Key Takeaways
1. Create a fearless classroom built on trust and high expectations
Trust is always the foundation, but the Six Levels are the building blocks that help my kids grow as both students and people.
Build trust: Establish a classroom culture based on mutual trust between teacher and students. Replace fear-based discipline with clear expectations and logical consequences. Be dependable, follow through on promises, and model the behavior you expect from students.
Set high standards: Encourage students to reach "Level VI" thinking - developing a personal code of behavior based on intrinsic motivation rather than external rewards or punishments. Create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and challenge themselves academically and personally.
Six Levels of Moral Development:
- Avoid punishment
- Seek rewards
- Please others
- Follow rules
- Consider others
- Personal code of ethics
2. Develop a love for reading through guidance and exposure to great literature
If a child is going to grow into a truly special adult—someone who thinks, considers other points of view, has an open mind, and possesses the ability to discuss great ideas with other people—a love of reading is an essential foundation.
Curate quality literature: Introduce students to a wide range of challenging, thought-provoking books across various genres. Go beyond standard textbooks and basal readers to expose children to classic and contemporary literature that sparks their imagination and critical thinking skills.
Guide active reading: Teach students how to engage deeply with texts through discussions, writing assignments, and creative projects. Use strategies like reading aloud, book clubs, and author studies to make reading a social and interactive experience. Encourage students to make personal connections with the material and develop their own interpretations.
Reading strategies:
- Regular library visits
- Teacher as reading role model
- Book discussions and analysis
- Varied reading materials (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc.)
- Connecting literature to other subjects and real-life experiences
3. Foster effective writing skills through structured practice and feedback
If you want your kids to become remarkable, we need to challenge them with lessons they will use for the rest of their lives.
Daily grammar practice: Begin each day with focused grammar exercises to build a strong foundation in language mechanics. Use a system of immediate feedback and "dreaded rewrites" to ensure mastery of basic skills.
Varied writing assignments: Implement a combination of weekly essays, monthly book reports, and long-term creative writing projects to develop different writing styles and time management skills. Provide detailed feedback and opportunities for revision to help students improve their work.
Writing program components:
- Daily grammar exercises
- Weekly essays on diverse topics
- Monthly book reports with specific analysis requirements
- Young Authors project (year-long book writing)
- Peer editing and feedback sessions
4. Make math engaging and relevant through games and real-world applications
I want my students to love to read. Reading is not a subject. Reading is a foundation of life, an activity that people who are engaged with the world do all the time.
Gamify math lessons: Use interactive games like "Buzz" and Marcy Cook tile activities to make math fun and accessible. These games reinforce basic skills while developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Connect to real life: Integrate math into other subjects and everyday situations to demonstrate its relevance. Use the classroom economy system to teach financial literacy and practical math skills.
Math engagement strategies:
- Mental math warm-ups
- Interactive math games (Buzz, Marcy Cook tiles)
- Cross-curricular math applications
- Classroom economy system for financial literacy
- Focus on problem-solving over rote memorization
5. Teach problem-solving skills to prepare students for life's challenges
We parents and teachers must do better than trotting out meaningless directions for our struggling children. The Bible gives my students an actual road map of the problem-solving process.
Systematic approach: Teach a step-by-step method for tackling problems, emphasizing understanding the issue, choosing appropriate strategies, and analyzing results. Practice this approach across various subjects and real-life situations.
Collaborative learning: Encourage students to work in groups to solve complex problems, fostering communication and teamwork skills. Create an environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes and learning from them.
Problem-solving steps:
- Understand the problem
- Choose an appropriate strategy
- Solve the problem
- Analyze the results
6. Use art, music, and film to enhance learning and creativity
Whether you use music, performance, or visual art—or, better yet, all three—your students will grow in ways you never could have predicted.
Integrate arts across curriculum: Incorporate visual arts, music, and film into various subjects to deepen understanding and engage multiple learning styles. Use these mediums to explore complex ideas, historical periods, and cultural contexts.
Develop artistic skills: Provide opportunities for students to learn and practice specific artistic techniques, from playing instruments to creating visual art. Emphasize the process of creation and self-expression over final products.
