Ron Clark Book Study

What I really like about this book is that it reinforces the concept that students need to be respectful. I think we ignore too much inappropriate behavior. For example, when Ron Clark took the candy/books away from students that didn't say "Thank You" in 3 seconds. I agree with him but I find myself thinking it would be really hard for me to do that.

How to Post

I am not sure that there is a right or wrong way to post. My suggestion is that If you have a question for everyone, you should do a new post. If you are responding to what someone else has said you should reply to their post (at the bottom of what they asked). Each week Dave and I will ask 1 question each. We want everyone to reply to that question. If you want to ask a new question (which is also Great) you can create a new post. When you want to read what others are saying you can see how many comments have been made on each post. You can also respond to all comments made within a post.

The reason for doing it this way is to reduce the number of posts. If on a Monday, Dave and I each ask a question and everyone responds with a new post it will be difficult to find the questions.

I hope this helps!
If you still have questions let Dave or I know!
Once again, thanks for joining in this book study!
We are at 31 people so far! :)
Vickie

How do you want things posted?

Clarify: Is it ok to just comment on posts or do you want our comments to be in the form of a post? Sorry didn't do this with you last time so wanted to make sure how you wanted the blog to flow.

I am really excited about the book study. I think that it would be good to have building wide rules as well as some that apply to each grade level/class room.

My first question is do you believe we need an essential X number of rules in our building, or do you think that this is something that we would individualize at the classroom level, or both? Should there be a short list of "rules" or expectations that are clearly defined at the building level? If so, please throw out a few that you think would be good for discussion. I really think of them more from the perpextive of "this is just how we do things here - because It's the Wildcat Way." What I am personally going for with this "Wildcat Way" thing is a way that we can generalize it as much as possible so that I don't need to be giving examples on the announcements, but so that it is engrained in who we are and what we are about. We are tryingg to raise respectful, responsible young people. We want to teach kids that in order to be successful in life, you have to work hard, and that choosing to not be successful, and therefore choosing not to work hard, is not something that anyone in our culture is going to accept. But we have to drink the coolaid too. IF we say that it is important to work hard, we have to model it and expect it, and push kids to achieve more than they ever believed in themselves/of themselves was possible, and then when they achieve it, we celebrate like crazy, but we tell, them, "See, I knew you could!" so that they begin to believe it too.

Welcome to Ron Clark book study- The Essential 55

Thanks for signing up for this book study. Whether you are taking it for Ashland Credit, CEU's or just to be a part of the book study, I am glad you decided to join in.

Each week Dave and I will post 3 or more questions from the portion of the book that we just read. Please respond to each of those questions along with make a comment on what 5 other people say. When commenting on what other people have to say, keep in mind ...

-Ron Clark - Rule #4-

"During discussions, respect other students' comments, opinions, and ideas. When possible, make statements like, "I agree with John, and I also feel that ..." or " I disagree with Sara. She made a good point, but I feel that ..." or " I think Victor made an excellent observation, and it made me realize..."

Each week we would love to have someone (besides Dave and I) offer up a question or two for the group. As you begin reading let us know if you think of a question that you would like to ask the whole group. Email it to one of us and we will add it the the questions each week.

Thanks again for participating. I hope you enjoy the book study and feel that you grow professionally from participating.

Thanks,
Vickie