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The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child
When Ron Clark walked into his fifth-grade class in rural North Carolina, he was confronted with a tremendous challenge. The children had little interest in learning, and were sorely lacking in guidance. How would he transform a group of apathetic kids into disciplined, thoughtful, and curious students? He quickly realized that they needed to learn some basic rules. Clark compiled a list of 55 lessons, and soon, his fifth-grade students-who once struggled to read at the third-grade level-were reading at the sixth-grade level . . . and loving it. What's more, they were gaining something crucial-self-respect. Those 55 lessons evolved into what Clark calls The Essential 55-guidelines for living and interacting with others The Essential 55 will prepare parents and educators to teach students the rules for life-everything from knowing how to say thank you, to acing an interview.
196 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
398 people are currently reading
2942 people want to read
About the author
Ron Clark
63 books147 followersRon Clark has been called "America's Educator." In 2000, he was named Disney's American Teacher of the Year. He is a New York Times bestselling author whose book, The Essential 55, has sold over 1 million copies and has been published in 25 different countries.
--from the author's website
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
--from the author's website
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 540 reviews
October 31, 2007
I agree with Ron that students must LIKE and RESPECT teachers in order to get the most out of their experience with them.
I disagree that I should take them on endless field trips, bake them cookies every night as a condition of doing their homework, and be responsible for teaching them how to use a knife and fork. You'll notice a conspicuous absence of references in this book to Ron Clark's [wife][girlfriend][partner][significant other][children][pets][etc.]. Maybe that's because he spends all his time making cookies for his students and taking them bowling. Just a hunch. Ron: you might need to get out more. You don't have to tell the kids exactly why you didn't have time to make them cookies last night. They'll probably applaud you for exploring life beyond the large stacks of homework you so domestically reward them for.
Besides, I'm so mean that I think homework is its own reward. HAHAHAHAHAHA! And we're going to study grammar EVERY SINGLE DAY! And no cookies! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! MANIACAL CRAZY TEACHER LAUGHTER!
Oh my god I have to get out more too.
I disagree that I should take them on endless field trips, bake them cookies every night as a condition of doing their homework, and be responsible for teaching them how to use a knife and fork. You'll notice a conspicuous absence of references in this book to Ron Clark's [wife][girlfriend][partner][significant other][children][pets][etc.]. Maybe that's because he spends all his time making cookies for his students and taking them bowling. Just a hunch. Ron: you might need to get out more. You don't have to tell the kids exactly why you didn't have time to make them cookies last night. They'll probably applaud you for exploring life beyond the large stacks of homework you so domestically reward them for.
Besides, I'm so mean that I think homework is its own reward. HAHAHAHAHAHA! And we're going to study grammar EVERY SINGLE DAY! And no cookies! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! MANIACAL CRAZY TEACHER LAUGHTER!
Oh my god I have to get out more too.
May 27, 2013
Egads! People take the idea of having 55 rules seriously!? And further, rules that are so exceedingly specific or absurdly general? Rules that dictate how a student is to behave at home!? I couldn't remember 10 rules myself, even if I wrote them (I believe Harry Wong suggests no more than five). And finally, rules that aren't even enforceable!? Sheesh. New teachers, please learn and practice the difference between teaching worthy principles (which most of the 55 are) and making rules.
Student motivation should be a concern as well. I would much rather have a group of students who were slightly less orderly, but motivated from a passion for learning or excellence of character rather than coerced or performing for cookies of all things. I'm not saying the guy doesn't teach well or his students aren't into learning for its own sake, but the manner is way off the mark. More substance and less... ugh.
This guy is megalomaniacal and all about control. For a more tolerable megalomaniac who's all about heart and passion, read Rafe Esquith's Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire or his first book, There Are No Shortcuts. Both authors are full of themselves, but at least you'll actually learn something from Rafe.
2 stars for the pageant of absurdity.
