Ch 3 of Ron Clark’s “The Excellent 11”

Thinking outside of the box and putting yourself in the mind-set of children is the best way to find different techniques and solutions for teaching certain skills of knowledge and helping children, best learn those skills. I like the scene that Clark set for his students to discover, while reading “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” This really got his students involves with the story and made an impression on them, because the majority of the class ranked it as number one on their top books of the year list. I like Clark’s “Rockin’ Words!” and like how he had Mr. Mitchelle to incorporate them in to the kids’ PE lesson. I also think Clark’s game, Elimination Ball, has a creative set up. I agree that the concentration on vocabulary can help students to become better readers and increase test scores.

I totally agree when Clark philosophy, “don’t be afraid to abandon a set of plans or to scrap a lesson if an opportunity for learning presents itself that will be to the child’s advantage. I feel sorry for Clark, when he is tells about teaching the “math problem of the day,” and the principal shows up at the door and comes down on him for going past the allowed 12 minutes. I agree that the students needed some understanding pertaining to the House of Representatives and the members of the Senate, and Clark was right to abandon the principal’s schedule. 

As a teacher, you can never have too many tricks in your bag, especially while keeping discipline in your classroom. I like Clark’s view on offering rewards instead of punishment. I also like how Clark points out that the reward of the trophy and sticker boards grew old and ineffective in such a short time. Though it was insightful that the sticker board worked with Gray, for he was in need attention and positive encouragement.

School-wide projects are great ways to give students the feeling of ownership. They allow them to contribute, and give teachers ways to have fun with them better things about a school. As Clark talks about, a chain of links and pep-rallies are some creative ways to build school unity.

I agree with Clark, teachers are invested in students but not as emotionally involved as parents. I also, like what Clark says about remembering to take the time do special things for our children, and showing them how much they mean to us can never be done too much.