Book Discussion: Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind

Silicon Valley Moms Blog Discusses CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD GRADE KIND, by Phillip Done. 

I don't recall my favorite elementary school teacher but I know had several who were unforgettable.  There was Ms. Darnell for first grade, Ms. Kimball in second, Ms. Glover for third, Mrs. Mumpower for fourth and Mr. Hickman for fifth.  I remember certain eccentricities about each one and I can still see their smiles and hear their voices.  Ms. Darnell wore long shirts with big belts and had long brown barbie-esque hair that was wavy and shiny.  She wore red lipstick and smiled a lot.  Mr. Hickman, my first man teacher was a legend.  I recall that he had favorites and I wasn't one of them, but he did give out tons of gummy bears.  Each one of these people made a significant impact on my childhood and early learning. 

Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind  takes the reader back to the elementary classroom, complete with bulletin boards covered in colored paper and scalloped borders to the mysteries of what kids keep and lose in their desks to the wonders of recess and spelling errors -- be careful when you spell o-r-g-a-n-i-s-m. 

I relived my own elementary days, my favorite teachers, the special dress-up days, picture day when they handed out those little combs!, the celebrations of half-birthdays and lost teeth.  I laughed out loud about spelling errors!  (Don't read that chapter in bed while your husband is sleeping!) Done writes so glowingly and magically of his experiences with children that it makes me jealous that I won't experience all those crazy, annoying, special, and priceless moments with my own children -- but, those moments are meant for teachers, they are not meant for parents.  Perhaps I need to go back and get a Masters in Education and become a teacher? Done is clearly a master teacher and this books shows he is also a master of the written word.

I think one of the many things that makes Done so successful as a teacher and a writer is that he is fully invested and committed to his work. In a world where you often hear more negative than positive this is a refreshing read, it makes you believe in teachers, our American school system, the wonder and joy of third grade and it makes you believe that with teachers like Phillip Done, every kid does have a chance at a lifetime of success.  I wish I could guarantee that my own children would have teachers as committed and memorable as Done, or even the ones that I had. 

Once again, Phillip Done goes directly to the head of the class with his latest year-long memoir about teaching third graders.  A veteran teacher with over twenty years of experience in the classroom understands children on a level unparalleled by most.  A heart-warming, hilarious and touching book, it should be required reading for all new teachers and parents. 

I wish every kid at least one Mr. Done in their school years. 

Done, it rhymes with Phone.

Comments

[Sukriti]

Great post..i immediately boght the book online on a1books and realy relished it!

[pain relief]

I think that book is interesting..thanks for sharing :D i will buy one.

[Rebecca]

I really enjoyed the book too. Great post!

[Phil Done]

Dear Fabulous Miss S,
I'm so glad you enjoyed the book!
All the best,
Phil Done

[Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama]

As a teacher, I have enjoyed both of Mr. Done's books and hope that I am making a positive impact on the kids I teach every day.

Strangely enough, I grew up going to school in the same town where Mr. Done teaches and my mom, who retired from teaching after 30+ years knows him! Small world!

I also wrote about Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind but my post is called The Best Gifts for Teachers (by teachers!):

http://tr.im/GOFM