THE ESSENTIAL 55

Tired of unruly, uncivilized students? Here's the structure they need, according to a gutsy young teacher who knows what works in the classroom and in life. These are old-fashioned rules--do your homework every night, say thank you, don't talk at the movies, respect everyone, tell the truth. In today's wide-open culture, some of them will seem demanding. But the message from this North Carolina teacher is that kids feel more secure and happy when these expectations are in place. This welcome initiative is delivered in a way that will inspire the persistence one needs to be carry them out. A valuable resource for people who are too inconsistent with their expectations of children and unhappy with the results. T.W.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 04]