Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood

by Phillip Done

A twenty-year veteran of the classroom, elementary school teacher Phillip Done takes readers through a lively and hilarious year in the classroom. Starting with the relative calm before the storm of buying school supplies and posting class lists, he shares the distinct personalities of grades K-4, what he learned from two professional trick or treating 8-year-old boys, the art of learning cursive and letter-writing, how kindergartners try to trap leprechauns, and what every child should experience before he or she grows up.

These charming, sweet, and funny tales of Mr. Done's trials and triumphs as an award-winning schoolteacher will touch readers' hearts and remind them of the true joys of childhood. We all have that one special, favorite grade school teacher whom we fondly remember throughout our adult lives - and every teacher also has students whom they will never forget. This is the perfect book for teachers, parents, and anyone else who is looking for a lighthearted, nostalgic read.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Memoir, Teaching, Humor, Teachers, School

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Phillip 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.

Reviews

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believed I won this book from a contest that I randomly entered. I probably wouldn't have picked up this book on my own, but I'm so glad I got the chance to read it. Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind will make you laugh out loud, reminiscent of elementary school days. You may even get a bit emotional. Phillip Done does an outstanding job writing about what it has been like teaching third grade over the years.

One of the things that I loved about this book (I guess you could call it a memoir) is that each chapter titled is a month of the year. He breaks down all these different school-related things into the appropriate chapters. He talks about back-to-school sales, teaching the kids cursive, 100th day, Christmas party and Valentines party, and so many other awesome stuff. This book was just so sweet.

There were a lot of times that I found myself laughing. Kids are just so adorable. Whenever Mr. Done had the kids write some sort of story, they always made spelling mistakes and he describes trying not to laugh at some of the words they write instead of what they meant. Or how he talks about how some of the girls in his class tell him what boys they like. One of the stories they he tells is how during Christmas one year, he went to a different country and him and some other adults gave the kids there (they were in some sort of orphanage) presents, and they were smiling and cheering but yet they hadn't even opened the boxes. The kids had never been given a gift in their lives. It touched my heart and I'll admit, I got a bit emotional.

I'm not sure exactly what I liked to do once I graduate HS, but I have been thinking about teaching elementary (3rd grade and below) and after Phillip Done's tales of teaching, it has truly inspired me to be a teacher even more. I would hugely recommend that people interest in teaching or just wants a nice, funny memoir, read this! It's filled with lots of amazing stories.

[Dawn's book diary · Rating 5 out of 5]

نویسنده‌ی کتاب - فیلیپ دُن- چندین ساله که معلم کلاس سوم دبستانه و توی این کتاب خاطرات یکی از سال‌های تحصیلیش رو نوشته.
برام خیلی جالب بود که گویا بچه‌های همه جای دنیا مثل همدیگه‌ان و اصلاً دانش‌آموزان در هر سن و مکانی رفتارهای مشابهی دارن.
خیلی وقتا از دست دانش‌آموزان کوچولو و بامزه‌ی آثای دُن غش غش می‌خندیدم و گاهی بعضی از ماجراهاشون گریه‌ام می‌نداختن.
در کل از خوندن این کتاب خیلی خیلی لذت بردم. ممنونم از آقای دُن (که خیلی دوست داشتم منم در بچگی شاگردش می‌بودم) و دانش‌آموزان وروجکش!😁💚

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I doubt there is a teacher in America who won't recognize him or herself and students among the pages of Phillip Done's latest installment chronicling 180 days in the life of a third grade classroom. Light-hearted and enjoyable, Done is quick to poke fun at himself. I'd be willing to bet even non-teachers would get a kick out of this one!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read! For anyone who has children or works with them- I highly recommend it. Some of his stories are laugh out loud funny.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood is written by Phillip Done. Phillip is a third-grade veteran teacher. It is from his journals that he kept while teaching that he has all the incidents that have happened over the years from which to write his book. As a former teacher, I recommend keeping a journal to every new teacher I talk to. I know that when you retire, you will try to remember these incidents; but can’t remember them or perhaps the students it happened to. Trust me, these incidents will happen regardless of the age student you teach. Phillip’s book is a way for parents and others to get a glimpse of the wonderful world of teaching. It is the students who keep the teachers going and the student who make each day a brand-new day.
The book is well-written and funny. I am not sure how funny it would be for someone who is not a teacher; but I still think it would be funny. I especially liked the incident with his friend, Heidi at the Eiffel Tower. It is a classic incident for a teacher traveling with a non-teacher.

