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The Total Classroom Management Makeover: in 18 short, simple lessons
"Michael Linsin is the Shakespeare of smart classroom management, and his 18 lessons can transform American public education." —Eva Moskowitz, Founder and CEO of Success Academy Schools
The Total Classroom Management Makeover is a condensed shortcut to effective classroom management. Presented as simple dos and don'ts, the 18 lessons you'll learn have been boiled down to the bare essentials and written in the most accessible way possible.
Together, they form an innovative approach to teaching and managing behavior that is specifically and uniquely designed to create within each student strong intrinsic desire to listen, learn, and behave.
The result is a tough-minded, hardworking, well-behaved class and the satisfaction of knowing that you're making a lasting impact on your students, your community, and the wider world.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2019
212 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 26, 2020
This is a book that will help new teacher more than veterans. Still worth reading -- especially as it's free on Kindle Unlimited and it's less than 80 pages long.
July 30, 2023
Third time reading this. I read it every year at the beginning of the school year. Beware, Linsin's behavior management system is deceptively simple. One strategy may take months, or semesters, or even years to master. But great classroom management can be achieved if you're intentional about improving every day, every minute, and committed to feedback and high standards. I teach in one of the poorest neighborhoods in America - in the south Bronx - and I can tell you that Linsin's methods, or better, advice, does work. Of course, as with everything, there are exceptions.
June 11, 2020
Hasty generalizations disguised as tips
None of this involved a practical plan. None of these were actual strategies.
I love how in one chapter the author basically suggested to ignore whatever Administration told the teacher to do.
None of this involved a practical plan. None of these were actual strategies.
I love how in one chapter the author basically suggested to ignore whatever Administration told the teacher to do.
July 24, 2023
Quick read, I would've appreciated more thoroughness in his explanations. Probably could have combined a few lessons into one to make it more cohesive.
March 12, 2023
Good informative quick read. Nice advice and tips for a soon-to-be elementary teacher.
Read
August 9, 2023i think i’m gonna be okay. thanks mike!
September 29, 2024
i have no opinions on this book yet. lets see how i feel about it soon.
July 30, 2025
read this for work. i can’t say that i completely agree with every single thing that linsin mentions in this book, but most of this is pretty helpful to me.
October 25, 2023
Midyear reset. I’m in charge of the classroom. Lol yeah right.
August 29, 2021
Total Classroom Management Makeover is a decent, succinct set of strategies to establish a stable, consistent learning environment. The pointers are solid and culled from Michael Linsin’s blog, “Total Classroom Management.” It is enjoyable and to the point.
My only gripe about it is that the book offers material which readers/teachers are further encouraged to buy. These forms should have come eurh the book - even if they upped the book’s cost.
The rather short length of the book and additional cost of the audible version, albeit not exorbitant, leaves me slightly bothered; he should have charged a little more and provided the full product rather than divvying it up into more monetary chunks.
Because of that, I’ll be less likely to purchase another book by this author. It seems odd that classroom management feels like a total package because it is somewhat global in its approach. And yet, Linsin opted to share his intelligence in chunks that have to be purchased separately.
To that end, I’ll just check out his website and consider purchasing materials as they appeal to me. This book could have been a marketing boon, but instead feels like pitches calling me to search out his website, shop for his jewels of wisdom and purchase them as necessary. That’s not how classroom management works. It’s an encompassing experience that ought not be parceled out.
Thus, this potentially valuable resource turned out to be a marketing ploy that I’m just not all that interested in hunting down. If I have any advice for the writer, it is this; charge more for the book and make it a full product or risk losing future buyers who are seeking your wisdom rather than an advertisement soliciting future purchases.
My advice to any reader is that you just go to the website, read what’s here for free and buy the forms Michael Linsin is pushing in this book. It will take up valuable time, but you won’t feel like you are being hustled.
And, to that CEO, Eva Moskowicz who described Linsin as the, “Shakespeare of smart classroom management,” I can only assume she read the Bard of Avon’s Cliff’s notes version. I never saw any clever witticisms and few quotable quotes that will forever alter any readership’s imagination. Alas, parting with my money over this zippy read is such sweet sorrow.
My only gripe about it is that the book offers material which readers/teachers are further encouraged to buy. These forms should have come eurh the book - even if they upped the book’s cost.
The rather short length of the book and additional cost of the audible version, albeit not exorbitant, leaves me slightly bothered; he should have charged a little more and provided the full product rather than divvying it up into more monetary chunks.
Because of that, I’ll be less likely to purchase another book by this author. It seems odd that classroom management feels like a total package because it is somewhat global in its approach. And yet, Linsin opted to share his intelligence in chunks that have to be purchased separately.
