The Art of Teaching Children

“I fell in love… . There is so much amazing advice in Mr. Done’s book, but the biggest takeaway is how much he loved his kids.” —Jenna Bush Hager, Today“You will smile the entire time you read this book. The reflections are priceless.” —Harry K. Wong, author of The First Days of School“I hope [this book] will spark some rethinking of certain attitudes and assumptions in the classroom. Done writes about his decades in the classroom, working with children, and challenges of the field. He discusses the obsession with testing, how some teachers kill the joy of learning and reading, and how ‘smart’ can look different in different people. Perhaps most importantly, if something’s not working, he writes about teachers looking at themselves before assuming it’s the student. This is a book about learning, not about school. About relationship and connection. At times, that feels downright revolutionary in education.” —Jaime Herndon, Book Riot“Done mines his 33 years of experience for colorful stories and sound advice in this spirited teacher’s survival guide… . Well-crafted examples and pithy prose drive his points home. Done’s experience will hearten those in the trenches and be a tonic for young teachers.” —Publishers Weekly“After three decades teaching elementary school, Done has amassed hundreds of interesting stories about his students, and he demonstrates a strong grasp of what works (and doesn’t) in the classroom… . Given the author’s highly successful career, it’s clear that his methods are proven to work. For teachers seeking inspiration, Done provides numerous stimulating concepts that can be incorporated into any lesson plan; for prospective or aspiring teachers, the author has plenty of insights into the ups and downs of teaching young children. All readers will have no doubt that Done chose the right profession… . A well-rounded, satisfying look at the daily life of a teacher.” —Kirkus Reviews“At no time in our history have kids and teachers had a greater need for what this book provides. It’s a recipe for love, comfort, and routine in the classroom, providing a true foundation for the love of learning.” —Jim Fay, author of Teaching with Love and Logic“Anyone who has ever considered taking on the challenge of teaching this current generation of children will find a rare and rich resource in The Art of Teaching Children. This is the book you’ll be reaching for again and again as you struggle to become the kind of inspirational teacher you’ve always dreamed of being.” —Adele Faber, author of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk“With humor, warmth, practical tips, and cherished memories, Phillip Done offers the next generation of teachers a treasury of insights into the teaching profession. Part memoir, part practical guide, The Art of Teaching Children reminds educators that the spark that led them to choose teaching as their life’s work will ignite their imaginations and optimism even when faced with day-to-day challenges. This book is a love letter to teachers at any stage in the journey, written by a seasoned veteran who spent thirty-three years in a classroom. ‘Be committed, compassionate, and creative,’ writes Done. This book is rich with all three.” —Julie Bogart, author of Raising Critical Thinkers“Phillip Done has done it again! Done has become a go-to author for an authentic window into the classroom, his writing perpetually infused with the combination of gentle humor, kindness and pragmatism that is so needed today.” —Esmé Raji Codell, author of Educating Esmé

Phillip Done taught elementary school for thirty-three years and was the recipient of the prestigious Charles Schwab Distinguished Teacher Award, a Teacher of the Year in California, and a nominee for Disney’s American Teacher Award. He has taught in public and private schools in the United States and internationally. He has also served as an educational consultant around the world. Additionally, Done has worked as an on-set teacher for child actors in television and film. Done’s writing about education has appeared in Real Simple, Instructor, Parent, NEA Today, and Reader’s Digest. He lives in Europe with his family.