Dream Class: How To Transform Any Group Of Students Into The Class You've Always Wanted Paperback – June 3, 2009

I did a professional development on your program about 4 years ago. I’m retiring this year and I just wanted to write that you single handedly saved my sanity and made my career enjoyable. I believe in your program so much. Every time I had an issue I KNEW exactly what you would suggest and how to handle it even though it’s not always easy. Sometimes these little people can make your blood pressure spike instantly but I heard your voice in my head telling me to stay calm, know they want me to argue, walk away, no lecture. Ughhhh! That’s so hard but SO EFFECTIVE! My entire elementary school adopted your philosophy and it made a huge difference when we all had the same rules, expectations and consequences. I am very distressed to hear that we are moving to a new discipline system k-12 where we don’t say no, and we have to “coach” the child through his/her behavior and brainstorm future reactions. Who has that kind of time? That was one of the deciding factors that made me choose to retire. I will not do any program but yours! I will always be your #1 fan. It has been a pleasure corresponding with you. I truly appreciate the fact that you respond. Thanks for the difference you’ve made in my life, the lives of my students and all the students in our elementary school over the past few years. You get it. You really do!

As a veteran teacher, I agree with 98% of the keys in the book. Follow Linsin’s Keys and you are on your way to your Dream class. He provides clear and useful tips for teachers to use to become better teachers.

I found this book after I encountered the smartclassroommanagement blog written by the same author. I was intrigued. The simple, no-nonsense approach of the blog grabbed my interest. The book has the exact same approach.I've been teaching for 12 years. Classroom management isn't my strong suit, but it's also not my weakness. However, the group I have this year has tested my abilities. This is one of those groups of kids you hear about every year, and I found a lot of the things I "heard" were pretty accurate. There are just so many personalities, challenges, and needs that poor behavior was taking away from learning. I tried multiple approaches this year, but this one has been the most successful.Dream Class addresses how to deal with behavior problems. Linsin's method is a proactive approach. He stresses the importance of modeling and teaching procedures. It's all just so basic, but it makes so much sense. The toughest pill to swallow was that he states if things aren't going well, it's the teacher's fault. I didn't want to believe him, but really it's true. Once, I admitted to myself that all those 2nd chances were doing more harm than good, I was able to make a change. I rebooted my classroom with Linsin's basic rules and LOTS of modeling which is suggested. The results have been amazing. This approach has benefited my most challenging kids the most. The behavior turn around was fast and painless. I had exhausted every trick I knew on one student without success. But, a few weeks of this method and the student has made a complete 180!I'm still a student of his methods and keep up regularly with his blog. I gave the book a 4. The content is simple and to the point. It is extremely valuable. However, I do wish there were some more explanations or examples throughout the book. I feel the same way with the blog. However, the method that Linsin shares is simple and successful.

Mr. Linsin, thank you. I’m a veteran teacher who has struggled with classroom management. I have always believed that students need to take ownership of their learning, but do lie to fads, admin or teams have never been able to put a finger on the most effective way to deal with management. Your experience and knowledge has confirmed and introduced me to ideas that I know will work for me. Again thank you!

This book is simply amazing. The tips are very simple, yet give even the most experienced teacher something to think about! This book made me look at how I was teaching my students to become independent students who really enjoy learning and enjoy being in my classroom. I really enjoy the summary of the tips at the end of each "chapter", giving me a quick reference guide when I need it again. I have lent this book out to many colleagues, I believe that every teacher should be reading this book! Definitely a buy!!

This book offers great insight into having a great class, however the advice is applicable to any setting where you are in a management position working with others. The advice within the book is also offers tips that would be useful and applicable in parenting. A thoughtful, entertaining, and well-written book I finished it over a weekend. I can't wait to start teaching to try the ideas out.

I love every single part of this book. It all makes so much sense and it is so practical. I pull it out and read it at the beginning of each school year to brush up on things I may have forgotten. I have read a lot of management books and this one is by far the best. You will not be disappointed with the simple, practical approach to classroom management this book uses.

Ofrece consejos útiles para los profesores a la hora de manejar la dinámica del aula. Lectura amena, inglés sencillo y ideas motivadoras.

This is a fantastic book. Michael Linsin is excellent, and his advice is right on the money. It's a quick read but really powerful. An important factor is that there's a great blog that supports it (smartclassroommanagement.com) and you can email him with questions.

Michael Linsin gives us a glimpse into his successful teaching methods and classroom practice. He captures the essence of great teaching a knowledge and enthusiasm for the material, a clear and consistent behaviour approach and a genuine love for his students. Inspiring!

This is by far the best classroom management book I have ever read. I thought, as it was American, it would have limited value to a UK teacher but it is full of universal common sense. Linsin's uncompromising, blunt approach leaves no room for excuses about bad practice in teaching and makes every teacher face the bad habits and excuses that they've developed. It is pricey, and you can get a lot of his advice free from his website, but I find it handy to have the book on my classroom bookshelf all the time. Now two of my colleagues are also Linsin converts after asking what my secret was!!

I find his knowledge and practical advice amazing! I also greatly enjoyed his other books! I admire his positive ideas and respect for his students. His knowledge will help me to be a better teacher.