Testimonials

The following is a small sample of the many positive comments I receive EVERY DAY about Magic Classroom Management and the Needs-Focused approach. Comments like these make it all worthwhile - thank you to everyone!

Hi Rob,

I have just purchased your book and had started reading.
I can't stop thinking "this is exactly what I had been looking
For."    

Joanne Ng
United Knowledge
www.uknowledge.com

Thanks again for having the gumption and giving the time to such a fundamental and ever-present subject.  I've been teaching over 25 years, and am always open to new approaches to old problems!

Fran Wood (Teacher, UK )

Hi rob. I am a PGCE student and have found your book very useful. I am teaching my first full lesson to the whole class next Thursday day and I am frantically trying to memorize all your tips and scripts! When I was reading your book I could actually SEE the methods working! I have recommended your book to all my fellow PGCEers! am very much looking forward to your emails.

Rebecca Norris (Student teacher UK )

Sorry it’s taken me so long to write – this is super stuff, thanks so much.

Sue Roberts (Teacher, UK)

Its brilliant! Simple and easy to follow.

Thank you!

Shazia Kahn (Student Primary Teacher, West Yorkshire , UK )

Hi Rob,
I'm so eager to try all your tips in my classroom. Thank you for your time sending the most informative resources a teacher could have. I will definitely share your info to my collegue.

Thanks a lot,
Eusita

Thanks very much. There are some excellent ideas in there.

Lyndsey Barrett (Teacher UK )

Hiya Rob,

Please accept my sincere apologies for not getting back to you sooner about your fantastic book!

I've read it a couple of times and the main impression that stands out it is its really practical approach - helpful without all the theory which you often cannot relate to.

In my opinion, it'll effectively run alongside assertive discipline, and the circle time policies already in place - and it offers the ability to dip into it for appropriate strategies or use as part of a behaviour management policy.  I've been teaching 10 years and this may just be the missing part of the jigsaw in terms of classroom management!

Ultimately I think it's absolutely fantastic!  NQTs and more experienced teachers should not be without it - and I look forward to it being widely available!  I've already discussed some of the strategies in place with the PGCE student in my class, and I'm sure they'll prove really useful.

I'd love to continue to hear about the book's continued success!

Fiona Macsween (Teacher, UK )

This book is full of common sense advice for both new and experienced
teachers alike. It is easy to read and gives lots of ideas I like the common sense approach. I love the blockbusters game and am thinking up mathematical expressions for
the gold run!!

I like the inspirational posters
I like the sheet that pupils fill in about their interests - it could be
adapted for any age, although much of it is suitable for many ages

altogether it’s great - thank you!

 Jane Appleton (Student Teacher UK )

I have been impressed by the wide range of tips and advice

S ian Kathryn Mapp (Student Teacher, UK )

I like the layout, how its broken down into small digestible, separate sections and how it "flows" really well. It’s a much better read then the standard text books we are asked to read about classroom management, which get dull quickly. I know it will handy every day once I’m facing a class of 30 kids

M Patel (Student Teacher, UK )

"Thanks, Rob - good to know that even as I approach
retirement, there are still things I can do better!"

E.F. (Teacher, UK )

I have had a quick scan read. I realize that you are probably in secondary while I have just retrained and moved from FE to Primary. However, I think the same principles apply.

Lots of what I have read resonates with me, like my decision to be 'myself' i.e. like to have fun, like the children and genuinely want them all to feel good in my class but at the same time I want the rules followed and my high expectations for them to be met. I so agree with you on the value of personal praise rather than an absent minded sticker.

Alex (Teacher, UK )

"Thanks for helping me out of my mini crisis."

T B (Teacher UK )

Thanks - the book is great and very well presented- some great tips. I see myself as quite good normally when it comes to control - but there are a few I can never get through to. Will definitely try some of your ideas.

Thanks for the extra freebies too.

Kelly (Teacher UK

What I have read is brilliant and has given me some practical ideas to try. It has also given me the confidence to go with a non-confrontational approach which is more me.

Thanks again,

Paula Rowlands (Teacher, UK )

 Hi. Thanks a lot for your very inspirational
 classroom management tips. In effect, they are just so great
and edifying.

Lanyuy Collins (Teacher, US)

"I have taught for 22 years in Ohio.  I needed some new ideas and boy this been a godsend. 

Robert Johnson M.Ed" (Teacher, Ohio)

Hi Rob,

I'm an NQT so I'm still learning the ropes.  I've read through half of Magic
Classroom Management so far and from what I've read it's excellent.  A lot
of the books you read talks a lot about theories and skills to develop over
a long period of time...your book is simply a list of things you can try out
the next day - excellent!  I knew a lot of it already, but there's a few
things I'm going to try out tomorrow.