[Suebee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and spot on, a welcome second book to his “32 third graders and one class bunny” book, which I also enjoyed. Should be required reading for all incoming teachers.

Written around 2008/2009, Phil Done is a 25 year veteran third grade teacher and I envy the empathy and collaborative spirit displayed at his school - he stays late to package angel gifts for needy families, he has lunch duty and playground duty (although in his CA district seems they have at least 2 recesses - awesome!), he sings twice a day with his class, he has a classroom bunny, and more.

Many teachers currently are so overworked and harried we have little time for true connections and extras like this. It is hard.

The story of The Star Spangled Banner becoming his student “Michael’s Song” was absolutely touching.

I wonder if he still feels that kids haven’t changed in this digital age - I for one think they have, greatly.

[Garima Raheja · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star because it’s a really quick read. the lists and humorous anecdotes are innocuous fun for a while, but became predictable at times. some of the mild anecdotes genuinely made me laugh out loud.

however, this is very white and very old-school-teacher-esque and some of the incidents passed off as humorous are actually casually creepy, classist, racist, or judgmental and brought back traumatic memories of my old white teachers. (Columbus Day, casual references to standing on an auction block, student going hungry and giving a teacher his lunch money, trying to fix a reading problem with a dog, joking about rain dances, wanting to lock up kids in cages, gloating about men not having to stand in long bathroom lines, only using ethnic-sounding student names for anecdotes about incorrect grammar, “all students should get the opportunity to speak with someone who immigrated to this country” demonstrating that his class has none, honestly I highlighted so many icky things in this book)

[Ashley Dolloph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book as part of my curriculum for a class preparing me to become a teacher. It follows a teacher, Mr. Done, through all of his months of being a third-grade teacher. It begins with his prep and finding out what students are his. Each month has a few mini-chapters that describe different topics such as spelling, or specific events that occur during that month. For example, one of those days would be the 100th day of school, and the pressure that is put on teachers to dress up for that day, especially at the younger age levels. He also describes the pressures that the different holidays have on teachers and the strategies that he uses to help get through the year. I think this book is a great read for anybody who is thinking about teaching, no matter the grade level, as it is a funny perspective take on the realities of teaching.

[Lauren (Shooting Stars Mag) Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll have a full review on my blog soon, but for now, I just have to say that I'm glad I finally read this memoir. Done is a veteran third grade teacher, and as such, he has some amazing stories - both poignant and hilarious. Highly recommend if you are a teacher, or want to be done...or if you're like me, and you seriously admire what teachers do.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read several Phillip Done books years ago, but somehow I skipped this one. I'm glad I have now added it to my collection. It's so funny and tender and real. There were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that I had to read to whoever was in the room with me at the time. Mr. Done is the type of third grade teacher that all mothers wish for their kids.

[Mjblois · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Nina Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phillip Done does is again! From tears one moment, to belly laughing the next, Phillip Done always crafts a wonderful read.

[Kelani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Made me laugh and cry. This year I am teaching virtually and I miss my kiddos. Can't wait for next year. This book made me miss it.

[Madalena Archuleta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Remind me why I am a teacher. Love, love, love!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Done, can I be in YOUR class?

Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood is a celebration of those silly little creatures roaming the halls of our elementary schools.

Anyone who teaches grade-schoolers, parents grade-schoolers, or once was a grade-schooler will love this book by teacher, Phillip Done (rhymes with phone). It is a lesson on why teachers love their jobs -- trust me, it's not because of all the down time! The reason why Mr. Done loves his job? The kids, and all the quirky things kids have said and done for the past 25 years.

"When your stomach growls, they will tell you. When you cut open a pumpkin to count the number of seeds, one child will shout, 'You're killing it!' When they run to tell you that they just kicked the ball over the fence, they will always smile when they announce it...."


I had a grin on my face for the first 4 chapters at least! Phillip Done walks us through the school year, month by month, and shares the funniest and most magical moments he had with his class. He shares memories from the sugar high at Halloween all the way to struggling through long division in the spring. When I wasn't grinning or chuckling out loud, I had tears in my eyes. It's easy to forget how teachers grow to care for their students, and how they love them like a parent for 180 days out of the year. And every so often, there are one or two children that a teacher will never forget.

There were too many quotable passages in this book for me to include them all here. The only thing harder than choosing a quote, is deciding who on my list of teachers is going to receive the first copies of Close Encounters as a gift! I can't wait to share this book.

Many thanks to Hachette Book Group for sending me and 5 of my readers a copy of Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood by Phillip Done.

Special thanks to Phillip Done for writing such a wonderful book. You have helped me to appreciate my sons' teachers on a whole new level. You have also helped me to pay closer attention to all the fun and magical things said and done by my own grade-schooler. For that, I will forever be in your debt.

To read more of my book reviews, please visit Aliosn's Book Marks: http://www.alisons-bookmarks.blogspot...

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:

An elementary school teacher for over 20 years, Phillip Done takes us through a funny and adventure packed year in the classroom. Beginning with the back-to-school sales and preparations in August and going through each month's lessons and highlights, Phillip Done shares the delights and laughs that have kept him satisfied in his job. He's taken trick-or-treating by students, taught children to trap leprechauns, showed them how to master cursive and compose letters, and taught long division - all the while being a beloved force in the kids' lives.

Review:

Even if you think that you're not that fond of kids, this book will make you laugh. It might even encourage you to spend time with your nieces and nephews. If you have kids or love kids, I have no doubt that you'll love this book.

Phillip Done tells these stories of classroom antics so well, that not only do you feel that you're right there, you wish that you could follow him around. He reminds me of my favorite teachers and why I loved school. But the best part of the book are the children who come alive and the love that they show each other and their teacher. Read about Done's pistol assessments to determine which children to watch out for, how "pillow student" Rebecca was able to catch up with her classmates, how Done handles the tooth fairy and Halloween, and the different reading strategies that children have developed. Then enjoy the deep and uncomplicated laughs that burst out!

Publisher: Center Street (September 4, 2009), 336 pages.
Courtesy of the publisher.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Phillip Done's recounting of his elementary school teaching years except that it was a fun, fulfilling read?

Mr. Done's writing is what I assume his teaching style to be like - - lighthearted, humorous and entertaining. I was drawn into his book from the first page, partly out of curiosity for the teaching profession and partly due to his "getting to know you" style. I can imagine that reading Mr. Done's book is akin to sitting down with him over dinner and letting him talk about all his third grade adventures.

He begins with right before school begins, with the summer ending, and each section is a different month of the school year. Everything from Back to School Night, where the seasoned teachers know to hide from the excitable students and their talkative parents, to never letting your profession slip while buying school supplies to the dreaded Picture Day.

I found myself chuckling with reminders of my own school days - - the plastic combs given out on Picture Day, the show and tell (or what is now called "Sharing"), learning cursive writing, adventurous spelling and those crushes on classmates.

If you get nothing else out of this book, the memories are worth reading it alone. I dare you to read this book and not remember your own third grade teacher, or the best friend you had, a favorite outfit from that school year or the little boy (or girl) you had a crazy crush on.

Well done, Mr. Done.

[Leane · Rating 5 out of 5]

To all my teacher friends out there, this book is an absolute must read! It is absolutely perfect for teachers. Phillip Done (pronounced like "phone") does a great job of sharing his thoughts on teaching. His third graders are funny, cute, and wise beyond their years. If anyone of you teachers out there keeps a quote book like I do of funny things kids say, keep adding to it, because someday you can write a book just like Phil's. Done is a great writer, humorous and witty. There are only some people in this world who can get inside the mind of a teacher and really share what it is like to live in a "teacher bubble" and Phil is great at it. He understands the desperate love teachers have for Sharpies and Post-It notes, our passion for the smell of new Crayola Crayons, and our battle for perfection and organization in a world that is never perfect or organized. But most of all, I love that despite the world's obession with standards and buget cuts, Phil can look beyond that and look at the heart and soul of what teaching is really about...our relationships with our students and inspiring them, just as they sometimes inspire us.

[Brittany Fichter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing in the spirit of his first book, "32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny," Phillip Done brings more hilarious anecdotes of his time as a teacher. I mentioned in my review of his first book that Phillip Done helped inspire me to become a teacher. Well, if his first book inspired me, this book helped me make it through college.

Done breaks the book into months of the year. There are sacred traditions that go on in elementary schools, as well as habits that children never fail to adopt during certain parts of the year. During each month, Done describes hilarious anecdotes, baffling things that kids do, and keen insights that teachers gain into the lives of the families these kiddos come from. This book made me laugh (hysterically), cry, and laugh a whole lot more.

This book is also a quick read (largely because it's so amusing), and no one who picks it up will be able to read very far without a smile. Again, it all comes back to the reason that teachers teach, and it's not the paperwork, the meetings, the lesson planning, the pay, or the evaluations. It's the kids.

