“In the best classrooms, grades are only one of many types of feedback provided to students.”

“I believe that all genial classrooms share at least five characteristics that guide their instruction regardless of content or grade level. These characteristics are (1) freedom to choose, (2) open-ended exploration, (3) freedom from judgment, (4) honoring every student's experience, and (5) belief in every student's genius.”

“Sixth-grade sweethearts. Wow. New Yorkers only commit to that type of monogamy with the Yankees or Giants”

“...the concentration is usually possible because the task undertaken has clear goals and provides immediate feedback.”

“Teachers knew every one of the students, their secrets, their grades, their home situations. And all the students knew the teachers. It was like teachers were people who finally were the most popular at school.”

“Most enjoyable activities are not natural; they demand an effort that initially one is reluctant to make. But once the interaction starts to provide feedback to the person's skills, it usually begins to be intrinsically rewarding.”