Anthony Collins

Midlands, Staffordshire. 

Dear Mr. Plevin,

I am so grateful to you!  Your tips have been the best!  I would
like to thank you for your kindness and the magic in you classroom tips.


Sinceramente,

Senora Vida F. Boyce
Spanish Teacher

Thank you Rob

for the FREE REPORT: COPING STRATEGIES FOR TEACHERS

I am a Learning Support Unit Manager working with underachieving students, students who are challenging with social emotional and behavioural concerns; some also have psychiatric concerns and it is tough work.  I am going home stressed almost every day and feeling as if I will end up having a short life span if I continue the job.  I do enjoy my job and working with the kids (Secondary age 11-16) but I have to learn how to control loosing my temper over not managing a situation and learning to relax more.  I want the kids to achieve their best and in me trying to help them achieve that I find it hard when they don't make the effort.  I love the kids I work with, I do spoil them sometimes, I am also very firm with them, so they do hold a substantial amount of respect for me, especially because they know that I am always their for them.  I don't ever take any days off from work because I can see that they rely on my support. 

I am even more grateful for the information, not only for myself but to help other teacher in the school as I am the LEad Behavioural specialist in the school and I can hopefully be able to share your excellent strategies with them.

Thanks again and may speak to you again

Angela

Thank you again for this information Rob.  It is invaluable

Angela

This section has some brilliant ideas. I will put them into action this week and let you know if there's a significant difference. I already followed a few of your points as a matter of fact but this has definitely broadened my horizons even further! Looking forward to the next installment.

Nikki

Dear Rob Plevin:

Thank you so much for sending me the teaching tips. I do enjoy reading the tips which helps me a lot in my classroom.

I am an ESL teacher in China. Now I am teaching in a key school in our province. Still, there are some students here you have to choose a right way to communicate with. And with the help of your book, I do find some effective way to manage my classroom.

Thanks you  again.           

Lilac

Rob, I have read more of your book this morning and really like it. You are a person who has definitely experienced the "difficult to teach" child. Only someone who has been there knows that what you are saying is "nuts and bolts" and right on target. I am going to do three seminars next week, one in Austin, Texas, Houston, Texas and San Antonio, Texas. I have decided to promote your book and will give them your email address and information about the book basically. I do a section in the seminar on Behavior and classroom management and I will discuss your book and some of your main points then. I do know that the company I work for will allow me to sell your book during the seminar, but I dont think I can get your books there in time for this next session which is Monday, November 13th. I am doing another set of seminars at the end of November, but I think the easiest thing to do is to let teachers know where to get the book. Is it at Amazon.com? or in the stores like Barnes and Noble? or can they purchase it directly from you? How much is it?

I am excited about your book. Glad I found it!

Gail Fulford,Ed.S.
Atlanta Training & Resource Co.

hi  rob,  thanks for responding so very quickly.  i am impressed and i appreciate your sensitivity to your audience-wow.  i will try it, thank you.

byron

Dear Mr Plevin,

Every tips u sent is very pratical and usable . Thanks for everything, more power to u.

And God will always Bless u all the way.

Sincerly yours,

Aster

Hi Rob,
I would like to thank you very much for your help. This is my frist year when I work at university as a lecturer so your tips appear to  be very
useful.I look forward to hearing from you

Iza Mrochen

Rob,

I downloaded your classroom management book, a couple of days ago.

Yes, you're right.  The buck stops with me and it is the way I react to any given situation that needs reflection and change.  

It's also strange, because there's not a great  deal that you speak about in your main book or your free ebook that I haven't already come across (or indeed, used).  However, your language is very practical and non-threatening, and I FEEL included, like, "I can do this.  It makes sense." rather than, "Oh, that's what I need to do or should be doing." 

Excuse my grammar.  I guess what I'm trying to convey is that your words make me FEEL empowered to be a postitive, enhtusiastic, fully functional professional teacher who cares about her students.  I recognise that this may have as much to do with where I'm at both professionally and emotionally at this point in time, but nevertheless, I thank you.

Thanks again,

Janyne Brand.

Geraldton, West Australia

Dear Rob,
The more I read about the classroom tips you have sent me,the more i realize that some of your tips like"class slogan"and also that of getting the pupils in a good mood before a lesson are what I've unconsciously implimented so far.I am considered a very unconventional teacher in my school { E& E world school}at Ahmedabad,India.But, your helpful tips have infused a newfound confidence in me and I thank you once again.i will keep you posted.

