The First Six Weeks of School

My first experience teaching on my own was to be thrown into a classroom on the fourth day of school as a long-term substitute. No time to plan. No materials. Bare walls. Not even any text books for the first 2+ weeks. I ordered this book overnight delivery. I cannot even imagine what I would have done without it. It saved my bacon. The strenght of this book is that it does not speak in generalities, leaving big gaps in how to implement its ideas, which the reader is expected to fill in with her own experience and know-how (of which I had none). Rather, I could literally go into my classroom with little in-class experience and virtually no materials and do a creditable job teaching. If you are a teacher with an old-school aproach (grade on a curve, essentialist philosophy), you would not find this book useful. This book is more appealing to teachers wanting to create a community of learners, and who have constuctivist leanings.

This book is a great resource for first year and veteran teachers. Denton and Kriete provide explicit details so that educators can learn how to structure the first six weeks of school in a way that lays the groundwork for a productive year of learning. This guidebook is guaranteed to help you create a classroom that fosters a sense of community and respect. This book offers teachers an extensive variety of games, activities, greetings, read-alouds, and resources to do so. This is definitely a great way to get a school year started in a positive, productive way!

I bought this book based on the positive reviews here and was deeply rewarded. This book lays out a clear method and philosophy towards building a caring and safe classroom. The book offers separate parts for the K-2, 3-4, and 5-6 self contained classroom. What was most remarkable to me about this book was the way it struck a balance between being a teaching "cookbook" and a straight book of philosophy. Definitely recommended for any new or even experienced educator in a self contained elementary school classroom.

This book is essential for new teachers like myself, who have no idea where to start when planning a new school year. It provides daily lesson outlines for the first 6 weeks of school. As well as the reasoning behind the authors'philosophies. I have learned how to structure my day to cullivate a community of learners. In turn I have faith that my first year will be successful, less stressful, and more productive than I had imagined. This is a great book for any teacher who wants to increase structure and promote community within the classroom