[Kteach2]

I will be teaching 5th grade next year and only have experience in Primary (mostly Kindergarten). After being in Kindergarten for so long, I really don't feel like I'm "As Smart as a 5th Grader". I've taken a peek at the standards and feel like I have a lot of brushing up to do this summer. Any recommendations from veteran 5th grade teachers? What should I really focus on? Any other advice? I am pretty nervous about this, but figure if I can survive Kindergarten for so many years, I should be able to survive this too . TIA

[Teacherking55]

I am moving from K to 5th too!!!!! I just found Friday!! I have taught k for 2 years and 1st/2nd the last 4 years. Before that I did 4/5 - but that seems so long ago!!!! I'm nervous and have no intermediate library etc.

[gatorz]

HI - I taught 13 years of kindergarten and then last year I moved up to 5th grade. Yes, it is quite a jump and yes, I too freaked out about the standards. I started going on this PT 5th grade page all the time just to start hearing all the 5th grade "lingo". That was a big help! Don't stress over it - you learn as you go - just like in any grade, you seem to really get into what you are teaching and come up with great ideas as you go. You can have the best game-plan but... you don't know your kids or the dynamics of the whole group to have everything lined out. Take it one step at a time!!
I really enjoyed the fact that they are so independent - I can give them projects that last several days! It was hard for me to get use to the grading and attitude but... you know what they say - "if you can teach kindergarden, you can teach anything!" I kept the creative parts of kindergarten and mixed them with the 5th grade curriculum. It's amazing how much I have learned this year!!
Good luck in your move and please let me know how things are going! I know exactly how you are feeling!

[Kteach2]

Thanks gator! You have made me feel a bit better. I will be visiting the PT 5th grade page often.

[rabyoga]

I'm getting ready to make the leap to 5th grade... After teaching 2nd grade for 4 years.
I'm nervous but very excited.

[buddy8203]

I just found out today that I am moving to 5th from 1st. I think we need to begin our own little club!!

Very nervous!!

[iteachyourkid]

I'm also moving from first to fifth after teaching 4 years of primary only!!

[scitek]

One of our kinder teachers will be moved to fifth grade next year. We all thought that was a huge leap , but apparently principals don't based on what I am reading here. Its probably because kinder teachers are so nurturing and patient.