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.
- 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment