This is an easy to read book that is broken down into 8 weeks with different topics. The topics are: Getting Attention, Keeping Attention, Engaging Students, Teaching the Lesson, Getting Participation, Giving Directions, Communicating, and Transitioning. All are critical parts for a smooth running classroom. Jerry breaks each topic down into smaller topics and skills for each day of the week for each topic. By following his guide and implementing each part a day at a time you will have mastered classroom management.
I love that he incorporates many of the things that I believe in such as movement, gestures, collaborative groups, partners, encouragement, praise, role playing, and music to name a few.
One strategy under review in week 4 (Friday) is called Ping-pong review. You use 25 ping pong balls with a number from 1 to 25 on each ball. Create a list of review topics, vocabulary words, etc. students are working on. Put the balls on the floor and have your students pick a certain number of balls and then they review that numbered topic or vocabulary word with a partner!
That's just one example of many wonderful ideas in this book.
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Thanks, Brian, for the great review! We're getting a lot of feedback about the book from people who agree that managing classrooms is not about disciplinary techniques, but about creating a stimulating atmosphere that engages students and encourages learning. The ping pong ball review idea that you mention is one of many in the book that will help a teacher make learning fun!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Janis! I'm glad you like the review. There's just so much to classroom management that people don't realize! Engagement and encouraging learning are certainly two important pieces of it. I absolutely loved that idea as I am a huge believer in making learning fun! I may be throwing out some other ideas from the book on the blog in the future!
DeleteI would say transitioning this year!! I have a very large class that likes to talk.. a lot!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
ReplyDeleteKaren
That can be tough especially with a large talkative class! This book has some great NEW transition ideas. At least to me they are new. Best of luck and thanks for entering!
ReplyDeleteHi Brian,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I would like to thank you for running this competition.
I am a substitute teacher in Australia. My biggest challenge is trying to figure out how to settle a noisy class, especially grades 5 and 6. They overstep boundaries and act really cute. It takes more time for me to get their attention than for them to do the work. It's really embarrassing when the stage coordinator and principal walk in to tell the class they're being to noisy. It looks really bad on me. I hope I can find some answers to enlighten this really challenging aspect of teaching. Many Thanks, Jane
Hi Janet,
DeleteYou are welcome. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this book.
I substituted for a couple of years and I have to agree that is one of the biggest challenges since you don't know the method or methods their teacher uses. Those 5th and 6th graders were my biggest challenge as well, especially since I had taught the early grades. This book certainly has some great useful tips, including how to get them quiet to begin with!
Thank you for entering and best of luck in your substitute teaching. I know it is not easy!
Keeping attention is somewhat tricky depending on the class....getting their attention is easy for me but sustaining that attention is something I could improve on. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteYes keeping their attention can certainly be challenging especially when they get distracted by something. The book has some great ideas that will help with that!!! You are welcome. Good luck and thanks for entering!
DeleteGetting participation is the hardest part for me, as 7 out of 10 of my special ed 1st- & 2nd-graders are English language learners & their families do not speak English. Also, when they don't understand what's being discussed, they tend to "zone out"...so keeping attention is also an issue.
ReplyDeleteWow 70% of them that would make it tough for them to be special ed and ESOL. Hopefully some of these great ideas in the book can help out. Good luck and thanks for entering!
DeleteThank you very much, Brian! Bless you
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome Jane!
DeleteFor transitioning in kinder, songs or poems they know work well. I think transitioning in 2nd grade can be more difficult. I would agree with some above that keeping attention is difficult, and for me it's the most difficult of the topics you listed. I'm teaching kinder with a class of 23 English language learners. Thanks for reviewing the book. It looks like a great resource!
ReplyDeleteMary,
DeleteThat is true songs and poems usually work well with transitioning. Wow 23 English language learners. That's a lot! There are some good new strategies for keeping their attention in the book for sure!
Good luck and thanks for entering!
I have a room full of talkers! I would love to channel that talking into conversations about our work.
ReplyDeleteOh yikes, I've had those years, but I'd rather talkers than disrespectful children any day of the week! The engagement strategies should help you with your talkers. Good luck and thank you for entering!
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