#18 Be as organized as possible

It is my experience as a parent, being a good example is not enough to teach someone else to be organized, you must instruct.  The author here gives a few examples but we all know the drill.  If you are able to put your hands on what you need, when you need it, every thing else just falls into place.  On the other hand, you must teach organizational skills.  Children and even adults really don't learn this by example as easily as being give specific instructions and materials to reach that goal.  If you want your child to put his dirty clothes in a hamper, get him a hamper.  If you want your child to put his dinner dish in the kitchen after he eats, tell him/her exactly what is expected.  If you want me to do something in an organized fashion, tell me exactly what it is you expect.  That's how it works. 

#17 Transition from one subject to another - quiet and efficient

The author again is dealing with a classroom filled with students and tells them they must consistently be able to turn from one book to another, complete with all homework and necessary materials as quickly as possible.  He gives them ten seconds with a goal of seven seconds in mind.  This keeps his kids moving from one subject to the next without all the chatter and moving about.  He gives an example of being interrupted in our daily routines by things like the telephone, television, talking to co-workers or comfortable chairs.  Then says if we could stay on task, take care of business first, then use the remaining time for leisure. In the long run, it will give all of us more time for that comfortable chair... Get the job done first. 

At the same time, for the book stuck in the cubby, or the homework somewhere in the backpack, the ten second rule might be a little extreme, although the idea is a good one.   Let's hope that punishment for timeliness in the seconds is minimal.  A raised eyebrow, or do you need some help with something, I'm sure would suffice.  

#16 Turn your work in on time everytime

This is certainly worth the read.   Of course, Ron Clark is speaking to his classroom as he tries to prepare them for life.  But really, all of us as adults have to do this with our work, our bills and responsibilities.  I commend Mr. Clark for addressing his classroom this way.  His students learn early to be responsible, timely and efficient.  He uses three steps: 1) Detention; 2) a homework tally banner; and 3) peer pressure.  His strategies are simple but very well thought out and workable.  Of course, if you read the book you'll find a lot more in the way of examples, but I wish I had started out with this knowledge as a parent ten years ago.  WOW!  He had homework assignments from his class at 100% for 62 days straight.  TEACH RESPONSIBILITY! 

#15 Never ask to be rewarded

You should do everything with a sense of pride in yourself, to better yourself, not because you are anticipating a reward.  This doesn't mean you cannot set goals for yourself, it simple means you should always do your best.  When it is appreciated truly, you will be rewarded in many ways.  Ron Clark tells his class, "At work in the real world, rewards really aren't given to people who do a good job.  People do a good job because they take pride in their work".  I believe this.  Love what you do.  We need to try to remember the reward is a job well done. 

At the same time, if you're never rewarded, even with something as simple as "job well done", doubts can become harmful.  If you have a teacher, or boss, who never says anything about your work, it's okay to ask:  So, am I preforming satisfactorily?  This might give you what you need and the teacher/boss an opportunity to address your specific accomplishments.  Of course, they may also bring up any short-comings they may see... so beware.  

#14 Answer all questions in complete sentences ... written especially

We have become lazy in our exchanges of words, which is a shame really.  How difficult is it to give a structured sentence in response?  If someone asked you "What is the capital of Russia?"  you should respond by writing "The capital of Russia is Moscow."  I think it works well when speaking too.  Instead of the often spoken "Fine." The next time some asks "How are you?" respond with "I'm doing fine, thank you."  This allows each of us to formulate well thought out answers.  It also gives us opportunities to be creative.  I like that. 

#13 - When reading as a group - you must read along...

The author of course is a teacher, but we all have little ones in our lives and occasionally find an opportunity to read to them.  I sometimes read to my mother.  So, if possible, do have them read along.  We all see the world through the lens of our experiences, and they often differ.  So, read together and share your worlds.  :)

#12 When accessing others ...

There is a right way and a wrong way to do just about anything, but according to the author, if you access (measure up) others in a good way, everyone improves.  There's no reason to be critically negative when assessing things like what someone wears, or whether or not they put on sock sock shoe shoe or sock shoe sock shoe... what really matters is that at the end of the day, you feel good about yourself.  Failure is a terrible word used to often to describe the lack of success, but it is failure that teaches us the meaning of success in the first place.  Let's be kind to one another.  Making someone else feel poorly about their performance or behavior or lack of knowledge can be harmful if given in the wrong dose.  Just like medicine.... let's be good medicine for each other.