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/