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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. “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

8. 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

9. “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

10. 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!!