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32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny: Life Lessons from Teaching
Phillip Done fixes staplers that won't staple, zippers that won't zip, and pokes pins in the caps of glue bottles that will not pour. He has sung "Happy Birthday" 657 times.
A witness to the joys of discovery, Done inspires readers with the everyday adventures and milestones of his 32 third graders in this irresistible collection of bite-sized essays. From the nervous first day of school to the hectic Halloween parade to the disastrous spring musical, Done connects what happens in his classroom to the universal truths that touch us all. He reminds us of the delight of learning something for the first time and of the value of making a difference.
32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny is for anyone who has ever taught children -- or been to third grade. It is a testament to the kids who uplift us -- and the teachers we will never forget. With just the right mix of humor and wisdom, Done reveals the enduring promise of elementary school as a powerful antidote to the cynicism of our times.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
71 people are currently reading
1390 people want to read
About the author
Phillip Done
8 books66 followersPhillip Done is the author of the soon to be released The Art of Teaching Children: All I Learned from a Lifetime in the Classroom by Simon & Schuster/Avid Reader Press. He is also the author of the acclaimed 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny: Life Lessons from Teaching, Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood, The Charms of Miss O'Hara: Tales from Gone with the Wind & the Golden Age of Hollywood from Scarlett's Little Sister, and The Ornament Box: A Love Story with a foreword by screen legend Debbie Reynolds. Phil's writing has also been featured in Reader's Digest, Real Simple, The Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times.
Phil is the recipient of the prestigious Charles Schwab Distinguished Teacher Award, a Teacher of the Year in California, and a nominee for Disney's American Teacher of the Year. He has taught in public and private schools in the United States and internationally. To contact Phil, send him a message here on Goodreads or at Phillip Done on Facebook.
Phil is the recipient of the prestigious Charles Schwab Distinguished Teacher Award, a Teacher of the Year in California, and a nominee for Disney's American Teacher of the Year. He has taught in public and private schools in the United States and internationally. To contact Phil, send him a message here on Goodreads or at Phillip Done on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
January 2, 2009
This author stopped by the library where I work. It is a professional library for educators. During a conversation, he mentioned he was the author of this book. We certainly felt it appropriate to buy the book for our collection since he is a local teacher and author. What a treat! It is a clever, insightful, authentic book full of fun stories. Even if you are not a teacher, you will enjoy this book, but if you are a teacher, I would imagine this book would be good for your soul. My personal favorite is a story about his encounter with another teacher at a garage sale. My desk resides next to a "FREEBIE" table where people can leave items for others to take. I am forever amazed what teachers gather up for their classrooms. The hunter/gatherer primal instincts take a very interesting form with teachers. Although mostly civilized, we have seen some scuffles over the "treasures" offered. The garage sale story made me chuckle because since he is a local teacher/author, I am sure his nemesis had ravaged our table a time or two.
Anyway, it is a fun read. I bet Phillip Done is a fine teacher. He certainly has the required sense of humor.
Anyway, it is a fun read. I bet Phillip Done is a fine teacher. He certainly has the required sense of humor.
September 29, 2009
This book called out to me off the library shelf, mostly because I have a third grader. I thought I would read it over the month during filler times when I was waiting in the pick-up line at school. Instead, I read the book in two days. I felt like a third grader begging Mr. Done for, "One more story please." I can not remember the last time I laughed so hard reading a book, and it made me tear up a couple of times too. I hope they need a good Dentist in Mountain View, California because we might have to relocate so that the rest of my kids can have Mr. Done for third grade. Favorite stories were: taking his class to the Nutcracker, his interview then and now, the laminating machine, and the first and last day of school. Quick, go grab your copy at the library!
December 20, 2024
“Can you remember exactly when you learned something new? I can…..”
“Just think about what you know today. You read. You write. You work with numbers. You solve problems. We take all these things for granted. But of course you haven’t always read. You haven’t always know how to write. You weren’t born knowing how to subtract 199 from 600. Someone showed you. There was a moment when you moved from not knowing to knowing. There was a moment when you moved from not understanding to understanding.”
“That’s why I became a teacher.”
“Just think about what you know today. You read. You write. You work with numbers. You solve problems. We take all these things for granted. But of course you haven’t always read. You haven’t always know how to write. You weren’t born knowing how to subtract 199 from 600. Someone showed you. There was a moment when you moved from not knowing to knowing. There was a moment when you moved from not understanding to understanding.”
“That’s why I became a teacher.”
July 22, 2024
I loved this book so so so much I can’t wait to read it 176 more times
September 4, 2024
So very funny and cute and relatable to anyone who has taught children.
May 13, 2009
If you are an elementary teacher, you will just have to love this book. I laughed until tears were coming out of my eyes quite a few times. Of course I had just finished my first year of teaching, so that made it even funnier (because I had lived through so many of the stories).
December 31, 2017
This was a well-timed rereading of Done's book. It has been sitting on my shelf (gathering dust) for over 10 years, but being a 3rd grade teacher myself, it has held a special place in my heart. Today, I was looking for a quick, easy read while convalescing from a week-long "bug", and I'm SO glad my hand reached for this title. Now that I am half way through my final year (retiring after 30 years in the classroom), I have such a wealth of memories, and Phillip Done expresses all of his thoughts and feelings about teaching 3rd grade exactly the way I wish I could: full of humor, understanding, love, patience, and down-to-earth honesty! This should be required reading for all first year educators!
January 29, 2018
4.5 ⭐️
This book is so funny, heartwarming and fantastic!! It made me smile so many times and made me so excited to have my own classrooom and hilarious stories to tell. Philip Done is such an incredible teacher and I hope I can inspire my future students as much as he does.
If you are a teacher, studying to become a teacher or just wanting an adorable, easy and laugh out loud book to read, please, please read this!!!
This book is so funny, heartwarming and fantastic!! It made me smile so many times and made me so excited to have my own classrooom and hilarious stories to tell. Philip Done is such an incredible teacher and I hope I can inspire my future students as much as he does.
If you are a teacher, studying to become a teacher or just wanting an adorable, easy and laugh out loud book to read, please, please read this!!!
March 5, 2022
I love this book! I have read it a number of times over the years and I have given copies to many of the teachers that I know. I've taught 2nd and 3rd grade for more than 25 years, so I can relate to so many of the stories in this book! This book makes me laugh out loud, but also reminds me of the many sweet and touching moments of teaching as well. Phillip Done captures the humor, frustrations, silliness, and poignancy of teaching younger kids. Teachers, you definitely should read this book!
(I especially love the laminator story! I am a Piler with a little bit of Shock, but teaching during Covid has brought out the Hospital in me. See "Classrooms" for more explanation...)
(I especially love the laminator story! I am a Piler with a little bit of Shock, but teaching during Covid has brought out the Hospital in me. See "Classrooms" for more explanation...)
March 31, 2018
I had never heard of this book, but a friend recommended it & lent it to me. It’s a super quick read. Fantastic for anyone who has ever taught elementary school. The stories are so relatable and the author has a great sense of humor. I think I will always think of this book whenever I see a bunny!
September 1, 2017
Mr. Done's collection of classroom anecdotes is great! I laughed, I said AMEN, I shed some tears...sometimes I did all three at once. Very enjoyable!
July 4, 2024
Excellent humor with inspiring truths tucked in. Definitely recommend for teachers, and anyone who likes a good laugh.
I also really enjoyed listening to him read the book in his melodramatic voice.
I also really enjoyed listening to him read the book in his melodramatic voice.
June 12, 2017
Laughed out loud as I read this! It reminded me of all the reasons why I work with children. Perfect for the new teacher, the tired teacher, or the retired teacher.