Student motivation should be a concern as well. I would much rather have a group of students who were slightly less orderly, but motivated from a passion for learning or excellence of character rather than coerced or performing for cookies of all things. I'm not saying the guy doesn't teach well or his students aren't into learning for its own sake, but the manner is way off the mark. More substance and less... ugh.
This guy is megalomaniacal and all about control. For a more tolerable megalomaniac who's all about heart and passion, read Rafe Esquith's Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire or his first book, There Are No Shortcuts. Both authors are full of themselves, but at least you'll actually learn something from Rafe.
2 stars for the pageant of absurdity.
July 4, 2009
Can you say overachiever? Wow--55 rules?? That's a lot!! Did anybody else think that this guy has way too much time on his hands and needs to get a personal life? I mean, really, could anyone WITH A FAMILY do all that out-of-class extra stuff for his students--field trips, cookie-baking, fundraisers, preparing special rewards, etc.? Most of his rules are basic good manners, and I agree that they need to be taught/reinforced in the classroom, but I was so overwhelmed with the totality of it all that it was just too much!! I think that picking a few things to focus on (that is, establishing priorities) is what most "normal" teachers have to do, isn't it? I did like all the lessons he taught; however, I think the title of this book should be changed to "The Essential 55 Rules of Proper Social Interaction" and given to every new parent before they leave the hospital.
August 19, 2018
I'm sure Ron Clark is a nice person, wth a big heart, who means well. But after studying issues of microaggressions and racial inequality in our public schools it's hard to get past the white savior attitudes and endorsements.
February 2, 2009
A nice little book but falls too easily into the category of self-congratulatory idolization of ordinary ideas. And fairly poorly written; this guy would come across better chatting than writing.
AND when he was on his point about washing hands in the bathroom, after waxing quite eloquent about how to get a paper towel before you wash your hands to use to handle the faucet, going into great detail about how to use it to dispense soap, too, he, shockingly, says nothing about using the paper towel to also open the door. Nothing. Um. Really?
But a good book to remind a teacher, or a parent, or any adult, that kids need guidance. And polite manners should never go out of style.
AND when he was on his point about washing hands in the bathroom, after waxing quite eloquent about how to get a paper towel before you wash your hands to use to handle the faucet, going into great detail about how to use it to dispense soap, too, he, shockingly, says nothing about using the paper towel to also open the door. Nothing. Um. Really?
But a good book to remind a teacher, or a parent, or any adult, that kids need guidance. And polite manners should never go out of style.
June 7, 2014
I loved this book- not so much because I am going to adopt his rules for my classroom word for word- I am not. I do believe however that there are some essential aspects of great teaching within this book, particularly in a time when some parents- not all but some- are not teaching kids things they need to know to be successful. Manners go a very long way as well as learning to respect yourself and others. My hope is that those who read this book will develop their own unique rules for their classrooms and bring it to teach kids with as much verve and energy as Ron brings. Lots of great nuggets of truth here. Every teacher should read this book!
August 18, 2008
I had the opportunity to hear this author at our teacher convocation this year and immediately bought both his books. Ron Clark is an inspired speaker and writer, giving valuable tips for a beginning or veteran teacher on ways to build a classroom community, let children know they are safe and cared about, and create a learning environment that encourages each child to achieve their personal best.
I would recommend this book to teachers and parents. It is a fast read but one that merits rereading to really understand the vast amount of information he conveys in every page.
I would recommend this book to teachers and parents. It is a fast read but one that merits rereading to really understand the vast amount of information he conveys in every page.
December 26, 2019
I LOVE reading books by Ron Clark. His passion for education is contagious. I read this book every year aloud to my class. The “rules” are a great guideline for any classroom. The importance of soft skills and behavior management will always be top priority. I will continue to read this every year - I highly recommend.
March 21, 2020
This is an interesting book full of platitudes and entertaining stories which may or may not be a little exaggerated. Mr. Clark disagrees with some things I learned in school to be a teacher that are research-based. I find that so annoying.
