Ron Clark-The Excellent 11: Qualities Teachers and Parents Use to Motivate, Inspire, and Educate Children

These are quotes from Ron Clark book 'The Excellent 11'; Qualities Teachers and Parents Use To Motivate, Inspire, & and Educate Children.

"above all else you must have passion [and enthusiasm]." (pg. x)

"Children get excited and enthusiastic about learning when they are confident, see they can be successful, are having fun, and are praised." (pg. 14)

"If you are going to use a technique that holds an entire class responsible for the actions of individuals, it is best to offer rewards like more recess or less homework instead of punishing everyone with extra work that many in the class wouldn't deserve." (pg. 68)

"If the students respect the teacher and see that he or she cares about them and is truly trying to help them, they are going to be far less likely to cause problems in the classroom." (pg. 70)

"What is important...is that teachers and school leaders find a way to be creative and put a spark in the school year that joins everyone together and provides a sense of unity and teamwork." (pg. 77)

"However it is accomplished, we need to do whatever it takes to give students moments where we lift them up, make them feel rewarded, and give them a sense of pride in all they have accomplished." (pg. 87)

"No matter what the subject, showing kids how much they have learned and how far they have come is a great way to build confidence and give them a sense of accomplishment...." (pg. 104)

"The best way to create compassion within the classroom is to model that type of behavior yourself." (pg. 135)

Possible rules in [the] class:
--If someone does well, we will all clap for that person. (We actually practice cheering for each other).
--No negative comments will ever be made about a person's appearance.
--Never laugh at the misfortune of others, it will find its way back to you. (pg. 141)
--Everyone in here has a strength, and everyone in here has a weakness.  We can all contribute, and we can all help one another. (pg. 143)

"Teachers should let their students' mastery of knowledge guide the curriculum." (pg. 148)

"Teaching faster doesn't necessarily mean the students will learn more." (pg. 149)

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. -E.E. Cummings (1894-1962) [pg. 166]

"Pay attention during meetings.  Teachers can be the world's worst when it comes to paying attention at meetings.  It's almost as if we enjoy acting out the personalities of the worst students in our classes." (pg. 218)  How true....I can't tell you how many meetings I've been to where teachers were so disrespectful!