Harry K. Wong

Gutless, bloodless, gormless, sophistry. Honestly, I am amazed that a book that describes itself (relentlessly) in such helpful (some might even say arrogant or dogmatic) terms can (and does) offer so little in tangible help for new teachers. Really, this book almost doesn't require me to be impressed with it as it seems to be ineluctably self-satisfied with itself, almost daring you to see a flaw in its perfect pedagogical methods...of which there are MANY. I will say that there is merit in show more some of this nonsense, namely the bromides to consistency....but the complete disregard for students (that border on the sociopathic) who flip their nose (and other body parts) at any school, teacher, authority and simply enjoining teachers to use more procedures or (I'll just preface with some vomiting) more LOVE, are nothing short of laughable. And the book refusing to give teachers the authority or, God help us all, the ability to use discipline (IN ALMOST ANY CIRCUMSTANCE) while simultaneously shifting any and all blame away from parents, students or the poor put upon administrators (the most obviously useless of the bunch though heaven for-fend you question why THEY earn more) is, honestly, disgusting and the proceeds are more than a little Orwellian concerning language (the digression between DECIDING and CHOOSING is at once hilarious and chilling as someone with title 'Doctor' actually helped to conceive this and some of the gullible are actually buying this...).

So, as someone who more than likely will lose his teaching position let me just say that this book is in service to exactly NO ONE but its authors and their coruscating circle of yes men and yes women. The fact that this paean to conformity actually has the balls to bring up Rosa Parks and Jim Crow as as a 'pre'-example to its own methods....well, presumptuous comes to mind as does laugh and vomit inducing...

Read this for laughs and then bemoan the state of American education, in that order. show less

The First Days of School is a manual for teachers, oriented towards primary school teachers, but with useful advice for educators at other levels as well. The Wongs have a clear idea of what they want teachers to be: dedicated, enthusiastic professionals who impact student's lives. The first and last chapters are exhortations towards this ideal (although I wonder what they'd say for cynical, disorganized, and unfriendly people. "Don't teach", maybe?).

The middle three chapters have useful show more advice. The first step is to set create a positive context for students, by being a friendly and professional dressed person who makes an effort to greet students as individual, and set expectations of success. Second, have an orderly classroom, with procedures for everything from turning in homework to getting the instructor's permission to evacuating from a fire. Third, focus on student learning through an Understanding by Design adjacent learning practice, rather than mere coverage of the curriculum. Oh, and never argue with students, because by doing so you've already lost precious time for teaching the rest of the class.

For college students, who have a lot of implicit knowledge about how school should work, and less structured classes, this book is less useful. I will take going forward what to do in the opening minutes of class, those dead minutes before class actually starts, setting procedures so that students know what to expect every day and start learning, and a list of "learning verbs" to use in assignments. There seems to be some strong disagreement about how structured a classroom should be, and if students can see through these ploys, but I agree with the Wongs: a structured classroom encourages learning. Chasing those moments of synchronicity from a more improvisational teaching style is a mistake. show less

Eh. While Wong makes a lot of lucid points about what it takes to be a successful teacher, I found his self-aggrandizing writing style and veiled condescension grating. He reiterates the importance of professionalism as a teacher, but then writes a book whose layout looks like it was designed for five year olds. Teachers aren't idiots, Harry. You can write a book that isn't larded with cliches and ridiculous clip art, and people will read it.

When I taught in Utah, this was required reading before the 1st day. I remember certain parts of it giving me focus and direction. After a really rough 1st year back after grad school, I pulled this out again and re-read it. Much of it is second nature to me at this point--which is great--but there were some things that I'd been forgetting to do. It was nice to be reminded. This next year should be better for many reasons, including that I re-read this book.

If you ever know anyone who is show more going to be a teacher, this is a perfect, perfect gift. show less