December 17, 2009
Thirty Two Reasons to Read and One to Love
A review of Thirty Two Third Graders and One Class Bunny by Philip Done
Philip Done, an elementary school teacher in California, breaks the ice between parents teachers and students in this wildly hilarious memoir entitled Thirty Two Third Graders and One Class Bunny. He tells the captivating story of a year of teaching a third grade class, cleverly weaving in his childhood and previous years of teaching. He has won numerous awards for his teaching including the Schwab Foundation Distinguished Teacher Award and the Disney teacher of the Year. Thirty Two Third Graders and One Class Bunny is an outstanding memoir because of it’s emotionally complex story, it’s strong literary aspects and it’s intriguing and unforgettable plot.
Philip Done sits in the office of his school laminating his students art projects when all of the sudden he feels a tug on his neck. His tie is caught in the laminating machine, it’s to late to try and pull it out so he starts pressing buttons. First the heat then the speed. He’s doomed to certain death until he finally manages to unplug the machine. Everything stops and he’s stuck. You can’t go on, you can’t keep reading, you’re keeling over in hysterics your stomach hurts from laughing so hard. You finally regain yourself and continue reading. You get to the last chapter. His student Ronny whom he suspended four times throughout the course of the year refuses to let go of his hand on the last day of school. His mom comes to pick him and he turns to Mr. Done and says: “Mr. Done you’re my favorite teacher of all time.” You dab your eyes with your sleeve trying to hide your tears. Philip Done’s masterpiece of a memoir is emotionally rigged. From laugh out loud comedy to tear jerking happiness you can’t help but admire Done’s ability to take the reader on an emotional journey.
Not only is the book extremely well written but it is also cleverly crafted. It’s organized in the order of a school year. He starts with the first day of school and ends with the last day filling in all the rest with well written moments that swing from past to present. He talks about his current class, his past classes and parts of his own childhood as well. All the while varying the emotional tone.
Through his cleaver organizational component you get the opportunity of spending a year with Done, Ronny, Amanda and the rest of the class. Through their show and tells and parent teacher conferences, you learn the unique and individual story of each student and the role they played in Phillip Done’s life. From his detest of laminating machines to his fantasies of a cooperative class, this collection of quirky and unique stories will be impossible to forget.
As the story transitions from fall to winter to spring to the last few days, you’ll yearn for the book to continue you won’t be able to put it down. You’ll be drawn to the humorous stories and the tear jerking moments, you’ll marvel at the cleverly crafted organization and you’ll never forget the unique and quirky plot. “This magnificently written account represents the essence of one of life’s most precious periods.”(Dr. Mel Levine, taken from the back cover)
A review of Thirty Two Third Graders and One Class Bunny by Philip Done
Philip Done, an elementary school teacher in California, breaks the ice between parents teachers and students in this wildly hilarious memoir entitled Thirty Two Third Graders and One Class Bunny. He tells the captivating story of a year of teaching a third grade class, cleverly weaving in his childhood and previous years of teaching. He has won numerous awards for his teaching including the Schwab Foundation Distinguished Teacher Award and the Disney teacher of the Year. Thirty Two Third Graders and One Class Bunny is an outstanding memoir because of it’s emotionally complex story, it’s strong literary aspects and it’s intriguing and unforgettable plot.
Philip Done sits in the office of his school laminating his students art projects when all of the sudden he feels a tug on his neck. His tie is caught in the laminating machine, it’s to late to try and pull it out so he starts pressing buttons. First the heat then the speed. He’s doomed to certain death until he finally manages to unplug the machine. Everything stops and he’s stuck. You can’t go on, you can’t keep reading, you’re keeling over in hysterics your stomach hurts from laughing so hard. You finally regain yourself and continue reading. You get to the last chapter. His student Ronny whom he suspended four times throughout the course of the year refuses to let go of his hand on the last day of school. His mom comes to pick him and he turns to Mr. Done and says: “Mr. Done you’re my favorite teacher of all time.” You dab your eyes with your sleeve trying to hide your tears. Philip Done’s masterpiece of a memoir is emotionally rigged. From laugh out loud comedy to tear jerking happiness you can’t help but admire Done’s ability to take the reader on an emotional journey.
