For any teachers out there: Which teaching book is better?

Question

I was wondering if any teachers had read either Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire or The Essential 55? I am starting student teaching and I would like to have a few tips before I enter the classroom. I don't have a lot of money, so if you know where I could get them for a real bargain, that's also welcome. Thanks to all who answer.

Answer 1

If you REALLY want to succeed this year, go to the following sites:

http://www.fredjones.com

http://www.harrywong.com

Honestly, I've told this to other teachers before and it has been sad to see them go down the tubes because they don't get the books and so they don't do the methods.  They don't understand how the methods of Fred Jones and Harry Wong, which are very complementary, can make their teaching and classroom control effective.  Books from both these sources are straightforward and down to earth, not filled with a bunch of education theory gobbledygook.  They will not bore you to death like a lot of education theory books do.    

Answer 2

Amazon sells heaps of second hand versions of these books and then you can google reviews for these books or read them on amazon.

I am a teacher as well and I always buy teaching books on amazon. Usually pretty cheap as well. About half price.

www.amazon.com

Answer 3

These are good.  But teaching is a function of the personality.  You are either a teacher or you are not.

Answer 4

I have issues with both.

Clark's book is entertaining, but includes some advice I believe to be just wrong - Esquith... I dont know where to start. As a teacher who has spent his entire career in  an urban setting, I have issues with his portrayal and methods.

My best recommendation is Harry Wong for direct classroom application. If you are looking for more education theory - Id suggest Ted Sizer or William Glasser.

Good luck!