The First Days of School

Widely regarded as the most practical and influential guide for classroom teachers, The First Days of School has transformed teaching practices worldwide. Its strength lies in translating complex educational concepts into actionable steps that teachers can implement immediately. The book's systematic approach to classroom management has helped countless educators move from survival mode to professional effectiveness.

Harry K. Wong is a former high school science teacher who became one of the most sought-after educational speakers in the world. Rosemary T. Wong, his wife and co-author, brings extensive experience in educational consulting and teacher training. Together, they have dedicated their careers to helping teachers succeed through practical, research-based strategies. Their work has influenced millions of educators across all grade levels and subject areas.

Core Framework for Effective Teaching

The First Days of School establishes a comprehensive framework that transforms teaching from an art into a systematic profession. The book's enduring value comes from its practical, research-based approach that has helped millions of educators worldwide.

The Three Characteristics of an Effective Teacher

1. Has Positive Expectations for Student Success

   • Believes all students can learn and succeed
   • Communicates confidence in students' abilities
   • Creates an environment where success is expected

2. Is an Extremely Good Classroom Manager

   • Establishes clear procedures and routines
   • Maintains an organized, productive learning environment
   • Prevents problems through proactive planning

3. Knows How to Design Lessons for Student Mastery

   • Plans engaging, purposeful instruction
   • Differentiates to meet diverse learning needs
   • Assesses student understanding continuously

Essential Classroom Procedures

The book provides detailed guidance on establishing procedures for:

• Beginning of Class: How students enter, get materials, and begin work
• During Instruction: How to ask questions, participate, and transition between activities
• End of Class: How to clean up, submit work, and prepare for dismissal
• Classroom Management: How to handle materials, technology, and group work
• Emergency Situations: How to respond to drills and unexpected events

Implementation Strategies

First Week Focus: Spend the first week teaching procedures rather than content. This investment pays dividends throughout the year.

Consistent Reinforcement: Practice procedures until they become automatic. Use positive reinforcement rather than punishment.

Teacher as Role Model: Demonstrate procedures yourself and maintain consistency in expectations.

Impact on Student Learning

When classrooms run smoothly with clear procedures:

• Instructional time increases by 20-30%
• Student engagement and achievement improve
• Teacher stress decreases significantly
• Classroom climate becomes positive and productive

Professional Growth Applications

Beyond the classroom, these principles apply to:

• Leadership: Establishing clear expectations and procedures
• Team Management: Creating efficient workflows and communication
• Personal Organization: Developing systems for productivity
• Change Management: Implementing new initiatives systematically

The First Days of School demonstrates that excellence in teaching comes from preparation, organization, and consistent implementation of proven practices—not from innate talent or charisma.