The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher [Paperback]

Harry K. Wong (Author), Rosemary T. Wong (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harry K. Wong Publications (July 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962936014
• ISBN-13: 978-0962936012
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,131,998 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Harry K. Wong is an award-winning teacher and new teacher advocate. Harry is a native of San Francisco and is arguably the most sought-after motivational speaker in education today having given some 3000 presentations to over a million people. He has been called 'Mr. Practicality' for his common sense, user-friendly, no-cost approach to managing a classroom for high-level student success. The March 2006 issue of Instructor magazine named him one of the 20 most admired people in education along with Maya Angelou, Howard Gardner, and Oprah Winfrey. He has received numerous other teaching honors. Profits from the sale of her book fund 'The First Days of School Foundation.' That foundation has built and funds the 250 student 'Wong Mean Reth Learning Academy' in the jungles of Cambodia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful and Inspiring, October 3, 2003

By 

Tiffany W. Salisbury "www.scraptographygirl.m... (Troy, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher (Paperback)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a marvelous help this book is for all teachers!, July 30, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher (Paperback)

This book is incredible! I am continuously referring back to it. It has wonderful ideas from classroom rules to classroom management to testing and evaluation. The author lists great stories of teachers who have made good decisions and those who did not and have learned from it. I believe many people consider this book for first-year teachers, but it has definately been used well beyond my first year. It certainly is worth the reading. I encourage all teachers to read this

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will save your life in the classroom!, August 22, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Orlando, FL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher (Paperback)

This book gives you practical, step by step instruction for running a highly structured and successful classroom that students will not only function but enjoy!