#55 Be the best person you can be.

"Throughout life, you are going to be lonely at times, have your heart broken, feel as if something is missing from your life.  Pain and heartache are part of life.  With all of these you will grow, enjoy life, and become the type of person you can be proud of.  You will be a stronger, healthier and happier person if you have laughter, family, adventure, good food, challenge, change and the quest for knowledge."

This is life knowledge, and a lot for a class of students in one year.... However, I see where the author wanted to take his students.  I don't completely agree with every Rule, but know his heart was in the right place, and he was seeing a vision of the future for his students with every attempt.  He has given his best.   My best may be slightly off this rail ... but overall, a very good read.  

#54 Seize the day

 This is about living each day to the fullest.   Story of yet another field trip, doing things never done before and facing your fears. 

Ride that rollercoaster.  

#53 Always be honest

 Even if you have done something wrong, it is best to admit it, because any consequence is more easily addressed the earlier the problem is realized.  

Long story in this one, but worth the read.  

True 

#52 Accept that you are going to make mistakes. Learn from them and move on.

 We will all make mistakes and moving on is a great choice to make, but the accompanying story line, was too much for my mind.  

#51 Live without regrets

 Life lessons on experience... something students have yet to achieve.   Not sure about this one either, as some of my regrets brought the best lessons.  

#50 Enjoy life

 Even in the face of adversity.  Know your limits, and that you cannot always have others see your point of view. 

A rule?  

#49 Stand up for what you believe in

 This one punishes a good student for an offense of not returning an assignment (a small piece of blue paper).   To serve the greater good.   I'm a little uneasy about this one too.  However, he believes it was necessary 

You can decide for yourself.  Read it. 

#48 Anti-bully superhero teacher

 Teacher is protector, and will not let another student bully you.  In exchange, teacher asks that he/she not take matters into their own hands; let him/her teacher deal with it. 

For building moral and family bond. Example provided of two students who were treated equally before one another to ease any ill feelings.  More anti-bully superhero teacher.

For a student to know a teacher has his/her back, is a real comfort.  Especially if they know they won't be thrown under the bus during the correction of the problem.   Read it.  

#47 Doritos Rule

 This rule was a lie, and added only to add "flavor" to this list of rules.

My patience with the rules are losing ground ... 

#46 Movie etiquette

 Okay, a teacher taking a class to the movies ... 

No talking whatsoever... 

Open food before the movie begins so no noise during the movie from candy wrappers...

Reality check .... 

#45 Never cut in line

 If someone cuts in line in front of you (student) do not say or do anything, but let the teacher know and he will handle it.

Okay.  The students are encourage to handle the matter on their own only if they can do so in a manner more mature and orderly.  

Reality check.... 

#44 While in line etiquette

 Rule 44  - While in line, walk single file, two to three feet behind the person in front of you with your arms at your sides.  You should face forward at all times.  There will be absolutely no talking. 

Finishing school etiquette again.  I can see the benefit of these rules but I'm having difficulty with the realistic-ness of some of them.  

#43 Escalator / Elevator Etiquette

 The group is instructed to stand to the right when riding up an escalator, and wait for occupants to disembark from an elevator before entering.

Not much to say about this advice.  

#42 Return from field trip etiquette

 This is about teaching the showing of appreciation by thanking those that help you, each and every time someone helps you.  It's not the job of the teacher/fiend/parent to take the student/child on a field trip.  The lesson could have just as easily been discussed in class/home.  However, the teacher/friend/parent went out of his/her way to see that the student/child experienced an event, person or place and therefore should be thanked.  

It is the type of manners that sets them apart.  It is also the type of behavior that will get them invited back.  

#41 Answering the Phone at Home

 Rule 41  Teaches children how to answer the phone.  Also tells children its okay to tell a caller someone isn't home and how to take a message.  

Although, I understand the need for know how.  I'm a little concerned about a student telling a caller his mother/father isn't home.  

