Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
With nearly 1.4 million copies sold, you'll learn practical techniques on discipline, procedures and routines, teaching for mastery, cooperative learning, and positive expectations. You'll find it difficult to put this book down as you become an even more effective teacher.
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Customer Reviews: Read 274 more reviews...
 The FIrst Days of School: How to be An Effective Teacher September 3, 2008
Samuel H., Johnson (Leander, Texas USA)
This is the first time ever using Amazon. com, I must say I am very pleased with the quality of the book purchased. The book was was in excellent condition, and was delivered as promised. The website was also very easy to navigate. I am amazed it took me so long to use this website.
 The First Days of School - Wong September 2, 2008
Linda Corrin (New Jersey)
This book is simple yet very effective in helping the novice or the seasoned teacher. I read it, took notes, and am applying what I learned.
I am a first year teacher... September 1, 2008
L. Bell (Jacksonville, FL)
I thank God someone advised me to read this book. I would not have been prepared. This is a must have for every teacher and anyone contemplating teaching.
An Invaluable Tool August 31, 2008
Melissa Migliore (Austin, TX USA)
This is one of the first books I purchased in preparation for my first year of teaching. It has already proven itself to be a valuable resource, from effective classroom management techniques to long-term professional development advice. This book has exceeded my expectations in its comprehensive coverage of typical first year teacher issues. I foresee using this book throughout my teaching career as a resource and a reminder to use and expand upon its recommended techniques and habits so that I can continue to grow as a professional educator.
 Helpful -- but not the be-all-end-all August 19, 2008
K. B. Swart (Florida)
While the Wongs have created a well-written, nicely-detailed and generally-helpful how-to for teachers, especially new ones, the book also can be maddeningly frustrating as well.
The book, as other critics have noted, is focused on the elementary school teacher, not the middle/junior or high school teacher. Some of the strategies and techniques do, indeed, work at the upper levels.
For example, all teachers, regardless of grade level, need to use a seating chart, an attention-getting signal and a daily "do-now" exercise. And the Wongs outline these ideas effectively.
But the Wongs have, unfortunately, based many of their ideas on the assumption that a teacher has his or her own room, to do with as he or she pleases. Such is not the case with most upper-level teachers.
I used this book during my first year of teaching, which wasn't that long ago. I still use it today. I found it helpful back then, and still find it helpful now. Taken with the proverbial grain of salt, there is much here that will be helpful for the beginner as well as for the novice.
Still, as other critics have noted, there are several cheaper, better books out there. For beginners, I recommend "Rookie Teaching for Dummies" -- yes, it's part of the now-famous "Dummies" series. There's good stuff there, and not just for the beginning elementary school teacher.
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