That One Kid

by Brian D. Mendler

Every Teacher has "That One Kid". The one who can make life miserable for the other 25. This book focuses on that one. You will find many of the ideas and strategies fit all kids. But my goal is to help you succeed with the one nobody else in your building can reach...

Genres: Education, Professional Development, Nonfiction

120 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book that I struggled with. The advice in it is fantastic! I’ve used some of it in my own job and have had amazing results. However, the book is just written very poorly. It gets incredibly repetitive and there are points where I felt that Mendler got way off topic (or gave another anecdote that said exactly the same thing a previous one did). It really could have used an editor.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am definitely a Brian Mendler aficionado!

“The windshield”…a reminder that in life, you have to go forward. You may want to look back at where you came from, but if you drive a car and stare in the rear view mirror, you will crash every time. Rear view mirrors are not made for staring; they are made for glancing.

“…values answer why a student should do something. The expectations answer specifically what a student should do.”

“…two by ten technique; two uninterrupted moments for ten consecutive days. The only goal is connection.”

“Correct and praise kids as often, privately, and intensely as possible…PEP…privacy, eye contact, and proximity. privacy and proximity are the most important. Eye contact is good too, if possible…”

HALTS: hungry, angry, lonely, tired, and scared.

HOPE: hearing other people’s experiences

ABT: always be teaching

NBP: never be punishing

Favorite acronym for defusing is LAAD: listen, acknowledge, agree, and defer

[Taylor Brystol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let’s be real. This book is not well written. A tad surprising for an ELA teacher, but it is what it is. The reviews which cite the need for an editor are spot on.

Also, much of the tools he uses here are functionally 12 step tools.

And…

So what? This was never intended to be a great work of literature. It’s an invitation. Here are some tools I use, the situations I use them in, and the way that I use them. They might work for you.

Try them. Or not. You’re reading the book because you work with a kid (or many) who aren’t responding to the tools you are employing. So what do you have to lose? If these don’t work how is your life, or theirs, worse off?

And with all things 12 step, take what you like and leave the rest.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book for his ideas, but the writing itself was not great. There were so many times when I could not understand what he was referring to. Like a good reader, I would go back, re-read, and try to figure who he was referring to or what he meant, only to not get it or waste time in the figuring-out. Reading this book was like perusing the author's personal notes on each classroom. He does offer a lot of insight if you can get beyond the poor writing. I'll just refer to my own highlights and notes of great tips he gave. This guy is clearly a caring teacher who loves his job and kids!

[Shelly Mateer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for teachers, administrators and parents to read. It focuses on the most difficult kids in school and the best methods to use with them to encourage them to be more productive members of the classroom. It presents the ideas for classroom management in the form of very informal notes written as feedback to specific educators and administrators. As someone who is NOT a teacher, I found the tips could easily translate to other situations and environments - perhaps as guidelines for dealing with difficult personalities in the workplace, or even at home with your children while attempting to persuade them to follow instructions. A great, quick easy-to-read guide that entertains while educating!

[Kammera · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author had some very specific strategies for dealing with students who come to school with deeper issues than worrying about the next test grade. However, the writing is simply terrible! He could have used some major editing! Despite this(which was painful) he had solid advice and insights that new teachers would benefit from. And if I'm not mistaken, wasn't he an English major? lol

[Samantha Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some great tips and advice on how to be a teacher. The writing is a bit scrambled and it was kind of hard to understand what the author was trying to say at times. However, I really enjoyed how the author advised teachers to handle that one kid and many other situations while teaching.

[Lacey Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written much like notes you would take during an observation - Quick details and reflections. I appreciated his straight forward approach at providing ideas and how to put them into action. There were a few point he made that I am not sure align with my ideas on education, but that’s okay! I appreciate anything that gets me to think and dig deep into my values.

[Jillian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to read this for a professional development course but it’s entirely anecdotal and includes precisely zero evidence-based practices. As an English teacher, this was especially painful to read because of how poorly written it is.

[Roman Nowak · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that shares some great experiences, with some personal and interesting insight.
Many moments in the book of: I have had that happen, I didn't think of that, or that made me think.

We learn better through stories. I appreciate immensely the stories that teach lessons.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some things that I totally love, but others I disagree with. We're going to be doing a book study with our mentees with this book. We will have some interesting conversations with this book.

[Daniel Hambidge · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ideas are a good jumping off point for educators even if they would not work perfectly in most situations. My biggest gripe with the text is that, if you read Mr. Mendler’s other book “Watch Your Mouth!” first, a lot of the stories, anecdotes, and strategies are in that book as well.

[Kimberly Ptak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and very helpful!!

[Tessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Geared to SPED students and teachers without a clue. Not beneficial to good, veteran teachers and those outside of the inclusion classroom. Too bad it advertises as useful for all.

[Rebecca Lundgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book- easy very quick read. I liked some of the examples and stories he used.

[Allison Hanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very informative, and definitely had a different approach to talking about students.