The Essential 55: 44-55

The last 55 essentials are honestly the best. I am extremely glad I read this book. Every time I read 10 rules, it somehow related to how I was doing during those days. Or basically it related to my life a lot.

As I am currently going through some dramatic events in my life right now, I feel like I needed to hear, or in this case, read something that made me feel positive again and to remember to never give up in life. These 10 rules are my favorite because not only it is giving me advice as an educator, but also as an ordinary person. 

As I am now finishing the book, I would like to share my thoughts on some of the rules. 

I love the story Mr. Clark had for rule 44. He made a super strict rule to be fun and creative at the same time. The fact that the kids enjoyed doing the line like all military style stated that not all rules suck! Just enjoy it. As he said, "You may think the kids would be resistant to asking them to be so quiet, disciplined, and orderly, but they actually enjoyed it."(126)

Another rule that I love from these ten, is 48. I think it is really important for teacher to let their students know that they are cared about. Like Mr. Clark said,"...building morale and a family bond in the class."(134) it helps the kids understand that they can trust the teacher.  The quote, "I want them to see me as someone who will fight for them if the time comes."(134) is something similar I've heard Coach Faulks said once. To hear a teacher say that gives us students the feeling of protection from a teacher or adult. Not a lot of teachers are capable of actually going that far to caring for a student. I'm really thankful I know one of my teacher cares about us to a point he will fight for us. Like Mr. Clark said, "Support from an adult means a lot to a kid, and it goes a long way toward building trust." (136) 

I love rule 49! Not all teachers or even adults want children or teens to do what they BELIEVE is right. Like the rule says, "You shouldn't take no for an answer if your heart and mind are leading you in a direction that you feel strongly about."(137) The right thing to do is how what your HEART AND MIND TELL YOU, not what other people want you to do! 

Here is a really good blog about a teacher that was inspired by the book! BLOG