#40 Assembly Etiquette

 Rule #40  How to behave in a school Assembly.  This teacher practices with his students and goes to the extreme of sitting in different places, calling students names, and throwing paper at them in an attempt to see them break the rule of always facing forward, lands in lap, and never using the arm rests.

He reminds them of their practice before any real assembly.   

This is beginning to feel like finishing school.  

#39 Giving Compliments when visiting ...

 Rule 39 - again this was while the students were on a field trip, it is a good idea to compliment something about the place where we are visiting.  

This teacher educates his students prior to the field trip on where they are going, what they should see, and what they may compliment at the appropriate time.  He has been accused of putting words in student's mouths but says he is an educator and is attempting to educate them on what they should do when he is not in their presence.  

#38 Quite while entering a building

 Rule 38 describes yet another field trip, this time to a New York theater, where other classes were there and the other classes were chaotic.  As a result of their silent, orderly and polite entry they were seated first and got the front row.   

It pays to be polite, orderly and quite sometimes.   This group was appreciated and given a reward for their good behavior.   

I don't see our students going to New York for the theater, but again, even if it's the local Christmas pageant an orderly, polite group of children is well received.  

#37 BUMP Excuse me.

 Rule 37 is one we all need to brush up on.  If you accidently bump someone in a busy hallway, or stairwell, or elevator, even if it was not your fault, say "excuse me". 

In this chapter, airplane etiquette was also addressed, and it was a real heart string puller.  Worth the read.  

However, his students did a lot more traveling than any public school student in my town will ever get, at least as a student.   

#36 Holding the door for others

 Well, here it is. Holding the door for others.

The teacher observed that the children want to know just what is expected of them and how to show respect when discussing these types of manners.  

Instruction was given for doors that open inward and outward, where to stand, etc.   I hope were teaching our children these things.  It's so good for the soul... 

  

#35 Pick it up

 This rule says if someone drops something, bend down and pick it up.  Even if the person that dropped it is closer to the object.  It is the polite thing to do.  He gave a couple of nice scenarios which reiterated this talent and it was a good read.    

I think this goes right in line with holding the door for others.  

#34 When offered food, never take more than your fair share ...

The first time this teacher took his students to a buffet he was shocked at how much food they were piling on their plates .... 

If this teacher knows a particular student will take more than he/she should, he will bypass that student until last to ensure there is enough for all.  If he sees a student purposely taken the smallest amount, he will go back to that student after everyone else has gotten their first one and offer them an extra piece because theirs was so small.  

This conversation is one that should take place well before the buffet, I would think at home.  If not at home, certainly necessary.  I think also the children should be told about the perceptions given by such behavior.  This was not discussed in the chapter.  

#33 Introductions

 This Rule discusses while on field trips the importance of proper introductions, the need to remember names, and when leaving shaking hands and thanking them by name.  Always stand while making introductions. 

Introductions are discussed in several of the "Rules".  In this rule, he also instructs on how to best remember someone's name.   It's a good lesson, but one that has already been discussed.  The discussion on how to remember a name was the only new information.  

#32 Bus Etiquette

 My mother drove a school bus for a time.  I think etiquette for riding public transportation is a great topic of conversation.  Evidently this teacher drives students on a bus from time to time.  He discusses by comparison to other modes of transportation and the dangers of distracted driving, and the difficulties of having a bus full of children.  His rule is to sit facing forward, no standing, talking in whispers, no turning around, no throwing things out of the bus windows.  

Good information, and again communicating dangers of misbehavior and consequences are appropriate for school children.   However, we don't want them terrified to ride the bus either.  

#31 Tipping Service Personnel

 This one goes a bit beyond the student threshold.  I certainly think it could be discussed with students, and I think tipping for service is a good idea, but really, I don't think this needs to be an essential 55.  Our local public students do not usually get school trips that include hotel stays and the need for tipping service personnel.  Again though, it could certainly be a educational discussion.  

#30 Cleaning up after we eat ...