Mr. Clark came at the beginning of the school year to give our school a pep talk and said “Boo to those teachers who disparage other teachers for being creative and giving their kids engaging experiences.” I really don’t find that to be the case. There is only respect and support between colleagues who have different teaching styles. However what I could see is the sentiment that some teachers may have that society shouldn’t expect every teacher to dance on the tables and be an amazing, fun teacher.
Society, and Oprah, The White House, and school administrators should expect that everyone has different gifts to bring to the table and that kids can learn from both shy, withdrawn, but brilliant teachers AND loud, extroverted, think-outside-the-box teachers. Ron Clark is very gifted in marketing, performance art, and persuasion. Not every teacher is a marketing genius and we shouldn’t expect them to be.
And furthermore, I think society should expect that we put into practice what we were actually taught in college and grad school. Teaching is not just an art. It actually is an evidence-based science. We are not science deniers here.
Clark’s rules are already those that I espouse in my life and for my students. There is nothing earth-shattering here. I can’t think of any teacher who doesn’t teach these character traits to their students. But I suppose it’s fine to articulate them in the same way school-wide and “codify” them.
What I don’t love about this book is giving people the idea that teaching is challenging but there is a simple answer. Just become Ron Clark! Easy! Solved! (Insert violent eye roll here). Give me a break.
Mr. Clark came at the beginning of the school year to give our school a pep talk and said “Boo to those teachers who disparage other teachers for being creative and giving their kids engaging experiences.” I really don’t find that to be the case. There is only respect and support between colleagues who have different teaching styles. However what I could see is the sentiment that some teachers may have that society shouldn’t expect every teacher to dance on the tables and be an amazing, fun teacher.
Society, and Oprah, The White House, and school administrators should expect that everyone has different gifts to bring to the table and that kids can learn from both shy, withdrawn, but brilliant teachers AND loud, extroverted, think-outside-the-box teachers. Ron Clark is very gifted in marketing, performance art, and persuasion. Not every teacher is a marketing genius and we shouldn’t expect them to be.
And furthermore, I think society should expect that we put into practice what we were actually taught in college and grad school. Teaching is not just an art. It actually is an evidence-based science. We are not science deniers here.
Clark’s rules are already those that I espouse in my life and for my students. There is nothing earth-shattering here. I can’t think of any teacher who doesn’t teach these character traits to their students. But I suppose it’s fine to articulate them in the same way school-wide and “codify” them.
What I don’t love about this book is giving people the idea that teaching is challenging but there is a simple answer. Just become Ron Clark! Easy! Solved! (Insert violent eye roll here). Give me a break.
March 8, 2008
I actually decided to read this to better understand the teaching style of one of the teachers at my school.
Some of the rules I found a little too "proper south" for my liking. The reality of today is that rules of conduct ARE different from yesteryear. Not to mention, not everyone wants things to return to the way they were.
For example, Clark insists (as does the teacher at my school) that students address him as "sir," or "ma'am" for females. Personally, there is nothing I hate more than being called "ma'am." I'm 24 years old and don't find it at ALL necessary. I'm all for teaching manners and respect, but I feel that it will stick more if done with terms that children are already used to rather than trying to get a new set of words into their venacular. And... I can't stand being "ma'am-ed" at all day!
Other than that, I thought they were good ideas.. and I'll admit that there is something nice about reading a published book in which you already used the same techniques suggested. Sort of like a "Go you!"
All in all, a very interesting and useful read.
Some of the rules I found a little too "proper south" for my liking. The reality of today is that rules of conduct ARE different from yesteryear. Not to mention, not everyone wants things to return to the way they were.
For example, Clark insists (as does the teacher at my school) that students address him as "sir," or "ma'am" for females. Personally, there is nothing I hate more than being called "ma'am." I'm 24 years old and don't find it at ALL necessary. I'm all for teaching manners and respect, but I feel that it will stick more if done with terms that children are already used to rather than trying to get a new set of words into their venacular. And... I can't stand being "ma'am-ed" at all day!
