Whether you're just starting out in the classroom, or a veteran teacher, Harry Wong's The First Days of School: How to Be An Effective Teacher is an absolute must-have!

I purchased Wong's book for an Introduction to Teaching class that I took last semester, and it is one of the most helpful books I have ever read!

According to Wong, a lot of teachers walk into their new classroom with no instructions, no direction, and no clue what to do. There are 4 stages of teaching:

1. Fantasy
2. Survival
3. Mastery
4. Impact

Harry Wong's goal is to get you to level 3, Mastery, so that you "can begin making a difference in the lives of your students".

Wondering how and where to begin? It all starts on the first day of school. On page 13, Wong informs you that "The first day of school or a class-even the first few minutes-will make or break a teacher".

He warns you that teacher education will not have prepared you, student teaching will not have prepared you, and the district may not have prepared you. Induction (a 2 year program to train and support new teachers) will help prepare you, but most districts do not offer it.

That's why he is trying to get the message across loud and clear that the first day of school is THE most important day; it sets the tone for the entire year.

The First Days of School is full of photographs, charts, testimonials, and quotes. Wong says that you do not have to read it cover to cover; rather, you should read it in the manner that works best for you. While I was reading the book, I kind of chuckled to myself and thought that it's obvious Wong is a teacher-only a teacher would know exactly how to set up a book like this!

Wondering what I mean by that statement? The First Days of School caters to all of the different learning styles we have (yes, even teachers have their own styles of learning-we forget that sometimes, since we are so busy teaching others). Wong doesn't just tell you HOW to do things, he tells you WHY you should do them that way. He puts his key points on their own page, or in the corner of another page...because hey, even teachers skim through sometimes (as opposed to reading the entire chapter)! He even includes a helpful DVD titled "Never Cease to Learn".

I could go on and on forever about how much I love Harry Wong and his wonderful book, but I will simply share my favorite things (some of which may have already been mentioned):

*Why I Love The First Days of School*

-Harry Wong is hilarious
Seriously. Maybe it's because I have also seen his video, but I picture his voice in my head as I read each paragraph. He shares his tips in a humorous, light-hearted manner...which is nice, because it prevents boredom. Meaning that you'll actually READ them.

-The analogies
An effective teacher assigns seating on the first day of school, but what if the chairs are bolted in place? You would not "play football in the bathroom, cook in the bedroom, or take a shower in the kitchen sink", so you must adjust your teaching techniques to be appropriate for the set-up.

-Wong thinks of things that are easily forgotten or overlooked
Whether he's instructing you on how to take attendance (and how many minutes are wasted each year by teachers who are not effective at it), post assignments, or manage a classroom ("effective teachers manage, ineffective teachers disipline"), Harry Wong tells you everything you ever needed to know about being on your own in the classroom.

-Wong includes facts with his opinions
For example, in his chapter titled "How to Increase Student Learning and Achievement", Wong writes that the government spent $369,636 on a study called "American Memory". The study found that students who do more homework, attend school regularly, and read more tend to do better in school. Wong quips, "Any teacher could have told the government that for a 50-cent phone call".

-The First Days of School isn't just for teachers
It has tips helful for ANY profession (dress for success, be a leader, etc.), and is especially beneficial for parents (or anybody who works with children). I'll never forget the day I took my daughter to her first slumber party-the mother hosting the party was, no joke, holding her head in her hands and practically in tears while all of the kids ran around the front yard screaming. "What's wrong?" I asked her. "They just won't listen to me!" she explained in frustration. Remembering the techniques of an effective teacher, I immediately took charge of the situation. I calmly explained the rules to each of them, as well as the consequences. I told them that I knew they were all good kids who would have no problem following the rules. I then gave them a game to play, and explained how they would all take turns playing it; anybody who did not behave would have to sit out while the other children played. It worked, and the mother told me that the children behaved fairly well for the rest of the night.

-The testimonials
I loved reading the letters from teachers, especially the one who left his classes alone for an entire day just to see what would happen. Much to everybody's surprise, the students came in, sat quietly, and began working. An effective teacher knows that he can usually trust his students to behave even if he/she is not there.

The First Days of School is very well-written, and I recommend it to anybody who works with children-even if you're not a teacher. This book would also be beneficial for daycare workers, youth group leaders, coaches, and even parents!

Do you have questions about The First Days of School not answered by this review? You can reach Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc. by calling (650) 965-7896, faxing (650) 965-7890, or visiting www.EffectiveTeaching.com.

Thanks for reading my review, and have a fabulous day!

Missy

Recommended: Yes