Rating: 
Summary: A book for EVERYONE!!
Review: I am kicking myself right now for not writing this book myself. I am a mother of 3 and also a 2nd grade teacher who instills manners not only in my home but also in my classroom. I have my own "essential 55" I use, I just don't have them written down and don't have them in any order and there aren't exactly 55, but I definitely have the manners rules and I definitely use them.
I do thank Mr. Clark, though, for compiling such a WONDERFUL collection of manners and tips on how to get the most out of kids. I found myself saying over and over YES! and EXACTLY! and PEFECT! as I read through the pages. I don't agree with everything that Mr. Clark says (especially about doubling homework for moaning) but I strongly agree with about 95% of his ideas and strategies, and overall this book is EXCELLENT and I hope every parent and teacher who come in contact with this book takes the time to read it and take it to heart. Mr. Clark is a very clever man for writing this book. I don't know if it will become a best seller, but it is already a best seller in my eyes. Super Job Mr. Clark!! I wish everyone would Read it and LIVE IT!
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Summary: Surprisingly Great!
Review: This book was recommended to me, but I was skeptical because I teach high school science and it seems to be geared more toward elementary school. I actually, however, thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Mr. Clark writes in a way that is charming and light, but his words are also full of depth, emotion and passion. It is obvious why he won teaching awards, because he seems to do whatever it takes to reach his students. Honestly, this book and Mr. Clark's teaching techniques are better suited for elementary/middle school, but I still really was pleased with the book and I got several ideas that I plan to use in my classroom and in my interactions with my students' parents in the fall. I would also give anything if everyone of my students' parents could be made to read the section about how parents should treat teachers!! AMEN Mr. Clark!!
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Summary: simple is always better
Review: After it's all said and done, I find simple is always better. In teaching students how to write, I try to get them to feel their heart and soul in a essay or story but to keep it pure and simple. This is what I have found to be true in Ron Clark's book. Loving, caring and making kids feel proud of who they are is one of the highlights in The Essential 55. It is not only for teachers but parents would benefit from it as well. It's easy to see why he won the Disney's American Teacher Award. Showing kids why or how they will be in certain situations and then clearly preparing them for a future under those upcoming circumstances is what most teachers try to accomplish but often times, miss the boat in connecting with the students. I find his work to be inspirational and warm. It makes all of us want to do better for kids and life in general. He chose to pick up the forgotten and encourage them to listen and be all they can be and even more. I read most of the time; it's my life. In looking at other authors and their success, it seems that they all have one thing in common, beleiving in themselves and sharing their passion to inspire others to beleive. Two of my other favorite and highly recommended books for teachers and parents are similar in passion and spirit about reaching out to kids: The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander, by Barbara Coloroso, 2003 (leaves no questions unanswered) and Mommy-CEO, updated book, 2001 by syndicated family columnist, Jodie Lynn (book is on family issues and school as an integral part). Every school library, city library, bookstore and every home should have all three books. Read them and you shall get answers that will behoove any current situation - in school or at home - and condition thinking patterns that need to be changed for kids and family from this day forward. THANKS TO ALL OF THE AUTHORS AND ONWARD for more books!
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Summary: Best book for new teachers
Review: After reading several other books similar to Ron Clark's no other book gave me the knowledge I needed to help me in the classroom. The author uses many personal situations to explain 55 things that help him in the classroom. Not only is this a MUST READ for teachers, but will help anyone in their daily lives. GREAT BOOK and fun to read!