Other than that, I thought they were good ideas.. and I'll admit that there is something nice about reading a published book in which you already used the same techniques suggested. Sort of like a "Go you!"
All in all, a very interesting and useful read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2020
Feisty and real, I took the pointers to heart in my classroom to not only grow myself, but also help my students. Always easy and great to read.
September 28, 2024
I admire Ron Clark’s heart and enthusiasm for teaching even after being in it for so many years. It is evident that he loved what he did and who he taught; it showed in how he cared about the whole child, not just their education.
While I enjoyed the 55 rules and learning the reasons behind them, not all of them are so applicable to younger grades. Why doesn’t anyone write books for teaching first grade?
While I enjoyed the 55 rules and learning the reasons behind them, not all of them are so applicable to younger grades. Why doesn’t anyone write books for teaching first grade?
April 21, 2024
I find some of the rules unrealistic and honestly unnecessary
June 2, 2019
Ron Clark is my educational hero... Full stop. I'm not shy about admitting that fact. I have devoured each of his books he has written, even recently re-reading Move Your Bus, which may be my favorite of his works. I recently have been connecting with him on social media, more to discuss his experience on Survivor than to talk education.
However, I saw he put out this revised copy of The Essential 55 and I ordered a signed copy for myself. Beyond the very touching inscription he made for me (comparing his experience on Survivor to mine as a cancer survivor), reading this edition after first reading the original in 2012 was like wrapping myself a warm, cozy blanket. While I would have to re-read the first edition to track the revisions, many of the principals, stories, and values I remember were still in there, with a few definite modern touches.
This is an excellent book for everyone to read - not just those of us in the teaching profession. I don't necessarily agree with all 55 rules, but the overarching theme is one I fully believe in with all my heart. It's about how to help rear children to be good humans in the future, and perhaps even reflect on oneself. It's a quick read, written in a conversational tone, and worth the time/money. While some may feel it's over the top or unrealistic, I beg to differ. This is a solid guidebook for improving the world.
Now I may have to re read Excellent 11 and End of Molasses Classes to finish out my Ron Clark 2019 binge.
However, I saw he put out this revised copy of The Essential 55 and I ordered a signed copy for myself. Beyond the very touching inscription he made for me (comparing his experience on Survivor to mine as a cancer survivor), reading this edition after first reading the original in 2012 was like wrapping myself a warm, cozy blanket. While I would have to re-read the first edition to track the revisions, many of the principals, stories, and values I remember were still in there, with a few definite modern touches.
This is an excellent book for everyone to read - not just those of us in the teaching profession. I don't necessarily agree with all 55 rules, but the overarching theme is one I fully believe in with all my heart. It's about how to help rear children to be good humans in the future, and perhaps even reflect on oneself. It's a quick read, written in a conversational tone, and worth the time/money. While some may feel it's over the top or unrealistic, I beg to differ. This is a solid guidebook for improving the world.
Now I may have to re read Excellent 11 and End of Molasses Classes to finish out my Ron Clark 2019 binge.
May 6, 2013
The essential 55 rules
This book is the most interesting than any book that I read before. And I recommend you to read it. Although from the title it seems little boring because, it has rules steps and advices, but I like these kinds of books. This book is for the writer Ron Clark; in this book he is talking about many rules that he set them for kids, children, teenagers and parents. These rules are going to guide teachers how to deal with kids and teenagers in different situation. It also gives people steps in how to deal with each other. This book can work for our every day life. It contains 55 rules; the writer is mentioned every rule with an example from his personal life. And some of the rules come with advices if there is no specific example. I think all of the rules are good and can work everywhere. There are some rules that I really liked, such as: making an eye contact, respect other student comments, opinion and ideas, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough or say excuse me. And so many other impressive rules. You have to read the book to discover what are these rules. This book inspired me and I benefit from this book a lot, because it draw my attention to be aware of my actions and reactions.