[drey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little embarrassed... I actually read most of this book last year. Actually, all but the last 20 pages. I sincerely apologize to Mr. Done for letting this one go for so long. I can plead that life interrupted, but that's not true, as you can see by all the other reviews I've written. *sigh*

Anyway. If you haven't picked this up yet--seriously, do it. It is such a charmingly humorous book about children--interacting with, observing, teaching (or trying to!); you will laugh out loud, giggle, snort, and smile your way through it. Some of my favorite chapters include Santa Cause (and if you've ever been around kids, you won't have to guess why), Reading (my son definitely executes reading strategies one thru six), and Bubbles (about taking tests, ugh!). Actually, I can pretty much open it to a random page and read and laugh. Now that's a good entertaining book!

[Sandy Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading a Gothic, ghostly tale and two Civil War themed books, i was having much trouble getting into a A Separate Country, another book stemming from the Civil War. That was when I picked up "Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind" by Phillip Done.

What a joyous read for anyone who can remember being a third grader, parents of a third grader, teachers, would be teachers ….oh, just anyone who enjoys young kids. I think it was Bennet Surf that wrote the book "Never Get Personal with a Chicken" who first taught me the joys of the minds of young ones. Mr. Done has done a grand job continuing that legacy. What a grand teacher he must be! I would wish him on every third grader!

I am so glad i got to read this book for all the joy it gave me. I feel lighter than air and ready to hug all teachers and read to a bunch of little kids one of my favorite children's books.

[Aurelio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed Phillip Done’s, “Close Encounters of a Third-Grade Kind: Thoughts on Teacherhood,” and highly recommend it for anyone teaching elementary school and anyone with kids that age. Mr. Done is the kind of teacher parents dream of for their kids and that kids remember with deep fondness. His writing is full of hilarious anecdotes, heartfelt moments, and the wisdom of his experience.

An interesting side note: I found this book because I recognized the name. From my grade school years up until I graduated from high school, Phillip was the kid next door. Mrs. Murayama and Mr. Stretch, who appear on his dedication page, were my teachers too. It’s nice to see Phillip has become so accomplished at his chosen profession and is still as nice a guy as I remember him being in his youth.

Put this one on your list.

[Kellista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phillip Done has done it again! This book is full of adorable, hilarious and heart wrenching tales of "teacherhood." It is a must read for anyone who works with children or has children. Phillip does a phenomenal job of describing the love/hate relationship all teachers have with their profession. Moving throughout the days enjoying silly sayings and chaotic moments, while dealing with the seriousness of teaching students who grow up, deal with real-life struggles and sometimes even leave us too soon. Phillip grasps that moment where we move from teaching students to being taught life's lessons from these precious little ones.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Teacherhood is laughing at knock-knock jokes you've heard three-hundred times." Strongly Disagree with this advice.
There is a dedicated and intelligent and warm and frazzled teacher behind this book (he devises a way for Rebecca to gain confidence to read aloud) but the greater take-away is the frazzle. Mr. Done hides from and and dodges embarrassing questions asked by his students. He is also a messy.
"I am thankful for my brain for making new dreams everyday." A student's Thanksgiving quote.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was interesting, funny, and very true! Anyone who works with, takes care of, teaches, or parents young children will find themselves chuckling, and sometimes laughing out loud, at the observations and stories of third grade teacher Phillip Done, mainly because some of them have also happened to you. Written in a delightful, humorous, and sometimes nostalgic way, it is certainly a fun, worthwhile read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is the sequel, kinda, to the book 32 third graders and one class bunny.

i could write just about the same review for both books. 30 or so short stories about the cute things that kids do and why they are so great to work with.

this book didn't amuse me as much as 32 third graders. it was still cute and worth the time to read it.

although, how this guy gets away with having a class of only 20 students is beyond me! that part kinda ticked me off.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another funny book by Phillip Done. After reading his two books it makes me want to be a teacher ... or not! I have always admired teachers and their ability to see the humor in their jobs and am always amazed that they don't get paid more for the education of our children.

Keep up the great work! We need more teachers like you!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. While I am neither a teacher nor do I have plans of becoming one, I found Done's musings from 25 years of teaching in Elementary to be something a lot of people can relate to. It brought back memories of my own childhood and had me looking forward to the future with my own children.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a sometimes humorous, sometimes sad look at working with children and how they can enrich your life. I was truly touched by the sincerity of the encounters Phillip Done describes. This is definitely a must-read if you're thinking of teaching as a career, and a fun read for anyone else.

[ccqdesigns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very delightful little book that will keep anyone that has children or grandchildren chuckling for hours. And if you are a teacher of any kind, you will really relate! Phillip Done has found the joy of third graders and how they have kept him young and joyous all these years. A great read for anyone.