Not only is the book extremely well written but it is also cleverly crafted. It’s organized in the order of a school year. He starts with the first day of school and ends with the last day filling in all the rest with well written moments that swing from past to present. He talks about his current class, his past classes and parts of his own childhood as well. All the while varying the emotional tone.
Through his cleaver organizational component you get the opportunity of spending a year with Done, Ronny, Amanda and the rest of the class. Through their show and tells and parent teacher conferences, you learn the unique and individual story of each student and the role they played in Phillip Done’s life. From his detest of laminating machines to his fantasies of a cooperative class, this collection of quirky and unique stories will be impossible to forget.
As the story transitions from fall to winter to spring to the last few days, you’ll yearn for the book to continue you won’t be able to put it down. You’ll be drawn to the humorous stories and the tear jerking moments, you’ll marvel at the cleverly crafted organization and you’ll never forget the unique and quirky plot. “This magnificently written account represents the essence of one of life’s most precious periods.”(Dr. Mel Levine, taken from the back cover)
June 1, 2010
This was a light-hearted account of stories from an experienced teacher. It had me laughing out loud and repeating "so true..." on almost every page.
There were a couple of places where I got a little upset with the author for diminishing some of the values in teaching that I hold dear, such as teaching students how to set their own goals and take part in developing classroom norms. I loved the book up until the point when Done started making flippant remarks about these things. Maybe I took it too personally, but it's one of those things that makes me cringe when I hear teachers disregarding the importance of student ownership and voice.
Regardless, Done does an excellent job of providing readers with an insight into what teachers get to deal with on a daily basis as well as relating experiences that probably weren't funny at the time.
There were a couple of places where I got a little upset with the author for diminishing some of the values in teaching that I hold dear, such as teaching students how to set their own goals and take part in developing classroom norms. I loved the book up until the point when Done started making flippant remarks about these things. Maybe I took it too personally, but it's one of those things that makes me cringe when I hear teachers disregarding the importance of student ownership and voice.
Regardless, Done does an excellent job of providing readers with an insight into what teachers get to deal with on a daily basis as well as relating experiences that probably weren't funny at the time.
February 27, 2009
i love this book. if you're a teacher, were a teacher, ever want to be a teacher, or know a teacher well... read this book. so candid and honest and hilarious and real. phillip done is one of the best kind of teachers. he knows how to laugh at himself, is honest with his shortcomings, and most of all loves his students. if i wasn't already doing a whole lot of teaching at home, this book would have had me back in the classroom. it's really that good. please read it. i only didn't give it 5 stars because i'm stingy like that... and you just never know when you might read something better and then where would you be?
April 30, 2009
Super cute, adorable book. A very fast read that's ideal for parents of young or school-aged children to get them prepared for what's in store in elementary school! Lots of cute, short stories about this teacher's year with a class full of 3rd graders. Each chapter is 1-2 pages long; perfect for people who don't have a lot of time to dedicate toward reading or who only pick up a book every now and then and don't want to try and remember where they left off.
July 6, 2016
Honestly I'd give this 4.5⭐️ if I could. If you are a teacher you will definitely enjoy this book. Done sounds like an amazing teacher, who can laugh and learn with the kids.
The structure of the book is nice too. Each chapter is a little vignette. It's easy to read little bits along the way.
The structure of the book is nice too. Each chapter is a little vignette. It's easy to read little bits along the way.
August 15, 2018
Several fun stories, and plenty that I can relate to as a teacher, but there was no "spark" for me while reading this. Not totally sure why, but if I had to guess, I'd say it's because I wasn't hooked by the author's writing style. I also found some of the humor to be too over the top/trying too hard at times for my tastes.
December 23, 2008
If you are a teacher, have fond memories of your own childhood or just enjoy stories about kids you will love this book. I've read it three times now and each time I laugh and cry, its like a best friend.
