The 55 Essential: Rules 44-55

I just finished reading "The Essential 55" by Ron Clark, and I have so many thoughts on the book. The last few rules were just as interesting as the rest. "I started telling the students to come with me with the problem and that I would handle it quietly. I told them that if they fuss or argue, their punishment is going to be worse than that of the person who did something wrong."(pg 127) this was part of rule 45, I really like the way he gives them options. It's either, he handles it, or they handle the situation in a mature way. I'd like to apply that in my class as well. I really like the Doritos rule as well, it adds humor in between all this seriousness. He tells his students the story of his sister licking the Doritos chip and placing it back in the bag so that he wouldn't get more. This reminds me of when I was about 5, I would do the same thing, but I would lick off the cheese off of every single chip and then offer it to everyone in the room. Many would say what a good mannered little girl I was, but in reality I wanted to get rid of the licked Doritos. "I tell teachers that they need to develop their own rule of 47 to add their own personality. I explain that they need to make the rules their own." (Pg 133)  I like the idea of this, it's almost a relief to have a little humor mixed in. "I want the kids to feel safe in the school, I want them to see me as someone who will fight for them and stand up for them if the time comes." (Pg 134) I know many kids who struggle at home and I want them to look forward to come to my classroom, somewhere safe. Somewhere where they can find hope and relief. I know that for a period of time, that was the case for me. I loved coming to school, just to escape home. I want to make sure my students feel the same and feel protected. "I never want my students to feel they are substandard to anyone or in any situation." (Pg 138) I really like how he pointed this out. I would never want my students to feel less than anybody. It's the same attitude I would apply. The last rule was a great way to end the book, "No matter how bad things get, however, make sure you are always developing into the kind of person you want to be, and the kind of person others want around." (Pg 158) that's exactly what I tell myself constantly. Things aren't always great but make sure that doesn't get in the way of becoming who you want to be. I really enjoyed this book and I know it'll help me in my future classroom.

http://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2011/06/25/bullying-in-the-classroom/

The Essential 55 : rules 33-43

After reading chapters 33-43 of the Essential 55, I learned many more things and reasons of why Mr.Clark came up with all these rules. Most of these have to do with field trips and being out of class.  
I remember working at my mother's coffee shop a few years back, and having a really busy day. Many of the customers were rude and really annoying, but there were those few that were really polite and even called me by my name. Not "Miss" or "young lady". I remember when they would do this, I would sometimes give them an extra cookie or a coupon. My point is, Mr.Clark taught his students this simple rule. ".. When I introduce you to people, make sure you remember their names.." (Pg 105) He talks about Mrs. Clinton and how she made the effort to remember his students names. This is also something I would like to incorporate in my classroom. "We role play situations like that quite a bit to give the students adequate practice." (Pg 107) Practice makes perfect, I would have to teach the students to follow this rule and I love he idea of role playing, it's a fun way to learn. Another rule that I liked is "If you approach a door and someone is following you, hold the door." (Pg 111) this reminds me of a movie I once watched, "Take The Lead", it was about this teacher that was teaching some rebellious students how to dance tango and in the process would teach them good manners. In one of the scenes, he taught one of his students to open a door for a lady, or for anyone for that matter, and the student said "why, if she can open the door herself" and the teacher told him that the ladies would fall for him if he did so. Then the student began opening doors for everybody. I've grown up with this rule my whole life. I do it without thinking, no hesitation. I always find it rude when someone doesn't hold the door for me and let's it slam on my face. This is also definitely something I'd like to teach my students. "..it is a lot easier to tell them what you expect from them before you are on a trip than to wait until you have arrived at your destination."(pg 114) I truly believe in those words. Most students will follow what is expected of them, but if they don't know what you want them to do, it is very unlikely they'll perform as expected. Many teachers think it's logical, but I think it's important or almost vital to let them know what to do and what not to do. "Sometimes respect for others may not seem like it is going to have an impact, especially when you see no one around is taking manners into consideration. However, that is usually the time when such kind actions will be most appreciated and recognized by others." (Pg 115) I love the way he worded this. Last weekend we went on a field trip to Houston for some competitive events, and while we were there, we were taken to a buffet to eat. I've never really liked buffets, not because of the food, but because of how crowded and messy things can get. The time I was there, people were pushing and getting in everybody's way. These were college people! And even though the majority had a "me first" attitude, there were a few who were really respectful and considerate. Hey probably thought they went unnoticed, but oh my gosh, I was so glad the buffet wasn't all too bad. They were the exception, and I would also like my class to be the exception and make the time we spend anywhere on field trips or even during school, enjoyable and worthwhile in between all the craziness.

https://classroomcaboodle.com/teacher-resource/school-field-trip-guide-success/