, it is a good idea to compliment something about the place where we are visiting. For example, if we visit someone's home, it would be a nice gesture to tell them that you think they have nice curtains. People are always self conscious when they have guest visit their home, so you want to make them feel at ease. Also, if we are visiting other places, such as a museum or theater, it would be nice to comment on how beautiful the architecture is or to tell the guide that you think the facility is very nice." (pg 116)

- Clark starts off this section talking about when he would go for home visits in his Harlem schools, he would often times visit homes that were in the slums of New York City, but he always made sure to complement something about the home that he liked. Clark is so right, people fuss and are nervous when guest come to visit. By giving a simple compliment, the host is put to ease and isn't quite so on guard. Clark talked about how when his students visited the white house, students from his class studied the artwork that would be in the white house so that they could compliment President Clinton and Hilary upon their visit. Clark talked about how impressed the Clinton's were by the manners his students displayed on their visit.

Rules 21-30

Rule #22: "You may bring a bottle of water and leave it on your desk. Do not ask me if you can get water while I am teaching a lesson. You can even have food at your desk as long as others don't see it and I don't hear you eat it."(Pg 77)

- In this rule, Clark's cometary consists of talking about how it's important to give students the tools to yield their personal best performance. He talked about how students often times learn better or perform better when they are not distracted by things like hunger and thrust. He talked about how with this rule, he then had to make rules about keeping the classroom clean, and how they could loose this privilege by making a mess. Often times schools create rules like this to prevent daily nightmares for custodial staff, but Clark talks about making student's responsible for their mess rather than restring to prevent.

Rule #23: "Quickly learn the names of other teachers in the school and greet them by saying things like "good morning, Mrs. Graham," or "good afternoon, Mrs. Ortiz. That is a very pretty dress." (Note: If you are in line with the rest of the class, you are not allowed to speak to the teachers at that time because the no talking rule is in effect. You should speak to other teachers if you are entering or leaving school, on recess, on an errand, or changing classes.) " (Pg 79)

- As I think back to Elementary, middle school, High school, I think about all the teachers name I knew, but did not ever introduce myself to. Again, Clark is teaching good life skills by encouraging his students to introduce and greet other students. I think by doing things like this at a young age, students are more apt to adapt this principal in life. We all know that life is about who you know, not necessarily what you know, so by teaching students to form connections and relations at a young age, they will greatly benefit from it in the long run.

Rule #25: "We will often have visitors to our school. If someone is coming to visit our class, I will send two students to the front door of the building. You will have a sign welcoming the person. When our visitor arrives, you will shake hands, tell him or her who you are, and welcome the person to our school. You will then take the visitor on a small tour of the building before bringing him or her to the classroom." (Pg 85)

-Again, I feel that Clark is really instilling life skills to his students at a young age. The students in his school quickly learned how you treat visitors. Clark talked in this section about how he modeled to his students how to give tours, how to introduce yourself and the appropriate dress for visitors. He talked about how when a visitor comes to his school, he wants to make sure that their is no confusion. Right as the visitor enters the building he or she knows exactly where to go, who to go with and a little bit about the class before entering. It really strikes me every time about the little things Clark instills in his students. Some may think that Clark may be tip-toeing into the roll of a parent, but I strongly disagree. I think it would be wonderful to see more educational systems adapt to include more life skills like Clark enforces.

It all started with a classified ad..

So one of my favorite stories that I have read so far in this book was Clark's story about a Classified ad. I think it really serves a great model of how teaching can be so rewarding and does not have to be done in such a traditional fashion.

Clark talks about how when he was teaching his students about classified ads, they were simply not understanding, so in an effort to help them understand, he decided the class would place a classified ad. He had each student bring in $0.05 (so they would take ownership in the ad) and then they all brainstormed what they would wright. They settled on witting a trivia question and included their schools address so that people could write in with the answer. They published the add and waited as a few submissions came in. (They lived in a small town of 600 people, so not many submissions came in). The class continued the project, publishing these little trivia questions in different small newspapers. One child in the class brought forth the idea of placing a classified ad that would reach a larger audience; so Clark had his call the USA today to see how much it would be to place the ad. The class, upon calling, found that the ad would be $12,000 for just one day!! But the $12,000 price tag did not damper the spirits of this class, they were determined to come up with the money. Between bake sales and car washes the kids collected as much money as they could, but they were still far off from their goal. Someone from USA today saw the class on a new station covering the story and decided they would donate the $12,000 nessisary to place the ad. The class was so excited. They decided to place the following ad:

ATTENTION PRESIDENT CLINTON AND PEOPLE AROUD THE WORLD
What kiss more people each year than AIDS, alchol abuse, car accidents, murders, suicides, illegal drugs and fires combined?

