The Essential 55, chapter 1-10

After reading the first 10 chapters or rules of the book, I really feel interested in reading more about it. I like how there is a real story and reason why Mr. Clark made the rules. Some of my favorite rules between these chapters are 1, 9, and 10. Rule number 1 I feel is very important, especially now days. Children and even adults forget to do simple things like finishing a sentence with "ma'am" or "sir." It's a very big important sign for respect, and like Mr. Clark said, "If you want children to respect you, you have to let them know it."(1) Letting the children know that you want and deserve respect is really important, and is something you should let students know in the first day of school.

I like how Mr. Clark reminded the kids to MAKE SURE to always say "ma'am" or "sir" when having a conversation. Also, how the people interviewing them were impressed with their manners. 

Rule 9 is also one of my favorites. Personally, I Iike when people say thank you for handing them something or doing something for them. In my job, it frustrates me when costumers come in and get a subway sandwich and don't say thank you. I made a whole sandwhich for the person, and it is ridiculously disrespectful to not say thank you after not only making the sandwhich, but also after being respectful and patient. In the book, Mr. Clark talks about never forgetting the boy that had Mr. Clark and taught him to always say thank you, and years later, he still never forgot to say thank you to people. It stuck with him basically. "She said one boy recalled how one day in fifth grade he had won a lollipop, but before he could put it in his mouth Mr. Clark had taken it away because he hadn't said thank you."(25) This story is I think "rough" on the kid because I know how it is when people take something you really like away, so I can imagine how he felt as a kid, but I also know that it really helped him understand to ALWAYS SAY THANK YOU. LITERALLY ALWAYS. Just like Mr. Clark said, ... I always try to make sure to thank whoever I am dealing with- the checkout clerk, the waitress, a person who holds the door for me, the friend who does a favor, or anyone who does something for me, no matter how major or minor."(25-26)

Rule 10 is another favorite, again, it's about having manners and being respectful. As Mr. Clark said, "It's irritating to give a gift that's not appreciated."(28) I like how he canceled the bowling trip, he must of felt bad for having to cancel a trip you've been planning forever. I imagine it was bad for the students too. But it taught them to appreciate things. It doesn't matter if they're little or big. Appreciate it. 

Some other stories that I like about the book is when he talks about agreeing and disagreeing in a correct manner. I like how he said, "There is no way to know all of the things that make up your neighbor's ideas."(11) We don't think the same, us people will never think the same because of our different mindsets, so there is not point to get upset for how people think and agree with. 

Rules 1-10 of the essential 55 are all important. They all have a story behind them and reasons to why it should be taught. I absolutely agree with all of them. 

Here is a very interesting lesson plan made with the help of the essential 55 Link