I'm moving from 5th to 2nd. I really don't know how I feel about this. I know that I don't want to go down. I LOVE 5TH GRADE! It' great! The independence of the students, the quality of work, the interaction, the joking around and sarcasm, the fact they are older and you can do more things...I don't want to leave that. I've taught 2nd before and that's the reason for me being moved down since we are losing a grade level in our building this year so one of the recent hires is being laid off or moved to another building, they're not sure yet.
I need your advice!!! Any ideas or thoughts or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.
I was moved from 5th to 2nd a few years ago. I was so upset since I also liked the older kids. I cried the first two weeks of school. I love to joke around and be sarcastic, but the kids didn't get it. After a little while, though, I found myself absolutely loving it. My kids totally adapted to my personality, too. I was bummed when I was told that I'd have to move back to 5th. It's funny b/c I'm teaching those kids I had as 2nd graders this year. I think I preferred them as 2nd graders. Ha ha! I absolutely loved all of the units I taught. Plus, I didn't have to worry about the state assessments. My advice is-- don't worry! You're going to be great!
I've never taught either of those grades, but I taught 3rd for six years and 2 weeks before school started my principal moved me to 4th. I wanted to cry. I was with a great team and new what I was teaching. I hated 4th the first year, but the next year was my favorite in the 8years I have been teaching.
Most people I talk to love 2nd. Maybe you will too. Good Luck!!!
I used to teach 2nd grade and I loved it! I like a bit of sarcasm too, and some second graders will get it. Last year I didn't use it too much because my class was a little immature. The year before I was able to joke with them all the time!
The independence is a big thing, but I really feel like second grade is a year to teach that. Actually, my biggest non-academic goal for my 2nd graders was always to teach them to be more independent. It was a challenge, but doable.
I was moved from fifth to first a couple years ago. I was upset also when I found out. Especially since I had never taught first. But now I a very happy with teaching first. The biggest difficulty I had to start with was learning the level of behavior management necessary for first compared with fifth. Also that the children may be completely clueless about what is misbehavior.
I can only imagine how you feel. I LOVE 4th grade and can't imagine teaching in a different grade level. BUT....if I were in the same situation I'd try to make the best of it and "bloom where you are planted"! You may end up loving 2nd! I had a friend who was dead set on always teaching 1st or 2nd grade and now teaches 6th and LOVES IT! Go figure! There are positives/negatives at all levels, but you may find the younger ones to be more enjoyable. If after a year you don't like 2nd, maybe you can switch grades again. All the best to you! I hope you have fun and enjoy 2nd! Just think...you'll probably have better parent involvement/support at that level!
I was moved from 5th grade to 3rd grade. When I found out that I was moving grades I was very upset. I didn't want to start all over with a new curriculum and with a younger set of students. Like you I enjoyed their independence and ability to joke with you and enjoy a little bit of sarcasm.
But I must say after a year of teaching in third grade I love it! I enjoy teaching 3rd grade much better than 5th. You don't have so much of the attitudes. The students still love their teacher. Again, you will need to adjust to their independence and their constant need of you. Much of your behavior management/classroom procedures will probably be based on helping them to become more independent and self starts.
My suggestion is to just jump in and enjoy it. My deal with myself when I was moved was if I didn't like it after the year Ill just move grades/schools whatever.
I moved from 4th to 2nd and I was not looking forward to it. Once the year got started I was so excited. The kids were great! I had so much fun with them and didn't have to be pressured by state testing. Now I am in 3rd grade but I really would love 2nd again.
I moved from 4th to 1st and I love it. It takes some time to adapt your expectations and jokes but you will learn to love it. If it doesnt work out after a year ask your principal to move you back. Goodluck, use the PT people to help with resources and advice and you will be fine.
04-21-2008, 05:36 PM
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