Book: Teacher Man, Frank McCourt

Years ago I was enthralled with Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt, it was a magical read. His next book 'Tis, I didn't enjoy as much. But, Teacher Man, was an absolute delight to read. Not as good as Angela's Ashes, but a good read nonetheless. He has a wonderful sense of humour and I just really appreciate the way that he describes things. 

Call it synchronicity, random, a fluke; regardless of how different the books are that I am reading, there is always something somewhere that relates back to the previous book I read or am reading. I am currently also audio-booking the biography of Oscar Wilde. He was also a teacher, also Irish. And, both books are written by Franks. 

Four things that I found particularly interesting in Teacher Man:

1. He loved the creativity of the sick notes that he received. 

So what are we supposed to do with these excuse notes? We'll read them aloud. I want you to realize that this is the first class in the world ever to study the art of the excuse note, the first class ever to practice writing them...

2. Instead of reading the prescribed textbooks, he thought out of the box and got the students to read recipe books and put it to music.

3. I learnt what Pedagogical Paydirt means. I will admit that I had to Google it, but, now I know:

pedagogical = relating to teaching.

Paydirt = a useful or remunerative discovery or object.

The fourth was a reminder:

“Language reveals the man. Speak that I may see thee.” Ben Johnson

The above quote reminded me of Jim Rohn's good advice when it comes to language. 

He believes in broadening your vocabulary; words impact your success. "Vocabulary enables us to interpret and to express. If you have a limited vocabulary, you will also have a limited vision and a limited future."  If you do not have words to express yourself you will end up expressing yourself poorly, and you will make poor decisions.

Looping back to the book, it's an easy, light read 4/5