Haim Ginott

Haim G. Ginott (originally Ginzburg; 5 August 1922 – 4 November 1973) was a clinical psychologist, child therapist, educator, and author of several books on the relationships between children and adults, especially teachers.

Quotes

 * Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.
 * Quoted in Practical Parenting Tips By Vicki Lansky, p. 190


 * Treat a child as though he already is the person he's capable of becoming.
 * Quoted in Gently And Firmly By C.P. Varkey, p. 87


 * I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, a child humanized or de-humanized.
 * Quoted in Fair isn't always equal: assessing & grading in the differentiated classroom By Rick Wormeli, p. 9


 * Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task.
 * Ginott, H. G. (1972). Teacher and child. New York: Macmillan.