January 3, 2009
I loved this book. Made me remember why I loved teaching so much. 8 year olds are some of the funniest people you'll ever meet. Definite read for anyone who has ever taught elementary school. For those of you who haven't, read it and see what you missed.
December 28, 2008
My friend gave me this book and I laughed out louded all the way through it. Sometimes I had tears rolling down my face. I wrote some of my own funny experiences teaching in the margins.
April 1, 2009
Hilarious! This book is what every teacher needs to read after a hard day to put a smile back on her face. I especially loved the part about the laminator. I can so see that happening.
November 8, 2011
I loved this book. I read it in a day and it was so cute.
January 30, 2012
Humorous stories from a disstinguished teacher.
September 29, 2013
great way to start my day. I plan to read pieces over and over and share!
May 4, 2022
Review originally published February 2006
As this is being written, we are in the middle of a huge snowstorm. It has been snowing since about 10:00 p.m. last evening and, as this is being typed at 3:30 the following day, it is still snowing. What does this mean to all of us? Snow Day!!!!!!! And who prays for a snow day more than teachers and school kids?
“I pray for snow days” is a direct quote from a new novel received at the La Crosse County Libraries. The title of the book is 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny: Life Lessons From Teaching. The book’s author is Phillip Done, an elementary school teacher for twenty years.
Filled with inspirational and funny mini or “bite-sized” essays, it is a book that will bring a smile to your face and a true appreciation for all teachers. From the first day of school to the hectic holiday parties to the frenzied musicals, it will bring back memories of childhood learning experiences as well as a recollection of teachers we will never forget. It is filled with wit and wisdom and a reminder of the delight of learning.
There is a section of the book called "Teacher Moments." These are, as Phillip refers to them, those few golden moments that make it all worthwhile. I think moments like these are worth sharing. So here are a few of Philip Done’s "Teacher Moments":
These are just a few. You’ll have to read the book for the rest!
Another favorite section of the book for me was the one titled "Why Do I Teach?" Mr. Done has many reasons. Here are just a few:
And his main reason for becoming a teacher? Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out!
And about that class bunny, there is a section in the book on that too! Phillip’s class bunny’s name is Penelope Precious Buttercup III. I’m sure his students had a hand in that name. It reminded me of a gerbil’s name from my son’s class, "Carrot Sparkles." Some other section titles in the book are: "Picture Day," "Back to School Night," "Spring is Here," "Licorice," "How Many Times Have I Said That?," etc. etc. etc.
This book is a definite must-read. It will leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes in handy on those cold and snowy days, or even those warm and sunny ones. And, if you enjoyed this title, you can probably find one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books among others that will help you make that personal connection.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
As this is being written, we are in the middle of a huge snowstorm. It has been snowing since about 10:00 p.m. last evening and, as this is being typed at 3:30 the following day, it is still snowing. What does this mean to all of us? Snow Day!!!!!!! And who prays for a snow day more than teachers and school kids?
“I pray for snow days” is a direct quote from a new novel received at the La Crosse County Libraries. The title of the book is 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny: Life Lessons From Teaching. The book’s author is Phillip Done, an elementary school teacher for twenty years.
Filled with inspirational and funny mini or “bite-sized” essays, it is a book that will bring a smile to your face and a true appreciation for all teachers. From the first day of school to the hectic holiday parties to the frenzied musicals, it will bring back memories of childhood learning experiences as well as a recollection of teachers we will never forget. It is filled with wit and wisdom and a reminder of the delight of learning.
There is a section of the book called "Teacher Moments." These are, as Phillip refers to them, those few golden moments that make it all worthwhile. I think moments like these are worth sharing. So here are a few of Philip Done’s "Teacher Moments":
"When Cameron pulled his mother into the classroom after school, picked up The Cat and the Hat, and shouted, 'Look, Mom, I can read!', that was a 'Teacher Moment.'"
“When I closed Treasure Island, and they all screamed, 'Don’t stop!'-that was a 'Teacher Moment,' too.”