Rating:
Summary: 55 to stay alive! Manners count for Ron Clark's students
Review: Ron Clark teaches school. He has 55 rules of "engagement" for anything from good manners (Don't take the largest piece of pie, Always say Thank-You, Make Eye Contact) to rules of responsibility and deportment (Enter the field trip building silently, Do not talk in the movies, unwrap your candy before the film to keep from disturbing others.)These rules teach his students to be polite and attentive, to understand if they don't hand in assignments, there will be consequences (even if the assignment is just a little blue card they have to return to him the next day.) But Ron is no martinet--he has weird rules (No Doritos, just because...and a funny story to make the rule amusing.) His War of the Onions against a sadly jealous fellow teacher is both hysterically funny and touching. Ron Clark shows the world that kids anywhere can learn to be well-brought up and polite, that manners and rules help them succeed. He makes the very important point that a teacher is an important influence since he or she is with those kids for more time during the day than the parents. This book is fun to read and is a great story. It is also a MUST-READ for any school teacher who wants to excel with their students and give them something of tremendous value to carry them through the rest of their lives with honor and grace--good manners and good behavior. Bravo, Ron Clark!
Rating:
Summary: simplistic, but powerful guidebook
Review: This is a simplistic, but powerful guidebook that should be part of the essential library of teachers, student teachers, other educators, and to a lesser degree parents. Mr. Clark explains each one of his rules in a practical way so that they can easily be adapted. Examples add to the overall understanding. Most interesting is that Mr. Clark never loses sight of the goal of teaching: preparing young people to succeed in life by knowing how to interact with others. Though one would think it obvious, try going into a classroom where no one wants to be there for learning; only for socializing or heat in winter. THE ESSENTIAL 55: AN AWARD-WINNING EDUCATOR'S RULES FOR DISCOVERING THE SUCCESSFUL STUDENT IN EVERY CHILD lives up to its title and should be standard fare in every school and part of the criteria of the education major because of its practical nature. Perhaps rule 56 is if you are the new teacher on the block, you will be stuck on the top floor of a six or seven story building with the textbooks in the basement - whoever owns the elevator is your best friend on that first day. Harriet Klausner
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Summary: A sensational book!
Review: Every teacher and parent should own a copy of this book; the 55 rules and guidelines outlined in the book are clever, meaningful, and extremely useful for students and adults alike. Throughout the book, Ron Clark weaves tales of his personal experiences, giving purpose to each of his rules. This master storyteller will make you laugh, cry, and become motivated to make a difference in the world. His honesty about the triumphs and challenges of being an educator is refreshing--this book would make a wonderful gift for every teacher and parent you know. After reading this book, you will understand why Mr. Clark is an award-winning educator. You also will be inspired to step forward and do more for children; I know I was.
Rating:
Summary: Part of what should be taught in all schools
Review: "The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child" is a collection of Ron Clark's 55 rules that he uses every day in his teaching career. Why should his rules matter? Well for one thing he has won the Disney Teacher of the Year Award as a top educator in the United States. Ron Clark attributes much of his success to making sure that the students follow the 55 rules. Many of these rules are common courtesies; others are good manners, ethics, or even good hygiene. These may seem simple but people react to you differently when you display good manners and this positive feedback creates a better self-image and other positive side effects. These are not just rules for children and students but should be followed by everyone including adults. The rules are also applicable to a wide variety of adult situations. Use the rules at home with your child and help him or her to mature with good manners and develop a positive view of life that will follow them everywhere. "The Essential 55" is a highly recommended read for everyone.
Rating: 
Summary: I like, thought it wasn't so OK
Review: I picked up the irritating audio version of this book: the author's voice sounds exactly, I mean *exactly*, like the teacher in South Park. I don't know if this was in print, but he also used the phrase "I like ...." (for example, 'I like thought it was a good rule') a million times. If I didn't know better I'd say a 13 year old wrote this. His tone and pace were literally manic throughout - too many of those sugary cookies?
The arrogance was astounding: typical newbie teacher that thinks he's the one that's going to make the difference in the lives of kids no other teacher was ever able to before. I have a junior in high school and like another reviewer, always pick up anything that may shed even a sliver of new light on how to help him be a better student. Not only was it for younger children, but there was virtually no suggestions on how to be a better academic student. Trained seal, yes, but not a better scoring student.
