We will be discussing Ron Clarks "The Essential 55" rules 1-10.
I would like to start off by saying that I did think that 55 rules was a lot for kids to remember. After reading the rules however I realized these rules are more manners than anything something kids should already be familiar with. Many children today are taught manners but are not taught to make a habit of using them. I love how Mr. Clark makes students use their manners and let's them know why they must use them.
I want to start off with my favorite rule out of the 10. It is rule number one: When responding to any adult, you must answer by saying "Yes ma'am" or "No sir." Just nodding your head or saying any other form of yes or no is not acceptable. Mr. Clark starts his rules with this one because he says " It sets the tone for the type of respect I expect from my students."(page 1) This rule is a great one to learn at a young age since it is a very useful tool when interacting with other adults.
My next favorite would have to be number two: Make eye contact. When someone is speaking, keep your eyes on him or her at all times. If someone makes a comment, turn and face that person. See when someone is speaking it is a sign of respect to turn around and make eye contact. This shows that you are intreasted in what they have to say. As Mr. Clark also says "People will be more likely to trust you and believe in your ideas if they see that you are confident, sure of yourself, and making contact with them."(page 3) I believe this to be true since they do say that the eyes are the windows to your soul. I also really love how Mr. Clark urges his students to give respect to everyone not just teachers. "Often custodians, cafeteria workers, secretaries, and teachers' aides aren't considered worthy of the respect teachers get, and I work hard to change that image in the minds of my students.(page 5)
An important rule that I think should be implemented in every classroom should be rule number eight: Do not smack your lips, tsk, roll your eyes, or show disrespect with gestures. I feel like many people do this and aren't really aware that they are doing it. Nonetheless this is still very disrespectful and makes it seem like you have no respect for the person talking or whatever someone just said to you. Mr. Clark lets his students know how disrespectful these actions are by saying "I talk to the students about how it is form of disrespect, and that sometimes you don't have to say a single word in order to get yourself in a lot of trouble."(Page 22) I think that Mr. Clark is fantastic in his way of teaching I mean after he implements a rule he has them role play someone breaking the rule. Then he shows the students the disciplinary measures that will be taken for breaking the rule. Then when the time comes and someone truly does break the rule they can't complain since they knew what was expected of them.
Another important rule I think would be rule number nine: Always say thank you when I give you something. If you do not say it within three seconds after receiving the item, I will take it back. There is no excuse for not showing appreciation. This rule is really tough for kids today since they aren't use to appreciating the things they have. Mr. Clark had to establish this rule and remain consistent with it although it was tough at times. He has a point though there is no excuse for not showing appreciation. Like Mr. Clark said he use to have a custodian who would occasionally mop and clean their rooms during the night shift. He made it a habit to thank him several times for all his good work. Mr. Clark says "He would seem surprised that I was thanking him for just doing his job."(Page 26) In today's society we are so use to not appreciating the things around us and it shouldn't be like that.
I like how Mr. Clark hold these children to such standards. This teaches the children at a young age to become accustomed to being respectful and appreciative of everything and everyone around them. If you haven't yet I do recommend you read The Essential 55 by Ron Clark.
I want to start off with my favorite rule out of the 10. It is rule number one: When responding to any adult, you must answer by saying "Yes ma'am" or "No sir." Just nodding your head or saying any other form of yes or no is not acceptable. Mr. Clark starts his rules with this one because he says " It sets the tone for the type of respect I expect from my students."(page 1) This rule is a great one to learn at a young age since it is a very useful tool when interacting with other adults.
My next favorite would have to be number two: Make eye contact. When someone is speaking, keep your eyes on him or her at all times. If someone makes a comment, turn and face that person. See when someone is speaking it is a sign of respect to turn around and make eye contact. This shows that you are intreasted in what they have to say. As Mr. Clark also says "People will be more likely to trust you and believe in your ideas if they see that you are confident, sure of yourself, and making contact with them."(page 3) I believe this to be true since they do say that the eyes are the windows to your soul. I also really love how Mr. Clark urges his students to give respect to everyone not just teachers. "Often custodians, cafeteria workers, secretaries, and teachers' aides aren't considered worthy of the respect teachers get, and I work hard to change that image in the minds of my students.(page 5)
An important rule that I think should be implemented in every classroom should be rule number eight: Do not smack your lips, tsk, roll your eyes, or show disrespect with gestures. I feel like many people do this and aren't really aware that they are doing it. Nonetheless this is still very disrespectful and makes it seem like you have no respect for the person talking or whatever someone just said to you. Mr. Clark lets his students know how disrespectful these actions are by saying "I talk to the students about how it is form of disrespect, and that sometimes you don't have to say a single word in order to get yourself in a lot of trouble."(Page 22) I think that Mr. Clark is fantastic in his way of teaching I mean after he implements a rule he has them role play someone breaking the rule. Then he shows the students the disciplinary measures that will be taken for breaking the rule. Then when the time comes and someone truly does break the rule they can't complain since they knew what was expected of them.
Another important rule I think would be rule number nine: Always say thank you when I give you something. If you do not say it within three seconds after receiving the item, I will take it back. There is no excuse for not showing appreciation. This rule is really tough for kids today since they aren't use to appreciating the things they have. Mr. Clark had to establish this rule and remain consistent with it although it was tough at times. He has a point though there is no excuse for not showing appreciation. Like Mr. Clark said he use to have a custodian who would occasionally mop and clean their rooms during the night shift. He made it a habit to thank him several times for all his good work. Mr. Clark says "He would seem surprised that I was thanking him for just doing his job."(Page 26) In today's society we are so use to not appreciating the things around us and it shouldn't be like that.
I like how Mr. Clark hold these children to such standards. This teaches the children at a young age to become accustomed to being respectful and appreciative of everything and everyone around them. If you haven't yet I do recommend you read The Essential 55 by Ron Clark.
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