They also included the schools address and fax number. The next day, the faxes stared poring in - From the cast of Friends, the prime minister of Canada, doctors in bombay, India and more! The kids were so excited as the faxes stared poring in. Clark talks about how he ended up staying the night to refil the paper in the fax machine so that they wouldn't loose any.

The story ends with a call from Hiliary Clinton and an Invitation to the whitehouse (which the whole class partook in). I thought it was such a touching story and it brought me to tears. I think it is so neat how interactive Clark is and how he teaches his students to think big! This story almost seemed unture- like the ones you hear in movies.. but Clark is just one of those teachers that makes big things happen!

Rules 11-20

The next 10 rules that Clark outlines are a bit more traditional classroom rules. He talks about the importance of letting students know exactly what you expect of them. In doing this, students know exactly what you do and don't want and there is no room for gray area.

Rule #17: "When we are in transition from one subject to the other, the change will be swift, quiet, and orderly. We should be consistently able to turn from one book to another, complete with all homework and necessary materials, as quickly as possible. The opportune amount of time to spend in transition should be less than ten seconds, and we will work toward a goal of seven seconds." (Pg 60)

- Clark talks in this section about how he made transition time almost a game. He talks about with the short amount of time teachers have to get all the required work in, that teachers must utilize every minute. By assigning each child a role during transition time (shut the door, turn off the lights, grab the overhead etc.) it helps to save time and give students ownership in their classroom. This transition time is something that I think all teachers can work on. So often children moan and pull out their math or reading work book, go sharpen their pencils etc. making the day less productive. By creating this game or competition, students and teachers are more productive.

Rule #20: "While you are with a substitute teacher, you will obey the same rules that you follow when I am with you. (I know this is hard, but it is important)." (Pg 69)

- This rule is a common one and could be found on many teachers list of rules, however, what I enjoyed most about this section was Clark's comentary. He talked about when he was absent he would often times make a video of himself teaching and just have the subsitute pause and play the video. I thought this was such a creative and good idea. He said that he did this so that the day would be more productive and run more smooth. I really liked this idea and hope that one day I can incoperate it into my classroom!

The Essential 55 -Introduction and rules 1-10

Ron Clark introduces his book with a forward that gives an overview of how he is where he is today. It was interesting to hear about how he got into the field of teaching, and how he came upon these 55 rules. Clark writes,"However, the rules are more than about getting kids to behave, they're about preparing kids for what awaits them after they leave my classroom. It is about preparing them to handle any situation they may encounter and giving them the confidence to do so."

As I began to read the rules, I realized that they were rules of preparation like Clark had said. His rules that he has created can be adapted to anyone. They are life skills, ones we should all know, but are often not taught or not enforced. I couldn't help but to think of my day care lady Marine when reading these rules. She was such a stickler on manners, and would have very much agree with Clark's rules. But as I reflect on my life, I think of Marine often and am reminded how she shaped me to be the person I am today. To some, these rules may seem totally over the top, but as you read and hear Clark's reasons for enforcing these rules, you really realize that they are life skills, and tools that all individuals should be equip with. It makes one realize and question what is the role of a teacher, and what is a teacher responsible for teaching. I feel that Clark's rules help to build a foundation which will benefit all students in ways they don't even realize.

Right from the get go, you realize that Clark is passionate about what he does. In the forward he says,"I approach each year with the knowledge that I have only one year to make a life's worth of difference in each child in that classroom, and I give it everything I've got." This quote is just one of the many instances of Clark's compassionate attitude towards teaching.

Highlighted Rules: Below I will highlight some of the first 10 rules that stuck out to me the most, and talk briefly about them.

Rule # 1: "When responding to any adult, you must answer by saying "yes ma'am" or "No sir" just nodding your head or saying any other form of yes or no is not acceptable" (pg 1)

- While some may think this is a bit over the top, Clark goes on to say how it is important for children to let adults know that they respect them. Showing and displaying this respect served his students in many ways outside the classroom. He talks about how this is a life tool, and how it will give his students benefits outside the classroom that they don't even realize.

