Description:

Hands down, by far, the best selling book in education. With over 2.3 million copies sold, it continues to be at the top of the chart. The revised and updated Version Three of The First Days of School includes a 38 minute bonus multimedia Enhanced CD. The CD features Harry Wong, the most sought-after speaker in education on an audio and a video track. His message, Never Cease to Learn, is one that will inspire all educators.

The First Days of School is for new and veteran teachers, from kindergarten to college instructors. The graphic layout, with 302 photos and illustrations, is partnered with text that flows silken smooth. You will learn about classroom management, teaching for mastery and to standards, and creating positive expectations. The First Days of School will bring you instant results so that you can become an even more effective teacher.

Reviewer: Raymond Rubino "Raymond R. Rubino" (Amherst, Ohio United States)

  I won't go so far to say that this book could replace going through a teacher education program. But there is such a gap between all of the "theoretical stuff" you learn from your professors, and actual practice that this book has been literally a God-send to thousands of teachers.

Dr. Wong and his wife have put together a wonderful resource based on the experieces of hundreds of successful teachers. This book is designed to give the pre-service teacher, or relatively new teacher a handle on what can be, the overwhelming experience of managing a classroom.

This book deals in depth with what a successful teacher looks like, how to have positive expectations about student success, the sometimes elusive art of classroom management, designing lessons to foster student mastery, and the teacher as a professional educator.

Practical, sometimes funny and inspiring from beginning to end, The First Days of School will both strengthen and encourage you for the journey ahead. Buy this book today, and read it many times over. I did!

Reviewer:  Russell A. Sgro  

I highly recommend this book to all students of teacher education programs, preferably before you begin your student teaching. Wong includes fundamentals that while basic, may frequently be overlooked (greeting your students at the door as opposed to staying seated at your desk while they come in, for example). It's hard to walk into your first classroom, and Wong teaches the practical classroom management techniques that most of today's teacher ed programs, in their zeal to be progressive, omit, much to the detriment of the student teachers and ultimately, students.
Although "The First Days of School" is more appropriate for elementary/middle grades, I would recommend it for middle and high school teachers, too.

Reviewer:  A Reader

I have read this book each year for the past six. The new edition is just as amazing as any other. It's a great book for teachers and even for parents. Each time I read it I find a reminder or something new. It will always be a treasure. I will almost always encourage my subsitute teachers, as well as my helpers, to read it. Sometimes, when there is a situation or question from a parent or teacher's aide, I will recommend The First Days of School even when the first days have long ago passed. Also recommended: Mommy-CEO. This is a family and parenting book written by a former teacher turned Parent Educator and the book has several topics on school with various teachers who have contributed. It is actually a great companion to have with the First Days of School. It's another one I add to the reading list on my Things For Parents To Do list. These are a couple of books that usually are very appreciated by both teachers and parents.