To that end, I’ll just check out his website and consider purchasing materials as they appeal to me. This book could have been a marketing boon, but instead feels like pitches calling me to search out his website, shop for his jewels of wisdom and purchase them as necessary. That’s not how classroom management works. It’s an encompassing experience that ought not be parceled out.
Thus, this potentially valuable resource turned out to be a marketing ploy that I’m just not all that interested in hunting down. If I have any advice for the writer, it is this; charge more for the book and make it a full product or risk losing future buyers who are seeking your wisdom rather than an advertisement soliciting future purchases.
My advice to any reader is that you just go to the website, read what’s here for free and buy the forms Michael Linsin is pushing in this book. It will take up valuable time, but you won’t feel like you are being hustled.
And, to that CEO, Eva Moskowicz who described Linsin as the, “Shakespeare of smart classroom management,” I can only assume she read the Bard of Avon’s Cliff’s notes version. I never saw any clever witticisms and few quotable quotes that will forever alter any readership’s imagination. Alas, parting with my money over this zippy read is such sweet sorrow.
February 8, 2025
The best thing about this book is its brevity - often something lacking in education books and manuals who think that obfuscation, more glossy pages to drive up the cover price, and saying way too much about really simple topics equates to depth. That said, this short book with very quick lessons is a helpful guide to effective classroom management for new and seasoned teachers.
Right in the beginning, however, I made an audible groan in a discipline chapter that points to none other than the author's website to make additional purchases. That one paragraph turned me off so quickly that I immediately quoted it here on goodreads:
“An effective plan consists of a set of rules that cover every possible misbehavior and a set of consequences that matter to students. The plans I recommend, one for elementary and lower middle school teachers and one for high school and upper middle school teachers, are available for purchase and immediate download at [the author's website].”
Yikes.
Anyway, here is a quote I found particularly helpful, and I will leave my review at that...
"This could be work they do individually or in groups, but it is done entirely on their own. Shifting responsibility in total over to them will increase learning, improve maturity, and motivate your students intrinsically more than anything else you can do. Teachers who micromanage, who are quick to kneel down and reteach individual students what was taught to the entire class minutes before, struggle mightily with neediness, poor work habits, inattentiveness, and the misbehavior that comes with it. You see, when you do for students what they can do for themselves, when you prod and help and hint them along, you create a culture of learned helplessness. You create a class full of students who are immature, depen- dent, and distracted and have little confidence in their abilities. Therefore, predictably, instead of getting down to work, they misbehave. They make excuses. They slide low in their seats and stare at the walls. To wean them off the false belief that they need you, teach great lessons and then be very wary about helping. Instead, keep your distance and say, "I know you can do it," "I believe in you," or simply, "You don't need my help."
Right in the beginning, however, I made an audible groan in a discipline chapter that points to none other than the author's website to make additional purchases. That one paragraph turned me off so quickly that I immediately quoted it here on goodreads:
“An effective plan consists of a set of rules that cover every possible misbehavior and a set of consequences that matter to students. The plans I recommend, one for elementary and lower middle school teachers and one for high school and upper middle school teachers, are available for purchase and immediate download at [the author's website].”
Yikes.
Anyway, here is a quote I found particularly helpful, and I will leave my review at that...
"This could be work they do individually or in groups, but it is done entirely on their own. Shifting responsibility in total over to them will increase learning, improve maturity, and motivate your students intrinsically more than anything else you can do. Teachers who micromanage, who are quick to kneel down and reteach individual students what was taught to the entire class minutes before, struggle mightily with neediness, poor work habits, inattentiveness, and the misbehavior that comes with it. You see, when you do for students what they can do for themselves, when you prod and help and hint them along, you create a culture of learned helplessness. You create a class full of students who are immature, depen- dent, and distracted and have little confidence in their abilities. Therefore, predictably, instead of getting down to work, they misbehave. They make excuses. They slide low in their seats and stare at the walls. To wean them off the false belief that they need you, teach great lessons and then be very wary about helping. Instead, keep your distance and say, "I know you can do it," "I believe in you," or simply, "You don't need my help."
January 11, 2020
The only book you need to read on classroom management!
I have been a bit can of Michael Linsin's for years now. His blog, Smart Classroom Management, has been inspirational reading for me. And in this book, he condenses and crystallizes it all. I have seen criticisms of the book, saying it's too short. But I disagree. The shortness of the chapters is not a weakness, it's a strength. This is not a book of discussion of storytelling. Its a promise: read this, do this, take the messages to heart, and everything in your classroom will change for the better. Having taken Michael up on the challenge for several months now, I can say that I am a better teacher for it, and my classroom a much better place. Thank you, Michael. This is a great book which does exactly what it says it will.
