Ron Clark is a bestselling author and was named American Teacher of the Year by Disney. His Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia has taught over 10,000 educators from around the world some of his secrets of success.
Clark’s new book, The End of Molasses Classes 101 Extraordinary Solutions for Parents and Teachers (Touchstone Book, 2011, ISBN: 978-1-4516-3972-8) addresses learning and teaching techniques to keep the classroom engaging and students involved.
Molasses Classes
Molasses is a descriptive word for anything slow. Clark defines molasses classes as “I witnessed teachers with no energy, students who were struggling to prop up their heads, and classrooms that were just checked out and uninterested. I thought to myself, over and over, ‘These are molasses classes’.”
The author founded the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) to teach his principles and techniques for interactive and interesting teaching. It has seen more than 10,000 educators from 45 states and 33 countries. The new book is “…our humble attempt to share the magic, the success, the heartbreaks, the mistakes, and the triumphs that are the Ron Clark Academy.”
RCA’s Core Principles and Values
The book starts with the core principles taught by RCA. Clark writes about the principle and then includes case studies to bring it to life. He also includes notes written by parents throughout the book. Sample principles in this section include:
- Teaching children to believe in themselves
- Not every child deserves a cookie.
- Treat every child as if he or she were your own.
- Push yourself to be innovative.
Tips for Parents
The book is written for several audiences including the parents. Research has shown over the years that the parent is as important to a child’s learning as the teacher. Clark includes the following tidbits:
- Be prepared for the long haul.
- Be patient.
- See the potential in every child.
Creating the Right Climate for Learning
Creating the right environment for learning is essential for adults who work with children. Part three of the book provides insights into creating the right climate and culture for learning. Clark writes, “We want our children to see that there is no greater joy than learning and it is up to use to create the best possible climate and culture where every child will enjoy learning.”
Beyond the Classroom
The last 22 tips involve reaching out beyond the classroom and getting involved with the parents, the success of the school and the community at large. A few examples include:
- Teaching parents the correct way to help children learn
- Let the students shine.
- Leave the jealousy at the door.
- Reach out to the community to build strong networks.
Beyond the Book
Without ever meeting Ron Clark, his readers immediately get a sense of his high energy and his love for learning, teaching and children. This book reflects all of that and more. A few of the suggestions are bit more involved than others and some teachers may feel that their school may not be open to a few of the ideas.
Teachers are always telling their kids to think and dream big. They should follow their own advice and dream up big ideas such as Clark suggests and then take them to the school’s administrators and see what happens. All they can do is say no, but they could also say yes.
Resources
The End of Molasses Classes 101 Extraordinary Solutions for Parents and Teachers (Touchstone Book, 2011, ISBN: 978-1-4516-3972-8) by Ron Clark.