 Oaky, so it is very obvious that Mr. Clark is easily annoyed by trash of any kind.  He even tests his students by leaving bits of trash in his class to see who might pick it up and dispose of it properly.  He even rewards them with ice cream to make his point.  Again, it brings pride to the children who clean up behind themselves and perhaps gives them life lessons that will always be with them.  

Making habits of cleaning up behind yourself after eating is always a good idea.  It's really easy as a mother to just allow your children to leave the table after eating, but in hindsight, I think having them learn to dispose of any uneaten food and placing their dishes in the sink, oh, and throwing away any disposable items from the meal, is generally a great habit for them to have throughout their lives.  

#29 ABC's of Etiquette - Table manners

 Okay, this one is pretty lengthy.   A-Z manners for eating anywhere, right down to where the silverware should rest.   However, children really do like learning this type of thing,  Truthfully, there were a few manners I had not heard of nor used.  I will be re-reading this list again and again.  I can do better.

#28 Questions about homework - accessibility

 These days there are lots of ways to have access to homework assignments.  Some teachers have their own homework information on-line.  This teacher gives a form for calling him about homework assignments, which I really appreciate.  It goes like this:

If you have questions about your homework, you may call me.  If I am not able to answer the phone, please leave a message in the following manner:  "Hi Mr./Ms. Teacher, this is __________.  I need help with __________________homework.  You can call me back until ___:00.  Thank you.  

Students get a sense of security with the knowledge they have access to their teachers, if they need them.  Teachers do have a lot more accessibility these days, as I know of one who allows her students to interact with her via messenger for homework questions.  Another uses her on-line homework instruction page that has a question box for student use.  Accessibility is security for parents too.   There are a lot more things to know than there use to be.  

    

#27 If another student is being disciplined or reprimanded, do not look at them.

 This is a soul saver.  I was a bit of a trouble maker in school.  Nothing serious, but I can certainly remember being reprimanded by teachers on more than one occasion.  Once, I failed to complete a homework assignment because my parents had our family take a "safe boating" course together that took most of an evening.  My teacher was unimpressed and reprimanded me in front of the class.  My classmates found great joy in my embarrassment.  I wish those children would have been taught not to respond to someone else's reprimand.  I've never forgotten that feeling.... it was awful.  I think this is a great lesson to teach everyone.  

#26 Do not save seats in the lunchroom.

 If someone wants to sit down, let him or her.  To not try to exclude anyone.  We are a family, and we must treat one another with respect and kindness.  It takes a while for students to learn to accept everyone, because there is a certain amount of safety in being part of a clique.  Even as adults, we want to have a sense of belonging, and unfortunately the bonding of some will mean the exclusion of others.   It is important to teach that they and their friends accept others and try to include others in their activities. No one likes to be left out.  

A seating chart has been used to ensure inclusion from time to time.  I like that.   

#25 Greeting Visitors

 This goes hand in hand with knowing all the teachers names.   Basically, students are instructed on how to great a new comer, give a tour of the facility and then bringing the visitor to the classroom.  This give children an opportunity to converse intelligently with adults, create a feeling of welcome and sharing of knowledge about their environment and gives them a sense of pride.  Entering an unknown environment can be intimidating and scary, and being welcomed gives the visitor a sense of comfort too.  

#24 Flush the toilet and wash your hands after using the restroom.

 Another piece of good advice.  This teacher suggests that each student take a paper towel into the restroom to use to flush the handle of the toilet, as well as to turn on the water for washing their hands afterwards.  He reminded me that these children use their hands to flush, then touch the faucets to turn on the water to wash their hands, then retouch the faucets where their dirty hands turned on the water.  I can't say this has never crossed my mind, but it was not something I taught my children at home either.  He even asked that they use their paper towel to pick up any trash left on the floor of the restroom by others each time they leave.  This was not only help for the custodian, but it gave the children a sense of pride.  So much so, that these children were caught teaching the same to other children.  I am very impressed by the teaching of communication in a society whose skills to converse seem to be so much less than it could be.   

#23 Quickly learn the names of other teachers in the school and great them by name ...

