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

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

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0976423316 | ISBN-13: 978-0976423317 | Publication Date: January 1, 2009 | Edition: Revised

The best-selling book ever on classroom management and teaching for student achievement with over 3.3 million copies sold. The book walks a teacher, either novice or veteran, through structuring and organizing a classroom for success that can be applied at any time of the year at any grade level, pre-K through college.

The book is used in thousands of school districts, in over 100 countries, and in over 2,000 college classrooms. It's practical, yet inspiring. But most important, it works!

The new 4th edition includes updated research, photos, and more examples of "how-to" along with an implementation DVD, "Using The First Days of School" featuring Chelonnda Seroyer.

This is the most requested book for what works in the classroom for teacher and student success.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong are award-winning teachers and new teacher advocates. 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.

Rosemary is from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her classroom success led to her selection as one of the first Mentor teachers in California. She has received many Silicon Valley business honors and the Southeastern Louisiana University Distinguished Alumni Award.

A portion of the profit from the sale of their book funds "The First Days of School Foundation." That foundation has built and funds the 425 student "Wong Mean Reth Learning Academy" in the jungles of Cambodia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harry K. Wong Publications; Revised edition (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976423316
• ISBN-13: 978-0976423317
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 9.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (88 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Education & Reference > Education

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

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Veterans as Well as New Teachers!, December 21, 2008

By 

Laura Candler (Fayetteville, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

I recently received a copy of the newly revised version of The First Days of School, and I love it! I'm enjoying it so much that I don't want to rush through it. I read it a little at a time, savoring it like a wonderful piece of chocolate. Everything is clearly written, and much of what is written is quite profound in its simplicity. I love the sidebars with extra information and inspirational stories, as well as the internet links to additional resources. The page layout is attractive and easy to read. Many people are familiar with this book as a "must have" for beginning teachers, but as a 27-year veteran, I can say that this book is just as powerful today as it was when I first read it years ago. There is much wisdom tucked inside its pages!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wouldn't Teach Without This Book!, January 21, 2009

By 

High Scool Science Teacher - See all my reviews

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

I am a high school science teacher. My principal gave my a copy of this book when I started teaching 13 years ago. Since then, I have read it every August before I start the school year.

I enjoy reviewing the components of good teaching (positive expectations, classroom management, and lesson mastery). However, my favorite part is the section called, The Teacher as a Professional. It helps me maintain a positive and professional attitude during the school year which is not always easy to do. Thank you Harry and Rosemary Wong for inspiring me to be a teacher-leader, not a worker!

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A useful book, January 2, 2010

By 

Isabella U. (Palo Alto, CA) - See all my reviews

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

I bought this book as a student teacher because reviews had suggested it along with Teaching With Love and Logic. Overall, I would say that The First Days of School is a useful book, specifically its emphasis on the implementation of procedures as a way to prevent class management problems. However, the layout of the book seems to target an elementary student instead of a professional. The side bars contain important information at times, yet often, they seem to be space fillers to create a longer book. In addition, information is repeated so that the reader begins to feel like the authors believe that s/he is not intelligent enough to understand a concept when stated once. Lastly, the book is not well written, making it slightly difficult to read due to the style used.

I still would recommend the book. Some suggestions seem like they would be extremely effective (and even common sense or common courtesy) yet they are overlooked by most of the teachers whom I have observed as a student teacher. I feel that Harry and Rosemary Wong have written a book that reminds us that we are professionals who must act in a professional way, meaning: prepare as much as we can, create procedures that help to manage a classroom, be organized, dress well, become a role model, introduce and reinforce respect. They also include helpful examples of procedures that can easily be adapted to fit any classroom.