The First Days of School By Harry K. Wong & Rosemary T. Wong Jennalee Jones

Why was this book written? “The First Days of School is written to help all teachers ‘jump start’ by beginning school successfully.”

Main Points Three Characteristics of an effective teacher Positive expectations of an effective teacher An effective teacher is an extremely good classroom manager The effective teacher knows how to design lessons to help students reach mastery The teacher who constantly learns and grows becomes a professional educator

Characteristics of an Effective Teacher Has positive expectations for student success Is an extremely good classroom manager Knows how to design lessons for student mastery

Positive Expectations for Success Expectations of students will greatly influence their achievement in the classroom and in their lives The more the school and the family are joined as partners in educating young people, the greater the child’s chances are for success Significant people use significant words and actions to increase positive behaviors

Classroom Management The teacher is responsible for organizing a well-managed classroom where students can learn in a task-oriented environment Teachers who are ready maximize student learning and minimize student misbehavior How you introduce yourself on the first day may determine how much respect and success you will have for the rest of the school year Post your assignments if you want your students to do them A grade record book must show the results and progress of each student at a all times Effective teachers present their rules clearly and provide reasonable explanations of the need for them The students must sit in such a way as to accomplish what you want them to accomplish

“the highest stake of all is our ability to help children realize their full potential” –Samuel J. Meisels Lessons To increase student learning and achievement, increase the amount of time students are working The greater the structure of a lesson and the more precise the directions on what is to be accomplished, the higher the achievement rate The purpose of a test is to determine if a student has mastered the objectives The greater the time students work together and the greater the responsibilities students take for their work, the greater the learning

Teachers as Professionals How a person chooses to behave will greatly determine the quality of that person’s life The rewards in education and in life go to the person who is the professional

“I am quite an ordinary person but I am extraordinary in the sense that every task I undertake, I give it my heart and soul.” -Rosemary T. Wong The Three AREs Teachers ARE important Teachers ARE influential Teachers ARE able to make a difference “Education is not a process of putting the learner under control but putting the learner in control of his or her learning” -Alison Preece

Review/Critique From this book, I learned to be an effective teacher. I learned the characteristics of an effective teacher and learned many ideas to set a great school year in motion. I believe that I did get that “jumpstart” to begin school successfully! I would recommend this book to any new teacher! THE END!!