Chapter 6 of Ron Clark’s “The Excellent 11”

I really enjoyed this chapter. I totally agree with Clark when he says, “When we show kindness to a child, we are doing more than passing on a good deed. We are building a vision in the eyes of that child of how others should be treated.”  I could feel the pain Clark encountered during his high school Spanish II class. Clark uses this to makes a good point about what teachers should not do (look the other way) and what teachers or parents should notice as a sign (failing grades).  I like the comment Clark makes about the class splitting into sides when a disagreement arises between students.  I like the examples Clark gives to help mentors help resolve kids’ conflicts.  I adore the way Clark went out of his way to help Sara transform from the class’ victim to the class’ hero.  This was clever way to play reverse psychology with his students. I agree with Clark, we as teachers/humans must understand that not all children or adults will like each other, but we all must find a common ground on how to co-exist.  We must help children understand how to do this instead of tormenting and bullying each other.  I think we now live in societies that lack compassion, in every way.