As was mentioned earlier, a lot of these 'rules' would not be allowed in our school. Peer pressure is greatly discouraged - teachers, in fact, are not allowed under any circumstances whatsoever to discipline the entire class for the misbehavior of one student. This may have stemmed from the suicides by 'perfect' students who received detention because of other kids or whose straight A's were downgraded because the whole class was punished.
Many of our friends send their children to private religious schools where rules similar to these are enforced. In each and every case, when the child went out into the world - where other people don't follow these rules - they have either gone wild or curled-up into themselves. Using peer pressure and making cookies are easy - taking the time to know and respond to each child's individual needs is not. He took the easy way out.
He also mentioned quite a few times how much of his own money (hundreds of dollars a month) he spends on some of these 'innovative' teachniques. I'd like to see a book on his current teaching style 10 years from now after he has a mortgage and kids of his own.
I think you have to be nominated to become a Disney teacher but I wonder how he knows the kids like him? It may have been peer pressure that made the whole class tell Disney how much they loved him. I hoped they clapped appropriately. Teachers like this goody two-shoes are what's at the heart of all our educational problems.
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Summary: The Essential 55 Is a Necessity For All Teachers
Review: Having an organized classroom that is conducive to learning with well-mannered, productive students is a dream come true for all teachers in America. As a future teacher, I am always looking for new ideas to model my classroom after. I highly recommend The Essential 55 to a teacher who wants to create an atmosphere where his or her students succeed. This book is a necessity for all student teachers. Ron Clark wrote a list of rules that he felt was necessary for children to know. The Essential 55 can be used as a guide to teach students structure, courtesy and respect, and responsibility.
According to Ron Clark, all students want and need structure and discipline. Rules help give order to their lives. As a result, there will be consistency and fairness in their classroom. They will know what to expect every day so they will feel safe. Ron Clark believes students should follow clearly stated rules. Rule 21 deals with following certain classroom protocols such as staying in their seat and speaking only when they have permission. Students also feel safe when their teacher cares for them. Rule 48 addresses bullies and the teacher's role as a protector of his or her students. The rules are explained in a caring yet no nonsense way. Equally important, the teacher is encouraged to build a relationship with his or her students. Students will work hard for a teacher that they know personally and have bonded with.
The Essential 55 rules advocate that every child should be courteous and respectful. Common courtesies or manners and acts of kindness seem to be a forgotten art in today's world. Ron Clark directly teaches manners that used to be taught at home. Rule 29 states specific table manners for students to use in and out of school. A number of rules mandate that students show respect towards others such as opening doors and saying excuse me. Rule 4 requires that students help create a supportive environment in the classroom by giving positive feedback to fellow classmates' ideas, thoughts, and opinions. Rule 5 deals with children showing respect for themselves by being humble about their accomplishments.
Ron Clark believes that every pupil should be responsible for what they do and say. Many children do not see the cause and effect relationship of their actions and the resulting consequences. The Essential 55 stresses the significance of being successful and dependable students. Rules 14 and 16 establish a routine for writing sentences and completing homework. These rules set parameters to help all the students become literate and help them to meet deadlines. Rules 49 through 55 emphasize the importance of growing as a person and being true to yourself. A vital role of an exemplary teacher is to build his or her students' character and self-esteem so they can reach their full potential. When children have confidence in what they say and do, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
The Essential 55 can be applied, in the classroom, to teach children discipline, manners, and accountability. Ron Clark offers teachers specific procedures to establish a warm and caring environment with guidelines for proper behavior. These ideas may be extremely helpful to new or struggling teachers without a lot of experience. He also expects his pupils to be considerate of others and to follow proper social etiquette. Hopefully, this means there will be more kind and courteous adults to be examples of how to act for future generations. Ron Clark`s methods insist every child must be liable for their own actions and that they should believe in themselves. I feel it is vital for students to learn to be reliable and successful so they can be productive adults. If every teacher taught these rules to their students, the world would be a better place.
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