THE END OF MOLASSES CLASSES

Inspirational, easy-to-follow insights on how to grow smarter, healthier children and communities.

High-energy educator Clark (The Excellent 11: Qualities Teachers and Parents Use to Motivate, Inspire, and Educate Children, 2005, etc.) opened the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta to serve low-income students at a variety of achievement levels. His philosophy struck a chord with none other than Oprah Winfrey, who helped launch him and his program into the mainstream—and was the keynote speaker at the academy’s first graduation. Here, Clark revisits the lessons he learned in establishing his academy, as well as those he picked up throughout his own teaching career. Implementing just a few of these tips, he writes, will lead to invigorated classrooms filled with children who are excited to learn. These range from the obvious, such as “be patient” and “listen,” to the more difficult, such as not giving students second chances on tests and teaching parents how to properly tutor their children. “Children like adults who are dynamic and full of life,” Clark writes. “They want to be around someone who makes them laugh and who shows a passion in all they do.” By providing that kind of leadership, parents and teachers can cultivate a generation of children actively engaged in their own education. Heartwarming success stories pepper the advice, as well as testimonials from parents whose children have benefited from the author’s work.

Those expecting to find a biting commentary on the state of education will be disappointed, but this timely resource can make school a motivational and fun community.