Rule # 2: "Make eye contact. When someone is speaking, keep your eyes on him or her at all times. If someone makes a comment, turn and face that person" (pg 2)

- Again, while this rule seems to be common knowledge, it made me reflect and think of all the adults I know who don't abide by this rule. By enforcing this, Clark's students became more attentive listeners, more respectful individuals and again benefited from this knowledge when applied outside the classroom. It's amazing what eye contact can do when talking to another person. In an interview setting, eye contact can show confidence, connectivity and authenticity.

Rule # 3: "If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, we will congratulate that person. Claps should be of at least three seconds in length with the full part of both hands meeting in a manner that will give the appropriate clap volume. ( I know stating it that way makes me sound like a nut, but the kids love it.) " (pg 6)

- With this rule, Clark is trying to enforce celebrating the small and large victories of all his students. He talks about how when a teacher gives a student praise, it is much like your mother giving you praise, but when a fellow classmate praises you, it is like a college praising you. Your mothers praise is appreciate, but the colleges is more respected. Clark encourages and invites his students to clap no matter what the occasion. He wants students to celebrate the victories (whatever the size) as often as possible. In this section, Clark talks about how he learned to jump double-Dutch in his Harlem school. He talks about how he tried for 3 months straight, everyday, yet was still unable to do it. As he continued to try, his students opened up and began to give him tips. Eventually, after months of practice, Clark was able to jump double-Dutch. He talks about what a wonderful learning and example tool this was. "Often in class when I would try to teach difficult subject matter and the kids would feel they couldn't do it, I would say, "Now listen to me! you know... I didn't think I could double-Dutch, but you believed in me and you supported me, and I did it. Now, you don't think you can do this work, but I believe in you and I am here to show you I have faith in your ability, and know you will succeed." (pg 13)

Rule #4: "During discussions, respect other students' comments, opinions, and ideas. When possible, make statements like, "I agree with John, and I also feel that..." or "I disagree with Sara. She made a good point, but I feel that .. " or "I think victor made an excellent observation, and it made me realize. ." (pg 9)

- In this section, Clark talks about the importance of a supportive classroom environment. He discusses how it's important for students to listen to other students and respond in a no threatening manner. He feels that it's important for all students to respect and recognize the opinions of others. Clark also talks about how he doesn't allow students to wave their hands while other students are speaking. He talks about how students should use that time to listen, rather than becoming distracted by their own though. Again, this is another life skill. I can think of millions of incidents when I have been in an environment where people do not listen or respectfully disagree with others opinions.

Rule #6: "If you are asked a question in conversation, you should ask a question in return. If someone asks, "did you have a nice weekend?" you should answer the question and then ask a question in return. For example me: "Did you have a nice weekend?" You: "Yes, I had a great time. My family and I went shopping. What about you? Di d you have a nice weekend?" It is only polite to show others that you are just as interested in them as they are in you" ( pg 17)

- Even as a college student, I run across people all the time who haven't learned this important life lesson. Their is nothing worse than having a conversation with someone who only talks about themselves and never extends or shows interest in you. Clark talks about the importance of not monopolizing the conversation, and making sure to consider the other person thoughts, experience, and insight. Again, this rule, when enforced, will benefit students far beyond the classroom. The skills that Clark is enforcing are teaching students how to be "good individuals" and succeed in the world.

Rule #9: "Always say thank you when I give you something. IF you do not say it within three seconds after receiving the item, I will take it back. There is no excuse for not showing appreciation." (pg 24)

- We live in a society where pleases and thank you's are becoming more and more rare. Without the reinforcement, they go by the wayside, and people don't even think about extending the gesture. I think it's an important skill that teachers should reinforce. Clark talks about how his enforcement of this particular rule, has caused students to come back years later and thank him. Clark stresses the importance of thanking everyone for their services, from the lunch ladies, to the janitors, to the person who passes you paper. This type of respect and appreciation is rare to find in young children, but when enforced helps to foster respectful, appreciative individuals.

I was thoroughly impressed with the first 10 rules and commentary that Clark provided. I really am beginning to understand what he means when he says "rules for discovering the successful student in every child". These rules that Clark is enforcing will only help student succeed in the future.