Kind regards
Anju

Hi Rob,
I am getting alot from what you are sending me and it
has been helpful thus far. I am in the process of
obtaing your book. I had made a request for a purchase
through the school I am currently working at.
Hopefully they will get the book for me but if not
then I am planning on getting it myself. Once again,
thank you much. Keep the helpful resources coming,
it's been put to good use.

Always Joseph Sandoval.

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the quick reply.  I purchased Magic Classroom Management, but if you have other material that might be useful for supply teaching, I'd love to see it.

I use humour a lot too - and often respond to some behaviours with a smile - that takes away tension and is often a 'surprise' to students who are pushing buttons to see what you'll do.  My approach is preventive rather that reactive.  The more negative behaviour I can avoid the more positive teaching I can achieve.  I also take the approach that whatever class I am teaching, at that time, it's "my" class.  For however short a time, this confident approach lets me connect with students.

I've read through Magic Classroom Management and have adapted some of your ideas.  Although I usually do daily supply, I am currently doing a long term assignment (five weeks) teaching grade 7 & 8 English, Math, and History - so I'll be able to use more of your suggestions.

I look forward to the teaching tips.

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my e-mail.

Sincerely,

Connie

Dear sir,

Thank for your support, now i am trying to practice your tip in my classroom, and i found the amazing change of behavior my student. I hope you always give me with the order tip so i can teaching with the modren metode

Sincerely

Dejan

Hi Rob
I have been reading through your material and there has been some really
valuable stuff in it, thanks. I am making a big impression with the
Headmaster at the moment as he is interested in how i am managing my class
and seems to be very impressed. Thank you
Lesleyanne

Dear Mr. Rob Plevin

Thank you so much for your infomation about classroom management. I am a ESL teacher in China . I'd been to Canada and lived there for a period of time, but I am teaching here.

Some of the ideas are very very useful, even though practiced in China . Especially the idea about client's record cards. I love them.

Thank you again

your loyal reader: Catherine

Hi Rob

Thanks for sharing the messages with me. I am exchanging these great ideas with my staff members at school.

I want to know, if you have great strategies on topic LEADERSHIP. If yes, please send them to me too.I will definitely input my thoughts. 

Thanks again.

Neena

Mr. Plevin,

Thank you, first of all for taking the time and energy to create such a much
needed piece of work.  Everyday practical strategies that can be used in the
classroom.  I am looking forward to reading part 2 of dealing with classroom
behavior.  This is exactly what I need!

Thank you,
Michelle

Hi Rob
Just to let you know that I am enjoying your tips for behaviour management.
As a casual teacher (I think that you call them supply teachers in the US) I
find classroom management a challenge.  I was wondering whether you have any
tips that particalarly pertain to casual teachers, who come into a classroom
when the regular teacher is sick or at a course.  I love all your ideas and
can see how I can implement some of them,
Thanks again for your words of wisdom!
Emma

Hi Rob
I found you site when i was in the depths of despair with my class, this is
the second year running I have had them (it seemed like the lesser of 2
evils at the time when i was given the choice - better the devil you know...
and all that) and I felt like I had exhausted my entire behaviour management
repertoire and they had seen it all before.

I'm feeling a bit better about things now, in no small part because of your
fab emails.  They are little pick me ups with really useful ideas that I can
put into practise (practice?) immediately with little preparation &
resources needed.

A lot of the time I read them and think, well I already know that,  but when
I think about it I realise that I've let it slip or have forgotten to stay
on top of it.

So thanks for being a mine of useful information, and a non-judgemental
source of advice.  Keep up the great work!
Thanks again

Marie

Dear Rob,
Thank you for the Bonus Report which addresses many problems I have as a
substitute.  I think your guides were recommended on the home page of
the district in which I work--PUSD or Pasadena in California.  I'm
almost certain to buy the book now.
Connie

Dear Rob:

Thanks for your Magic Classroom Management Tips. I've learnt a lot from you and now I am running my Primary ESL Teacher's Blog. I hope I can have the permission to post your tips on my blog.

Thanks lot. Today 's our Chinese Lunar Year--the Year of the Pig. Wish you a happy new year of 2007.

Lilac

a primary English teacher in China

Hello Rob,

These are great thank you.
Due to the amount of work I have doing my student teaching placement, I have
printed your emails for future readings...well I am reading them one or two
per evening and they are GREAT. Yes, a lot of common sense and stuff I want
to do anyway, but there are a lot of ideas that I cannot wait to try. They
are motivating me - thank you.
Student teaching is tougher than I thought but as the days go on...and I
load up on information and get resources (like you) it makes me feel better
and believe that I CAN do this. THANK YOU

Christine

Rob

Sorry, I seem to have subscribed twice, somehow.  I was trying to get to the 'Coping strategies' tips, but ended up going round in circles.

I have read your other material and am very impressed - not least because at last someone is agreeing with my golden rule.  'Never talk over the top of noise.'  I've been teaching for 25 years and it's been an invaluable personal rule - for all age groups including A level.

The reason I signed on to your site is that I have been doing some twilight 'Raising Attainment' classes at the local comprehensive  (I teach part time in a sixth form college) and I was waiting on the landing outside the classroom of a poor NQT who was fighting a losing battle with her Y9 class at the end of the day.  When the bell went and she came to meet me the first thing she did was apologise for her shouting and their behaviour etc... I did feel some sympathy for her and remembered those early years of my career when I'd had difficult classes. 

So, to cut a long story short, I thought I'd have a look at what was available nowadays to help with classroom management and came across your site - the details of which I will pass on to her on Wednesday. (I was quite a fan of The Craft of the Classroom' by Michael Marland but as that was in 1976, was probably a bit dated!!!)

I must say I felt I  was reading the thoughts of a soul-mate in all you've said, and when I've been involved in in-house staff development with young staff, I have found myself in complete agreement with your ideas about being in charge of creating the right atmosphere in your own classroom; setting your standards and above all being consistent in the application of them.  I think this is also true when there are no behaviour problems because you can then concentrate on establishing the quality of the work you want them to produce...

Anyway, I could go on all night.... Thank you for your emails - I am interested to see the others... and you can 'unsubscribe' my second application.  Thank you.

Paula W.

Dear Rob;
Thank you very much for all the information that you´ve been sending me and
I really appreciate that you keep doing so.
I´ve been reading most of it and I find it very useful but I want to go
through it more deeply again.
My best regards.

Clemen.

Hey Rob,
I am getting a lot from what you are sending me and I
am going to share it with my fellow workers. It seems
like the school I am at really does need this
information. I do have questions about the
consequences. What are some good consequences that I
could establish as far as "breaking a rule" is
concerned? Also steps on how to guide/show students on
what will happen if they do break a rule. Like, the
frist offense, second etc... Is there a web site that
you could share with me and get some ideas? Thanks for
everything thus far. Keep the info coming.

Mr. S.

I have enjoyed every one of your classroom managent tips.  So far I have used some and other information that I obtain from seminars of management students with behavioral issues as well as ADHD and ADD audience.  I too spend more time dealing with issues and disruptions and slow progress from students, that I am a little discourage.  After 8 year of teaching this population I have found that the amount of effort to stear students in the correct way has been a challenging and difficult one.    Although, I continue to truck on with all my strength.  I find your information that you have provided has helped me to become more accepting and to gain control over the things I can and worry less with those I cannot change. 

Thank you for your guidenance and encouraging methods to assist me in managing a very little to no interrupted learning processes.

Thanks, so much Mr. Plevin, I'm sure all these ideas will make reflect on
my daily teaching work.
I'ii be in touch.

Sandra H.

Hi Rob,

Just thought I'd send you a quick email to say how many amazing comments I've already got regarding your articles and the free tips/downloadable resources! I'm not joking, the people I've been meeting in the various forums I've joined are really excited about the info they've received.

Thanks again for your support in helping me to promote your wonderful product.

Regards,

Nicole.

Hi Rob

Yes, I managed to get it thanks - me being dense! Can I just say how good
your book and regular updates are - I keep printing them off after reading
them. I will spread the word!

Best wishes and thank you for taking the time to contact me personally.

Mel :)

Rob,

I love what you teach/preach/support and feel very supportive of your message and work.

You are doing good and important work.

Jane Strauss

Author/Publisher of The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
www.grammarbook.com

 Dear Mr. Plevin,

Thank you so much for the classroom managment mini-course.  Although I have
taught for over thirty years, the last twenty of which were at the
post-secondary level, I thought I knew teaching.  However, in getting back
to teaching high school, I was not prepared for the changes that have taken
place.  I have already implemented several of the techniques outlined in
your mini-course and am seeing improvements, not only in the students of my
classes, but also in myself as a teaching professional.

Sincerely,

William G.

Hi Rob,

Just a few words of thanks for your tips. I am finding them very
effective with some of my students. Sorry I have not been able to get
back to you straight away but once again thank you.

Pascal