“When Jack, who I had suspended three times during the year, would not let go of me on the last day of school, that was a 'Teacher Moment.'”
These are just a few. You’ll have to read the book for the rest!
Another favorite section of the book for me was the one titled "Why Do I Teach?" Mr. Done has many reasons. Here are just a few:
“I became a teacher because I like watching thirty-two silent, wide-eyed children suddenly burst into laughter all at the same time when the Grinch rides his sleigh down to Who-Ville.”
“I like to hand out those little candy hearts with the words on them around Valentine’s Day and watch the kids scream if the hearts say 'Hug Me.'”
“Where else can you leave work and have hundreds of little people scream good-bye to you from the school bus every day?”
And his main reason for becoming a teacher? Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out!
And about that class bunny, there is a section in the book on that too! Phillip’s class bunny’s name is Penelope Precious Buttercup III. I’m sure his students had a hand in that name. It reminded me of a gerbil’s name from my son’s class, "Carrot Sparkles." Some other section titles in the book are: "Picture Day," "Back to School Night," "Spring is Here," "Licorice," "How Many Times Have I Said That?," etc. etc. etc.
This book is a definite must-read. It will leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes in handy on those cold and snowy days, or even those warm and sunny ones. And, if you enjoyed this title, you can probably find one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books among others that will help you make that personal connection.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
July 11, 2019
I recently quit my job to totally switch up what I'm teaching. I needed a change and I just didn't feel like I was in the right place and it was just time to do something to give myself some more options down the road now while it's possible for us to do so. So...you all can be expecting a lot more book reviews from me over the next year while it's back to college full time for me...but man. I'm going to miss my kids and I'm going to miss elementary school. The end of the school year was SO TOUGH and this book reminded me of all those little things I'll miss - the funny moments, the hugs, the celebrity status in the cafeteria on a bad day. Kinda may me tear up thinking of my own moments with my kids. (They will forever be my kids even though I don't have the pleasure of teaching them any more.)
For anyone who has ever taught in elementary school: this book is especially for you. It's humorous anecdotes that take you through many of the emotions of the events of an entire school year.
For anyone who has ever taught, period: it's kind of like a hug from a fellow teacher - we're all in this together, folks! (Or it might remind you why you chose to teach a little older group of kids...)
For anyone who has ever hated on the teaching profession, I point you to the chapter where this guy compared 17 minutes of his day to someone in a different profession. Then let's compare paychecks. Yes. This is accurate. Every minute of every day kids are in the room is like this. Can't handle your two at home? Take 20 of them at a time. And then be responsible for how they perform on standardized tests when they may or may not have had breakfast this morning (or dinner last night...)...or their couch cushion they sleep on may have been taken over by little brother last night...or dad may have been arrested last week...(all true stories from my students this past school year alone, and MANY more). And then tell me my job is easy and keep making comments about summers. Huh. Huh huh huh huh huh. If you wouldn't take all of my job, you can't take just the benefits of it either and "wish you had that much time off". /endrant before I don't ever end this blog post.
Basically, if you are a teacher or love a teacher, especially an elementary school teacher, check this book out for some great laughs, a few tears, and a book-hug from one teacher to another.
Hard to rate because it's not a "book" in the traditional sense, more vignettes, but it's a good read. I'll go 8 of 10 overall and 5 of 5 for readability. MINUS THE CHAPTER ON GIFTED EDUCATION I DISAGREE WITH SO MANY THINGS HE SAID but that's a whole other blog post and a battle I can't fix by writing a review of this book so again... /endrant
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
For anyone who has ever taught in elementary school: this book is especially for you. It's humorous anecdotes that take you through many of the emotions of the events of an entire school year.
For anyone who has ever taught, period: it's kind of like a hug from a fellow teacher - we're all in this together, folks! (Or it might remind you why you chose to teach a little older group of kids...)