 This one was new to me.  I suppose it is comforting to know the people in your environment by name.  I never thought about how it would assist a student.  However, by being able to identify teachers by name, the school becomes more of a community and is more comforting.   The key here seems to be how positive and welcoming the atmosphere of the school makes the kids feel.  I think it would have made a difference to me personally when I was in school, to have this knowledge about the staff and teachers.  This gave me pause for thought.  Even if your child's teachers don't address this particular rule, as a parent, it might be a good idea for you to check out the school website with your child to see who all is at his/her school, what their names are, what they do.  Maybe consider it a summer time assignment to keep school relevant.    

#22 Water and Food on your desk.

 This one surprised me.   "You may bring a bottle of water and leave it on your desk.  Do not ask me if you can get water while I am teaching a lesson.  You can even have food at your desk as long as others don't see it and I don't have to hear you eat it."

This chapter is worth the read.  Comfort in the work-space can be a great motivator, as long as it doesn't get out-of-hand.  I can see this being a benefit to students and teachers.  Let's face it, I have a bottle of water at my work station and often a snack too.  It gets me through the day.

 

#21 Classroom protocols; be organized, efficient and on task by following these rules:

 A.  Do not get out of your seat without permission.  Exception: If you are sick, leave immediately. 

B.    Do not speak unless

    1.     You raise your hand, and I call on you.

    2.     I ask you a questions and you are responding.

    3.    It is recess or lunch.

    4.    I instruct you otherwise (for example, during group work).

    Okay, so these rules are basically set up to start with to get the class under control in a manner that will allow children to acclimated to the learning environment.  Without a sense of authority, a teach can quickly become a casualty of the classroom.  However, he goes on to say that over time the strictness is eased to allow these young students an opportunity to behave in class in a manner acceptable without having to ask permission.  He says that after a few months he will stop being so strict, and there will be whispers now and then, but it never gets out of hand.  Even in group work, where conversation is allowed it is orderly and they get more accomplished.  

#20 While with a substitute teacher, you will obey the same rules that you follow with me.

 This rule gives students the mindset  that they are working for themselves and to have pride in their work, whether a "boss" is standing right over them or not.  It instills in the child the attitude of giving 110 percent because "THEY WANT TO" and not because they have to.  They use of talking straight to the children about maintaining order in the classroom, being on their best behavior or the "consequences will be severe" upon the teachers return, allows the teacher to leave questions in the children's minds as to what "severe" consequences might be.  

The parts I don't like:  

1) The teacher uses "You know kids, I am constantly giving you everything I have for you, (examples given) and this is the way you show your appreciation.  Shaming the class.   

Although he says it works like a charm.  Feeling shame is a terrible feeling, and I suppose doing this as a group shame, rather than an individual shame might be the lesser or two evils.

2) Then he lies to the children via video lessons (that he can see them if they misbehave).   Again, these rules are to be taught when children are young enough for this to make sense.  

Although, he goes to the trouble of video taping lessons to be played by the substitute teacher who only has to take the names of the children in his class that are not paying attention.  He goes on to say this works well in parenting as well, if you're out of town and want to reach a story to your child that he/she can play while you're away.  Might be a good idea.  I was never in a position to be "out of town", so I cannot attest to this personally.  

#19 When assigned homework, there is to be no moaning or complaining.

The punishment is to double the assignment.  The larger lesson here is to accept responsivity for your attitude.  I think it is a good idea to let children know early, that if you're going to be a moaner or complainer, the work is doubled in more ways than one.  You are teaching that being a "Negative Nancy" is not going to make you more popular, or make you more likeable, or make the task easier.  No one likes to be around a complainer.  It is easier to just do the task, rather than putting more effort and energy into avoiding what you will end up doing anyway.  It also gives the child an opportunity to communicate in a manner that will provide positive feedback.  The child can ask if the assignment can be reduced or time extended due to other obligations in an adult-like fashion, and the teacher can weigh the request to allow for a change to accommodate without it being a Whine Fest!  Several great lessons, the very least of which is "How to communicate your needs".