I have been a bit can of Michael Linsin's for years now. His blog, Smart Classroom Management, has been inspirational reading for me. And in this book, he condenses and crystallizes it all. I have seen criticisms of the book, saying it's too short. But I disagree. The shortness of the chapters is not a weakness, it's a strength. This is not a book of discussion of storytelling. Its a promise: read this, do this, take the messages to heart, and everything in your classroom will change for the better. Having taken Michael up on the challenge for several months now, I can say that I am a better teacher for it, and my classroom a much better place. Thank you, Michael. This is a great book which does exactly what it says it will.
July 27, 2023
This book is to the point and I am definitely going to implement many of his challenges. Every teacher needs a refresher and sometimes a simple challenge to keep them focused. The author does a great job with that.
I would have liked a few examples or details, but the author does state at the beginning that he is not going into detail, that you should read his other books for that. I appreciate his straightforwardness from the beginning in that aspect. He mentions in Ch. 5-“Having a Plan”, but doesn’t tell us his life changing, amazing classroom management plan. You have to purchase the plan to get the details.
Basically, this book tells you to prep for the plan and how to continue the plan… just not the plan. That will cost extra.
I would have liked a few examples or details, but the author does state at the beginning that he is not going into detail, that you should read his other books for that. I appreciate his straightforwardness from the beginning in that aspect. He mentions in Ch. 5-“Having a Plan”, but doesn’t tell us his life changing, amazing classroom management plan. You have to purchase the plan to get the details.
Basically, this book tells you to prep for the plan and how to continue the plan… just not the plan. That will cost extra.
January 8, 2022
This is a super short booklet that you can read in one sitting easily (probably an hour). I found it motivating and intend to try some of the tips. I did find it to be a little lacking in details, so I did buy the recommended classroom management plan that this author also made, which is a lot more specific and age-appropriate.
July 28, 2022
Best Classroom Management Plan
I have read several of Mr. Linsin’s books. This is the one, I would tell teachers and friends, with which to begin. It is concise and contains all of his strategies in one short read. This will revolutionize my teaching this year, and it could yours too. I’m recommending it to my department as a must-read.
I have read several of Mr. Linsin’s books. This is the one, I would tell teachers and friends, with which to begin. It is concise and contains all of his strategies in one short read. This will revolutionize my teaching this year, and it could yours too. I’m recommending it to my department as a must-read.
July 20, 2023
Quick read and great tips for beginning teachers or as a refresher to more seasoned teachers. The only thing I disagreed with is the authors notes on positioning yourself to supervise closely. This is wonderful advice in a traditional classroom setting (desks and chairs) but with more flexible seating or in specialist subjects that don’t involve desks, it is just impossible to see everything.
July 18, 2025
Really short and easy read, although I didn’t agree with the authors teaching style off the bat (the first chapter was a little startling) they convinced me that this classroom management style was the best by the end of the short 18 lessons. Will be really helpful to refer to when I start teaching!
March 3, 2022
Great essay to follow
Great book, concise and practical. A most read for any teacher that wants to improve the classroom. And I am supposed to write 15 words to. Be able to submit my review
Great book, concise and practical. A most read for any teacher that wants to improve the classroom. And I am supposed to write 15 words to. Be able to submit my review
July 7, 2025
Best Ever!
I’ve read many books on teaching, have gone to many PDs and have listened to advice from colleagues, coaches and admin, but none have ever said it straight like Mike Linsin. He actually teaches you how to teach!
I’ve read many books on teaching, have gone to many PDs and have listened to advice from colleagues, coaches and admin, but none have ever said it straight like Mike Linsin. He actually teaches you how to teach!
April 19, 2020
Good advice. I will be sure to implement some of these ideas.
July 7, 2020
As always, easy to understand, clear and practical.
July 28, 2020
This was a really quick read with some great tips, tricks, and reminders for teachers.
September 16, 2020
A positive reminder for all teachers.
A quick read with clear, no nonsense tips on how to improve classroom culture. If you need some advice, this is it.
A quick read with clear, no nonsense tips on how to improve classroom culture. If you need some advice, this is it.
July 26, 2023
This isn't a bad book. It's actually very good, and it's simple to read, but in my opinion it's either for new teachers or those who struggle with classroom management.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
Short n sweet - good basic concepts that will help a lot but it is kind of a plug for the subscription on the website.
February 9, 2025
More of a pamplet than a book, but full of old time wisdom on managing a classroom. He takes us back to basics and common sense. I plan to read more of his books.
July 30, 2025
Literally just an ad to buy his classroom management plans
August 17, 2025
Es básicamente publicidad para que compres sus libros de gestión de aula. No ofrece ninguna estrategia.
December 3, 2025
Can’t speak highly enough of Linsin. So much respect for him and his view of students. Will hopefully be reading more of his books soon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews