Rating: 
Summary: Not as great as it seemed.
Review: After reading all of the reviews, I decided that I wanted to have this book despite the bad reviews. I don't like this book one bit because it doesn't really offer any advice or ideas. I feel as if I'm being told how I should act as a teacher and that if I won't survive if I don't. I agree with everyone's bad reviews of this book. It annoys me so much that I can't stand to own it...I'm getting ready to sell it soon.
Rating: 
Summary: A brilliant and indispensable book for ALL teachers!
Review: This is THE one book that every teacher, experienced or novice, ought to have in their professional library!This man, Harry Wong, is one of the best speakers/presenters/workshop leaders I've ever experienced anywhere. I've now known him for 20 years, first meeting him as a participant in one of his keynote addresses and then meeting him as a colleague. Although I've written a number of books (including books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series) and texts on teaching, I must say that this book is one that I wish I had written! It's clear, succinct and practical in the extreme. He knows kids and what makes them tick. He knows the best ideas for the first days of school (NOT just YOUR first days of school, he means the first days of the school year which determine how the rest of the year goes. On every grade level. This is simply a bible of practical ideas and strategies for structuring your classroom for success. A must have!
Rating: 
Summary: Jjingoistic and poor advice
Review: If you are a new educator, fired up and ready to inspire students, don't waste your time with this book. If you are more interested in a paycheck than following a vocation, you might find a few shortcuts, like how to pass paper, and having students grade papers so you don't have to. As Mr. Wong openly boasts, you'll be able to forget all about school once you leave it for home. But is that the kind of teacher you really want to be? There is little in this book about being an educator. There is an awful lot of little proverbs that denegrate traditional teaching methods. There's a lot of talk about "procedures" and "management", expressed in a repetitive but context-empty manner. It does not help get the message across that the book design seems to make it appear an entry in a contest to use the most fonts, styles, and top- side- and footnotes possible on a single printed page. It's so distracting that it becomes hard to follow the actual text, what there is of it. Some of the material in this book is very disturbing to me as a parent. Statements reminding teachers that they "may be the only sane adult" that your child "may ever encounter" in their "entire life" are just one example of a philosophy that objectifies children. Some of the techniques recommended by Wong, in particular his emphasis on punitive punishments, are holdovers from fifty years ago. There is nothing about motivating students - just managing them. Please, as a parent of a child in a classroom where this method is being used, please buy some good books for your classroom and ignore the advice to buy this one. You'll be a better teacher for it.
Rating:
Summary: Good Advice!
Review: I am currently in the methods phase of my teacher education program. I purchased this book to help prepare myself for student teaching. It gave me a lot of useful suggestions that I will take to heart the first time I am completely in charge of a classroom of 15 year olds!
Rating: 
Summary: A great book for beginning and veteran teachers!!
Review: Not only should beginning teachers read this book, but teachers who have been in the profession for many years should read it! I'm not sure why anyone would give this book a bad review. I would have to admit, I thought some of the ideas were a bit absurd when I was a pre-teacher (as many are who are giving bad reviews), but as someone who has been in the classroom (and various classrooms, at that), Mr. Wong's ideas and teaching methods are effective and are MUCH NEEDED IN TODAY'S SOCIETY!
Rating:
Summary: This book is no help!
Review: I just got out of college as an elementary school teacher and bought this book over the summer. I heard great reviews of the book and was hoping this would be a helpful guide to my first year teaching. Now that I'm in the first 3 months of teaching this book as been of no help. Seriously, this book is horrible and I have thrown the book away. Terrible, terrible book!
Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful and Inspiring
Review: I do not think that a lot of what is said in this book is "common sense", as some other reviewers have stated. There is nothing "common sense" about organizing a grade book or effectively introducing a classroom management system into your classroom - these are things that are somewhat esoteric to the newbie and not the things that are taught in most degree programs.
Granted, I do not need to be taught or told to dress professionally - but look at the way some teachers DO dress today - apparently it is not "common sense" for all.
While I would not agree with all his methods (some of his classroom management techniques, though well meant, could be hurtful to sensitive students) and some of his statements of effectiveness sometimes seem to give the reader the impression that if you do "A", "B" will automatically happen (and it doesn't, of course - all students and classes have their own dynamics - there is no "one-size-fits-all") his philosophy and objectives are clearly explained and discussed. He has a method which he stands by and which has been effective for him and countless others. Since I have read the book I have implemented some strategies into my classroom and seen great results.
His intention is to inspire teachers to be lifelong professional educators and to continue to strive for excellence. He values student success and provides a detailed strategy for teachers that may be "stuck in a rut" or may be new to the profession. He also provides information of interesting results from research studies in the area of teacher/student instruction.
Again, while I can not totally agree with everything in the book, it is, by far, the most valuable resource I have seen for new teachers and for teachers that want to continue to master their profession. To say that it is all "common sense" and a "waste of time" is, I think, missing the entire point of the book - when it comes to becoming a better educator, there is no time wasted in trying new techniques and broadening your scope of knowledge.
Rating:
Summary: I wish my teachers had read this book.
Review: My wife is a teacher and gave this book to me. If my teachers had read this book, I would have been better off. I also recommend the Essential 55 by Ron Clark to teach kids what is important in life.
Rating:
Summary: The BIBLE for teachers
Review: The First Days of School should be a mandatory read for ALL teachers. The book is easy to read and has a wealth of wonderful information, ideas and inspiration for teachers. I read it straight through and refer back to it often. It has totally transformed my career.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent "nuts & bolts" for the beginning teacher
Review: I recommend this book to anyone who is wondering "Where do I start?" in anticipation of their first day of teaching. Contains a great deal of practical advice. It helped me organize my thoughts on how to begin in a new school, and get off on the right foot.
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