Arts integration examples:
- Rock band performances tied to literature or history lessons
- Visual art projects exploring mathematical concepts
- Film analysis to enhance critical thinking and cultural understanding
- Music theory and practice to reinforce math and reading skills
7. Plan meaningful field trips that reinforce classroom learning
I want our trips to teach the students lessons they will use for the rest of their lives.
Thorough preparation: Invest time in preparing students for field trips through research, discussions, and related assignments. Teach practical skills like navigating public transportation and proper behavior in various settings.
Active engagement: Design trips with clear educational objectives and opportunities for hands-on learning. Encourage students to ask questions, make observations, and connect their experiences to classroom material.
Field trip best practices:
- Pre-trip research and preparation
- Clear educational objectives
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Post-trip reflection and assessment
- Teaching life skills (navigation, etiquette, budgeting)
8. Cultivate character and civic responsibility through community service
I want my students to reach Level VI. We help others because it's the right thing to do.
Ongoing service: Integrate regular community service opportunities into the classroom experience, emphasizing the intrinsic value of helping others rather than treating it as an assignment or obligation.
Student leadership: Empower students to take ownership of service projects, from planning to execution. This develops leadership skills, initiative, and a sense of social responsibility that extends beyond the classroom.
Community service project example:
- Annual "Feed the World" event serving 500 homeless individuals
- Year-round preparation (fundraising, clothing drives, rehearsals)
- Multi-generational involvement (current and former students)
- Focus on dignity and respect for those being served
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FAQ
What's "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire" about?
- Overview: "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire" by Rafe Esquith is a guide to innovative teaching methods and philosophies used in Room 56, a fifth-grade classroom in Los Angeles.
- Focus on Excellence: The book emphasizes creating a classroom culture that values hard work, character, and mutual respect, aiming to develop students into kind and brilliant individuals.
- Practical Advice: Esquith shares practical strategies for teaching various subjects, including reading, writing, math, and science, while also addressing broader educational challenges.
- Personal Experience: The book is based on Esquith's 25 years of teaching experience, offering insights into his successes and failures in the classroom.
Why should I read "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire"?
- Innovative Teaching Methods: The book provides unique and effective teaching strategies that can be applied in any classroom setting.
- Inspiration for Educators: It serves as a motivational resource for teachers who want to make a significant impact on their students' lives.
- Real-Life Examples: Esquith uses real-life stories and examples from his classroom to illustrate his points, making the advice relatable and practical.
- Focus on Character Building: The book emphasizes the importance of developing students' character alongside academic skills, offering a holistic approach to education.
What are the key takeaways of "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire"?
- Trust Over Fear: Esquith advocates for creating a classroom environment based on trust rather than fear, encouraging students to take risks and learn from mistakes.
- Six Levels of Moral Development: The book introduces Lawrence Kohlberg's Six Levels of Moral Development as a framework for teaching students to think beyond rules and rewards.
- Importance of Passion: Esquith stresses the need for teachers to be passionate about their subjects and to instill that passion in their students.
- Lifelong Learning: The book encourages educators to foster a love of learning in students, preparing them for success beyond the classroom.
How does Rafe Esquith suggest improving reading skills in students?
- Focus on Joy: Esquith emphasizes the importance of making reading a joyful and exciting activity, rather than just a skill to be tested.
- Guided Reading: He suggests that teachers act as guides, helping students discover great literature and develop a love for reading.
- Library Visits: Regular trips to the library are encouraged to expose students to a wide range of books and foster a community of readers.
- Assessment Through Engagement: Instead of relying solely on standardized tests, Esquith recommends assessing reading proficiency through students' engagement and enthusiasm for books.
What is the "Dreaded Rewrite" method in "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire"?
- High Standards: The "Dreaded Rewrite" is a method where students must achieve at least 90% accuracy on grammar assignments or redo them until they master the skill.
- Encourages Mastery: This approach ensures that students fully understand the material, rather than just completing assignments for a grade.
- Peer Support: Students who succeed help those who need to rewrite, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Builds Confidence: By mastering skills through rewrites, students gain confidence in their abilities and take pride in their work.