For anyone who has ever hated on the teaching profession, I point you to the chapter where this guy compared 17 minutes of his day to someone in a different profession. Then let's compare paychecks. Yes. This is accurate. Every minute of every day kids are in the room is like this. Can't handle your two at home? Take 20 of them at a time. And then be responsible for how they perform on standardized tests when they may or may not have had breakfast this morning (or dinner last night...)...or their couch cushion they sleep on may have been taken over by little brother last night...or dad may have been arrested last week...(all true stories from my students this past school year alone, and MANY more). And then tell me my job is easy and keep making comments about summers. Huh. Huh huh huh huh huh. If you wouldn't take all of my job, you can't take just the benefits of it either and "wish you had that much time off". /endrant before I don't ever end this blog post.
Basically, if you are a teacher or love a teacher, especially an elementary school teacher, check this book out for some great laughs, a few tears, and a book-hug from one teacher to another.
Hard to rate because it's not a "book" in the traditional sense, more vignettes, but it's a good read. I'll go 8 of 10 overall and 5 of 5 for readability. MINUS THE CHAPTER ON GIFTED EDUCATION I DISAGREE WITH SO MANY THINGS HE SAID but that's a whole other blog post and a battle I can't fix by writing a review of this book so again... /endrant
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
February 13, 2018
This man's fondness for his students shines in every word he writes. He's got snark about them as well, but it's gentle. You can tell he has a very clear idea of what makes a 3rd grader tick, and how to handle them with humanity and kindness. (even the wild-eyed rampagers)
I love his stories about the kids, and his unabashed revelations of his own behavior and feelings about his interactions with them both in and out the classroom.
A fun read!
Kids need at least one teacher in their lives that does the job for the sheer joy of it. I had a fourth grade teacher, Mr Thompson, who was that teacher. I don't remember details exactly, but I do remember him as funny and warm and captivating like Mr Done, and I'm grateful for him making my year wonderful. I hadn't thought of him in forever, but reading Phillip Done's "Life Lessons from Teaching" instantly invoked memories of a time that was challenging, eye-opening, and wonderous.
Yaay, to everyday heroes! Thanks, Mr Done and Mr Thomas and all you teachers that began teaching to make a difference. Keep up the good work, because all kids need is that one spark; a flare of understanding and curiosity, and their lives will be better for it.
I love his stories about the kids, and his unabashed revelations of his own behavior and feelings about his interactions with them both in and out the classroom.
A fun read!
Kids need at least one teacher in their lives that does the job for the sheer joy of it. I had a fourth grade teacher, Mr Thompson, who was that teacher. I don't remember details exactly, but I do remember him as funny and warm and captivating like Mr Done, and I'm grateful for him making my year wonderful. I hadn't thought of him in forever, but reading Phillip Done's "Life Lessons from Teaching" instantly invoked memories of a time that was challenging, eye-opening, and wonderous.
Yaay, to everyday heroes! Thanks, Mr Done and Mr Thomas and all you teachers that began teaching to make a difference. Keep up the good work, because all kids need is that one spark; a flare of understanding and curiosity, and their lives will be better for it.
March 2, 2018
This book saw me laugh and cry. It saw me sigh with relief. Relief that I am NOT the only teacher who said the wrong thing, who was too tired to do the lab and decided to show Bill Nye videos instead, who buys clothes and food for their students, who is slow at grading, who struggled in math, too. I am
NOT the only teacher who has favorites, who wishes that one student would just be quiet, who said a bad word when I banged my knee on the desk for the thousandth time. I am not the only one who wants to take some of the children home, knowing I could do better than their parents, I am not the only one who attends Bar mitzvahs and church dinners and soccer games and school plays and band concerts. We all do. Whew.
NOT the only teacher who has favorites, who wishes that one student would just be quiet, who said a bad word when I banged my knee on the desk for the thousandth time. I am not the only one who wants to take some of the children home, knowing I could do better than their parents, I am not the only one who attends Bar mitzvahs and church dinners and soccer games and school plays and band concerts. We all do. Whew.
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