[J.Elaine]

OMG! I just told my principal I'd join the 3rd grade team next fall! I've been a 4th/5th looping teacher for 12 years and have never taught 3rd graders! On the one hand I am excited, but on the other, I am very much afraid. I guess I'll be spending some "quality" time here on the Third Grade board! I know I can ALWAYS depend on you wonderful Proteachers for encouragement and inspiration.

[1956BD]

They will seem like babies at first, but you will adapt. They are really very sweet and not as hormonal as fifth graders!

[J.Elaine]

Actually 1956BD, my 4th graders seem like babies at first after a year with my 5th graders!!!! I guess that's why I'm a little apprehensive! However, I know I'm going to love them -- I'm just not sure how they'll feel about me!!!!!!

[vttraveler]

I would say the exact same thing as 1956. I LOVE 3rd graders. You will find them much more innocent and willing to try new things than 4th and 5th graders, as they are still in the please the teacher phase. I would caution you to work closely with your team to develop lessons that are not above their heads (as that is what I sometimes see with our 4th grade teacher who stepped down from working with 5th and 6th graders). Enjoy! How nice that you get all this time before a new year starts to think about it and prepare.

[daisydee226]

I am so glad that you will be on the third grade team next year! Working at the same school for nine years and we haven't been able to work together very often! YEAH!

[jjwires]

You will love 3rd graders. They are independent, but still love to please their teacher. Shoot any questions our way & we'll be glad to help you out.

[J.Elaine]

Thanks to all for responding.

I am here on the 3rd-grade board because I'm feeling rather anxious about making the switch to 3rd. I know I'll love the kids (I always do!!!), but I'm so worried about getting the right resources.

This is my 17th year as a teacher and have only taught 4th and 5th graders. I've looped with my 4th/5th graders for 12 years, so you can imagine how much "stuff" I have accumulated for those grade levels. Thanks to 1956BD, I've already gotten a list of appropriate beginning chapter books.

I totally agree that having lots of time to think and plan is a good thing, but I also think having lots of time means more time to worry. I am afraid of not being able to bring everything down to a 3rd-grade level. If any of you have moved down a grade level or two, maybe you could pass on some advice.