[Cheezeit]

I am currently in my second year of teaching second grade and my Principal has asked me to consider moving to 5th (or 4th). My main concern is testing and actually knowing how to get these kids ready, when I am used to 2nd grade standards. What do you all love about 5th, and what should I think through as I consider?

[frazzledtchr]

5th grade can be fun and the kids can be more independent, but they can also be very disrespectful. I think all grade levels are more challenging today, but it's extra stressful with the upper grades and state assessments. I'd talk to other teachers in your district and get their take on preparing their kids for state testing.

[kay/5]

I love 5th grade (except towards the end of the school year when the middle school attitudes start!!). It is a fun age and most of the time they act like they're 2nd graders. They can be independent workers but still need you for guidance. For the most part, they still love being at school and you as the teacher.

[lab112]

I teach Science Grades 5-8. I love my 5th graders~they actually thank me for letting them do experiments, look in the microscope, use the hand lens to look at rocks, etc. They are independent but still like their teacher.

[SkiIdaho]

I taught 2nd grade for 2 years, and just this past year I moved to 5th grade. I love both grade levels for different reasons. There are pros and cons to both. So... I think you have to decide where your heart is. Which age group do you LOVE? Which type of planning do you LOVE? Do you prefer to go deeper with a topic or do you prefer to break things down at a level younger kids can understand? Would you prefer to spend most of your time preparing lessons and materials for younger grades or would you prefer to spend most of your time grading papers? Good luck with your decision!

[pensivesloth]

I started in 1st and 2nd and loved it, swearing that I would never move up. I was terrified at first, but have been at it for several years now and never want to go back. The kids are so independent, you can have great conversations, and it is rewarding to watch them grow as thinkers. Plus, the content in 5th is lots of fun. Yes, there is testing and we are stressed right now, but that is only one part of the year.

Would you be departmentalized or self contained?

[Cheezeit]

thanks! these are helpful comments! official conversations won't start until next month, so we will see!

[kalcarpe]

A few years ago I moved from Pre-K to 5th grade. It's taken me a few years to really get a feel for the tested grade level. First, don't expect yourself to be perfect the first year. NO matter how much you research, prepare and talk with others you will feel lost at times and maybe be in survival mode (as I was!!) for a little while.
Second, here are some things I've started implementing that really help my kids. Please keep in mind I work in a title 1 district (low income) and a large percentage of the kids come to me already behind grade level.
1. Exit Tickets- I put 2-3 questions up everyday before my class leaves (I have 4 classes a day, I teach ONLY math) that they answer. These are questions that cover a current objective and previously learned objectives. I get an idea of objectives that need to be retaught to the whole class or can be retaught in a small group.

2. I reserve Friday for a review day. I found a pack of 20 review quizzes on TPT. I give one each Friday and work with only the ones who score below 80%.

3. Guided Practice- this is something that did not take long for me to realize HAD to be done. I use the 5E model. During explain, I go over 4-6 questions with them. Again, keep in mind that my students are already behind when they get to me in 5th grade.

Last, ask your district to consider purchasing stem scopes for Math. A lot of people don't realize they have this. It has everything you need for a 5E lesson for each objective (I don't know if this is something only in Texas, where I teach). There are a lot of online resources like Study Jams, Mrnussbaum.com, etc...

Sorry it's long, but I hope it helps. Good Luck!!