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//The Essential 55// by Ron Clark

In his book Ron Clark lists a set of 55 rules for students to follow that he feels are essential to running a productive classroom. He explains the development of his rules through experiences in the classroom and everyday life. The rules encompass many issues from manners, disciplinary issues, homework policy, proper test procedures, and even to activities outside of the classroom like behavior on fieldtrips. Some of his rules are simply to establish community within the school, by having his students know the names of the entire faculty. Some rules are set to teach the students respect for other faculty like custodians, by making the students clean up whenever they see a mess, even if it is not their’s. Many of Clark’s rules are rules of conduct and courtesy, like simply saying thank you when a favor is done. Clark’s rules are made less to be strict rules, but to create behavioral habits, that students can retain for the rest of their lives. These are rules that all people can use in everyday life, beyond the 5th grade classroom. Clark also stresses that all of his rules are not only for his students to follow, but for the instructors to follow also. After listing and explaining each of his 55 essential rules, Clark gives some tips for dealing with both students and parents. For students his main tip is to retain consistency amongst all of the students, for both rewards and punishments. His main tip for parents is to establish a relationship on a positive note. Which is before calling a parent to inform them of a child misbehaving or not completing assignments, instead first call the parent over positive issues with the child which will help to prevent a parent becoming defensive over their child.
 * Summary:**

__The Essential 55__ by Ron Clark is an inspiration book full of rules and tips. It is an award winning book full of rules for discovering successful students. Ron Clark focuses on the issues of classroom management, positive environments, self respect, respect, and manners. How can children be successful in life? How can 55 simple rules help your child to become more knowledgeable about the world we live in today? Parents, teachers, and children of different ages can all use this powerful book as a wonderful way to survive in American society, not just in school but in everyday life. And by applying these simple rules to ones life, it doesn’t mean that life should be all work and no play. You can use these rules and yet still excel in the future because there is always room for growing and success.


 * Key Passages:**

“I feel we have to approach education with the determination to affect each and every one of our students” (xxvi).

"Creating the type of enviornment where everyone supports each other and shows appreciation for the thoughts and abilities of others makes a world of difference in a classroom or in any other group of people who are trying to work together" (pg. 14).

"I asked [students] about their lives and dislikes and what they did for fun. I wanted them to know I cared about who they were, and that I wasn't there just to teach them out of a book" (pg. 19).

"There is no responsibility greater than raising children. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a counselor, or a member of the community, you face the task of setting a positive example for children, motivating them to succeed, and making a difference in their lives" (pg. 162).

"You cannot discipline kids and not love them, and you can't love them and not discipline them" (165).

"Kids want to know you care for them. Before they are willing to invest effort in what you are saying, they want to know you are willing to make an investment in them. Once you have done that, dealing with kids is a much easier, more productive, and more meaningful experience" (168).

"The first contact with the parent has got to be a positive one" (174).

“The consequences are necessary; they are the key to getting kids to perform” (p .186)

“In order to be effective, discipline and praise must be given immediately. The closer they are given to the occurrence, the more influence they will have on the child” (p. 194)

"...Guide them as they grow, show them in every way possible that they are cared for, and make special moments for them that will add magic to their lives, motivate them to make a difference in the lives of others, and, most important, teach them to love life." (p. 196)

"Sometimes it can be hard to stand up for what you believe in, and being the only one with a certain vision can be very lonely. I can only hope that i instill in my students a confidence in who they are and the things they stand for so that they will have the courage to fight for their beliefs, their ideas, and their dreams." (p. 141-142)


 * Key Terminology:**

Consequences-- They are key to getting the kids to follow the rules and perform well. It is better to tell kids there will be severe consequences than giving the actual consequence, because it does not bound you to any specific consequence. It could be detention, silent lunch, or even just a harsh lecture, but the child does not know ahead of time.

Motivation-- By giving praise to students, they will see that they are smart and want to continue performing well. If giving out prizes or taking kids on trips, others will see that they want the same treatment. They will then work harder to do better in school.

Rewards and punnishments-- They should be given our immediately after the action. Otherwise, it is not effective. The closer they are given to the occurance, the more influence they will have on the child.

Positive attitude-- There is no need to waste time moaning and complaining about our obligations. It is important to keep everything in perspective. Kids should not complain about getting homework, and teachers should not complain about doing extra work. Everything is important to getting a positive outcome.

Instill-- To be able to teach a lesson to the kids and have them remember it for the rest of their lives. This does not only pertain to subject matter, such as math or social studies, but life lessons as well.

Consistent-- The rules are for eveyone in the room and in order for rules to be up held you must treat the breakers of rules the same to establish credibility with your students. If you are not consistent as a teacher when handing out punishments or rewards the rules will always be broken leading to an ineffective classroom.

Protocals-- Things the class does everyday the same way to remain organized, efficient, and on task.

Responsibility-- To take ownership of yourself, your actions, and the things around you. To take pride in your actions and be careful of the things around you so someone else does not have to take care of them for you.

Carpe diem-- Sieze the day. Live each day to the fullest and appreciate each moment. As a student or a teacher you must make the most of each day, try new things, experience the unknown, and face your fears.