How does Esquith incorporate music and arts in his teaching?
- Music as a Tool: Esquith uses music to teach students about discipline, teamwork, and creativity, integrating it into various subjects.
- Rock Band: His classroom features a student rock band, where students learn to play instruments and perform, enhancing their musical skills and confidence.
- Art Projects: The book includes several art projects that help students express themselves creatively while learning about famous artists and techniques.
- Performance Opportunities: Students participate in performances, such as Shakespeare plays, which combine music, acting, and dance, providing a comprehensive arts education.
What role does problem-solving play in "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire"?
- Critical Thinking: Esquith emphasizes the importance of teaching students to solve problems and think critically, skills that are essential for success in life.
- Structured Approach: He provides a structured approach to problem-solving, encouraging students to understand the problem, choose a strategy, solve it, and analyze the solution.
- Real-Life Application: Problem-solving skills are applied to real-life situations, helping students navigate challenges both in and out of the classroom.
- Collaborative Learning: Students work in groups to solve problems, promoting teamwork and communication skills.
How does Esquith address standardized testing in "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire"?
- Critique of Testing Culture: Esquith criticizes the overemphasis on standardized testing, arguing that it detracts from meaningful learning experiences.
- Balanced Approach: While acknowledging the necessity of tests, he advocates for a balanced approach that includes teaching test-taking skills without sacrificing deeper learning.
- Focus on Understanding: He encourages teaching methods that prioritize understanding and critical thinking over rote memorization for tests.
- Real-World Skills: Esquith emphasizes the importance of teaching skills that are valuable beyond the classroom, rather than just preparing students for tests.
What are the Six Levels of Moral Development mentioned in "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire"?
- Level I - Avoiding Trouble: Students behave to avoid punishment, a basic level of moral reasoning.
- Level II - Seeking Rewards: Behavior is motivated by the desire for rewards, such as praise or prizes.
- Level III - Pleasing Others: Actions are taken to please teachers or parents, rather than for intrinsic reasons.
- Level IV - Following Rules: Students follow rules because they understand their importance, but may not question them.
- Level V - Consideration for Others: Behavior is guided by empathy and consideration for others' feelings and needs.
- Level VI - Personal Code: Students develop a personal code of ethics and follow it, even when it conflicts with rules or expectations.
How does Esquith use travel and field trips in his teaching?
- Educational Trips: Esquith organizes educational trips to places like Washington, D.C., to provide students with real-world learning experiences.
- Preparation: Students prepare extensively for trips, learning about the history and significance of the places they will visit.
- Life Skills: Trips teach students important life skills, such as budgeting, planning, and navigating new environments.
- Cultural Exposure: Travel exposes students to different cultures and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world.
What are some of the best quotes from "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire" and what do they mean?
- "Teach like your hair's on fire": This quote encapsulates Esquith's philosophy of teaching with passion and urgency, fully engaging with students to inspire them.
- "There are no shortcuts": Emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving excellence, both for teachers and students.
- "Trust is the foundation": Highlights the necessity of building a classroom environment based on trust, where students feel safe to take risks and learn.
- "Reading is a foundation of life": Stresses the critical role of reading in personal and academic development, encouraging a lifelong love of literature.
How does Esquith's teaching philosophy differ from traditional methods?
- Focus on Character: Esquith places a strong emphasis on character development alongside academic achievement, which is often overlooked in traditional education.
- Innovative Techniques: He employs creative and unconventional teaching methods, such as integrating music and arts, to engage students and enhance learning.
- Holistic Approach: Esquith's approach is holistic, addressing not just academic skills but also life skills, moral development, and emotional intelligence.
- Student-Centered Learning: His philosophy prioritizes student engagement and active participation, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning.
Review Summary
Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire receives mixed reviews from readers. Many find it inspiring and appreciate Esquith's dedication and innovative teaching methods. However, some criticize his self-congratulatory tone and unrealistic expectations for other teachers. Critics also note that Esquith's success may be due to teaching gifted students, which is not mentioned in the book. While some readers find practical ideas to implement, others feel the book sets an impossible standard. Overall, the book is seen as thought-provoking but potentially discouraging for average teachers.
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