This book is the most interesting than any book that I read before. And I recommend you to read it. Although from the title it seems little boring because, it has rules steps and advices, but I like these kinds of books. This book is for the writer Ron Clark; in this book he is talking about many rules that he set them for kids, children, teenagers and parents. These rules are going to guide teachers how to deal with kids and teenagers in different situation. It also gives people steps in how to deal with each other. This book can work for our every day life. It contains 55 rules; the writer is mentioned every rule with an example from his personal life. And some of the rules come with advices if there is no specific example. I think all of the rules are good and can work everywhere. There are some rules that I really liked, such as: making an eye contact, respect other student comments, opinion and ideas, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough or say excuse me. And so many other impressive rules. You have to read the book to discover what are these rules. This book inspired me and I benefit from this book a lot, because it draw my attention to be aware of my actions and reactions.
October 9, 2017
I saw Ron Clark at an equity conference....he is very wise and entertaining. I suggest listening to the audible version read by the author....made the book come alive. Definitely a breath of fresh air for a burnt out 20 years plus veteran teacher.
April 25, 2019
3.5 stars because, while I love the idea of a majority of these rules...I’m not sure how realistic Ron’s approach to enforcing them would be in my classroom. I definitely think teaching these types of rules (and really, many of them are just basic social norms and good manners) should be a part of what we teach kids. After all, many of the kids in my class aren’t being taught these types of things at home. One thing is for sure- I won’t be baking cookies for my students every night and I definitely won’t be taking them to the movie theater with me. 😆
June 13, 2019
There were a lot of inspirational ideas and overall it make me want to work hard to be inspirational to my students.
But, if I did some of the things he did in today’s time, I’d definitely be fired, and I’m FOR SURE not baking cookies for my kids every night 😂 Teaching is my chosen profession, but I’m not giving up my personal life for that.
He deserves to win all the awards and I’ll shake his hand and say “Kudos to you Mr Clark” as I quietly chuck some ungraded math papers in the bin because I’d rather watch American Ninja Warrior.
But, if I did some of the things he did in today’s time, I’d definitely be fired, and I’m FOR SURE not baking cookies for my kids every night 😂 Teaching is my chosen profession, but I’m not giving up my personal life for that.
He deserves to win all the awards and I’ll shake his hand and say “Kudos to you Mr Clark” as I quietly chuck some ungraded math papers in the bin because I’d rather watch American Ninja Warrior.
August 18, 2019
I agree with Ron that teaching is far more than math and writing. I appreciated the work he put in teaching life skills and manners. Good lessons for everyone. I liked the ideas of surprises for students but I think too many rewards are a bad idea. Not sure about the grading issues, I don’t think that would work in a school with lots of students in trauma.
Overall interesting.
Overall interesting.
August 18, 2021
His energy is captivating! He has great ideas. The reason I gave it four stars instead of five is that some of these things just aren’t possible in public school and/or since COVID. I did truly enjoy the read and gleaned lots of nuggets of treasure to add to my arsenal!
May 12, 2024
I’ve read it before, and I’ll likely read it again. While I may not agree with all aspects of this book, the heart and the purpose are there with each rule. At the end of the day, all we really want is for our students to grow up being good people, and this book has some great messages related to that goal. I also love his non-examples - Makes you feel better about the reality of our own mess-ups.
April 28, 2020
I read this book for a PD assignment, and while his "rules" make sense for a typical school environment, I'm in such a different educational frame of mind now
that I did not find them helpful.
that I did not find them helpful.
June 28, 2022
Some of the rules are a little much and he says to get ur own rules but have rules!
July 28, 2024
Some rules are good. Most of the ones that are good I already do. The rest are just weird. Not an enjoyable read either. Had to read for school.
November 2, 2024
Informative
July 4, 2025
Quick little read, Ron Clark is awesome
December 27, 2025
I wish I read this before my first year of teaching! This book has great ideas, but also allows you space to think through your own rules that you find important when leading a classroom.
January 1, 2026
super short read that I will recommend to every teacher from now on!
January 21, 2026
Self Note: Read last parts in college.
