The End of Molasses Classes - Week One Core Principles and Values

A couple months ago I received the book, The End of Molasses Classes by Ron Clark to write up a review.  At the time I got the book, I was just about to go back to work and was getting my classroom set-up.  It was a very busy time, barely had time to breathe let alone read a book.  However, with just one turn of the page, I was hooked!  I sat there and read the whole book, cover to cover.  Never had I read a book where I found myself laughing, crying, and laughing again on one page!  This book struck the core of what I am and what I strive to be as a teacher.  It was an affirmation of what I was doing right and served as an inspiration to what I want to achieve.



As a TBA author, I am joining the TBA Book Club, in order to fully review and share my favorite parts of this book.  This week the focus is on the first part of the book:

Part 1: Core Principles and Values

Share your favorite principles and thoughts from part one of The End of Molasses Classes

If I had to choose one section that I wanted to write and share about, I would have to choose principle number 10: Be Excellent!  I think this is the cornerstone to the other principles. First you have to recognize that you have to be a dynamic force in the classroom.  You have to take charge of your own teaching, internalize and scrutinize whether you are prepared to make each moment special and excellent.

Of course I just can't choose one section to write about.  There was one section that hit home, right after I had read the book and right as we were starting school.  This would be Section 2: Not Every Child Deserves a Cookie.  Our district moved to a new report card this year and yes the new system has caused a bit of confusion in the intermediate grades, forcing teachers to really look at how our new number system equates to actual student work.  Meaning, what does it mean to be a 4 (being the highest mark) vs a 3 or even a 2.  What does a 4 student look like vs a 3 student?  Just because a student turns in all their homework and gets 100% on every homework does not equate to that student being a 4.  Being a 4 means going above and beyond, expecting more than just what is given.  Not Every Child Deserves a Cookie served as a good story as to what one might expect of a 4 student.

Join in on the TBA Book Club Fun... Click here to view other blogs joining in and writing about this book.  You can even view a video, featuring Ron Clark, created just for TBA Readers!

I look forward to each week and sharing my thoughts!  Stayed tuned for next week's review!