The end of molasses classes Getting our kids unstuck : 101 extraordinary solutions for parents and teachers

Clark, founder of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, award-winning teacher and author (The Essential 55), interweaves the history of his school with advice for teachers and parents; the text is rife with heart-warming anecdotes and inspiring ideas. The author explains how he used funds from his first book to turn an abandoned factory into a school for fifth through eighth graders that hosts 3,000 teachers annually for training programs.. Rewards are given only to the deserving (to wit, "Not every child deserves a cookie" is the opening core principle). Kids must "earn" their school jackets, and not every child receives his or hers at the same time. Some, Clark admits, may say the practice is "cruel" or damaging to self-esteem, but he offers proven results, with test scores rising and children who love learning. "The End of Molasses Classes," the author explains, is a call to make education fun, interesting, and anything but "slow." Clark installs a slide in the lobby, jumps up on desks while teaching, encourages kids to sing and chant in class as they learn their lessons, and urges teachers to take a personal interest in each student. Clark's ode to his academy is overloaded with glowing testimonials, but educators and parents will find much to emulate in this passionate, motivating tool book. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Inspirational, easy-to-follow insights on how to grow smarter, healthier children and communities.High-energy educator Clark (The Excellent 11: Qualities Teachers and Parents Use to Motivate, Inspire, and Educate Children, 2005, etc.) opened the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta to serve low-income students at a variety of achievement levels. His philosophy struck a chord with none other than Oprah Winfrey, who helped launch him and his program into the mainstreamand was the keynote speaker at the academy's first graduation. Here, Clark revisits the lessons he learned in establishing his academy, as well as those he picked up throughout his own teaching career. Implementing just a few of these tips, he writes, will lead to invigorated classrooms filled with children who are excited to learn. These range from the obvious, such as "be patient" and "listen," to the more difficult, such as not giving students second chances on tests and teaching parents how to properly tutor their children. "Children like adults who are dynamic and full of life," Clark writes. "They want to be around someone who makes them laugh and who shows a passion in all they do." By providing that kind of leadership, parents and teachers can cultivate a generation of children actively engaged in their own education. Heartwarming success stories pepper the advice, as well as testimonials from parents whose children have benefited from the author's work.Those expecting to find a biting commentary on the state of education will be disappointed, but this timely resource can make school a motivational and fun community.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.