December 17, 2023
I was given this book by a colleague recently. The book has well written intentions but it fails to hit the mark. Award winning teacher, Ron Clark discusses his 55 essentials that are supposed to help kids succeed in the classroom. However, his “essentials” came across as overly strict and seemed almost humiliating to an everyday student.
In the book, Clark discusses some of his rules/ideas:
Rule 9: “Always say thank you when I give you something. If you do not say it within three seconds after receiving the item, I will take it back. There is no excuse for not showing appreciation”
I agree with Clark that manners are key to developing polite citizens. However, Clark goes on to mention how a student in one of his classes won a book set in a Social Studies competition. Clearly ecstatic to have won, she began jumping up and down with joy. Guess what? Clark decides to take it away because she doesn’t say “thank you” within 3 seconds. She is heartbroken. How devastating! These kids are 10 years old and in 5th grade for crying out loud! Of course she isn’t going to say “thank you” right away because she’s so happy with the gift she received. Give them a break!
Rule 18: “You will make every effort to be as organized as possible.”
In Clark’s classroom, organization is important. I don’t disagree! However, Clark mentions an instance where one of his student’s desks are so unorganized that he decides to pick up the desk and dump EVERYTHING out on the floor in front of the rest of the class! He says it is not done to humiliate the student, but done to teach him/her a lesson in front of the others. Seriously?? Does anybody actually think the student isn’t going to feel some type of humiliation later on? Not the right way to deal with the situation if you ask me. Politely talk with the student individually before or after class!
In addition to this, Ron also explains in a variety of rules how students should behave in the movie theater, at lunch, on the bus, etc. Look, I get that there are times when the teacher needs to have students quiet down or be well mannered in public, but it seems like he is sucking all the enjoyment out of their educational experience. They’re kids. Kids need to talk, laugh, smile, and enjoy spending time with peers rather than sitting or walking in complete silence, standing/sitting straight forward, etc. There is a clear difference between well-mannered children and having them behave what I observed as “robot-like”.
Clark’s methods are clearly directed for elementary and lower middle-school levels, however I disagree with the majority of his methods no matter what grade. Times have changed and so have students. I personally would not recommend this book.
In the book, Clark discusses some of his rules/ideas:
Rule 9: “Always say thank you when I give you something. If you do not say it within three seconds after receiving the item, I will take it back. There is no excuse for not showing appreciation”
I agree with Clark that manners are key to developing polite citizens. However, Clark goes on to mention how a student in one of his classes won a book set in a Social Studies competition. Clearly ecstatic to have won, she began jumping up and down with joy. Guess what? Clark decides to take it away because she doesn’t say “thank you” within 3 seconds. She is heartbroken. How devastating! These kids are 10 years old and in 5th grade for crying out loud! Of course she isn’t going to say “thank you” right away because she’s so happy with the gift she received. Give them a break!
Rule 18: “You will make every effort to be as organized as possible.”
In Clark’s classroom, organization is important. I don’t disagree! However, Clark mentions an instance where one of his student’s desks are so unorganized that he decides to pick up the desk and dump EVERYTHING out on the floor in front of the rest of the class! He says it is not done to humiliate the student, but done to teach him/her a lesson in front of the others. Seriously?? Does anybody actually think the student isn’t going to feel some type of humiliation later on? Not the right way to deal with the situation if you ask me. Politely talk with the student individually before or after class!
In addition to this, Ron also explains in a variety of rules how students should behave in the movie theater, at lunch, on the bus, etc. Look, I get that there are times when the teacher needs to have students quiet down or be well mannered in public, but it seems like he is sucking all the enjoyment out of their educational experience. They’re kids. Kids need to talk, laugh, smile, and enjoy spending time with peers rather than sitting or walking in complete silence, standing/sitting straight forward, etc. There is a clear difference between well-mannered children and having them behave what I observed as “robot-like”.
Clark’s methods are clearly directed for elementary and lower middle-school levels, however I disagree with the majority of his methods no matter what grade. Times have changed and so have students. I personally would not recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 540 reviews